Whenever it comes to hiking up the hills we cannot afford to ignore the comfort of smart and comfortable footwear. Going by the trends, hiking boots are what are most popular amongst the hikers. We have been constantly told that boots are essential to experience the best of hiking. One looks for great ankle support, toughness, and water protection in the hiking footwear. With years of experience in hiking, my friend Brad once told me that shoes are far better than boots for most hiking scenarios.

Someone who has been an ardent supporter of boots might have a biased opinion about hiking boots. However, my personal experience makes me believe that one should never go with what is said, but first try it and then praise the same. With years of trailing experiences, I have come to the conclusion that ditching your hiking boots is for the best. Having said this, I do not want to discourage the lot, that have had good and happy experiences with their hiking boots. If that is what keeps you contented then go for them! My taste in hiking footwear though, has now shifted from boots to simple yet performance-friendly running shoes. Let us look at a few points that uprooted my belief in old-school footwear for hiking.

Waterproof

Do you own those waterproof boots? Thinking that these might keep your feet dry? Believe me, they will not. All you will be left with will be feet with sweat. Hiking in rainy weather can end up leaving your feet damp. This might lead to blisters. Rather, pick up breathable shoes that keep your feet dry throughout the day. These dry easily too, as compared to waterproof boots.

Come what may, waterproof boots have a tendency of developing holes over time, that then easily let the rain water creep in. It becomes inevitable for the feet to get wet during prolonged rains. This leads to unnecessary heaviness and weight of the boots. Besides, the boots take a longer time to dry.

Blisters

Mostly boots feature hard soles. The rigidness of the boots can hinder the flexibility of the shoes. On top of that, if by any chance your boots have some tiny holes, then your feet are more vulnerable to blisters. Blisters are the last thing you would want while you are on a hike. Hence, avoiding these boots is a wise thing to do.

Weighty Affair

Who loves to hold on to things that are heavy and require double your efforts to pay off? Even wearing footwear that are heavy can take a toll on you. Carrying more weight means spending more energy. Running shoes on the other hand can significantly cut down the weight, leading to conservation of energy. Also, wearing heavy boots can lead to unwanted fatigue. This might unintentionally be an invitation to uncalled injuries too.

Ankle Support and Safety

Shoe brands are often seen emphasising on the ankle support factor. Honestly speaking, ankle support is nothing but a myth when it comes to shoes. It has been drilled into our heads that ankle support can help us from injuries while hiking. However, there is not much fact and evidence to support this.

Often it comes to hearing that strengthening and stretching ankles can prevent ankle injuries. Boots usually leave you tired and wearied. This can definitely make you prone to a lot of injuries. Boots are usually stiff and hardly flexible.

Cost a Bomb

Buying boots mean investing a huge amount. It is no less than burning a hole in your pocket. Moreover, if you are a frequent hiker, buying boots can be a risky task. Right from maintaining them to using them, boots can lead to a lot of hassle and unnecessary energy consumption.

If boots are your thing, then I am no one to judge you. However, after hiking 2,650-miles in running shoes, I would never switch back to boots. Choosing lightweight running shoes can be the ideal thing to do. Opting for good traction and a soft and flexible sole can definitely save you from painful and sore feet. Hiking is more fun when you know what suites you the best.