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Hiking boots vs trail runners: which is better for you

Hiking boots vs trail runners: boots give ankle support and protection on rough ground, trail runners are lighter and dry faster. Here is how to choose.

Élodie Fontaine3 min read

A pair of leather hiking boots next to a pair of trail running shoes on a flat rock
Image by stevepb from Pixabay

Verdict: trail runners win for light, well-marked trips, and boots win when the ground, the load or the weather gets hard. The question in hiking boots vs trail runners is not which is better. It is which fits the walk.

Boots are stiffer, heavier and cover the ankle. Trail runners are lighter, bend more and dry faster. Both can work for a day hike, so what matters is where you walk and what you carry.

Which wins on

Hiking boots
Hiking bootsImage by Pexels from Pixabay
What mattersBootsTrail runners
Ankle supportBoots, mid or high cutLow, little support
WeightHeavierLighter
Dry timeSlowFast
Protection from rocksBetterLess
GripGood, depends on the soleGood on dry paths
WaterproofingMany are waterproofFew; they drain quickly
Break-in timeLongerShort
Heavy packBootsWeaker support

Pick boots if

  • The ground is rough, rocky or uneven.
  • You carry a heavy pack on a long trip.
  • You walk in snow or cold, wet ground.
  • You have weak ankles, or you want the support.

Pick trail runners if

  • The path is well made and the load is light.
  • You hike in warm weather and cross streams.
  • You hate heavy feet.
  • You want shoes that need little break-in.

A rule for the choice

Match the shoe to the worst ground and the heaviest load on the trip. If the hike has one rough scramble, boots may still be right. If the whole route is an easy path and you carry a light daypack, trail runners are fine.

Worked example

A family walks a flat forest path for three hours, with a light daypack. Trail runners work well and dry fast after a wet patch. A second group carries overnight gear on a rocky ridge in cold rain. Boots with ankle cover and a waterproof lining protect better. Same person, two trips, two answers.

What fits better than what is best

A shoe that fits your foot beats the "right" type that rubs. Try on in the afternoon, when feet are larger, with the socks you will wear. You want room at the toes and a snug heel. Walk up and down a slope in the shop. Wear new boots on short walks before the real trip. For blisters, read how to prevent blisters when hiking.

What goes wrong first. The fit. Heels that lift and toes that hit the front cause blisters and black toenails. Fix: lace tightly at the ankle, and use socks made for walking.

A caution

Waterproof boots keep water out, but they also keep sweat in. In hot weather they can feel hot and wet. Waterproof is not always the answer. See the day hike essentials checklist for what to pack with your shoes.

Trail running shoes
Trail running shoesImage by stux from Pixabay

Quick questions

Are trail runners good enough for hiking?

For many day hikes, yes. They suit easy, dry paths and light packs. For rough ground or heavy loads, boots help.

Do I need waterproof hiking boots?

Not always. They help in wet and cold. In hot weather, they can feel hot, and wet feet dry faster in non-waterproof shoes.

How long do boots take to break in?

It depends on the boot. Wear them for short walks first, and make sure they fit well in the shop.

What socks should I wear?

Wool or synthetic hiking socks, not cotton. Cotton holds sweat and can cause blisters.

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