Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots: What's the Difference?
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Loading... - Tamara Fink
- 12 Oct 2022
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The foundation of any hiking kit is solid, dependable footwear — something with a grippy outsole, a breathable, abrasion-resistant upper and just enough cushioning to provide comfort while maintaining trail feel.
You've no doubt heard of hiking boots, but there are two popular types of footwear you'll commonly see on the trail: hiking boots and hiking shoes. And before you invest in a pair of either type, it's important to know which one will suit you best.
Hiking shoes are lightweight wonders.
The biggest advantage hiking shoes have over boots is their weight. By losing the mid-height of a traditional boot, you're shaving ounces off each pair, resulting in a decidedly lighter hiking experience. With a lower silhouette, you're also getting more breathability and freedom of movement, but at the cost of less protection for your ankles. So if you have sensitive ankles or have had injuries in the past, think twice before switching to a low-profile pair.
An additional benefit of opting for a hiking shoe is lighter travel — since they're less bulky, less heavy and still kitted out with the same waterproofing and durability as their full-sized counterparts, hiking shoes are easier to stuff into your favorite weekender, luggage or travel backpack.
Hiking boots provide more protection and comfort.
Hiking boots are full-sized footwear made with stability and support in mind. When you’re backpacking, or you’re just taking on black diamond terrain during a day hike, hiking boots are there to lend more ankle support and reinforced protection. Read More...
