Hiking Shoes Vs. Hiking Boots: A Guide To Finding The Right Trail Footwear

Forbes

a day ago

Whether you're a casual hiker, a seasoned backpacker, a thru-hiker chasing the triple crown or a world traveler, you've likely faced a classic footwear dilemma: hiking shoes vs. hiking boots. It's a debate as old as the trails you walk on, and while both styles have their distinct advantages, the right one depends on your terrain choices, pack weight and personal preferences. This guide breaks down the key differences between hiking shoes and hiking boots, and although we won't crown a clear winner—spoiler alert—we will help you understand how each option serves different needs.
What's the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots, and which style is right for you? Find ... More out in this guide. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Steven John For Forbes
By the time we reach the end, you'll be equipped with the information you need to choose footwear based on your hiking style, comfort preferences and protection requirements. Focusing on key factors like weight, breathability and cushioning, here's everything you need to know about hiking shoes vs. hiking boots before investing in a pair (or two) of your very own.
Both hiking shoes and hiking boots are designed to keep your feet comfortable, supported and safe as you navigate the trail. Here's a brief overview of each style to help you understand how they perform.
Hiking shoes feature tough uppers and toe caps to protect your feet, with cushy midsoles and rugged outsoles that provide all-day support and traction. Sporting a lower cut than hiking boots, they're lighter and more flexible to promote quick, nimble movement. Technically, they aren't as nimble as trail running shoes, but they offer comfort and protection for hikes over varied terrain, all while supporting more weight as you carry essentials on your back.
Hiking boots feature high collars to improve protection and support, which comes in handy when you're hiking with heavy loads or navigating more technical terrain. They usually feature tougher uppers made from leather or synthetic material, along with reinforced toe caps and waterproof membranes to keep moisture out. Sporting a thick midsole that may incorporate a shank and deep outsole lugs for grip, they absorb heavy impacts and help keep you upright, which reduces fatigue over longer distances.
I've trusted hiking boots to keep my feet safe and my body upright in decidedly trying conditions. Steven John For Forbes
To demonstrate the difference in weight between hiking shoes and hiking boots, I conducted an impromptu survey by weighing popular models across both styles.
My unsystematic findings revealed that the average pair of boots weighs around 2.5 pounds, or 1.25 pounds per boot. That might sound heavy, and compared to the weight of your typical running shoe, it most certainly is, but the added weight translates to better ankle support, underfoot cushioning, stability and overall protection.
Of course, the added support and stability that hiking boots offer isn't always necessary. My improvised weigh-in found that the average pair of hiking shoes weighs about 1.6 pounds, or half a pound per shoe. That's almost one pound less than a pair of hiking boots, and when you're looking to travel faster and lighter, it's a reduction in weight you may well notice.
Ultimately, if conditions are less than extreme and you're not stuffing a lot of weight in your pack, hiking shoes are usually the better pick. But if you need more protection or intend to carry more weight over long distances, boots will offer more long-term support. Hiking Shoes Vs. Hiking Boots: Breathability
Hiking shoes feature a below-the-ankle collar that exposes more of your leg and generally offers better breathability than boots. But the difference in breathability isn't just about footwear style—it's about the materials a brand uses and design choices.
Leather uppers and waterproof membranes, for example, offer more durability and protection against moisture, but these same materials tend to trap heat and limit airflow. On the other hand, synthetic mesh and non-membrane constructions allow for better ventilation, so your feet stay cooler and drier, but they sacrifice some durability.
Both hiking shoes and hiking boots can feature any of these materials, which is why breathability isn't really determined by the type of footwear. Instead, it comes down to the balance between protection versus airflow, so you'll want to choose a combination of materials based on your needs.
Hiking shoes are usually more breathable than hiking boots, but not always. Steven John for Forbes Hiking Shoes Vs. Hiking Boots: Cushioning
Hiking boots typically feature thicker, firmer cushioning to help support more weight over longer distances, while hiking shoes tend to use lighter, more flexible cushioning for agility and speed. Still, the sheer volume of cushioning isn't the only consideration you should make.
As was the case with breathability, it all comes down to how you intend to use your footwear. A lightweight hiking shoe might feel like walking on a cloud when you're navigating a short, mellow trail, but a boot's more sturdy cushioning might be a better option on a multi-day hike when you're carrying lots of weight. Cushioning is largely a matter of preference and how far you intend to hike. Hiking Shoes Vs. Hiking Boots: Which Is Right For You?
When it comes to hiking shoes vs. hiking boots, there's no right answer—the 'right' pair of footwear is based on your preferences and what you're likely to encounter on the trail.
To make the decision process easy, ask yourself a question: What kind of terrain and load am I expecting on my hike?
If you're sticking to groomed trails, moving fast and carrying less weight, hiking shoes are a nimble, breathable, comfortable choice that will serve you well. If you're carrying a heavy pack through more technical terrain, hiking boots will offer better ankle support, durability and protection.
There may not be a right answer—plenty of experienced thru-hikers prefer to walk in trail running shoes, after all—but there is an answer that meets your unique needs. And if you find that your adventures call for hiking shoes and boots, consider investing in one of each to cover all your bases Consider what you'll encounter on your adventures and how much you intend to pack, and you'll have an easier time deciding between these two styles. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The writers and editors on the Forbes Vetted gear team have been testing and reviewing outdoor gear and apparel for years. We've covered everything from men's running shoes to compression socks to workout shoes, all in the name of helping you make more informed purchases. This guide was written by Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John, an avid hiker and trail runner for nearly two decades. He has worn dozens of pairs of hiking shoes, boots and trail running shoes over the years, and applied his hands-on experience and in-depth research to this comparison guide.
This article was reviewed by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta. He has over a decade of experience hiking and backpacking in everything from hiking sandals to shoes to boots. In fact, he began hiking in boots for years before discovering the lightweight, nimble, grippy benefits of trail running shoes, which he now spends most of his time in outdoors.