- Tag: Shoe Guides
Can You Wear Running Shoes for Hiking?
As you’ve gotten ready to go out for a hike, have you wondered if your hiking boots are really necessary? Perhaps your men’s or women’s trail running shoes, which you wear on similar terrain, would be just fine?
Lots of people are asking themselves, “Are trail running shoes good for hiking?” Some are finding that trail running shoes are lighter than hiking boots, still offer fantastic grip, and can be more adaptable as outdoor footwear.
If you have the right trail shoes for the hike you have in mind, then trail shoes are a great substitute for hiking boots. We cover the pros and cons below.
The Pros and Cons of Trail Running Shoes vs Hiking Shoes
Both options provide the traction and protection you need for long-distance hiking. But here are some other things to think about if you’re considering trail running shoes vs hiking shoes for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Boots
Pros:
- Stability: With a firmer foundation on your feet, your balance on the trail is more solid.
- Ankle protection: High ankle support can make a big difference to some hikers.
- More weather-proof: With thicker upper material and added protection, your hiking boots are probably well suited for harsh weather conditions.
Cons:
- Bulk: Hiking boots can get heavy.
- Moisture: Protective layers also trap humidity, which can make hiking boots less breathable and comfortable for your feet.
- Break-in time: Those who have broken in hiking shoes know it can take a few miles, and a few blisters. So if you’re an infrequent hiker, it might be a lot of effort when trail shoes would do just fine.
Trail Running Shoes
Pros:
- Lightweight: For long hikes, taking a little weight from your feet can be a game-changer.
- Breathable: Your feet won’t get as damp and they’ll dry out faster. Breathable trail footwear can do a lot for your hiking comfort over the course of a long day.
- Grippy: With your feet closer to the trail, you might feel like you have better traction.
Cons:
- Less durable: Hard hiking will wear out trail shoes faster than a pair of hiking boots.
- Ankle support: Ankle injuries are a risk on the trail, and some people prefer extra support.
- Cushion: Some trail shoes will have less cushioning than hiking boots, which might affect hiking comfort on longer days. But the right model hiking shoes can address this problem.
Can You Wear Running Shoes for Hiking?
So – can you wear running shoes for hiking? Absolutely. More hikers than ever are opting for lightweight hiking shoes, and lacing up trail running shoes to get the job done.
On days when you’re covering long distances, the advantages of train running shoes vs hiking shoes are especially stark. Shedding a little bulk you’re carrying on your feet can feel really good.
It might give you pause to trade the support and stability of hiking boots for trail running shoes. But a higher ankle shoe doesn’t necessarily give you more support. High-quality trekking shoes offer a stable platform that keeps you upright, which ultimately provides ankle support in a different way.
Even so, wearing a pair of road running shoes on difficult terrain in uncertain weather conditions might not be the best idea. All hikes are different, all runners and hikers are different, and the right shoes for any situation are entirely contextual.
Ultimately, it’s important to wear the hiking footwear that makes you most comfortable. You can shop Altra’s waterproof shoes to get a pair of trail runners with added weather protection. And our stability shoes can get you out walking or running with the support you need, but still in lightweight footwear.
Why Altra Trail Shoes Deliver Hiking Comfort You Can Trust
If you’re still considering the pros and cons of trail running shoes vs hiking shoes, try Altra footwear, which has the best features of both.
Every Altra trail shoe has excellent grip and traction, thanks to the MaxTrac outsole. Our FootShape™ design helps to preserve your natural stride. The stability of our wide toe box and cushioning that keeps your feet flat on the ground, which can be your best friend on the hiking trail.
For hardy trail jogs and all kinds of hikes, check out our Women's Lone Peak and Men’s Lone Peak line. This collection features high-ankle models along with tough and fast runners. Lone Peak shoes provide grippy outsoles, lightweight construction, our comfortable Altra EGO™ midsole, and ALL-WTHR variations for when things get wet.
If you need wide shoes along with a wide toe box, Altra has durable and lightweight styles for hikes or runs.
So, are trail running shoes good for hiking? Yes. But especially if you have the right ones for you.
