Footwear: Boots vs. Trail Runners
Introduction
Many people new to hiking or backpacking assume “hiking” boots are a necessity to enter this new hobby. That couldn't be further from the truth, and this post’s mission is to help clarify when and where hiking boots are appropriate, while also introducing the topic of trail runners as alternatives to hiking boots or every day shoes.
Hiking Boots - When and Where
To start, I have been hiking, trail running, and backpacking for about 8 years now and I have only used hiking boots when hiking in the winter, in snow. I’ve never relied on hiking boots for any of my longer distance hikes or week-long backpacking trips. The reason is twofold: I’ve never felt I’ve needed them, and I’ve always found running shoes or trail runners to be lighter and more comfortable. With that being said, there is a place for them, but it is far more limited than most may assume. Here’s a few additional examples:
You are going off trail and scrambling in terrain with unknown foot placement (rocky, rooty, or swampy terrain).
You have had serious ankle injuries in the past to the point you are severely sensitive to ankle sprains.
Even in both of these two scenarios, depending on the type of person and adventure, I may still recommend trail runners over hiking boots. The ankle support argument is a challenge, but I firmly believe “on trail” is not the time to test nor protect your ankles. It’s best to walk and provide strength for your ankles before going into the woods. It is true with running shoes or trail runners you are more likely to sprain your ankle, however your ability to recover from that sprained or rolled ankle is equally as important.
Hiking Boots - Waterproof or Not?
Waterproof hiking boots are great in freezing cold weather where snow is very likely, but that’s about it. Please read that first sentence again. Many beginners assume waterproof hiking boots are superior to breathable hiking boots as they equate water and wet as bad. The problem with this logic is if you hike long enough, and go on adventures, your feet are going to get wet. There is really no way getting around this, unless you want the bottleneck to your adventures to be that you are unwilling to cross a river, because you are concerned about your feet. The challenge once wet becomes the ability to dry quickly to avoid blistering. This is where wearing waterproof boots becomes a major problem. They are designed not to be breathable. Worse yet, this can be caused solely through perspiration on warm, summer days. These are the two main reasons I only use waterproof boots in the freezing cold, when snow is very likely. It minimizes the likelihood I will be sweaty or getting my feet in rivers (as they should be frozen at that point or not worth crossing). If you’re thinking about buying hiking boots for normal, 3-season hiking, please start with breathable boots and not waterproof.
Trail Runners vs. Everyday Shoes
First things first, I think using what you have when first getting started is the best approach. Often times, it seems we build barriers to entry that are artificial when trying something new. We are designed to walk, in fact, we take a lot of steps whether we are intentionally hiking or not anyway! The best pair of shoes to start hiking in are the ones your feet feel the most comfortable in. This might be everyday shoes, running shoes, or something else. This really holds true if your idea of a great day is walking in the woods for 2-5 miles. You will not really see the tradeoffs or advantages of shoe selection in these shorter distances like you would on a very long day hike or a multi-day hike. With that being said, I do think it’s worth highlighting the advantages of trail runners compared to running shoes or other shoes you might have in your closet:
The comfort of running shoes with added grip to help in questionable terrain
Typically have a wider toe box which is helpful for hiking given more elevation changes than running shoes are designed for
Some trail runners come with gaiter clips or lace options that are specifically designed for hiking
Breathability like running shoes, but typically slightly more durable material than something meant for the road
Trail Runners - Comfort over Feel
This last section goes into the “weeds” on shoe selection and technical specifications. What I mean by comfort vs. feel really comes down to what shoe nerds would call stack height. It’s the amount of cushion between the bottom of your foot and the ground. I wouldn’t worry about this decision until you’ve fully committed to a shoe style and brand. As an example, I will be comparing the Altra Olympus vs. the Altra Lone Peak.
I’ve personally worn both of these trail runners on hundreds of miles of hikes and trail runs. I was a runner before a hiker, so, I believe I have the experience to get technical, at least at a basic level like stack height. The Lone Peak has a stack height of 25mm compared to the Olympus’ 33mm. This difference in 7mm may not seem like a lot, but when worn, you can really feel the difference. Lone Peaks are going to give you a lot more feel when walking over roots, rocks, or varying terrain. On the other side, Olympus are going to absorb a lot of that feel and offer a more comfortable, cushy experience. There are tradeoffs to both, the most obvious being weight of the shoe. More comfort equals more weight. Another negative to higher stack height is your feet is also further from the ground, making rolled ankles and lost balance a higher likelihood.
I think you can’t go wrong with either option. Altra is a great company and specializes in trail shoes. I try to find shoes with Vibram grip, as that has been helpful in keeping great traction. My preference as of late is the Olympus over the Lone Peak. I prefer the added cushion over feel, even when trail running. Keeping my feet happy and reducing soreness is a priority to me, and the Olympus has been great for that.
