Hiking shoes vs Trail runners
Gone are the days of heavy-duty leather hiking shoes, today’s offerings are much more focused on comfort, durability and weight. From this progression, trail runners are becoming increasingly popular not just for running but for hiking too.
Hiking shoes vs Trail runnners
Which to buy? Read below to find out more!
Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes are designed for maximum durability and stability over rough terrain. They offer ankle support and grippy outsoles with an very long durability (depending where you hike, this can be 600 - 1000km+). Many hiking shoes are designed to be waterproof. Shoes designed with a Gore-Tex membrane will be fully waterproof, a must in some climates!
Trail Runners
A trail running shoe is the ideal shoe for agility and mobility, providing an ultra breathable and lightweight fit. You will be able to churn through kilometres with maximum efficiency using trail runners as long as you are prepared to be replacing them very often!
Comparison
Weight advantage: trail runners
Lightweight shoes have several advantages including:
They require less breaking in
They are more comfortable and breathable, ideal for warmer weather
Save weight and save energy. Depending on the shoe, you may save up to 1kg between shoe type!
Durability advantage: hiking shoes
Hiking shoes have a much tougher build and thus will last you much much longer than trail runners. This is especially true when carrying a heavy load or traversing through tough, rugged terrain. If you are a frequent hiker, prepare to be going through several trail runners in the life span of a pair of hiking shoes.
Hiking shoes’ increased durability gives you:
Longer use of each pair, reducing the cumulative costs
Longer durability against water
Less planning pre-trip as the shoe is more diverse to different hiking terrains.
After hiking the GR20 in trail runners, my shoes were completely finished (after one hike!).
Support and protection advantage: hiking shoes
Hiking shoes will provide generally a stiffer midsole than trail runners, this reduces your risk of injury especially when hiking in tough and rugged terrain. Some of the advantages include:
Increased protection against ankle sprains, blisters and cuts
Materials of hiking shoes are also more resistant to cuts and general damage.
Breathability advantage: trail runners
Trail runners are much more breathable than hiking shoes due to their lighter materials, less padding and reduced waterproofing. This has several advantages including:
Increased ventilation, keeping your feet cooler whilst hiking
Moisture management, keeping away sweat and keeping your feet more dry. This helps with reducing the risk of blisters.
Faster drying shoes
More comfortable shoes. As a hiker who has worn both, trail runners are certainly a lot more comfortable to wear.
Wet conditions: hiking shoes
Many hiking shoes come with a waterproog membrane, such as Gore-Tex which are designed to keep water out whilst offering some (limited) breathability.
Hiking shoes generally have a higher collar meaning it is more difficult for water to enter the shoe from above.
Hiking shoes offer much better traction in the wet.
Price: similar priced
Hiking shoes and trail runners are similarly priced, depending on the quality of shoe you are looking for.
Hiking shoes
Trail running shoes
Verdict
Whether you choose trail runners of hiking shoes is also a personal choice, however are some of my examples:
Hiking in autumn in the UK
Lots of rain, damp and boggy conditions, perfectly suited for a hiking shoe to provide warmth and grip.
Rugged terrain of the GR20, Corsica
Minimal rain where agility and flexibility are essential. Trail runners are great in this environment.
Hiking in the French alps in summer
Dependent on the forecasts of rain and temperature. Hiking shoes will be the safe option but trail runners will give you that extra spring on a sunny day.
