There are still backpackers out there who scoff at wearing trail runners. That may be hard to believe for hikers who’ve traded stability and foot protection for the lightness of the modern trail runner and who wouldn’t dream of hiking in something as heavy, stiff, and restrictive as a boot. But those same boot lovers will counter that the burly protection they offer, combined with a stable platform, are actually more comfortable, not less, than a feather-light piece of foam rubber.
Then there are the true sandal zealots. People who will hike in sandals in deserts, rainy forests, dry mountain trails, wet mountain trails, even with socks in the snow (I’ve seen this).
There is certainly room for all three forms of footwear in a dedicated hiker’s closet, but it seems more often than not, there are impassioned supporters of one or the other out there on trails. Myself, I’ve switched to mostly wearing boots, whether backpacking or day hiking. I just prefer the solid feel of a boot. It’s as simple as that.
I once encountered a late-middle-aged couple while hiking a stretch of the John Muir Trail not far from Mt. Whitney. They were backpacking in ancient Asics Gel Runners, which seemed crazy to me at the time, and, actually, still sorta does. But whatever works for ya, I’m not here to judge.
So, what does work for ya?
As an incentive for conversation, we’re giving away a copy of Adventure Journal to one commenter chosen at random. You can choose any issue we have in stock, and if you’re already a subscriber we can extend your sub by an issue, send you an issue you don’t have, or give one to a friend. Just include your email when you post your comment so we can get in touch.
Haven’t made the switch to trail runners yet, but suspect I will now that my ancient hiking boots disintegrated on a hike recently.
I’ve hiked in sandals, trail runners, regular running shoes, and plenty of boots, from beefy all leather to lightweight. I still prefer boys for the ankle support, and when on more rocky terrain something with a stiffer sole and a beefy, supportive upper. I’ve twisted my ankles plenty of times and feel like I need the support. I do find it hard to find a narrow boot that fits my foot. Vasque are narrower than many and seem to fit me the best. A thicker sock helps fill it out.
Sneakers, trail runners or boots.. it depends on the conditions for me.
But sandals are out. Terrible idea. I’ve made that mistake before…
Sometimes I feel like a nut,sometimes you don’t. Where would you feel!
i like to have a sturdy boot especially above tree line. the low top trail runners are great for trails no doubt but scrambling and going off trail with a full pack above tree line calls for ankle and foot protection.
I moved away from heavier leather boots to lighter weight boots (i.e Vasque Breeze) years ago. Have since graduated to trail runners for most anything not involving carrying a 70 litre pack. The reduced weight, cushioning, and multi-use appeal of a trail runner is my main reason for choosing them. Additionally, my backpacking kit has evolved from a 70L plus pack to a 40-50L thanks to lighter weight sleeping systems, stoves and shelters. Interested to try to Hoka Sky Arkali for fast packing
Hi Shawn, you might find this review of the Arkalis helpful. https://www.adventure-journal.com/2019/08/hoka-one-ones-new-hikers-helped-this-foot-pain-sufferer-enjoy-trails-again/
Switching out boots for low-drop trail runners a few years ago for backpacking and thru-hiking was one of the best decisions I’d made for myself. But I still don’t have a good strategy for what to wear when the forecast turns to rain. Curious to hear what other people hike in for wet conditions? Once waterproof shoes wet out, they tend to always stay wet, and I’ve learned that the hard way. But I also have spent many miserable days in wet trail runners that are supposedly quicker to dry (but I’ve found they still remain soaking wet even after a night “drying out” in the tent). Maybe the moral of the story is that there is no good choice and that hiking in the rain is just not fun for feet?
Depends on how cold it might be. Also how well the trail drains. I prefer sandals if I know I’ll be getting my feet wet, unless it’s cold. Otherwise, I’ve learned that waterproof shoes do eventually wet out no matter what, and trail runners got soggy and miserable. If I know I’ll get soaked and it’s not freezing, I’d go trail runners.
This is one of the reasons I love sandals! The skin can still get macerated and cause wounds from rubbing on the straps, but the skin will toughen up eventually. I prefer zero drop huaraches, even for heavy loads on steep hills, because I like being able to use my feet muscles and let them stretch out and breathe. Plus, I love feeling nature on them like sunshine, a rushing river, snow, mud, rain, etc. I never mind when my feet get wet. I’ll wear socks when it’s below freezing. Getting my socks wet is still an annoyance, but much easier to dry out than a shoe or boot.
I live in the PNW and wear sandals all year, even in the mountains.
I switched from a true hiking boot to a trial runner about 5 years ago. To be more specific I switched to the Solomon XA Pro. As far as trail runners go, these are beefy, but in comparison to a boot are super light and still provide adequate rock protection in the sole and around the toes. The uppers also have some heft to them so they do not shread like the mesh uppers on the lighter trail runners.
What about using waterproof socks such as SealSkinz to help keep the feet dry? I’ve not hiked in these, so I am not talking from experience, just asking. I’ve used SealSkinz on the bike and have been pretty happy with their performance.
I’m wondering this too. Can anybody answer that question? I’ve only worn waterproof socks on a bike too. I suspect that they’d get incredibly hot and damp in a shoe while hiking, but I haven’t tried it.
My girlfriend used trail runners paired with mid-weight Bridgedale waterproof socks while we hiked in Scotland in fall 2018. She loved them on rainy days; said her feet ‘felt’ wet, but weren’t. We never hiked more than 15km, so can’t comment on longer use.
Based on her feedback, I bought a pair for myself this year, but haven’t yet had the occasion to use them.
Trail runner, long time fan of salomon xa pro. Goretex during some seasons. Non waterproof in others. I have a small foot, womens size 5, and trail runners have been preferred choice for ov er 20 years.
Trekking poles ought to allow a lighter set of boots.
As long as I’m on the trail I’m GtG.
Regular running shoes are an old standby for me. Cost effective and good for reasonable distances and weights. Sandals are much better for warm and wet trails, even barefoot will do. For speed at enough distance to hurt your feet, trail runners are actually important. Or with heavy loads, far enough, on rough enough terrain, the sturdy boot gets important. Cheap boots are my latest compromise.
Just a reminder, anything for a long hike needs to be longer than your foot. Toes hitting the shoe on downhills are the suggest easy for your shoes to win your day. 2/3 inch gap is standard.
Trail runners 100%
I’ve done several 100+ mile trail races and fast- packing trips in sandals. If there’s going to be a lot of water or river crossings I really like being able to have my feet dry out quickly.
Although most of my trail runs and long fast packing trips I’ll do in trail running shoes.
The only time I’ll wear boots is if I’m skiing or mountaineering.
Depends on the the load you’re carrying. +30-35 lbs and I’ll take my old boots.
I don’t consider Merrel Moab 2 hiking shoes as “trail runners” I certainly wouldn’t run in them. But, if that’s their category, then I choose Trail Runners for hiking and backpacking.
I wouldn’t consider those trail runners either Doug and those are similar to my ‘hiking shoes’ by Merrill. (Whose moniker escapes me)
I’m with you Scott. I think there should have been another category to chose. Hiking Shoes
Yes . There should have been a hiking shoe category!!!!
Boots. I like th ankle support and protection.
Trail runners all the way. Back in the day, I used to use track shoes (with cleats) for high glacier approaches to steep ice climbs in Canada. At about 35 degree slope, I found it challenging to change into my boots and crampons, without dropping anything.
I’ll happily hike in trail runners, but if I’m carrying more than a small day pack, I want and need the stability and surefootedness that comes with a boot. They actually make my feet feel better after a long day packing around. That said, I’ve backed away from the super-heavy, steel shanked soles I used to wear, and now use a lighter boot. Of course, I don’t carry 60-lbs packs anymore, either.
I have done many long hikes in my trail runners. I love the dexterity they give on the trail and the lighter weight. I will say if the trail is rocky they can get beat up fairly quickly. I recently climbed Mt Whitney with them and had no foot problems. The layer of rubber on the front of the shoe was becoming a little frayed after the trip.
Same issue here with my Hokas. Great for on-trail hiking but bushwhacking, which is what I mostly do, eats them up. So far, Hokas are the only shoe that accepts my wide duck feet. Is there a similarly wide, lightweight hiking shoe/trail runner with a robust tread, strong toecap, etc., that someone can recommend? Thx!
I’m definitely a novice hiker so it’s nice to read all the comments. I have boots (waterproof) and trail runners. I usually opt for the boots when it’s been raining and I expect to encounter mud or water. Trail runners most other times.
Did the heavy boots for years, tried trail runners and haven’t looked back, Alpine, Desert, forest everything but snow as they suck with my snowshoes on and my feet get cold..
I am looking to make the switch to trail runners before my next high alpine mission. LaSportiva has caught my eye so I may head in their direction to try them out. What brand of trail runners would you suggest?
Honestly, whichever are the most comfortable and which offer enough protection for what you’re trying to do. Hiking shoes, whether boots, trail runners, or low-cut hiking shoes are all so good these days. LaSportiva are terrific shoes. I like my shoes to be very, very reliable in a high alpine environment since I’m typically far from rescue, so whichever you feel most confident in, go with those. I’m a big fan of HOKA Speedgoats, Danner 2650s, and the Oboz Cirque Lows look absolutely terrific, though I haven’t tried them.
You can’t effectively use a crampon on anything but a boot, so it’s the only choice for those few of us who hike off-trail in the alpine.
It depends on the terrain and the distance. Truth be told I most frequently hike in Merrell hiking shoes. I am very flat footed and I like a little extra ‘stiffness’ that some trail runners fail to provide. But if I’m sloshing through snow or mud I am more apt to wear my Keen low cuts and on those rare occasions where I know I’m gonna get wet, my Salomon Amphibs.
Weather re: heat and cold also come into play as do the socks I am most comfortable with for the task at hand.. It’s all connected.
Either way – don’t forget your https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/
For me, it depends on the trail. In Alaska is wore mostly lightweight boots. Now we live in Colorado and I find myself favoring Chacos (I have wicked plantar fascia issues). But, on rockier climbs, I’ll go to boots again. If it’s small rock trails, I’ll wear my trail runners. It’s all depends!
I’ve worn boots and trail runners but I swear by approach shoes, specifically the scarpa crux. They are lighter than boots but offer better stability than trail runners and perform on every type of terrain. They can take a ton of abuse and I’ve even strapped a crampon on them when the situation demands it.
Started with GT boots, then went with lightweight water resistant boots, but took advice from many of my long distance through-hiking friends and moved over to full mesh trail runners for the Colorado Trail, West Coast Trail, and peakbagging excursions. Feet were fresher at the end of a 20 mile day (I certainly was too), and I will not be going back as long as the ground is free of snow.
What about lightweight trailrunner-inspired hiking boots? There are some available.
I switched several years ago from boots to Solomon XA (as it seems many others did). Recently just switched to Altra Lone Peak. I definitely feel the rocks more underfoot but the shoes are otherwise comfy and I had no concerns about ankle twisting or blisters. I’m a bit concerned about durability, time will tell. Big fan of the wide toe box and light weight.
Did a traverse of the Sierra last year in Altra Lone Peak’s. Felt great even with a heavy pack and 5,000′ downhill day. They’re also my go-to for running. I see so many complaints about durability and traction – I’ve never had an issue so I love them! I’d previously used Danner’s for hiking. I can’t stand them anymore.
When it comes to trails, boots are specialty, expensive, and a poor replacement for strong feet and ankles. Off-trail, overland hiking, etc. – maybe a boot is the right tool. Maybe.
Hiking boots AND sandals. Sometimes I’ll pack my Chacos and switch to them later on at some point (e.g. when I summit), or I’ll start in them and finish with boots. Depends on the trail conditions. I live near the Columbia River Gorge and mostly hike there so trails can be a little manic bipolar sometimes.
Just don’t hike in sandals east of the Cascades unless you’re not afraid of rattlesnakes or poison oak (hint: bring your Tecnu!).
trail runners all the way
I recently switched to salomon speedcross 4Trail runners. The flexibility of the sole has solved my feet cramping issues. I have found that hiking on New England’s rocky, rooty trails and scrambling up and down rocks has been much easier in the lighter footwear, than clunkier boots. Plus, the cleat-like traction has provided sure-footed performance on all terrain surfaces. I’m very happy with my choice. However, I anticipate it will be hard to switch to winter boots when winter conditions arrive.
For light hiking, I’ll do trail runners. But, in the backcountry my feet are my way home, so I prefer the protection and support of boots.
hiking boots for backpacking and trail runners for day hikes
For me, it depends on whether I’ll be in steep country where I will be sidehilling a lot, or not.
If sidehilling, boots with good support help a lot, and lead to less fatigue.
Otherwise, trail runners.
Sneakers, trail runners or boots.. it depends on the conditions for me.
But sandals are out. Terrible idea. I’ve made that mistake before…