For many, the distinction between a pair of hiking shoes and a pair of running shoes is clear. But some people are surprised to learn that there is a significant difference between the two.
“Most hikers carry one pair of shoes for hiking and another for running. But why?”
So many different factors go into whether your feet hurt or your knees ache. Hiking shoes tend to be stiffer and heavier than running shoes, so they provide better support but are not as flexible. When you hike, you have to put pressure on your joints, so hiking shoes have a higher heel counter and thicker midsoles.
Running shoes have a lower heel counter, softer midsoles, and a thinner outsole. You may notice that some hiking shoe designs are heavier and bulkier than others, so you can get better support by choosing a design with a higher heel counter and thicker midsole.
There’s a big difference between hiking shoes and running shoes, and it comes down to function and form. So what should you look for when shopping for hiking and running shoes?
Difference Between Hiking Shoes and Running Shoes
The biggest difference between hiking shoes and a pair of trail runners is the size, weight, and durability. If you’re planning to hike long distances over rugged terrain, you’ll need a boot that’s heavy enough to support your feet without weighing you down, and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of the trail.
Salomon Men’s Pathfinder Hiking
The Salomon Men’s Pathfinder Hiking is a great option for anyone who needs some protection on the trail. The leather uppers are a durable material and provide a comfortable fit.
Salomon’s Pathfinder Hiking hiking shoes are designed for comfort and support. The shoe is made from leather uppers, and features a lace-up closure that provides a snug fit. The shoe is designed to provide a secure fit, and it’s great for hikers, runners, and hikers. It’s got a contoured footbed that provides extra cushioning and supports the foot.
They’re made from a combination of leather and mesh, which offers breathability, and moisture wicking properties. The mesh helps the foot stay dry and the leather keeps the foot warm and comfortable. The shoe’s midsole is made from a mixture of soft EVA foam and molded TPU, which offers exceptional shock absorption and impact protection.
It’s got a Vibram rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and is highly durable.
Final Thoughts: The Salomon Men’s Pathfinder Hiking is a great option for anyone who wants a pair of hiking shoes that will provide long-lasting protection on the trail.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable and supportive
- Highly versatile
- Durable and long lasting
- Comes with a shoehorn and a sock retainer
- The product comes with a warranty
Cons
- There are no zippers on the shoes
- The product is not waterproof
Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes
This is a good running shoe for trail running, which is great if you’re looking to test out some new routes, and get yourself into shape.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a trail running shoe, but it’s perfect for road running too. It’s built with a rubber sole, and it’s designed to be flexible enough to provide maximum support and stability, while still having enough grip to keep you safe.
The Speedcross 5 has a lot of traction thanks to the lugs that cover the sole, which means that you won’t slip and slide when you’re running along the wet ground. They also come with a removable insole to add or remove cushioning.
It’s got a wide toe box that provides great comfort and support, and it’s designed to fit true to size so you won’t have to worry about sizing down after wearing them for a few months.
The upper of the Speedcross 5 is made of synthetic leather, which is soft and supple, and it’s designed to be breathable to keep you comfortable. It has mesh lining for ventilation, and it’s designed to be durable to help prevent chafing and blisters.
The Speedcross 5 is also designed to be comfortable for extended use, and they’ve got a removable insole to help keep your feet dry and cool. The laces are also adjustable to provide a customized fit.
Final Thoughts: This is a good shoe for trail running, and it’s a must-have for any runner looking to take on a new route, or test out some new routes. It’s also a great shoe for road running, and it’s perfect for people who want to stay in shape, or just want to enjoy some new routes.
Pros
- It is comfortable to wear.
- It is durable.
- It is affordable.
- It is versatile.
Cons
- It does not come with a storage case.
- The price tag is high.
Why Use Hiking Boots?
Hiking boots provide excellent durability and can wipe away all problems that the elements will throw at you. They offer better ankle protection than trail running shoes and generally have a much longer lifespan. In addition, they will keep your feet warmer and offer greater water protection due to the materials that are used to create this type of shoe.
These characteristics make these boots better for rugged and unrefined trips and are the perfect hiking footwear for those who need protection from the trails they hike.
Why Use Trail Runners?
Hiking is the activity of walking or running along paths or trails. Hiking can be done for pleasure, to see or photograph scenic views, or to get from one point to another. Trail runners are great for shorter hikes or even for hiking when temperatures are mild. Trail runners are lighter and more breathable than hiking boots, and they won’t take quite as long to break in, so you’ll feel confident on your next backpacking adventure.
These are the perfect shoes for people that need a lightweight option. If you don’t plan to climb the sides of precarious mountains but instead want to walk through forests, these will be the best option for you.
Features of Hiking Shoes
- Durable boots that only need replacing every 1,000 miles, saving you money in the long run.
- They offer excellent protection against the elements.
- They also offer added stability and ankle support from a high top, but low tops variants are helpful when managing hazardous terrain better than a runner would.
- Offering a better defense against injuries to ankles, with support to the ankle, even with a low top.
- The shoes are designed for rough hikes as the harder materials can stand up to the punishment.
- The materials used to make hiking boots are warmer, making them perfect for trips during fall and winter.
- They are comfortable to wear, and are easy to move around in
- It helps to keep the feet warm, and they also protect against falling objects
- Heavy-duty lugs offer an excellent grip that will support the hiker on uneven ground and over rough terrain. They’re comfortable on the inside and rigid on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear running shoes for hiking?
Is it ok to go hiking in running shoes? The short answer: Absolutely. But here are a few things you might want to keep in mind. Our philosophy is that it’s whatever footgear works best for you. Whatever shoe gets you out on the trail is the right shoe for you!
Are hiking shoes better than running shoes?
Trail runners’ superior cushioning properties and the ability to endure rugged, abrasive terrain are two of their many advantages over hiking boots. However, the lightweight fabric used in trail runners reduces their durability.
What makes hiking shoes different?
Hiking shoes are designed to last longer than a trail runner. Although hiking shoes are heavier than trail runners, the extra protection is worth the weight. Hikers love the durable construction, lightness, and protection offered by hiking shoes.
Are hiking shoes OK for walking?
The fact that hiking shoes are for walking on rough terrain doesn’t mean that they are the only type of footwear suitable for casual or street use. Hiking boots are more durable and can last longer than hiking shoes. However, hiking boots are heavier and bulkier than regular shoes, so if you plan to wear them for casual or street use, be sure to purchase them from a reputable retailer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing hiking footwear, you must first consider the terrain where you will be hiking. Hiking boots are built with thick, durable soles to provide grip on a variety of surfaces, such as rocky ground or snow. Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed with a soft rubber sole for traction on smooth surfaces, such as pavement. They are lighter and more flexible than hiking boots and often come with a synthetic sole.
