Have you ever found yourself standing in an outdoor gear store, staring at rows of hiking footwear, wondering whether to choose hiking boots or shoes?
You're not alone.
The hiking boots vs shoes debate has been raging since the dawn of the internet, and today, we're going to tackle this age-old question head-on.
To settle this debate once and for all, I decided to conduct a unique experiment: hiking with a shoe on one foot and a boot on the other.
Check out this video to see what happened 👇
The History of Hiking Boots
Before we dive into the results of my experiment, let's take a quick hike through history to understand how we got here.
Ancient Origins of Hiking Footwear
Believe it or not, the concept of hiking footwear dates back over 12,000 years.
In the Dolomites, our inventive ancestors crafted makeshift boots using tree fibers wrapped around their feet, covered with deer hide, and laced up with rawhide string.
Were these the first hiking boots or shoes?
It's hard to say, but they certainly got the job done and protected feet.
Development of Combat Boots
Fast forward to World War I, and we see the birth of the modern combat boot.
Militaries worldwide developed footwear with waterproof leather uppers and thick soles - a design still used by soldiers today.
As a former Army officer I get it. Boots are important.
Evolution of Modern Hiking Boots
In the 1930s, as hiking and trekking gained popularity in the Alps, companies like La Sportiva (one of my favorites) invented the first modern hiking boots.
This sparked a boom in the hiking boot industry, with European and U.S. manufacturers competing to create the best footwear for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rise of Hiking Shoes as an Alternative
As technology advanced and materials improved, hiking shoes emerged as a lighter, more flexible alternative to traditional boots.
This led to the great debate we're exploring today: hiking boots vs shoes.
🥾 Should you hike in boots or shoes? 👟
Now, let's break down the key factors in the hiking boots vs shoes showdown based on my unique one-boot-one-shoe experiment from the video above.
Comfort and Cushioning
Right off the bat, I noticed a significant difference in comfort between the shoe and the boot:
Shoe: Super squishy and comfy, but less supportive
Boot: Stable and comfortable, but not as cushy
The shoe felt like walking on a cloud, while the boot provided a more solid, grounded feel.
Stability and Support
When it came to stability, both the shoe and boot performed well:
Shoe: Less supportive overall, but still kept me stable
Boot: Highly stable and supportive, especially around the ankle
The boot definitely had the edge in terms of support, particularly on uneven terrain.
Grip and Traction on Various Terrains
I put both the shoe and boot through their paces on different surfaces:
Paved trails: Both performed equally well
Rocky terrain: The boot seemed to have a slight edge in grip
Slippery surfaces: Both provided good traction
Overall, the differences in grip were minimal, with both options performing admirably.
Weight and Agility
This is where the shoe really shined:
Shoe: Lightweight and allowed for quick, agile movements
Boot: Heavier and slightly less nimble
For fast-paced hikes or trail running, the shoe definitely has an advantage.
Durability and Protection
While my experiment didn't last long enough to test long-term durability, I noticed:
Shoe: Less protection against rocks and debris
Boot: Better protection for the foot and ankle
For rugged terrain or longer hikes, the added protection of a boot could be beneficial.
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Choosing the Best Footwear for Hiking
So, what's the verdict?
Should you choose hiking boots or shoes?
The answer, as with many things in life, is: it depends.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Hiking Footwear
Terrain type: Rocky, smooth, or mixed?
Hike duration: Day hike or multi-day trek?
Weather conditions: Dry, wet, or variable?
Personal comfort preferences: Do you prefer more or less support?
Foot and ankle strength: Do you need extra stability?
Pros and Cons of Hiking Boots
Pros:
Excellent ankle support
Better protection against rocks and debris
More durable for long-term use
Better for carrying heavy loads
Cons:
Heavier and less agile
Can be hot and less breathable=
Longer break-in period
Pros and Cons of Hiking Shoes
Pros:
Lightweight and flexible
More comfortable out of the box
Better for fast-paced hikes or trail running
More versatile for everyday use
Cons:
Less ankle support
Less protection against the elements
May wear out faster on rugged terrain
The Importance of Comfort and Confidence in Hiking
Here's the thing: the outdoor industry often sets us up for failure by telling us what we "have to" wear or do.
But the truth is, whether you choose hiking boots or shoes doesn't matter as much as you might think.
Don't let marketing hype or peer pressure dictate your choices.
What works for one hiker may not work for another.
The most important thing is finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident on the trail.
At the end of the day, the best hiking footwear is the one that keeps you safe and comfortable.
If you feel secure and pain-free in your chosen footwear, you're more likely to enjoy your hike and want to hit the trails again.
To all the newb hikers out there, don't let footwear choices stop you from getting outside.
Start with what you have, and as you gain experience, you'll figure out what works best for you.
The Verdict: Hiking Boots vs Shoes
After my one-boot-one-shoe experiment, I can confidently say that both hiking boots and shoes have their place in the outdoor world.
The best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and the specific conditions of your hike.
Remember, the most important thing is not what's on your feet, but the fact that you're out there hiking in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiking boots necessary for beginners?
Not necessarily.
While hiking boots offer more support and protection, beginners can start with comfortable athletic shoes for easy to moderate trails.
As you gain experience and tackle more challenging terrain, you can decide if you need the additional features of hiking boots.
Can I use trail running shoes for hiking?
Yes, trail running shoes can be excellent for hiking, especially on well-maintained trails or for fast-paced hikes. It's what I use 85% of the time and even used for most of my Kilimanjjaro climb. They're lightweight and comfortable but may offer less protection and durability compared to hiking boots.
How long does it take to break in hiking boots?
The break-in period for hiking boots can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the boot material and your wearing schedule. It's best to wear them around the house and on short walks before taking them on a long hike.
Are waterproof hiking shoes worth it?
Waterproof hiking shoes can be worth it if you frequently hike in wet conditions or cross streams. However, they can be less breathable than non-waterproof options, which might be a better choice for dry, hot climates.
How often should I replace my hiking footwear?
The lifespan of hiking footwear depends on usage, terrain, and care. Generally, you should consider replacing them every 500-1000 miles or when you notice significant wear on the soles, uppers, or decreased support and comfort. I blew out 3 pairs of trail runners when training for Kilimanjaro so it's a thing. Just go ahead and budget for a few new pairs of shoes every year if you're training for a big adventure.
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Speaking of shoes and boots, we lead epic adventures here at Hike Like A Woman and we'd love to have you and your favorite pair of kicks join us for a guided group trip! Here's what's coming up.
🟨🟪🟫🟧 UPCOMING GROUP TRIPS 🟨🟪🟫🟧
💦 Join us for a group trip to Costa Rica: https://travefy.com/trip/6yw9rqk4tbewqz2au2zvsu7krbxgwzq?d=43328549
☀️Join us for a group trip to Southern Utah: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/utah/united-states-with-rebecca-walsh-jun-2025
⛰ Join us for our next Kilimanjaro climb: https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-hikelikeawoman-aug-2025
🇦🇷 Join us for our group trip to Patagonia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/patagonia/argentina-with-rebecca-walsh-oct-2025
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