What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots? Hiking boots are strong and sturdy with a cut that is above your ankle. Because of this hiking boots are good in rocky areas or other rugged terrain where you might roll your ankle. Hiking shoes are a little less bulky than hiking boots are closer to a special purpose tennis shoe. They provide most of the same benefits as a hiking boot minus the high ankle support. Hiking shoes tend to be more comfortable during light hiking duty due to the lower ankle cut and a more flexible sole.

The Different Types of Hiking Shoes and Hiking Boots

Some features can cross over multiple shoe and boot categories. Examples include types of tread designs, breathability due to design and materials used and special features like being waterproof.

• Hiking shoes – light weight and often more comfortable than hiking boots for day hikes.
• Hiking Boots – strong and sturdy, best suited to rugged terrain and heavier duty for backpacking or multi-day trips
• Walking Shoes – comfort over ruggedness and designed for urban terrain
• Trail Running Shoes – a blend between regular running shoes and hiking shoes. Designed for off road terrain while maintaining the needed breathability and comfort of a running shoe
• Climbing Shoes – Light weight specialty shoes that are designed for maximum grip while rock climbing

Hiking Shoe Materials

Light weight materials include nylon and mesh. These are idea for their breathability and flexibility (easy to break in).These breathable materials aren’t the best when it comes to water resistance so waterproof shoes made from these materials tend to have linings to provide the water resistance.

Heavier duty boots and hiking shoes tend to use leather for its durability. This extra ruggedness is the reason that t takes longer to break in a full leather hiker versus a lighter weight shoe. The leather also adds to the water resistance of the boot while sacrificing some breathability.

The sole of the boot is made up of multiple layers. First there is the insole that provides the cushioning. Next is the mid-sole and this is where the stiff part of the sole exists to provide the needed support. The outer part of the sole is the tread and the tread patterns vary widely for different terrain conditions. Hiking on concrete pavement is very different than walking in the swamp or on granite boulders and the treed types need to match your destination.

Join us at the Hiking Shoe Guide as we continue to explore the world of Hiking Shoes.