Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners
Team hiking boots or team trail runners? This is a very common question and popular discussion amongst current hikers. While the trends have definitely shifted over the recent years, there is still robust debate of hiking boots vs trail runners. And while there is not a black and white, one size fits all answer, the best way to determine what’s best for you is to do your research (which is why you’re reading this), and then test it out for yourself! Here’s what you need to know about hiking boots vs trail runners!
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Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners
While there is a lot of debate among hiking boots vs trail runners, and in my personal opinion I think the trend is skewing towards trail runners, ultimately there are several factors that affect your personal choice:
What kind of hiking? Where are you hiking? When are you hiking? How do you hike?
The kind of hiking you do largely affects your choice. Are you mostly on well maintained trails? Are you scrambling over scree fields? Are you hiking technical summits? The kind of hiking can determine your shoe choice.
Where are you hiking? This ties directly into the first question. A 14’er trail covered in snow might not be the best fit for trail runners. Unmaintained trails with lots of loose, steep rock fields may not either.
The time of year can play a role as well, mostly as it might affect the amount of snow present or other environmental factors that can affect shoe choice, like a rainy season or hot weather.
Lastly, how you hike plays an important role. Are you a long day hiker? Does the thought of a 24 mile long hike crossing the Grand Canyon’s Rim to Rim sound appealing to you? Then you might be more interested in a lightweight trail runner that will help you move faster and keep your feet feeling “fresher” after 24 miles, with enough cushion and support to handle the well maintained Grand Canyon trails. If you prefer multi day backpacking jaunts with shorter mileage per day spread out over a couple days in the mountains, with potential snow or scree fields, or other somewhat technical aspects that require a “beefier” shoe, then you might want a hiking boot to handle the terrain and provide extra stability.
These are the types of questions to ask yourself when deciding between hiking boots or trail runners.
The Differences Between Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners
As mentioned above, hiking boots are a beefed up option of hiking footwear. They are best for those hikes with less stable, looser, or rockier terrain, or for “off trail” adventures. They are a heavier duty option, so if your trail, or your hiking style, is best described as more heavy duty or “beefed up”, then a hiking boot might be best.
Hiking boots have larger lugs and often thicker soles to provide more stability. While trail runners have sufficient traction for a diverse amount of terrain, hiking boots provide the most stability. Trail runners, however, continue to evolve with ever-improving amounts of cushioning.
When I refer to “heavy duty”, note that this doesn’t necessarily mean heavy duty in terms of distance, but more the terrain and your style. Long distance hikes (that are on well maintained and non-technical trails) are often better suited for trail runners because they are more lightweight and can feel more comfortable when wearing all day long. That is, always assuming your trail is well maintained with more predictable, stable, terrain.
Hiking boots can also come with a few perks that trail runners really don’t measure up to. In particular, waterproof capabilities. I have yet to run across a rail runner that is really, truly, fully waterproof, although some claim to be. Hiking boots can be truly and fully waterproof, so if you’re considering wet and/or cold hiking conditions, hiking boots can be a real plus.
Pros and Cons At a Glance

Advantages of Hiking Boots
- Bigger, thicker lugs with an often thicker sole
- More stability
- More durability
- Better for sketchier, loose, unstable, or technical terrain
- More protection for ankles
- Better for backpacking / carrying heavier loads
- Provide a more stable base
- Can be waterproof / warmer in cold and wet conditions
Disadvantages of Hiking Boots
- Heavier
- Less “fashionable” or “multi-purpose” – many wouldn’t wear them out casually
- Bulkier
- Less breathability
Advantages of Trail Runners
- Lighter
- More breathability
- Cooler in hot weather hikes
- Ample cushioning
- More multi-purpose and “fashionable” (can hike, run, wear casually, etc)
- Better for fast paced hiking and extra long miles on well maintained trails
Disadvantages of Trail Runners
- Smaller lugs
- Not as waterproof
- Less stable and supportive on sketchier, loose, or unstable terrain
- Less ankle support
- Somewhat less durable
- Will probably need replacing more often
Conclusion: Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners
If you really are needing to pick between the two for the shoe that suits you best, hopefully you now have some guidance. But it doesn’t have to necessarily be an “either or” situation. If you have a wide range of hiking destinations and goals, it can often be best to invest in a good pair of both hiking boots AND trail runners, designated for certain hikes. Just as animals in the wild have different types of “footwear” to navigate different environments and terrain, so it is not a bad idea for us to either, if you have broad hiking dreams! I have my own favorite Vasque Breeze GTX III hiking boots that I have used now for over a decade, but the majority of my hikes are now done in my HOKA One One Speedgoats. These trail runners have carried me to the tops of the 50 U.S. state high points, lengthy day hikes like Mt. Whitney, steep ascents of Colorado 14’ers, trail races around the world like Greenland’s Polar Circle Marathon, and short backpacking treks through National Parks like Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains in my home state of Texas! There’s definitely a time and place for both, but I believe trail runners are evolving to be able to tackle an ever growing and diverse amount of outdoor activities!

RELATED RESOURCES:
- The Only Hiking Checklist You’ll Ever Need
- Backpacking for Beginners
- Intro to Trail Running
- Complete Trail Running Gear Checklist
- 30 Best Trail Races in the U.S.
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