Boots, Hiking Shoes, or Trail Runners? What’s the Best Shoe for You?
Choosing hiking shoes can feel like a rabbit hole. But it doesn’t have to be.
If you’re a new hiker, you might be thinking, “I need to go buy the best hiking boots out there.”
I’m here to tell you… maybe not.
The single most important thing about your hiking footwear is comfort.
Let me say that again: comfort matters more than anything else.
Here’s the thing: what works for one person might be a disaster for someone else. Anyone who claims, “This is the best hiking shoe” is oversimplifying it.
They can say, “This works great for me,” but that doesn’t help when you’re four miles into a trail wearing the supposedly “best” shoe and your feet are screaming.
During my time at REI, I can’t tell you how many times an eager new adventurer would come in looking for a specific boot because they read or were told it’s the “best”, only to try it on and find it instantly hurts their foot.
It’s okay if you’ve done this. Just try on something else. Heck. Try them all on. You may be surprised what feels the best. It might be the ugliest shoe on the wall.
Just remember, you’re in the woods, not on a runway. Nobody cares what you look like. It’s all about function out there.
There is so much that goes into footwear: insole, outsole, shank, frame, fabric, type of rubber, lug size, lug shape….
Are you overwhelmed yet?
Have you already checked out mentally?
Me too and I’m the one writing this.
Listen, all that stuff has its purpose and we’ll touch on some of that in a bit, but really, what you need to be focusing on in the beginning is
A) What type of terrain are you hiking in?
B) What will work best for the type of trails you will be on?
C) Most importantly, is it comfy?
As you grow as an outdoors person, you can start to focus on some of the more intricate parts of footwear, or not, but right now, let’s get you into a comfortable shoe to get you outside safely now.
So let’s dive in shall we?
Now, we could go into all the technical mumbo jumbo, but I find that can get confusing and doesn’t always help in choosing the right shoe.
So instead, I’ll describe some real world scenarios. Figure out which one sounds the most like you and start your footwear journey there.
Keep in mind, just because that’s where you start, doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll end up.
Easy to Moderate Trails and Light Loads
If your hiking plans look something like:
well-marked trails
rolling hills with the occasional rocky patch
a small day pack with the 10 essentials
You don’t need anything heavy, stiff, or overly technical on your feet.
Trail runners and lightweight hiking shoes shine here.
They’re cushy and feel much more like the sneakers you wear every day, just tougher and grippier. Think of them as the “gateway shoe” for new hikers: supportive enough for the trail, but not so rigid that your feet feel like they’ve entered a medieval boot camp.
If you hike in wet conditions a lot, consider waterproof options, but know they’re less breathable and can get hot.
Why these work well:
They flex with your foot, making walking feel natural.
They’re lighter, so your legs don’t fatigue as quickly.
They still offer enough traction for dirt, roots, and small rocks.
They break in fast (or sometimes don’t need to be broken in at all).
Who this category is perfect for:
New hikers, casual hikers, and kids. Basically anyone who wants to enjoy the trail without feeling like they’re dragging around bricks strapped to their ankles.
These are even a great shoe for the Camino de Santiago, a long trail with mostly gentle terrain. Since you aren’t carrying a tent and tons of food, your pack is lighter, making trail runners a solid choice.
That said, some hikers wear trail runners on the triple crown trail thru hikes, although it is not recommended for most people.
If you pick up a pair and immediately think, “Oh wow, these feel good,” that’s usually your sign. For easy to moderate trails, you don’t need overkill. You just need shoes that let you enjoy being outside without even thinking about your feet.
More Rugged Trails and Moderate Loads
If your hikes are starting to look a little spicier:
steeper climbs and descents
rockier footing
uneven surfaces that keep you on your toes
a daypack that’s getting a little heavier (more water, maybe photography gear or kid supplies)
You’ll want footwear that gives you a bit more support and stability.
This is where hiking shoes and lightweight hiking boots really shine.
Flexible enough to feel comfortable, but sturdy enough to help your ankles and arches when the trail gets a little wild.
Why these work well:
More support underfoot for rocky terrain
Better protection around the toes (hello, rock kicking)
A bit more structure so your ankles don’t wobble all over the place
Stickier rubber and deeper lugs for grip on steeper, looser trails
These are great for hikers who are leveling up. You’re ready for more of a challenge. Perhaps you’re carrying more weight because your kids think you’re a pack mule. If that’s the case, start with hiking shoes or lightweight boots.
Who this category is perfect for:
Hikers with trickier terrain, parents carrying half the house in their pack, and anyone who wants more stability without committing to a stiff, full boot.
This is where we started. Backpacking with a 4 and 6 year old who carried just their sleeping bags made our packs much heavier, so we needed shoes with enough support to handle a heavier load.
Think of hiking shoes and lightweight boots as the middle ground: flexible enough for comfort, yet structured enough to protect ankles and arches on tricky trails.
The goal here is enough stability that you feel confident on uneven ground without feeling like you strapped on ski boots.
More Technical Trails and Heavy Loads
Now we’re talking serious trail time. If your hikes include:
steep ascents and descents
loose rocks and roots
long backpacking trips with a heavy pack
unpredictable terrain that could bite if your shoes aren’t up to the job
You’ll want footwear that’s built for stability, protection, and durability.
Full or mid-height hiking boots are your friends here. They’re sturdier, give your ankles more support, and are designed to handle heavy loads while keeping your feet safe and relatively happy. Think of them as “armor” for your feet, but without making you feel like you’re marching into battle.
Why they work:
Stiff soles that protect your feet from sharp rocks and uneven ground
Ankle support and protection from cuts, grazes, and bruises
Durable uppers to keep out debris
Stickier rubber and deeper lugs for grip on steeper, looser trails
Who this is for:
Backpackers carrying overnight gear
Hikers tackling steep, technical trails
Anyone who wants maximum protection for long days on uneven or rugged terrain
This is about giving your feet the structure and protection they need when the trail is demanding and your pack is heavy.
The right boot here will help you move confidently over rough terrain, reduce fatigue, and keep your trail experience enjoyable, because let’s face it, even tough trails should still be fun.
Although full and mid height hiking boots are on the heavier side, you will be surprised by how light some options have actually gotten.
The verdict
None of these are hard and fast rules, but they’re a solid place to start. Some hikers thru hike long trails with heavy packs in trail runners while others stick to hiking boots on smooth local trails. Again, it all comes back to comfort.
I’m also by no means telling you to buy multiple types of footwear for your many adventures. When I need a new pair of shoes, I try on a few things and go with what feels best. They’re only going to last a few hundred miles anyway.
So, now that you know where to start, the next big question is: How do you know if your shoes fit properly? That, my friend, is a whole other post.