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Hiking boots on trial runners have been a part of the debate for a very long time. When it comes to hiking footwear, there are a whole lot of options to choose from. Think of all of them as a spectrum. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner hacker or an avid trail runner, there is always one time where you get confused between choosing hiking boots and trail runner shoes.
Giving advice to choose either hiking boots or trail runners wouldn't be fair. That is why the answer boils down to what type of footwear is important to you according to your needs. Both the hiking boots and the trail runners have their pros and cons according to the features they have been given by the manufacturers. On one hand, hiking boots are raised, heavy, and come with ankle support. On the other hand, trials are lightweight, have no ankle support, and let your feet breathe better. This guide on the difference between hiking boots and trail runners will help you find the best-suited type of hiking footwear for your upcoming adventures.
Factors to Consider before you make a choice
Which terrain do you typically hike?
Take notes on the type of climate and the type of weather of the places you hike in. Examine the terrain to see if they are appropriate for the terrain. As for the places that receive heavy rainfall, they might now be suitable for small lugs. Consider the terrain at the top of the list when choosing between hiking shoes and trail runners.
What kind of protection do you need?
Protection depends totally on your experience and your fitness level. If you have any injury to your foot or if you have a flexible ankle, hiking boots with proper ankle support would be a good option. Getting the trail runners would be a good option for intermediate-level hikes, but not if you are a beginner.
Hiking Boots VS. Trail Runners Shoes
Making the best of all decisions comes with understanding. And in this case, let us help you understand the difference between hiking boots and trail runners before you decide to buy one for your next trip to the mountains.
Hiking Boots
As the name already has boots in it, they sure are made with a tough outsole with deep lugs to grip on all terrains, no matter how muddy or slippery. Also, most hiking boots for men feature ankle support, which provides support for your feet while moving. As you go through the wild trails in winter with hiking boots through the wilderness of forests and broken bridges, you can count on them for proper comfort and support.
Hiking boots are made to last a long time, and they have a leather upper with perforations on the toe box. These designs are pretty common as they let your feet breathe while maintaining the durability of the boots. Moreover, they are not just built with sturdy materials, but it also makes the boots compatible with mud, snow, dirt, and almost all terrains without discomfort. All these elements are designed into boots to provide comfort.
What are the benefits of hiking boots?
Hiking boots come with plenty of benefits, and the majority of them are as mentioned below:
Longevity: As we talked about the rugged rubber sole and leather upper, Almost all the elements used in hiking boots are made to last a long time. With that, they provide excellent traction, which prevents pressure on the sides and, hence, better durability.
Waterproof Properties: Hiking boots are perfect for both monsoon and high-altitude snow treks with its waterproof materials. Be it a small stream crossing or an inclined glacier, hiking boots keep the moisture out, keeping your feet warm and dry.
Foot Support: Among the biggest reasons why hiking boots are preferable is their comfort. The wide sole on the base keeps your feet stable. Cushioned insoles with perforated sides keep your feet comfy while allowing breathability for a comfortable hiking experience.
Trail Runners
How about a very pleasant experience without the weight of hiking boots on your feet while hiking? Trail runners live for the feeling of being ahead of the pack on their adventures.These shoes are preferable for long-distance treks where there’s less snow or water. They provide excellent breathability as most of the upper is mesh. On the outsole is a good lugged pattern made with lightweight yet durable rubber for traction on all surfaces.
Mostly, trail runners are used by hikers at a fast pace, or let’s say, they are perfect for a run between the mountains. The elements on the whole shoe are pretty flexible, and one can easily jump on rocks of different shapes. It features an ergonomic design that contours to the shape of the surface for excellent grip.
Are trail runners suitable for hiking?
Because hiking boots and trail runners use the same technologies, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Trail runners offer numerous benefits and are the most widely used hiking footwear after hiking boots. Let’s see what people like about them
Breathability: A good ventilated upper made of lightweight material, mesh allows airflow throughout the trek. Be it a monsoon trek or a summer trek, the ventilation keeps the temperature stable and the rain quickly dry.
Weight: The weight of the trail runners is very low as compared to all other hiking footwear. They are designed as running shoes, with all elements being lightweight for comfortable wear.
Comfort: With a unique toe design and mesh on top, trail runners allow for all kinds of flexible movements during the trek. They offer a good range of motion, and their bigger toe boxes provide more room for the feet.
No Break-in Period: Trail runners don’t require much time to break them in. The materials used in them are so flexible that they contour to the shape as you slide in these shoes.
After all, we come to the conclusion that it totally depends on your needs and fitness level. Both of them are perfect for the work they do. Only you can know what type of hiking footwear would work for you. Try on both of them with time and, trust us, they will both be helpful for your upcoming treks.
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