Protection

Hiking Boot

Trail Shoe

Hiking boots are manufactured from thick material and generally have a tough sole providing protection for your whole foot.

Trail runners are made from much lighter materials and generally have lighter soles too. They won’t stand up to the same rigours as hiking boots, however, so protection from debris and damage won’t be of the same level. Trail runners don’t feature high ankles either so the protection against sprains offered by hiking boots will be lacking in these.

Durability

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

Hiking boots, when treated effectively, should last you for up to 1,000 miles of hiking. They are made with sturdy materials and – depending on the styles – will have a waterproof exterior layer that will prove effective for some time until it needs to be reproofed for further usage.

Due to their lighter weight and design, you won’t get the same amount of wear from your trail runners as your hiking boots. On average, you should replace your trail runners every 500 miles to prevent excessive wear that could damage your feet.

Comfort

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

hiking boots are made from thick materials that don’t offer a whole lot of wiggle room. You’ll need a snug fit for effective use so they won’t yield much space and due to the ankle support, you won’t have a wide range of movement. While this helps for protection against external elements, it can also feel restrictive, so it really depends on your taste and personal preferences.

Trail running shoes are more compact so they won’t feel as restrictive on your feet. The material will also offer much more flexibility, so you’ll have a better range of movement and flexibility. One downside to the trail runners is the narrower sole, which means you’ll feel the bumps and rocks underfoot leading to potential pain after a long day on the move.

Climate

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

Hiking boots are best suited to the autumn and winter months when the weather is colder.

Trail runners are designed with multiple mesh patches and have the low cut ankle to ensure you get maximum breathability in warm conditions.

Weight

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

Hiking boots are heavier by nature, although there are different material choices to diversify this. Naturally, leather boots will weigh more than suede or lightweight synthetic materials; however, they will all generally be heavier than a pair of trail runners. It’s said that weight on your feet expends up to 6 times more energy than weight on your back, so it really does make a difference.

Designed for runners who are used to very lightweight running trainers, their greatest benefit is that they weigh less and are ideal for those who like to keep light on their feet and go for an overall lightweight kit. While this is the perfect fit for many, some people enjoy the feel of a weightier boot underfoot.

Water

Hiking Boot

Trail Shoes

Most hiking boots will be made with waterproof materials to keep water from leaking in.

Trail running shoes won’t offer the same level of waterproof protection. Although the material may be somewhat waterproof, water will get in far easier than with hiking boots.

Breaking in

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

Your hiking boots will need to be broken in before you take them out for any serious hiking.

Trail running shoes require almost no breaking in and can pretty much be worn straight out of the box.

Key Benefits

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

·       Stability

·       Foot and ankle protection

·       Stability

·       Warmer for cold weather hiking

·       Good all round traction

·       Little or no break in period

·       Lightweight for fast pace, long miles

·       Breathability, so feat stay drier

·       Cooler for hot weather hikes

·       Versatility for multiple use

Key Downsides

Hiking Boot

Trail Runner

·       Require breaking in

·       Heavier & bulkier

·       Less supportive

·       Will need replacing more often