Believe it or not, sneakers are often the go-to footwear for hiking.
Many people believe that sneakers provide enough traction and stability for hiking, but is that the case?
I’ll take a closer look at whether or not sneakers are appropriate for hiking and provide some tips on choosing the right type of footwear for your next hike.
Can you wear sneakers hiking?
The short answer is: Maybe.
It all depends on the terrain, the weather, and your personal preference.
If you’re planning on hiking in a very rocky or icy area, then sneakers are probably not the best choice.
You’ll want something with more traction and support, like a boot or a shoe designed specifically for hiking.
The same goes for hiking in wet conditions – sneakers are more likely to slip on wet rocks or mud, so again, a boot or shoe designed for hiking would be a better choice.
However, suppose you’re hiking in relatively benign conditions. In that case, dry, not too rocky or icy, and with moderate elevation changes – a sneaker could be perfectly fine.
Many people prefer sneakers for hiking because they’re lighter and more comfortable than boots.
It really comes down to personal preference, so if you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a boot or shoe designed specifically for hiking.
Sneakers – The Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Inexpensive
Sneakers – The Cons:
- Poor traction
- Lack of support
- Unstable on uneven terrain
I tried hiking up a mountain at 2300 meters last year with my Nike Free.
The ascent went quite well, but I had considerable difficulty keeping my balance on loose, rocky ground.
In addition, it lacked stability and had to watch out not to bend the foot constantly.
But the worst was the descent.
I slipped continuously due to the poor grip, had blisters on my feet, and demolished the sneakers.
Are hiking boots better than sneakers?
When you’re getting ready to go on a hike, the most important decision you have to make is what kind of shoes to wear.
Do you go for hiking boots, which are often seen as the “correct” choice, or do you wear sneakers as you would normally?
Why are hiking boots better than sneakers?
The main reason is that hiking boots are designed to give you more support and stability on uneven terrain.
They also have more traction, which can be important on slippery or wet surfaces.
Hiking boots will also usually provide more protection from the elements, like water and mud, than sneakers will.
But let’s take a close look at why hiking boots are better than sneakers.
Comparing traction
One of the most important factors in deciding whether or not to wear hiking boots or sneakers is traction.
Hiking boots have much more aggressive tread patterns than sneakers, giving them a better grip on loose or slippery surfaces.
This can be crucial when hiking on wet rocks or mud, or even just on a trail with a lot of loose gravel.
On the other hand, Sneakers have very little tread and can often be quite slippery.
This can make them dangerous to wear on hikes, especially if the terrain is challenging.
Footbed and insole
The footbed is the part of the shoe that your foot rests on, and it can make a big difference in comfort and support.
Hiking boots usually have much more cushioned and supportive footbeds than sneakers do.
This is important because it helps prevent your feet from getting tired on long hikes.
It can also help to reduce the risk of injuries like blisters and Achilles tendonitis.
The padding of soles
The padding of soles in sneakers is usually thinner than hiking boots, making them less comfortable to walk on for long periods.
This can be a problem if you’re planning on doing a lot of walking on your hike.
Soles on hiking boots are also generally stiffer than on sneakers, which helps to provide more support for your feet and ankles.
This can be important on hikes where you might be walking on uneven or rocky terrain.
Ankle support
Another important factor to consider is the amount of ankle support that the shoe provides.
Hiking boots generally have higher ankles than sneakers do, which helps to protect your ankles from rolling over on uneven terrain.
This can be important in preventing injuries like sprained ankles.
When you hike in sneakers, your ankles have much less support and are more likely to roll over if you step on something uneven.
Hiking boots feature more durable materials
The materials that hiking boots are made of are generally much more durable than those used in sneakers.
This is important because it means that they will last longer and be able to withstand more wear and tear.
Hiking boots are also usually waterproof, which can be important in keeping your feet dry on wet hikes.
On the other hand, Sneakers are often made of thinner and less durable materials.
This means they might not last as long and could fall apart after just a few hikes.
Hiking boots are way better on rocky terrain
When you’re hiking on rocky terrain, it’s important to have a shoe that can protect your feet from the sharp edges of the rocks.
Hiking boots are made with thick, durable soles that can help to protect your feet from being cut or scratched by the rocks.
On the other hand, Sneakers often have thinner soles that offer less protection.
Hiking boots will keep your feet much more comfortable.
Season and weather conditions
Another factor to consider when deciding between hiking boots and sneakers is the season and weather conditions.
Hiking boots are typically made with warmer materials that can keep your feet warm in colder weather.
They also often have waterproof or water-resistant materials that can help to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Sneakers, on the other hand, are often made of lighter materials that can be more breathable in warm weather.
However, they usually don’t offer as much protection from the elements.
Blister prevention
Hiking boots can also help to prevent blisters.
The stiffer soles of hiking boots can help to reduce the friction that causes blisters.
And if you do get a blister, the thicker materials of hiking boots can offer more protection against further irritation.
On the other hand, Sneakers often have thinner materials that can rub and irritate your skin, making blisters more likely.
So, if you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking, it’s worth considering investing in a good pair of hiking boots.
Why are hiking shoes important?
It’s a beautiful day for a hike! The sun is shining, and the birds are singing.
As you pull on your boots and head out for a morning of exploration, you realize one thing: You forgot your hiking shoes.
Oops!
While regular boots might work in a pinch, they’re not ideal for hiking.
Hiking shoes provide extra support and protection that can make all the difference on tough trails.
This part of the post will explore why hiking shoes are so important.
Pros:
- Support: One of the biggest benefits of hiking shoes is the extra support. Hiking can be tough on your feet and ankles, especially if you’re carrying a lot of weight in your backpack.
- Protection: Hiking shoes also generally have higher ankles than sneakers, which helps protect your ankles from rolling over on uneven terrain. This can be important in preventing injuries like sprained ankles.
- Durable materials: The materials that hiking boots are made of are generally much more durable than those used in sneakers. This is important because it means that they will last longer and be able to withstand more wear and tear.
- Waterproof: Hiking boots are also usually waterproof, which can be important in keeping your feet dry on wet hikes.
- Better on rocky terrain: When you’re hiking on rocky terrain, it’s important to have a shoe that can protect your feet from the sharp edges of the rocks.
Cons:
- More expensive: One downside of hiking shoes is that they can be more expensive than sneakers.
- Not as breathable: Hiking boots are usually made with thicker materials that provide more support and protection. However, this also means that they’re not as breathable as sneakers, which can get your feet sweaty on hot days.
- Heavier: Because of the extra support and protection, hiking boots are generally heavier than sneakers. This can be a downside if you’re trying to save weight on your hike.
Hiking shoes are important because they provide extra support and protection.
They’re also generally made of more durable materials to withstand more wear and tear.
However, they can be more expensive, and they’re not as breathable as sneakers.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking, it’s worth considering investing in a good pair of hiking shoes.
Tip: In addition to the hiking boots, you need some hiking equipment. In my other article, you will find my recommendations.
Why can sneakers be a good choice?
Despite all of the reasons why hiking boots are better than sneakers, there are also some situations where it might make more sense to wear sneakers.
For example, if you’re going on a short hike that’s not too strenuous, you might be more comfortable in sneakers.
Or, if the weather is warm and you’re concerned about your feet getting sweaty, you might want to opt for sneakers over boots.
Another situation where sneakers might be a better choice is if you’re hiking on a trail that’s mostly free of rocks and other obstacles.
In this case, you might not need the extra support and protection that boots provide.
Hiking boots that are like sneakers
There are hiking boots, and then there are sneakers. And while both can take you on hikes, there is a big difference between the two.
If you’re looking for something that feels more like a sneaker but provides some of the benefits of a hiking boot, consider investing in a pair of hybrid hiking shoes.
These shoes combine the best features of both sneakers and hiking boots to create a perfect shoe for those who want to enjoy light hikes without having to sacrifice comfort.
Some of the best hybrid hiking shoes on the market include:
- Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
- The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker
- Merrell Moab 2
Do some research to find the perfect pair of hybrid hiking shoes for your needs and hit the trails in style.
Tip: In my other blog post, you can read what are the best shoes to wear for hiking? Follow the link to read the post.
Happy hiking!