What is the difference between running shoes and hiking shoes

And keep in mind that leather has some natural water-resistant properties, meaning that some leather hiking shoes will be able to stave off rain drops, puddle splashes, and minor snow without the extra cost or weight penalty of waterproofing technology. All that said, waterproofing does mean compromised breathability in both hiking shoes and trail runners , which can result in uncomfortably swampy feet, especially during warm and dry days and with heavy exertion.

As we mentioned above, we love breathable shoes read: thin builds and mesh uppers for summer hiking or when wet feet are inevitable. And if you're looking for true waterproof protection, a hiking boot will be the best option of all, as the mid-height build will keep out significantly more water than a low-top shoe. In addition to the hybrids mentioned above, there is another category of trail shoes worth mentioning: approach shoes.

As lightweight hiking shoes have become popular, many have embraced approach shoes as yet another option for longer hikes and backpacking expeditions. However, the sole is much less effective for traveling over dusty trails, mud, and snow, and as a result, approach shoes can feel rather slippery on these surfaces. The overall design also tends to be quite snug—ideal for added security while scrambling over rock, but often too constrictive for walking longer distances on flat trails when feet start to swell.

Further, the flat, stiff soles of some approach shoes can lead to sore feet after many miles, whereas the soles of trail runners and hiking shoes are more cushioned and flexible for added comfort. That said, approach shoes are a bit of a dark horse in the world of lightweight hikers. In fact, we think of a shoe like the La Sportiva TX3 as a best-of-both-worlds combination of hiking support, trail-running breathability, and rock-scrambling traction. Predictably, we recommend approach shoes for routes where scaling steep rocky slopes may be the main obstacle—the canyons of southern Utah, for example.

We will also continually choose this style of shoe for approaching technical climbs. There are certainly a number of factors that go into deciding whether a hiking shoe , trail runner , or approach shoe is the best tool for the trail, and the details can be overwhelming.

Of course, for many hikers there are exceptions to the rule—many of which we mentioned above. If your hikes feature peak bagging, class scrambles, or ridge traverses, a tacky approach shoe might be your best bet.

Which style of lightweight trail shoe is best for you? Photo Credit. Trail Runners. The uber-popular Salomon X Ultra 4 hiking shoe Trail Runners Trail runners are a style of footwear used by runners frequenting—you guessed it—trails.

Weight Advantage: Trail Runners Cutting weight is one of the main reasons hikers make the switch from high-top hiking boots to low-rise hiking shoes, and many shave even more ounces by opting for lightweight trail runners.

Support and Protection Advantage: Hiking Shoes Everyday hikers usually lean toward hiking shoes over trail runners specifically for the support and protection they provide. Danner's lightweight Trail offers more support and protection than a trail runner That said, support also varies significantly within each category. Durability Advantage: Hiking Shoes When deciding between a hiking shoe and a trail runner, durability becomes a very important consideration. The hybrid Vasque Breeze LT suffers in terms of durability 4.

Traction Advantage: Hiking Shoes In general, the soles of hiking shoes and trail runners differ significantly in terms of tread patterns, rubber compounds, and stiffness. The Merrell Moab 2 features a stiff sole that grips well on a variety of terrain Looking at the rubber in particular, there are large variations in tread depth and pattern between hiking shoes and trail runners.

Breathability Advantage: Trail Runners Because trail runners are constructed with thinner materials than hiking shoes, it's no surprise that they're also inherently more breathable.

The Salomon X Raise dries out more quickly than most hiking shoes 7. You'll sacrifice some breathability with a waterproof hiking shoe or trail runner What About Approach Shoes? Approach shoes offer great traction on rock That said, approach shoes are a bit of a dark horse in the world of lightweight hikers. The Final Decision There are certainly a number of factors that go into deciding whether a hiking shoe , trail runner , or approach shoe is the best tool for the trail, and the details can be overwhelming.

Powered by Drupal. Read More From Switchback Travel. It actually involves a lot of walking. Likewise, not all hikers are lumbering along with great big heavy backpacks and boots over their ankles — lots of walkers like to travel light and fastpack trails, or simply feel more comfortable in low-cut shoes rather than bulky boots, particularly on less technical tracks, with little ankle-threatening terrain.

But, should you ditch boots for hiking shoes, or trail running shoes? Compared to trail-running shoes, the main difference is that they are sturdier and more robust, and therefore heavier. They are also often waterproof, typically featuring a Gore-Tex or own-brand membrane, or they might be made of leather. Compared to hiking boots, however, they will feel light, and they lend themselves perfectly to long walks in good conditions.

If you're asking, " What are approach shoes? These are a cross between a walking shoe and a road-running trainer: lighter, more flexible, highly breathable, and hence less protective and less durable.

They are not often waterproof, as this would make them too hot and sweaty for running. Water is likely to get in over the top of the shoe when runners splash through puddles anyway, and it would drain slower through a waterproof membrane, making the shoe heavy and your foot prone to shrivelling up like a prune in its inescapable, salty, gritty bath.

Running shoes have waterproof material but the level of protection they offer on the leakage is much less. While running shoes are not waterproof, but are made with lighter material, they will dry faster than hiking boots when they get wet. So, while most people do not know the differences between hiking and running shoes, you will. While it is possible to use one pair of shoes for both activities, you are making it much harder on yourself than it needs to be.

By buying shoes based on the durability, weight, breaking-in ability, protection, and waterproof level, you will be able to excel all the more in running and hiking since you will have made an informed decision.

In order to be at your best, you have to have the shoes that help you get there. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon. Home Hunting Hiking Kayaking Menu. Facebook-f Twitter Pinterest. Add Media. Durability We all want things that are durable and there is no exception when it comes to shoes. Weight There is a principle that essentially says, weight on your feet uses up more of your energy than weight on your back.

Running shoes are designed to be light and not take any unnecessary weight or energy from you. Breaking in The design and sturdiness of hiking boots makes breaking them in necessary. Protection Hiking shoes practically guarantee full protection of your feet. Waterproof Lastly, you will want to make sure that your hiking boots are waterproof.

Summary So, while most people do not know the differences between hiking and running shoes, you will.