Why Trail Runners are Better than Hiking Boots
My very first hike was the Lake Agnes Trail at Lake Louise up to the tea house, a very straightforward non-technical hike. Before we went I ran to the closest Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) and got my first pair of hiking boots. A pair of big, clunky clompers that I didn’t break in before I went hiking. I was like 20 and knew everything at that time, please forgive me. Luckily they served me pretty well and I had minimal blisters. Since then my footwear has evolved and now I almost exclusively hike in trail runners.
How are trail runners different than hiking boots/shoes?
Trail runners are modeled after the traditional runner/sneaker with modifications to make them more appropriate for the trails. This includes things like enhanced treads and grip, waterproof or quick-drying materials, and rock plates. They can include road running technologies like carbon plating or fancy foams which make wearing them really comfortable and fun. And with more and more people spending time outdoors, the market has exploded and trail runners have become much more popular. The traditional hiking boot is a different entity focusing on sturdiness and durability instead of (in my opinion) comfort. If you are a fan of trail/ultrarunning you will see nothing but trail runners on the feet of the competitors. These men and women are running for hours up mountains and over rocky terrain in some of the world’s most technical terrain. There is a reason they choose trail runners and here’s why.
1) Trail runners are much more comfortable and lighter than hiking boots
Millions and millions of dollars are spent every year by shoe companies to increase the comfort and speed of road shoes every year. The goal of buying the best, lightest, and most comfortable shoe is at the front of every runner’s mind when looking for new shoes. The nice thing is that these same companies have transferred this technology over to trail running shoes, with a few tweaks to make them trail ready like thicker outsoles and rock plates. You really are getting the best of both worlds with trail runners. For example, a quick Google search will show you the weight of the Hoka One Speedgoat 5 (my current trail shoe) is around 292 grams (10 ounces), compared to a high-end hiking boot the Scarpa Kailash weighing in at 1200 grams (42 ounces). This is a very noticeable weight difference that you can easily tell just by holding and comparing the two shoes. When you are taking thousands of steps a day hiking, the difference in weight can add up and contribute to your fatigue. The reason that ultrarunners choose these types of shoes is because they are so lightweight and can shave minutes off of their race times. I was actually shocked at how light the Hoka One Speedgoats were when I took them out of the box. If you haven’t picked up a pair of trail runners (like physically picking them up off the shelf) I encourage you to go check them out, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Hoka One Speedgoat 5
2) Trail runners are much more breathable
Trail runners are often constructed of lightweight and breathable upper material(s) which is great for the hot summer hikes. Many models also contain mesh which allows for maximum airflow. Wearing a shoe with more breathable material allows moisture like sweat to escape and evaporate, which can prevent blisters from forming. We’ve all been there, taking off our hiking boots after a long day to pulsating feet that are 100 degrees and swollen; trail runners can help to mitigate that.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4
3) Trail runners are more flexible and versatile than hiking boots
Trail runners are designed with the runner in mind first, but that doesn’t mean that only runners should wear them. Trail runners have a more flexible outsole than a traditional hiking boot, which allows for more dynamic foot movement. By conforming slightly to the terrain the runner/hiker has a better idea of what is underfoot and can adjust accordingly. The thick and clunky outsole of a hiking boot does not give much feedback on what is underfoot, so this foot protection is a trade-off for an increased risk of trips and falls. Trail runners are also built with tough outsoles made from durable rubbers like Vibram, and can have rock plates built in to increase foot protection without sacrificing the feel underfoot.
Altra Womens Timp 5
4) Trail Runners dry much quicker than hiking boots
No one like hiking in wet shoes, but sometimes its inevitable if you have river crossings or snow fields to get across. I have been on trips in the past where my hiking boots. got wet and were still damp the next day. Who loves putting on wet boots at the beginning of a long day of hiking? No one? Exactly. Trail runners are made with quick-drying materials like nylon and have built in water drainage ports that wick the water out and away from your feet. The trail shoes I’ve worn to cross a river in can be dry by the time I get to camp! Wicking this moisture away reduces the chance of blisters as well.
If you are concerned about cold weather, or prefer waterproof shoes, there are many shoes that are made from Gore-tex, and have higher ankle protection, some even have built in micro-spikes if you are going to be hiking on ice.
Final thoughts
The reason I am such a hater of hiking boots is that I feel the technology in the boots has not evolved very much over time. I feel like the boots I got 10 years ago are the same ones I could buy at the store tomorrow. Shoe companies have spent a lot of money in recent years combining the comfort of a traditional road running shoe with the protection of a hiking boot to create amazing trail runners.