Hiking Boots Vs. Trail Running Shoes

These days, we’ve seen more and more people opting out of the traditional hiking boot for a more lightweight trail running shoe for long treks. Why are people changing from the tried-and-true boot? Are trail running shoes better than hiking boots? In this blog, we’ll do our best to answer these questions, and help you pick out the best type of footwear for your next trip. So let’s dig in!

Hiking boots have been around for a long time, and with good reason. A good pair of hiking boots is sturdy and dependable out on the trail. We’re going to list the pros and cons of both hiking boots, and trail running shoes to show you why some people prefer one over the other.

As you can see, there are definite upsides and downsides to each option. The Hiking boot provides a sturdy, but heavy long term solution that you can use in almost any terrain. The trail runner provides a light, but less supportive short term solution more suited to less intense terrain. Most people who choose a trail runner over a hiking boot are doing so because of the weight difference. Those few extra pounds of shoe start to add up as the miles go on. Many long-distance backpackers opt for the lighter footwear alternative these days. However, if you’re going out on a trail littered with mud, rocks, roots, and other obstructions, you may want to opt in for the traction and support that a hiking boot can provide.

We hope you’ve been able to learn more about hiking footwear today! Whichever footwear you decide on, we know a Hot Ash Stove will serve you well on your trip. Check out the Hot Ash Stove, and the Hot Ash Mini!