The ONE Tip You Need to Choose Between Hiking Boots, Shoes, and Trail Runners

2-Minute Outdoor Adventures
2-Minute Outdoor Adventures
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Published 2024-07-16
When it comes to deciding between hiking boots vs hiking shoes vs trail runners, there’s really only one thing to know. Buy the shoe that fits!

PSA I’m not a doctor, so if you have medical issues, always check with your care providers for advice on footwear.

This advice is only meant to guide if you want to know the finer differences between these pieces of footwear.

If you’re JUST getting into hiking, then the best place you can spend your money is on your feet. Bad footwear = a bad time.

Choose what fits you best given the conditions you’re primarily hiking in. So if you live near mountains but winter doesn’t interest you, a hiking shoe will serve you best. But if you live in the SouthWest, start with a trail runner or breathable hiking shoe (likely not waterproof).

But I’ll level with you. If you REALLY get into this hobby, you’ll eventually end up with all 3 types of shoes. I’ve got it all over the years from hard-shank mountaineering boots to uber-lightweight trail runners.

Again, it all comes back into investing in your feet. But it takes TIME to build up everything you need and your needs WILL change when it comes to what hiking footwear to use.

My last big piece of advice - RUN FAST from ANY influencer or content creator convincing you to buy a specific shoe or boot.

Frankly, your feet are as unique as your fingerprints. Someone else’s sales pitch on specific footwear is absolutely trash and they are trying to make a sale from you, not recommend a product you’ll actually like.

Red flags all around.

Same goes for big-name publications, media outlets, and blogs reviewing footwear. 95% of these reviews are totally worthless. The only thing you should consider when reading these reviews are the aspects of durability or features such as breathability and waterproofing. The rest is garbage with a capital G.

FOOTWEAR IS PERSONAL!

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#hiking #hikinggear #hikinglife #hikingtips #hikingfootwear #hikingboots #hikingshoes #trailrunner #backpackinggear #backpackingtips #backpacking

✨Time stamps:
00:00 - intro
00:10 - when to use each shoe
00:30 - Choosing a shoe based on where you hike
00:54 - What activities do you enjoy the most?
01:35 - What to consider medically
02:16 - pros and cons of hiking boots
02:40 - pros and cons of hiking shoes
03:23 - pros and cons of trail runners
04:17 - improving the lifespan of your trail runners
04:24 - The biggest thing to consider when choosing hiking footwear
All Comments (6)
  • @trailvoyant
    Helpful breakdown of an overwhelming topic. Well done!
  • @stevemelcher7933
    Thank you! All I hear is about how I “need to wear trail runners” like that is the only option. I have known weak ankles and roll them on a flat sidewalk but I always catch flak for wearing my boots. Some companies make some very lightweight waterproof boots that offer great support and really cradle the foot. Get what fits your hiking style and personal comfort level. Great video!
  • @tomepp7760
    Nice video, my only gripe here is the idea that a trail runner will last you "3 seasons". If you do any amount of hiking you should replace them yearly. The cushioning on them long expires before the grips wear down.