Are Walking Shoes Good for Hiking?
Walking shoes are not useful for hiking, but good for walking on smooth and flat ground, because the grip, ankle support, and stability needed for walking on trails are not present in the design of walking shoes. Therefore, walking shoes are not suitable for hiking; hiking shoes should be worn for hiking. Choosing the right footwear is important even before planning a hike. Hikers wonder if hiking shoes can be useful for hiking because of their lightweight construction and versatile design. This article will discuss hiking boots, their use, and the pros and cons to consider, and compare them to traditional hiking shoes or trail shoes.
Are Walking Shoes Good for Hiking? Understanding Their Purpose
Walking shoes are designed for comfort and support during long walks, especially on flat or gently inclined surfaces like sidewalks, treadmills, or urban trails. They are lighter than hiking boots and provide flexibility, making them an excellent choice for casual, everyday walking. However, their design focuses primarily on forward motion rather than uneven or rugged terrain.
Some of the key characteristics of walking shoes include:
- Lightweight construction.
- Moderate cushioning for shock absorption.
- Minimal tread patterns for smoother surfaces.
- Breathable upper materials.
These features are typical of walking shoes intended for urban walking or park trails, and may only partially support some of the demands of hiking.
What Makes it Different?
Hiking shoes are made for different places and conditions, such as walking on rough, uneven, and difficult terrains. From steep climbs to muddy descents as well, but all in all, hiking boots are primarily designed to provide stability, grip, and foot protection.
Hiking shoes have certain characteristics:
- Durable outsoles
- Ankle support
- Water resistance
- Strong material
- Better cushioning
A few essentials before hiking in walking shoes
If you’re a keen hiker, follow these tips to ensure safety and comfort in your footwear.
1. Different trail conditions
If hiking on a paved trail, such as a gravel trail or rocky mountain path, be aware that hiking boots are generally only suitable for flat terrain.
2. Distance and duration
It is said that walking shoes are best for walking for a few hours or 5 miles.
3. Weather
The use of walking shoes on rainy or very wet terrain is wrong, so water shoes are best in rain and wet weather.
4. Hiking experience
A person with more hiking experience in walking shoes can use them on the trails as well, but a new person may have difficulties on the trails.
5. Baggage / Baggage Weight
If you have a bag or luggage too, then walking in walking shoes damages the shoes because in this condition the shoes are not balanced, so put the luggage and go out wearing a small and light bag.
Alternatives to walking shoes for hiking
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s lighter than a hiking shoe but better than a walkable shoe, check these out.
1. Trail Running Shoes
- Our Mayonnaises are perfect with grippy soles designed for uneven terrain.
- A masterpiece of comfort and stability.
2. Lightweight Hiking Boots
- Combine the flexibility of a walking shoe with the stability of a hiking shoe if you like.
- Not only hiking during the day but also moderate at night.
3. Approach Shoes
- Look for superior grip and protection for the feet as well.
- A great choice for climbing or walking around you can see here.
Tips for Hiking in Walking Shoes
If you plan to hike in hiking boots, keep these tips in mind to maximize your experience
- Check the condition of the shoes.
Also, make sure they have adequate tread and cushioning to handle the trail.
- Wear the right durable socks.
Use such socks to prevent foot blisters and pain caused by Jonni.
- Pack light/weight
Reduce the stress on your feet and legs and keep your backpack weight down.
- Walk on easy trails
Avoid difficult paths especially those with steep inclines, loose rocks, sharp rocks, and muddy patches
- Check weather conditions.
Use walking shoes only in dry weather.
What Experts say
The opinion of these experts suggests that it is important to have shoes for hiking that are more durable and provide more ankle support.
Dr. Michele Dierkes Says
Dr. Michele Dierkes (cited in Cleveland Clinic) says: You need extra durability as well as ankle support for walking on trails and hard surfaces.
Source: Cleveland Clinic.org
According to Lexington podiatry
A podiatrist’s opinion is that “I always recommend wearing high-top hiking shoes for hiking to give your ankles extra stability and prevent ankle sprains while walking on uneven terrain”.
Source: lexingtonkypodiatry.com
Real Users Reviews
The purpose of mentioning these user reviews is just to let you know that people search for hiking shoes and see which shoes are best for hiking.
Review from Zappos
A verified user gave a review on Zappos “I bought these shoes for the first time, they are very comfortable, they are considered for hiking”.
Source: Zappos.com
Review from Walmart
Another verified user reviewed on Walmart.com, “These are the best shoes for walking and hiking, they are very soft and light, the rubber soles feel comfortable in the breeze.”
Source: Walmart.com
Conclusion
Walking shoes are short items that are easy to walk in, but are not suitable for more difficult trails like hiking, etc. Their lightness and breathability also offer some advantages, but their lack of traction, stability, and support makes them unsuitable for rugged or long-distance hiking. For serious hiking, purpose-built hiking shoes protect the investment and comfort the feet
FAQs
Q1. Are walking shoes good for hikes?
No, walking shoes are not suitable for hiking because walking shoes are designed for flat ground and easy small trails. Walking shoes are not suitable for large trails, forests, deserts, and rough ground, etc. because walking shoes are not very durable and do not provide the extra support to the ankles that hiking shoes require. That is why walking shoes are not suitable for hiking.
Q2. Is a hiking shoe the same as a walking shoe?
No, walking shoes are not the same as hiking shoes. Walking shoes are designed for walking on light, soft ground and small trails, while hiking shoes are designed for walking on large trails, forests, deserts and other uneven terrain. Hiking shoes are designed with high-quality materials, a strong outsole, strong support, and high cushioning, while walking shoes lack all of these things because they are designed for low-impact activities.
Q3. What is the best footwear to use when hiking?
The best footwear for hiking are hiking shoes and hiking boots, which will give you the best grip, strong ankle support, and the best protection in forests, rocks, mud, trails, and uneven terrain. Low-cut hiking shoes also provide good support if you are traveling light, but for longer trips, it is necessary to have the best hiking shoes or boots.
Q4. Can we use boots for multi-day hiking?
The answer is no. Walking shoes should be used for limited time and distance as detailed in the blog above.
Q5. Are hiking boots worth wearing on easy trails?
Hiking boots are not only good but also an excellent option for hiking on easy trails, and especially those trails that are flat, have little to no obstacles, and are dry. Hiking boots are made of lightweight, flexible, and breathable materials that provide comfort to the feet. However, some models may lack ankle support and rugged outsoles that can play an important role in technical terrain. So the bottom line is that if you are planning a short walk in the forest, a simple trail in the park, or a hike in the city, hiking boots are your servants. However, if the terrain is too uneven or slippery, then it can become a problem.
Q6. What is the difference between walking shoes and hiking shoes?
Shoes are designed for each activity, and since walking shoes and hiking shoes are two different activities, the design of their features is also different. Walking shoes have a less aggressive style, are made for light weight, have shock absorption, prefer flexibility for flat and paved surfaces, and provide comfort to the ankle, while hiking shoes are made for uneven terrain. These shoes prioritize foot protection, are often waterproof, and provide better stability to the ankle. If someone is dealing with a place where there are rocky, muddy, and uneven places, hiking shoes are best for them.
Q7. Can hiking shoes be used for daily walking?
Yes, hiking shoes can be used for daily walking, especially if your walking is on uneven, rocky and rough surfaces, providing support, grip and stability to the ankles, however, ordinary urban walking can be boring because they are a bit heavy, walking shoes are better for walking on paved roads, paths or sidewalks because they are more lightweight and flexible.
In summary, hiking shoes are best if your walking involves hard terrain or trails, but walking shoes are best if you walk on soft and clear paths.