Hiking boots are comfortable and sturdy, and they protect your feet when you’re on a hike, but are they good for walking?

The primary differences between hiking and walking shoes are weight and the level of protection. Hiking shoes are designed specifically for rough terrain. Moreover, hiking footwear is made of thick material, and it also has a thicker sole. Despite the added protection, the thicker sole adds weight to your feet, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Some people wear hiking boots over concrete and asphalt surfaces, but they aren’t necessarily designed for walking. Despite the support, hiking boots are bulkier and heavier, thus making it difficult to walk. Furthermore, casual use can wear them out quickly, and they also don’t come cheap.

Hiking shoes have a higher tread at the bottom. The tread helps when climbing over slippery paths and rocky terrains. However, when walking on straight surfaces, you can feel the bulkiness, which makes you uncomfortable. On the flip side, regular walking shoes are made of lighter and breathable material. They also have a different kind of cushioning, which is flexible and better suited for flat surfaces.

As experienced hikers, we’ve worn hiking shoes more than regular ones. While some shoes are definitely wearable, we wouldn’t advise wearing them for too long, especially over different urban surfaces.

Difference between Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes

Most people don’t know the differences between hiking shoes and hiking boots, and therefore, they usually use the terms interchangeably. Unlike hiking shoes, hiking boots have a higher rise. The higher rise provides enhanced protection, but the thicker soles make hiking boots heavier and chunkier.

Hiking shoes tend to be lighter, and they are a good option if you’re looking for something multipurpose that is suitable for walking and hiking. While most people use hiking boots, trail runners secure second spot.

Wearing Hiking Shoes Everyday

Hiking boots and shoes help you move comfortably across a variety of surfaces like tile, concrete, and carpet without making your feet hurt. Here are some pros and cons of wearing hiking shoes.

Pros

• They provide extra traction on grassy surfaces, especially in parks.
• They provide extra support.
• Hiking shoes help you walk on slippery surfaces like tile and marble.

Cons

• They can wear out easily if used regularly on concrete surfaces.
• They aren’t very stylish.
• Can make your feet hurt.
• They keep your feet warm, which is a con during summers.

Wearing Hiking Shoes on Snowy Surfaces

Under specific conditions, hiking shoes can be good for snowy surfaces. For winter trekking, you will need an insulated and waterproof sole. If you keep your hiking footwear in good shape and incorporate some extras, they will help you on snow-covered trails, as well as dry routes.

Normal shoes work just fine in mild snow, but in extreme conditions, they don’t perform too well. On the flipside, hiking shoes provide extra grip. Moreover, you can walk easily on packed snow with your hiking shoes on. These shoes and boots are made of water-resistant materials that keep your feet dry in snowy or rainy conditions.

For snowy weather, you will have to insulate your everyday shoes, or you can simply invest in a high-quality pair of hiking boots. However, are these suitable for walking in enormous heaps of snow? Not quite.

No matter how waterproof your hiking boots are, the normal versions are not designed to resist too much snow. Sure, they can handle a few inches of snow, but it is not a good idea to use them in thick snow. If you plan on playing in snowbanks, you should sport the right footwear.

Here are some pros and cons of wearing hiking shoes in the snow.

Pros:

• They offer better traction than normal boots.
• Insulation keeps your feet safe and dry in mild snow.
• They offer better grip.
• They work perfectly when coupled with microspikes.

Cons

• Not helpful in thicker snow.
• You will still have to invest in microspikes.

Walking on Concrete with Hiking Shoes

Hiking boots are specially designed for uneven terrains. Therefore, walking with them over concrete surfaces isn’t such a good idea. They can be used for trekking purposes, but it is better to avoid using them to walk on concrete.

Normal boots, sneakers, joggers, and sandals are perfect for walking on concrete. First of all, the tread on the soles is designed for rocky surfaces, and it is not required on concrete. Moreover, they are warm and bulky, which will add to your discomfort when walking on concrete.

Pros

• Extra traction and grip.
• They prevent slipping and falling.

Cons

• They are heavy.
• They can make your feet swell.
• They make your feet warm.
• Not durable over concrete and can wear out.
• Hiking shoes can make it difficult to walk on concrete.

Difference Between Running and Hiking Footwear

Here are some fundamental differences between running and hiking shoes.

Durability

Hiking shoes can withstand hikes of almost 1000 miles without any signs of wear and tear. On the flip side, the distance limit for a pair of running shoes isn’t more than 500 miles, even on flat surfaces. Moreover, running shoes cannot withstand the rugged terrain. These shoes can make your feet hurt if used on rocky terrains. Also, running shoes can lead to slipping and falling when used on rough terrains.

Weight

A popular belief among people is that the weight on your feet requires more energy to move than the weight on your back. Therefore, it is important to purchase shoes that reduce your energy usage. Hiking shoes are heavier than running shoes. The durability factor of hiking shoes makes them even heavier.

If weight is an issue, you can opt for leather boots rather than suede boots. However, they must provide the same level of protection. If you prefer lightness, running shoes should be your go-to for walking, jogging, and running.

Protection

Hiking footwear is designed to provide protection on the trail. Furthermore, they have higher ankles compared to other kinds of footwear. The higher ankles protect your feet, support them, and prevent ankle sprains. Moreover, the thick sole prevents sharp objects from penetrating through, keeping your feet safe.

On the flip side, running shoes are designed with weight reduction in mind, which compromises protection. Their soles are thinner, thus making your feet vulnerable to sharp objects on the way. Also, they don’t have higher ankles, which can lead to ankle injuries and sprains.

Waterproofing

Hiking boots are made of non-porous and waterproof materials that keep your feet dry. Therefore, you can put them on and head out for a trek through the forest and into the mountains without worrying about mud, puddles, or the rainy season.

However, running shoes are made from thin and porous materials, which reduces their waterproofing capabilities. The good news is that running shoes are easier to dry in the event that they get wet.

Factors to Consider When Buying Walking Shoes

Flexibility

For smooth mobility, it is better to get flexible shoes. By flexibility, we refer to the space toward the toes. Moreover, the shoes should give you the stability and the support you are looking for.

Comfort

Walking shoes must have curves and cushioning, thus giving the midfoot and the heels a snug fit. Moreover, there should be sufficient space at the forefoot for natural movement.

Toe Box

The area surrounding the toes should be such that your feet should move freely. There shouldn’t be any inhibition at the knuckles, just so you can wiggle and flex your toes. However, too much room in the toe box will cause too much movement and eventually discomfort. Between the longest toe finger and the end of the toe box, the distance should be more than half to full thumb’s breadth.

Insole

This region is in direct contact with the sole of your foot. As a result, it should be able to mold well to the shape of your foot. The purpose of the insole is to minimize the pressure between the shoe and the foot. Moreover, it should be shock absorbent in certain situations.

Midsole

The space between the shoe’s upper and the tread is called the midsole. This is by far the most crucial component to consider when buying footwear of any kind. It should be made of materials that offer comfort, cushioning, and flexibility.

Heel Counter

This part of the footwear holds on to the backside of your heel. This area should be snug but not too tight, or it will cause discomfort. There has to be a robust heel counter to avoid too much pronation of the foot.

Best Hiking Shoes for Walking Around the City

Danner Trail 2650

These are the lightest hiking shoes ever. It seems a little counter-intuitive, but the materials are extremely sturdy for rugged trails. Moreover, this shoe was designed with runners in mind. While providing protection and comfort during a hike, these shoes are just perfect for every outdoor activity.

Oboz Bozeman Low Hiking Shoes

Hikers have always preferred Bozeman boots for their quality and durability. However, the Bozeman brand Oboz has now put out a pair of shoes that is perfect for hiking, as well as everyday use. Moreover, it combines the features of hiking boots and the shape of a running shoe. Also, they don’t have higher ankles, which makes them a lighter alternative, unlike most hiking boots.

ON Cloudrock Hiking Boots

The ON Cloudrock Hiking boots are the talk of the town. Despite their hiking strength, these shoes are lighter and more flexible, despite their higher ankles for extra support. They also provide extra traction, which helps you move around with comfort.

Merrell Men’s Chameleon 8

Merrell has capitalized well on the outdoor-inspired fashion with their Chameleon 8 shoes. They offer a rather crunchy appearance with all of the added comfort. These shoes combine a speed-lacing system with a tongueless design, therefore making them easy to wear and take off.

Teva Men’s Gateway Low Hiking Shoe

The footwear company Teva is well known for its sandals, but it has great adaptability when it comes to design, which is evident in its low hiking shoes. These shoes were designed with trekking in mind, and they perform excellently in tough conditions. However, they are comfortable on the foot, and light at the same time, and therefore, they can be worn in the city as well.

Are hiking shoes good for walking? There is no direct answer to this question. While some people wear them for style, most conventional hiking boots are heavy, and they can wear out on concrete. However, the multipurpose hiking boots from Teva, Bozeman, Merrell, and ON Cloudrock should be preferred if you’re looking for something more multipurpose. These shoes are light, flexible, comfortable within the city, and extremely strong and durable on rough paths.