Why the Best Hiking Boot Is Actually a Sneaker

JEFF HESTER, 61 years old, hikes more than most people his age. Based in Bend, Ore., the founder of the Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge recently wrapped up a 195-mile trek in England. But unlike in the 1970s, when he sported clunky hiking boots with thick rubber soles and impenetrable leather uppers, Hester undertook the route in Altra Lone Peak 7s, a sleek pair of trail-running shoes.

“They say a pound on your feet is worth three on your back,” Hester said. “And these are way more comfortable and lighter.”

Many trekkers are following Hester’s lead with their footwear, leaving their more conventional hiking boots at home in favor of featherweight running sneakers. Outdoor retailer REI Co-op said sales of trail-running shoes have increased by 11% over the past five years.

The reasons are obvious. Shoes designed for running faster offer lightweight comfort, flexibility and agility. Yet, thanks to beefy lugs—the raised rubber chunks on the soles—trail-running sneakers still deliver great traction.

Your friendly neighborhood foot doctor, however, might not suggest you immediately toss out your hiking boots. That trail runners are lighter also means they’re less durable and supportive.

Dr. William Spielfogel, a podiatrist in New York City and medical adviser to the Good Feet Store, has seen sprains and fractures in patients who don’t wear more traditionally appropriate hiking footwear. “If anatomically you have weak ankles, flat feet or a history of injuries, it would be better to add some arch support,” he said.

But he notes that trail-running shoes can capably handle a light or moderate hike over mild terrain—it’s rougher environments that call for thicker soles and supportive midsoles.

Bob Doucette, 53, loves the weight savings of trail-running shoes but thinks they fail on three types of terrain: snow, loose rock and wet trails. “It’s case by case for me,” said the corporate communications specialist from Tulsa, Okla. He opts for trail runners on local trails. “But if I’m going up a rubble-filled gully, I’m going with boots.”

Even representatives of the shoe brands agree. “If there is a lot of overgrowth, sharp rocks, or no trail, then hiking footwear can protect the feet better and withstand the abuse of the terrain with less risk of damage to the footwear,” said Travis Hildebrand, road running merchandising manager for Salomon, an outdoor brand that makes both trail runners and boots.

Doucette suggests looking at it like car tires. Good road tires are smoother and quieter than burlier all-terrain tires, but they aren’t meant to go everywhere. “They’d get cut to pieces on a 4WD road,” he said.

Take a (Lighter) Hike

Hit the dirt, more fleetly, in trail-running shoes. Which pair is right for you?

The Cult Classic

Altra first launched its Lone Peak series in 2011, ushering in an era of shoes with capacious toe boxes. Since then, the Lone Peaks have become a shoe of choice for thru-hikers thanks to the burly grip and wider fit that accommodates swollen feet. Altra added more lugs on the instep of the latest model, the Lone Peak 7 ($150), so it grips even better on wet and slick terrain.

The Technical Performer

With soles that are stickier than glue, the Salomon Speedcross 6 ($140) is an agile trail shoe with unparalleled traction. Salomon uses its own rubber on the outsole that sheds mud while gripping slick terrain like snow or wet rocks. The midsole is 32 mm thick beneath the heel, which is more than average—plenty to protect your feet from sharp objects. 

The Crowd Pleaser

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 ($155) brings max-cushioned footwear onto the trails with 33 mm of cushioning beneath the heel and a whopping 29 mm beneath the forefoot. This makes Speedgoats a great choice for steep descents to protect your joints. The sole curves upwards on both ends like a smile, so it lightly propels you forward. 

The Workhorse

La Sportiva’s sneakers are designed for more rugged environments. The Akasha II shoes ($175) have a breathable mesh upper that allows sweat to evaporate, but they aren’t flimsy. A beefy synthetic top layer adds a touch of lateral support along with tons of durability for hikers tromping through bramble and brush. Try them on in person if you can; they usually run small.

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