The Great Debate: Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots

It's common to see lightweight hiking shoes described as “nimble, but unstable”, while their heavier counterparts fit the role of “supportive, but clunky”, whereas the truth is a little more muddy than you might expect. Shoes and boots tend to do the exact same thing – they protect your feet – and they will do it well if you buy a high quality pair. The difference often comes down to personal preference.

Hiking Shoes: Light and Nimble

Hiking shoes, in my opinion, are the default all-around winners. Very, very rarely have I been in a position where I curse myself for bringing shoes as opposed to boots. Shoes tend to be lighter, more breathable, and more relaxing to wear. People say that shoes are less supportive than boots, but you'll often find that they are much more supportive than your average footwear, with aggressive treads that cling to the terrain.

You'll find that the big drawback of hiking shoes comes when you have to muscle through unfavorable terrain. Muddy, wet, slippery, or jagged conditions will leave you wanting something a little more purpose-built strapped to your feet.

Hiking Boots: Sturdy and Supportive

Hiking boots, on the other hand, tend to be a bit heavier (though often not as much as you'd think), and offer more in the way of protection. Is that protection always necessary? No. Would you be fine wearing shoes in most circumstances? Yup. However, boots have their time and place.

I've been in situations where the stability and protection of a good boot makes me feel like king of the mountain, with ankles of iron and an unfailing grip on the rocks below…. though I've also been in situations where all I wanted to do was lose my beefy boots in favor of something lighter and more breathable.

Making the Choice: It's All About Context

So, how do you decide? If you're new to hiking, I'd suggest investing in a solid pair of boots, and break out your old tennis shoes on the easier trails for the time being. I'd rather have good boots and not need them, than need them and not have them – and I'm sure you'll find that tennis shoes are often good enough!

Choose What Works, Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots

Ultimately, the choice between hiking shoes and boots isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. It's about finding what works best for your adventure style, comfort level, and the specific conditions you'll encounter out there. Don't be afraid to try out different options or borrow gear from friends to see what suits you best.

As for me, I've come to appreciate both hiking shoes and boots for their unique strengths. Sometimes its a shoe day, sometimes it's a boot day – and sometimes it's time to rock sandals.

At the end of the day, your goal is to have so much fun that you don't even notice what's strapped to your feet. Read another blog article about the best hiking shoes and hiking boots for 2022.

Until next time, happy trails!

Mike Fink

The post Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots: Finding Your Footing appeared first on Hazeadventure.

In some of my BackpackingTV videos, you can see a wall of footwear in my home “office.” I naturally get a lot of questions about what type of hikers work best in different scenarios. Let's walk through (pun intended) some of the basic categories so that you can get a better idea of what's what in the world of hiking shoes. 

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Every footwear wall in every outdoorsy store will feature waterproof hiking boots. I've noticed that beginner hikers instinctively flock towards them. Gore-Tex is the household brand, but a lot of other shoe companies will have their equivalent technology.

Whatever it's called, the goal is to keep your feet from getting wet. This is great if you expect to be hiking in the rain/snow, or traversing a lot of waterways. It is the opposite of what you want in dry climates, or on a hot summer day.

Moisture Out, Moisture In

Waterproof boots (as well as shoes, but boots especially) do a great job of keeping external moisture out. However, they lack breathability and can therefore trap moisture (i.e. sweat) in! Thus a paradox is created in which your feet can get soaked from wearing waterproof footwear.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for my Gore-Tex shoes and boots when the occasion calls for it, but as often as I can, I elect to wear light, breathable, running-shoe-style shoes. I do, after all, live in the desert…

Waterproof Recommendation

If you're looking for a specific recommendation, I like Aku's Selvatica Tactical GTX. They're low cut and super comfortable. If you're hiking during the shoulder season, or aren't sure what to expect in terms of the weather, then this is a great strategy. The Selvatica gives waterproof protection, but the low-cut style also lets some internal moisture escape around the ankle. In fact, when in doubt about what type of footwear to purchase, err on the side of Gore-Tex, since it will give you more options.

You might have a few hikes where your feet are toasty, but that's probably better than being soaked to the bone without warning. However, if you know that rainy days are few and far between (like in my home state of Arizona), then definitely skip the waterproof stuff in favor of breathability. 

Insulated Hiking Boots

In a similar vein, you may have inherited a beefy pair of hiking boots from your mountain-climbing or ice-fishing relative and think that they are good for anything under the outdoor-adventure umbrella. But again, insulated, winter hiking boots are specialized footwear meant to keep your feet warm and protected in cold, harsh environments.

Taking something like this on an average trail in the summertime will be total overkill, and will inevitably result in hot, blister-prone feet. Save something like this for when your passion spills into the “off-season” or if you sign up for a cold-weather/high-altitude expedition. This kind of boot will be expensive, but absolutely essential (and probably mandatory in group-tour settings) for winter treks. 

My recommendation: Superalp Nubuck GTX by AKU 

Hiking Shoes

I've mentioned a few times before that I prefer to hang out in the minimalistic end of the shoe spectrum. If I'm in dry conditions and the terrain isn't excessively rough, I reach for a low-cut hiking shoe that looks like (and in some cases simply is) a trail runner. I find these to be both comfortable and efficient to walk in. They keep my feet blister-free, and I love the extra proprioception (i.e. how they let me feel the environment).

The hesitation for some people with regards to hiking boots vs shoes, is that they will be more likely to roll their ankle without the support of a high-cut boot. Personally, I haven't experienced any uptick in ankle twisting. In fact, I actually find there to be a lower risk of injury in trail runners because they force me to be more aware and focused in my movements. Heavy duty boots allow me to be sloppy, sometimes awkwardly plunking my foot down on an uneven surface, whereas trail runners bring out my nimble rock-hopping skills. 

If you're a thru-hiker, or are looking to get into some big milage days, then you are probably already barking up the trail runner tree. After all, if ultramarathoners can wear these for 100+ mile mountain races, then backpackers can benefit for all the same reasons. Lightweight, breathable, and high-traction shoes go a long way (literally!) for keeping feet happy and healthy. They won't last nearly as long as rough n' tumble hiking boots, but that's a trade off worth exploring. 

Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots is Your Choice

At the end of the day (or the start of the day; or the middle of the day even!) selecting a hiking shoe or hiking boot is a personal decision based on personal experiences. I think there is a psychological benefit to certain footwear that can't be ignored. Pay attention to what you're drawn to, while also being open to trying new things. 

I don't have a specific model recommendation here, just play around with what feels best. There are so many trail running models to pick from, tailoring to different aspects of the sport and changing constantly with new updates. Focus on fit, feel, and intended function. In terms of brands, I've done well with Merrell and Altra. 

What is an Approach Shoe for Hiking?

An approach shoe is a hybrid between a light hiking shoe and a climbing shoe. It has an exceptionally-grippy outsole and a protective edge on the toe-box. This allows for some light to moderate scrambling after covering some decent miles. As the name suggests, an approach shoe is something that outdoor climbers can wear as they hike up to the base of a rock wall.

High-performance climbing shoes wouldn't work for hiking, nor would hiking shoes work for climbing technical routes, and so the approach shoe fills this gap. I actually really enjoy hiking in approach shoes, especially if I know the route will involve some rock-hopping, scrambling, or basic bouldering. 

My recommendations: Adidas Five Ten Climbing and Approach Shoes, Scarpa, and La Sportiva

Water Shoes

Both Ken Whiting of PaddleTV and I have had a lot of success with the TR1 Mesh by Astral. This is just a fun shoe that always serves me well in wet conditions, such as hikes with constant creek crossings, or popping through canyons, such as The Narrows at Zion National Park. The TR1 Mesh is so breathable that the upper is actually see-through in large chunks. This lets the water drain quickly, so that you don't get bogged down.

Waterproof shoes are good up to a point, but there are certain hikes where your feet are just going to constantly get soaked. So embrace it! The other benefit of a water shoe, rather than just a sandal, is that it still provides some added protection. And because water shoes are based on a simple, stripped-down design, the price is also very friendly. The TR1 costs only $130 (USD). 

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out my Astral TR1 Water Shoes Backpacking Review. 

Hiking Sandals

Yes, there is a time, place, and distance for hiking in sandals. I used to exclusively use Chacos, but after they finally died (after like 15 years!) I gave Bedrock Sandals a go. They've been really solid and also way, way, waaay lighter. Not quite as light as a casual sandal, but a nice balance between backcountry umph and packability. They work great around camp and I do actually wear them on hikes, especially when I'm in the desert, but only for 5 miles or less. You just have to be mindful of kicking rocks or roots. Remember to pick up your feet when wearing these!

Caution: Blisters and Hotspots While Hiking Without Socks

Also, in the absence of socks, blisters and hotspots can rear their ugly faces if you overdo it, or haven't yet broken in your new pair. Finally, hiking sandals can work as a backup shoe in the event that you blow out a shoelace or run into other troubles with your main boots/hikers while on a multi-day excursion (perhaps you've seen that scene in the movie Wild where a battered-toe Reese Witherspoon accidentally sends her one boot hurtling down the mountainside). 

That's all I've got for you today. I hope this footwear breakdown helps kickstart (I just can't pass up a good pun) your own fun, safe, and relatively inexpensive hiking adventures. There's no one perfect pair of shoes for all occasions, but if you are able to add a few different kinds to your closet, then you'll be set for all kinds of cool trips. For more gear chat, tip videos, and trail inspirations, come follow along at BackpackingTV. 

Big Thanks to Mystery Ranch

My ultimate backpack buddies at Mystery Ranch are the sponsor of this whole hiking series that I have been putting together on BackpackingTV and Hazeadventure.com. Mystery Ranch not only makes amazing backpacks, but they have been a supporter of my channels for a long time now – helping me to bring all the information I've learned as a guide and adventurer to my fellow backpackers, both new and experienced alike. I've raved about the Bridger series of backpacks many times, but I've also found great day packs and heavy-duty/expedition bags too. To find out more, head over to mysteryranch.com.

Jackets: Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket
Fleece and Layers: Cotopaxi Otero midlayer
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes Depends on Your Needs appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Hiking Boots Pick #1: Salewa Dropline Mid

Blisters are insidious nightmares for many outdoor adventurers. Sometimes the fancy creams and tape jobs just won't cut it. That's why Salewa's Dropline Mid hiking shoe caught my eye. Believe it or not, it's actually advertised as a “blisterless shoe.”

Shoes that won't give you blisters?

Now, this claim does come with a couple caveats. First, Salewa says that it has to be paired with the right sock (i.e. properly fitting, moisture wicking – all that standard goodness), and the removable sockliner needs to be molded to your foot. So assuming those are both checked off the question still remains: do they actually work?

Well, I took these on a long hike, with a ton of weight on my back, through canyon country. This is usually a good recipe for blisters, and I did not develop a single one. 

Breathable and Agile

The strengths of Salewa's Midline Drop (both in terms of blister prevention and general comfort/performance) are that it's breathable, is nearly as agile as a running shoe (and one that extends up your ankle for extra support), it's highly shock-absorbant, has a nice rocker (i.e. curves at the heel and forefoot for enhanced forward momentum), and it has aggressive tread.

The drawbacks are that it's not waterproof (but there is a GORE-TEX version available) and it's pricey ($200 USD). All of this makes it a great choice for fast-packing connoisseurs who expect dry conditions and who really want to avoid blisters. 

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Hiking Boots Pick #2: Scarpa Rush Mid GTX 

While I typically gravitate towards more minimalistic hikers, the one traditional hiking boot that I got a ton of miles out of this season is the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX ($200 USD).

The three main features that made me a happy camper on those burly treks are excellent grip, solid ankle support, and GORE-TEX waterproof protection.

Dust Gathers in the Shoe

Just one note of caution, and my sole critique of this boot: sometimes shoes designed for wet conditions are a drag in dry, dusty conditions. I rocked these through the fine sands of Utah and inadvertently brought half the desert home with me. It got stuck in between the multiple layers of the shoe's upper and I've been trying to shake it out for ages.

Put simply, there are no universally good features. What works in one environment, or for one person, will be different for the next. But other than this slight snag, I've been loving the Scarpa Rush. 

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Hiking Shoes Pick #3: Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX Shoe 

I frequently wear low-cut, lightweight trail runners for my hikes. They are more comfortable and nimble than hiking boots, but still have overlapping benefits.

Personally, I've been fond of the Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX. Its waterproof upper and sturdy tread were exactly what I needed while hiking in the wet conditions of British Columbia, Canada. Plus, because there is less shoe, the price is a bit more accessible ($180 USD) than some full-blown hikers.

The only thing I'd like to see Arc'teryx improve upon in future iterations is how well the upper deflects water. My feet stayed dry, but the shoes themselves would get quite damp on the outside. But nitpicks aside, if you can manage without the extra ankle support, and are craving something more agile, definitely give trail running shoes a go for your next hike.  

BUY AT REI

Hiking Shoes Pick # 4: Astral TR1 Mesh

I've been loving Astral's TR1 Mesh shoes for my wet and wild adventures. They're perfect for canyoneering, hikes with lots of creek/river crossings, or even just swimming in areas where I want to protect my feet. These shoes are grippy underneath, but paper-thin up top (and therefore wicked breathable).

Water freely passes in and out of these shoes, which can be the way to go (rather than a sturdy GTX boot), in areas where you know you're going to get saturated no matter what. The TR1 Mesh water shoes are also only ($130), which is far cheaper than most technical hiking shoes/boots. If you want to learn more, check out my full review here. 

Hiking Boots Pick #5: AKU Selvatica

For those of you who aren't familiar with AKU, they're an Italian brand that doesn't currently have a huge presence in the U.S. I'm so glad I stumbled across them because they make what has become my all-time favorite hiking shoe: the Selvatica GTX (low cut). I've put them through the ringer over the last 2 years, with a ton of hikes across a range of conditions, as well as lots of bumming around during van-camping life, and throughout it all, they've been super comfy and dependable. 

What I love about the Selvatica GTX is that the GORE-TEX/hard-shell upper sheds water beautifully, but they also let my feet breathe. As I've already mentioned, I often get way too hot in heavy-duty, high-cut boots.

Not only is this uncomfortable, but sweaty feet can lead to blisters. The Selvatica strikes a perfect balance. I also love that they come with speed laces. For those of you who aren't familiar, it's just a simple pull and lock system. This is what gives them that causal, slip-on appeal around camp. And unlike some speed laces, these ones have yet to snap on me. Oh, and the traction is clutch! 

Low-Cut Hiking Shoe Discontinued

Now, AKU has unfortunately discontinued the low-cut style that stole my heart, but the Selvatica is still available in a mid or high-cut design. I'll have to give these a whirl in the near future and see if they're still top contenders.

Good-fitting footwear can be a bit of a subjective experience. Everyone's feet are a little different and will naturally prefer different sizes, widths, toe-box depths, materials, etc. One of the best strategies to compare length across different brands is to look at the European (EU) sizing. But even if things objectively match up, keep in mind that some people find their AKU shoes fit about a half size bigger, which means you might want to size down from your existing baseline. 

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A parting tip: Use your shoes for their intended purposes

Speaking of AKU, I used another pair called the Rock DFS while trekking the jungles of Peru. They certainly got the job done (though not anywhere near as good as the Selvatica), but I felt silly when I got home and realized that they are actually an approach shoe (hence the name). This means they should be used on easy to moderate trails, followed by rocky sections and light climbing – not the mucky conditions I was throwing at them. That's my bad and I'll take this into account for relevant outings in the future. 

Hiking Shoe Mention: KEEN NXIS EVO Waterproof Boot

In terms of waterproof footwear, the standout for me this year was the KEEN NXIS EVO. It efficiently shed water whenever I encountered it, so the boots never became damp on the outside (nor heavy because of it). Unfortunately, as can often be the case, this came at the cost of breathability.

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Because I'm often in hotter climates, my feet need some air. So even though I was impressed with the NXIS EVO in some regards (it also had great traction), I continue to find myself opting for something more breathable. It all comes down to trade-offs. 

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Those are my footwear features to kick off your weekend! I think the right shoes can take you just about anywhere. So do a bit of research and try on a bunch of candidates and before you know it, you'll be hitting the trails with a newfound vigor. I hope you all get a chance to log some miles before Monday. Until next time, stay tuned for regular gear reviews and new backpacking/travel adventures by subscribing to the newsletter. 

The post Best Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2022 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Astral TR1 Mesh hiking shoes comfortable?

I've had these shoes for about a month now, and so I've been able to log plenty of miles across a variety of terrains. The first two characteristics of the TR1 Mesh shoes to jump out at me have been their comfort and breathability (of which the latter naturally plays into the former). The mesh upper is paper thin. In fact, you can practically see through it. That's much appreciated for keeping my feet cool, dry, and free of stank.

Hot feet

I don't know about you guys, but when my feet get too hot, I develop blisters. So the breathability in this shoe, combined with the generous toe-box, do wonders to mitigate that. A wide toe-box allows your toes to splay (spread apart) on impact. This becomes even more necessary when carrying a heavy load. If the shoe is too narrow, that friction can cause problems over the course of the day. 

Breathability vs durability

Note that the excellent breathability can present some durability issues when it comes to sharp rocks and snag-hungry roots. So just be aware of your expected terrain before your purchase, and walk consciously when things get rough (which is good practice anyways).  

Astral TR1 Shoe Comfort

In terms of raw comfort, I like these shoes because of their lack of structure. If you're a heavy overpronator, or someone with some ankle issues, then you might want something more supportive. But for me, I actually prefer day-hiking, and even full-on backpacking, in a minimal shoe. 

Are Astral TR1 Mesh shoes minimal?

Yes, and by design. For those of you who aren't familiar, minimalist shoes are an intentional category of footwear. In general, they are lightweight (10.6 ounces for a Men's size 9), unstructured, and have a near-zero-drop (21mm heel vs 20mm forefoot) midsole or “stack height.” This last feature means that, unlike traditional running and hiking shoes, the TR1 doesn't have extra cushioning in the heel.

This will best serve hikers with strong feet/ankles who want something with agility and proprioception (i.e. the ability to feel the ground with your feet). I particularly like these shoes for rock-hopping. 

Minimalist shoes generally exclude people who want a lot of cushioning (particularly heel-strikers), and those who need enhanced arch and ankle support. One of the benefits of a minimal shoe with a wide toe-box is that it lets the foot splay out, creating a wider, and naturally stable base. 

Do Astral shoes have good traction for hiking?

The G15 rubber that Astral makes is super solid. I love the tacky grip that it offers. It kind of makes me feel like I'm hiking in climbing shoes (only these are way more comfortable). The day I shot my video review, there was some lingering ice and snow on the trail. While the grippy outsole wouldn't replace micro-spikes in predominantly icy conditions, the modest amounts that I encountered presented no issues. 

Are TR1 Mesh shoes waterproof? 

Absolutely not. As I mentioned before, this shoe is highly breathable, which is the trade-off when it comes to waterproofing. However, just as easily as the water flows into this shoe, it also flows right back out. Waterproof shoes are really only designed for puddles and rain. If you're hiking through wet canyons, or on a trail with a lot of river-crossings where you're totally submerging your feet, then you want something that will get soaked, but dry quickly. You can always change your socks, but you can't do much for a saturated boot, other than let it air-out all night. 

Do Astral shoes run big or small?

When it comes to athletic shoes, I'm typically either a 10.5 or 11 (US). For my Astral TR1 Mesh shoes, I went with the 11, which is perfect. So I would say they err on the side of slightly large, but the sizing is still accurate. Also, when I go to shop for them online, the fit-guide says to order your usual size.

Remember to take stock of your foot's width as well as length. The TR1 Mesh has a wide toe-box, which is perfect for people with wider feet, or for anyone who likes that barefoot feel. If your foot is on the narrower side, then you may want to do some further investigation, or try to find a retailer where you can get properly fit. 

Is the TR1 Mesh hiking shoes worth it? 

At the time of this review, Astral had the TR1 listed on their website at $125 (USD). I'm pleased with that price-point because it accurately reflects that there's a lot less material and tech than in a $200 robust hiking boot. I would expect that this shoe would be closer to $100 than $200, and so $125 is perfect. Since I've had such good experiences in these shoes, particularly in my Arizona desert conditions, I think they are a great value, and I would recommend them to the right people. 

Who is the TR1 Mesh shoe for? 

This shoe is designed for day-hikers who want something slick and speedy or for experienced backpackers who have strong feet/ankles. In both cases, the Astral TR1 Mesh shoes offer excellent breathability to those who struggle with hot spots and sweaty feet. Anyone who doesn't mind (or even likes) getting wet will appreciate the quick-drying nature of this model. More specifically, anyone who has had a positive experience with Altra shoes will likely also appreciate the design and performance of Astral's line. 

Are Astral shoes Vegan?

Yes! As a last highlight for Astral in general, their footwear is vegan. Here's what they have to say about it:

We choose not to use animal by-products because we are committed to building shoes that have the lowest impact on the environment and all of its beautiful inhabitants.

I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information on Astral shoes, check out their website. And make sure to check out all my gear reviews and other adventures on BackpackingTV.

See you out there!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Eric Hanson makes a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!

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