Hiking Shoes Versus Hiking Boots - Is it a Question of Safety?

There is a big debate raging in the world of hikinga day of heavy rain (though shoes can also be
between those advocating soft-shell hiking shoeswaterproof especially when worn with gaiters).
versus the traditional, heavier hiking boot. EveryWith boots and gaiters you can cross streams
hiker knows lightweight-hiking allows you to rompand shallow rivers safely knowing that no water
up those steep mountain ascents in good time,will get in.
but should you switch to shoes for your nextIn cold weather, through snow and on ice the
trip?tough-shell of boots and the stiffened sole offer
Let's take a look at both boots and shoesgreater warmth and hiking capability.
considering their main pros and cons againstProtection
several crucial characteristics.Hiking boots have ankle side supports that help to
Weightprotect your ankle against twists and sprains
Hiking shoes are lighter, usually half the weight offrom slips/falls when on the mountain or crossing
tough-shell leather hiking boots. Shoes are maderocky or wet terrain or rivers. When a slip/fall
of soft-shell synthetic materials without ankle sideoccurs it is far less likely that you will twist or
supports. The difference in weight when hikingdamage your ankle versus shoes. Also, the
thousands of steps is significant, even more sotough-shell protects the foot from knocks against
when hiking uphill. You feel like jogging up androcks and the stiffened sole protects the sole of
running down.your foot from jagged rocks.
Comfort Across DistancesMaking the change.
This entirely depends on the terrain. On flat toBecause shoes offer less support than boots you
gentle rolling hills the shoes feel best, howevershould initially only use shoes on easy good terrain
your feet will feel less sore in boots over rockyand build up slowly to greater distances so that
trails and mountains. Boots have reinforced soles,you ensure that your ankles are strong enough to
stiffened with varying thicknesses of metal bars,take the strain especially when they have been
to prevent the impact of rocky terrain overused to boots.
distance. In medium / 3 season boots andSumming Up: Use What and When
heavyweight / 4 season the amount of stiffeningHiking shoes have a place in hiking however in
increases to provide an all-year-round bootgeneral they are more suited for hill walking and
allowing hiking in snow and ice, attaching cramponsfor summer hikes.
and carrying big packs.Hiking boots offer far more advantages over
Weather and Water Resilienceshoes, feel more comfortable and are usually
Only boots with a waterproof membrane such assafer over all terrains.
gore-tex would be sure to keep your feet dry in