Should You Hike in Boots or Trail Runners? (2026)

When I started hiking, big leather boots were the only real option. They were burly, stiff, and difficult to break in, but one pair would last you decades. Technology has mercifully caught up, however. If you head to the trails today, most hikers and backpackers are opting for more lightweight, low-cut options. While an influx of new shoes from brands like Hoka, Merrell, Danner, and Salomon has transformed the footwear industry, that doesn’t mean the hiking boot has had its day. It just depends on what you’re looking to do and when you’re doing it.

Which shoes should you pick to go out for the day? I tested countless pairs of great hiking boots, trail runners, and hiking shoes across a variety of terrain, from forest trails and coastal paths to high alpine terrain. To get a better understanding of the differences between the many options available—and which is right for you—I grilled Ingrid Johnson, a leading footwear product specialist at REI. (For what it's worth, Johnson's personal recommendation is the Salomon XA Pro).

Here’s When You Need Boots

If you're carrying a heavy pack over rough terrain, or if it's wet or snowy, you need hiking boots. They tend to be higher at the ankle, with stiff midsoles and protective toe caps, and they are generally made from very durable materials like leather and tough synthetic fabrics like Cordura. Hiking boots prioritize stability, protection, and durability.

Boots generally have thick, deep lugs, tougher soles, stronger toe guards, and sturdier ankle support. They protect you from rock impact, uneven ground, moisture, and often colder conditions. The high-cut designs also offer more ankle support, something I found reassuring when coming back from a recent injury.

But don’t think that hiking boot brands are stuck in the dark ages. Borrowing lightweight features and materials from trail running, brands are able to offer technical boots with cushioning, grip, and stability. They’re still heavy, but featherweight compared to a traditional leather boot. Hoka’s Kaha 3 GTX ($240) is one of the best boots available, blending soft nubuck leather, Vibram Megagrip sole, and bags of cushioning. Here are a few other picks:

Perennially popular for good reason, these Salomons boast superb levels of comfort and support without the bulk typically associated with traditional walking boots. They feel like ski boots, but that’s not a criticism; the height and support is most welcome when walking all day carrying a full pack.

The suede leather and rubberized toe cap make them impressively robust, they’re easy to clean, and the Gore-Tex liner offers complete waterproofing. The outsole is deep, aggressive, and impervious to unexpected slips, and top marks go to the metal lacing system, especially the middle eyelet that grips the laces securely. They’re not as forgiving underfoot as many of the newer running-shoe-inspired designs, but there’s plenty of shock absorption in the ball and heel.

You pay handsomely for the privilege, but the Kopec is a hugely versatile, waterproof boot for all seasons. Made from 100 percent nylon Cordura, the upper is very durable and gives the boot quite a stiff, secure feel, despite weighing just 11.9 ounces for a size 8.

Designed for day hikes over varied terrain, they impressed me with a great mix of stability and cushioning. If you're not a fan of the pillowy feel of trail running shoes, these hit the sweet spot. They have out-of-the-box comfort, which is rare with a stiffer boot, and they feel really secure when scrambling and walking. The security in the heel and ankle is matched by a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole with mud-loving 4-millimeter lugs. I'm a big fan of this rubber compound, and here the lugs have been arranged to give the most grip for the least weight.

After months of regular wear—on and off the trails—they still look remarkably fresh, and I appreciate being able to simply hose them down to wash away the mud. Yes they're expensive for day hikers, but the materials used do offer a genuine crossover between old and new designs, without compromising on style or performance.

High-profile launches and relentless marketing campaigns have put this once-niche Swiss brand on everyone's radar. It has footwear for every occasion, including these waterproof hiking shoes. The Cloudrocks are surprisingly unlike a pair of regular On Running shoes. The super-soft midsole I’ve enjoyed in the brand’s running shoes is surprisingly stiff. They feel much more like a traditional hiking boot.

They’re stable, the Missiongrip rubber outsole and lugs are deep and offer excellent grip, and although they have no ankle roll support, I still felt secure in them over uneven ground. In fact, I’d happily carry a pack for extended periods in them. It’s not an especially fast shoe, prioritizing control over propulsive power, but I think a lot of people will really enjoy them, both on and off trail. There’s also a high-top version. If you want a similar, but cheaper design, the $120 Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX is worth a look.

Serious alpine terrain demands respect, and if you’re going to be encountering snow, ice, rocks, and steep climbs, you need a mountaineering boot. Weighing 1 pound, 5.8 ounces per boot (9.5), the Kento Tour, from Swiss pioneers Mammut, offers a surprisingly agile mix of stiff-soled support, grip, and protection. Given the height and stiffness, it’s a remarkably comfortable boot, and despite the big 11-millimeter drop, it's easy to stick to your natural stride.

This is about as far from a trail running shoe as you can get—it’s crampon-compatible, for one thing—but it does have out-of-the box comfort, and just enough flex to stop it feeling like a ski boot. Gore-Tex takes care of the waterproofing, and the velour leather upper and approach-shoe-style lacing system means you can really dial in the fit.

I tested these on a snow-covered glacier in freezing conditions, and I was impressed by the warmth they provide. The Vibram Hexa Tech sole made me feel more mountain goat than amateur mountaineer. I’ve also used these boots on scrambling rocky ascents, and they just instill confidence in every step.

Here’s When You Need Trail Runners

If you're on a day hike, carrying a day pack, and moving quickly, you'll likely to be much happier in trail runners. Trail running shoes are much lighter, more flexible, and built for speed or covering long distances fast. They have more breathable uppers and softer, more cushioned midsoles.

Most trail running brands offer a choice of waterproof (typically Gore-Tex) or breathable models. Breathable options are ideal for dry weather, and if you’re running distances, as they drain quickly if you have to get wet. Waterproof options are great for splashing through puddles, but they do trap heat, which is great in the winter but sweaty in the summer.

It’s worth noting that not all trail running shoes are good for hiking. Just as carbon plates are wasted on daily trainers, other features are a waste when you will be mostly walking instead of running. I love the lightweight feel, grip, and cushioning of the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed ($160), but the rocker design only really works when you’re running, not walking.

I’m not going to run a hundred-mile race or chase UMTB podiums, so on paper the race-focused, ultra-endurance Hoka Mafate X are not for me. And I do not care. They are impossibly comfortable and the enormous 49-millimeter heel dual-density foam cushioning (with an 8-millimeter drop) make them nimble and fun to wear almost anywhere. The sole is made from the ever-reliable Vibram Megagrip, and the