Can running shoes be used for trekking? Are there shoes for hiking and running?

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Written By Samarjit Sinha

Working out for 10 years | Has a home gym | CPD (UK) Certificate holder in Fitness

Can Running Shoes Be Used for Trekking or Can You Use the Same Shoes for Trail Running and Hiking?

There is a big difference between running shoes and trekking boots. Running shoes are not as supportive as boots when the ground is uneven or rocky, which can cause ankle injuries. Hiking requires more support than running does, but a trail running shoe is better for hiking than plain street shoes because they have a rugged outsole that provides more traction.

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How Are Hiking Boots Designed?

Hiking boots are designed to provide you with the support and stability you need when hiking. They have deep treads which grip the ground, providing stability even on difficult terrain. Additionally, they are properly equipped to handle different elements, such as rain, snow, and mud.

Can running shoes be used for trekking

How Are Running Shoes Designed?

Running shoes are designed to be light, breathable, and have a soft sole so that the runner feels as if they are running barefoot. They also have tread patterns on the bottom of the shoe that follow the direction of the foot in order to provide better traction and support.

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Can running shoes be used for trekking

Shoes for trail running and hiking?

Well, many would prefer the soft and lightweight trail running shoe for hiking. But hiking shoes are more rugged and can withstand more abuse. These hiking shoes are most suitable for the extreme weather and abrasive terrain.

Hike in Trail Running Shoes?

While trail running shoes are not suitable for extreme terrains but these lightweight, flexible shoes are often the best choice for the casual hiker. These shoes have good life expectancy and often more comfortable due to mesh and clothing used in the shoe.

Trail runners tend to be made from lightweight fabric which reduces their lifespan significantly.

While running shoes can be used for hiking, they are not as durable as hiking shoes and don’t offer the same level of support. Hiking shoes are designed to withstand rugged terrain and heavy loads, while running shoes are not as durable.

What Is the Difference Between a Hiking Shoe and a Running Shoe?

There are several key differences between hiking shoes and running shoes. The first is that hiking shoes are designed to provide more stability on uneven terrain, while running shoes are designed for use on flat, even surfaces.

Hiking shoes also have a thicker tread pattern that allows them to grip the ground better when wet, while trail runners are built to stand up to hazards such as rocks and branches.

Finally, street-style shoes should be used on flat, even pavement, while hiking or trail runners can be used for more rugged terrain.

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Road Running Shoes vs Trail Running Shoes

Weight matters the most

When looking for new shoes to take on your next hike or trail run, you should consider the weight of the footwear. Trail running shoes are likely to be lighter than hiking footwear, so if you’re looking to save some extra weight, they might be a better option for you.

Seasonal changes

There are a few things to consider when selecting shoes for hiking during different seasons.

In the summer, it is important to have shoes that will keep your feet dry as you will be encountering a lot of water and in the winter, it is important to have boots that can handle snow and ice.

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While some running shoes may have a Gore-Tex waterproof lining, not all of them do, so it is important to check before purchasing.

Additionally, hiking shoes and boots are made from more robust materials which make them more likely to keep your feet dry than other types of shoes.

Most Protection for your feet

Hiking Footwear is designed to be more protective than regular shoes. Hiking shoe styles are typically more robust, with a larger coverage of the foot and ankle, in order to protect hikers from hazards such as vegetation, stones, roots etc.

Cushioning and support

Trail running shoes are a popular choice for runners because they are lighter and easier to wear than traditional running shoes. However, they do not provide as much support as other types of shoes, so they are not ideal for people who need extra stability while running.

The upper part of the shoe is designed to be lightweight and flexible, which means that it does not offer a lot of support.

Style and Comfort levels

When it comes to hiking, there are a variety of things you need to take into account in order to make sure you have the right gear for the trip. One of those factors is your comfort level. You may be more comfortable in hiking shoes than walking shoes or boots, depending on where you will be hiking and for how long.

Mesh Design like walking shoe

There are a few reasons that mesh is used in road running shoes.

The first reason is that mesh is a very breathable material, which means that it allows your feet to breathe and stay cool even when you are working up a sweat. Additionally, mesh dries quickly, which is perfect for runners who don’t want their shoes to feel heavy or constricting as they run.

Finally, the wide mesh design of road running shoes makes them perfect for hiking or other activities where you need good ventilation and breathability.

Trail runners have a nylon anti-debris mesh upper. This helps protect their shoes from getting caught on things like twigs and rocks on the trail, and also keeps mud and dirt from building up inside the shoe.

Grip of shoe soles

Road runners are designed to be lightweight and fast, which comes at the cost of grip. They have a narrower sole, making them more slippery. This is especially true when the tread gets worn down, as it becomes even smoother and provides less traction.

Toe Protection

Shoes generally do not have toe protection, which can lead to stubbed toes. Toe bumpers are a cheap and easy way to prevent this from happening. Trail running shoes often have toe bumpers built in, but any shoe can be fitted with them.

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How To Choose A Trail Running Shoe For Hiking

Traction/Grip

If you are going to get a trail running shoe then get those shoes with rubber grips. These will good for hiking due to their superior traction. So if you are out for a trail running shoe, get something with rubber grip.

Fit

Shoe fit is very important when it comes to hiking. All trail running shoe and hiking boots both will have great fit if you buy the right size.

Cushion

Trail running shoes generally will have more soft cushion that hiking boots. The reason for this is, trail running shoes are designed to absorb more impact. Whereas hiking boots are designed to last longer and built like a tank.

Ankle Support

For tough treks you will need good ankle support. Hiking boots will offer you higher and more sensible ankle support than any trail running shoes.

Weight

Trail running shoes are lighter due to the fact they are mostly used for running. HIking boots on the other hands are more tougher, comes with rugged sole thus these are heavier. You should test the shoe to feel the weight. To know if you can handle it.

Climate, Weather, and Terrain

Depending on the climate, present weather and the land you should pick your shoes. The shoe which worked greta for paved road may not work so well when put to the test on a rugged terrain.

For challenging trekking routes, it is advisable to get hiking boots.

Cost

Premium trail shoes and hiking boots both are costly. But in India often the near by cities of trekking routes will provide you local made shoes. Often these shoes are durable and built for the trek. 

Trail running shoes or hiking boots

If you are going on a serious trek, then you should get hiking boots as per the terrain. For example chandratal lake trek would probably require something waterproof. And you should pick hiking boots as per the weather and terrain.

Trail running shoes are soft, breathable and durable shoes that are useful for running outdoors. But they are not as durable as hiking boots.

Thus, you should pick trail running shoes for trekking if the route and terrain are easier.

Or use the trail running shoes for running only.

So if you are wondering if can you hike with running shoes? Then the answer is on the easy treks it is okay. But for more tough trekking routes you should rely on hiking boots only.

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Trail running shoes or hiking boots

If you are are going on a serious trek, then you should get hiking boots as per the terrain. For example chandratal lake trek would probably require something waterproof. And you should pick hiking boots as per the weather and terrain.

Trail running shoes are soft, breathable and durable shoes that are useful for running outdoors. But they are not as durable as hiking boots.

Thus, you should pick trail running shoes for trekking if the route and terrain are easier.

Or use the trail running shoes for running only.

So if you are wondering if can you hike with running shoes? Then the answer is on the easy treks it is okay. But for more tough trekking routes you should rely on hiking boots only.

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About The Skinny Author

Author HomeGymindia.in

Working Out for 10 years | Owns a home gym |Certificate course done on Improving Aerobic Fitness, Diet | CPD (UK) Accredited Certification on Fitness

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