Back in the day, I was a strict hiking boot hiker. They needed to be big, bulky, and waterproof. But nowadays, I gravitate more towards hiking shoes. I like the fact that hiking shoes are lighter-weight and more breathable.
Which do you prefer: hiking boots or shoes?
Pros and cons of hiking boots
- Pros
- more ankle protection
- better in mud and shallow water
- Cons
- heavy and bulky
- more expensive
Pros and cons of hiking shoes
- Pros
- lightweight
- breathable
- Cons
- not always waterproof
What am I missing? Add to the list!
Here's my take:
I choose lightweight and breathable over heavy and bulky, even in rough terrain. A good set of hiking shoes can handle the same terrain as boots. If I need waterproof or insulated, I'll buy the socks to compensate.
The only caveat is that hiking boots can provide some ankle support. But not as much as one would think.