Any experienced hiker will tell you that a quality pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes is one of the most important pieces of gear you can bring when going hiking. With several different hiking footwear, you have many choices like deciding between a pair of waterproof hiking boots or lightweight hiking shoes. If you are still unsure of what hiking footwear to wear for your hike, come visit one of our Paddy Pallin stores and speak to one of our experts.

FAQs

Are hiking boots necessary when going hiking?

The footwear you wear when going hiking can make or break your whole experience. Nothing is worse than uncomfortable shoes or footwear that don’t give you confidence on uneven terrain when hiking. While a pair of running shoes might be fine for a short day hike, when heading out on longer trips or hiking in challenging hiking conditions, hiking boots should be worn. Hiking boots are specifically designed for the conditions you face when hiking as they are built with durable materials and also feature an outsole like Vibram which provides excellent traction in varying terrain. Some hiking boots and hiking shoes are constructed with a waterproof material like GORE-TEX, which ensures that your feet stay dry in wet weather or when stepping in puddles on your hike. Hiking boots feature a mid-cut shape, which protects your ankles, offers support and stops debris entering your boot easily when hiking.

Can I wear trail running shoes when hiking?

Yes! Trail running shoes are a great option to wear when hiking. Trail running shoes are lightweight and breathable making them a great option in warm conditions and ultralight adventures. Trail running shoes will also dry much quicker than hiking boots as they use lightweight breathable materials. While trail runners perform well hiking, they often do not provide as much protection, ankle stability or as durable as a pair of hiking boots.

Do you need waterproof hiking boots when hiking?

Your decision to wear waterproof hiking boots should come down to the conditions you will be hiking in and your personal preference. When deciding what hiking boots to wear on the hike it is important to know what sort of conditions you will face when hiking as will determine if waterproof or non-waterproof boots are a better option. If you are hiking in wet, cold or alpine regions it is often a better idea to wear waterproof hiking boots. Some hikers still opt to wear waterproof hiking boots year-round even in dry conditions as most high-quality waterproof boots are breathable keeping your feet comfortable. If you often hike in warm and dry conditions, non-waterproof hiking boots may be a better option as they are more breathable and will dry much quicker if they get wet.

What is the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes?

Hiking shoes and hiking boots are both great options when hiking, but have key differences you should consider when deciding which type is right for you. The key difference between the two is that hiking boots feature a mid-cut or higher while hiking shoe has a low-cut. The mid-cut on a hiking boot is useful as it provides ankle support, protection and helps prevent debris entering your boot when hiking. Hiking boots are often a better option to wear when hiking with heavy pack loads. While in some scenarios like in hot and dry destinations hiking shoes may be a better option for you as they are more breathable and will dry quicker if wet. Hiking shoes are often lighter than hiking boots,  which allows you to be more agile on the trail, ideal for any ultralight adventure or trying to cover bigger distances.

What hiking shoe and hiking boot brands are available at Paddy Pallin?

At Paddy Pallin, we stock a wide range of hiking shoe and hiking boot brands for all your bushwalking adventures. If you are looking for a new pair of hiking boots we stock boots from brands such as Salomon, Arc’teryx, Merrell and The North Face. We also stock leather hiking boots from Scarpa. Additionally, we stock hiking shoes from brands like Salomon, Altra.

Can you wear hiking boots in the snow?

Yes! If your hiking boots are waterproof they can be worn in the snow and will keep your feet dry while providing some insulation. Mid-cut hiking boots will also ensure that snow does not easily enter into your boot when walking. Hiking boots can provide some traction in light snow but bear in mind that in heavy snow conditions, you may require snow shoes or snow boots.

How do you clean hiking boots?

Cleaning and maintaining your hiking boots is important to keep performing on the trail for many years to come. After a hike, you should remove dirt and mud from your boots using a soft brush with a gentle soap. When drying your hiking boots, air dry them naturally and avoid direct heat sources. Reapply waterproof spray to your hiking boots if needed and use leather conditioner if you have leather hiking boots. Finally, store your hiking boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check out a care guide to learn how to care for your hiking boots.