Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes? How to Choose by Load, Terrain and Ankles

Six Models That Show the Boots vs Shoes Range

These six models show the choice in practice: boots on the left of the range, shoes and trail-runner styles on the right. Tap a photo or the button to see the model on Amazon. Each card explains which side of the choice it represents.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes vs Trail Runners

Every outlet draws the line a little differently, so here is what REI, CleverHiker and Gear Patrol each say side by side.

CleverHiker presents its mileage estimates as general observations and cites no test data, and REI says its article rests on expert opinion rather than data.

Which Should You Buy? (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each type

Do Boots Really Protect Your Ankles?

The biggest reason people choose boots is ankle support, so it is worth checking what the sources actually claim.

General advice from us: treat ankle height as one factor, not a guarantee. If you have a history of ankle injuries, ask a clinician or physical therapist. See our hiking boots with ankle support guide for the boots outlets name for stability.

How Much Heavier Are Boots?

Outlets also weigh the same model in different heights. These figures come from the outlets, each of which weighs its own test pair, so treat the gap as a rough guide rather than a measurement.

Our arithmetic from those figures: the mid versions run roughly 4 oz heavier for the X Ultra 5 and about 5 oz heavier for the Anacapa 2 per CleverHiker. CleverHiker says heavier footwear means you expend more energy per step, but it presents that as a general observation and cites no studies, and REI says it cites no fatigue data either.

Models From Each Part of the Range

One model from each part of the range, with what the outlets say about it.

Salomon Quest 5 GTX

Best for: the boot side of the choice: heavy packs and rough ground

Treeline Review lists it at 2 lb 9.3 oz as stable without feeling stiff, and OutdoorGearLab gives it its Best Ankle Support pick. REI says boots suit heavier loads and rugged terrain.

What this means for you: if your trips look like the boot column of the table, this is a reference point.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says the toe box runs narrow.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s model, the Quest Echo, covered in our best hiking boots for women guide.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab calls it overkill for casual hikes and warm.

Skip it if: you stick to day hikes on groomed trails.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

Best for: a light mid-cut that sits between the two camps

Treeline Review lists it at 1 lb 14.4 oz with solid lateral stability for a lightweight boot but less ankle support than heavier boots. CleverHiker lists the mid at 1 lb 15 oz.

What this means for you: a way to get a bit of collar without boot weight.

Fit and sizing: Sources disagree on sizing, so try before you buy.

Watch for: Treeline Review and CleverHiker both note less ankle support than heavier boots.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Best for: a budget boot to compare with the low-cut Moab

Treeline Review lists it at 2 lb 2.9 oz and does not recommend it for heavy loads or long hauls because it offers less rigidity and cushioning. CleverHiker lists it at 2 lb 4 oz and calls it bulky.

What this means for you: the mid version of the same family as the low-cut Moab 3 below.

Watch for: Treeline Review and CleverHiker both note bulk and limited rigidity.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads.

Merrell Moab 3 (Low, Men’s)

Best for: the low-cut side of the same budget family

CleverHiker names it Best Budget Hiking Shoes at 1 lb 9 oz, citing value, comfort and little break-in. Treeline Review names the GORE-TEX low version Best Budget.

What this means for you: a low-cut alternative to the mid boot above.

Men’s and women’s versions: A waterproof version is also sold.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it is heavier and less flexible than trail runners and the standard version is not waterproof.

Skip it if: you want maximum ankle height.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX (Men’s)

Best for: a cushioned waterproof hiking shoe

Treeline Review lists it at 1 lb 14.7 oz and names it Most Comfortable. CleverHiker lists the Mid GTX at 2 lb 4 oz while its shoes guide lists the low at 1 lb 14.6 oz.

What this means for you: a matched-model look at low versus mid, with the caveat that outlets weigh different pairs.

Fit and sizing: Treeline Review says slightly narrow.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s shoes are covered in our best hiking shoes for women guide.

Watch for: Treeline Review lists the price and bulk that takes getting used to.

Skip it if: you want a minimal shoe.

Altra Lone Peak 9 (Men’s)

Best for: the light, trail-runner-style end of the range

CleverHiker lists it at 1 lb 6.4 oz with a roomy toe box and rock plate, while Switchback Travel says its structure wears faster than more rigid shoes.

What this means for you: a reference for the lightest, most flexible choice, which REI says suits faster hikes.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel says roomy and suited to wide feet.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it is less durable and not weather resistant. Switchback Travel notes little arch support.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads.

Our Footwear Evaluation Framework

We score each footwear type on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Support. Ankle and underfoot stability.
2. Weight. How heavy it feels over a day.
3. Weather. Waterproofing and drying.
4. Durability. Estimated lifespan.
5. Break-in and fit. Comfort out of the box.

The scores restate what REI, CleverHiker and Gear Patrol wrote. They are not measurements.

How to Choose Between Boots and Shoes

• Start with load and terrain. REI says longer treks, rugged ground and heavier packs call for boots, while shorter, moderate hikes suit shoes.
• Prioritize fit over category. Gear Patrol stresses that fit matters more than marketing.
• Try more than one type. CleverHiker and Gear Patrol both suggest trying different types to see what works.
• Consider a middle option. Light mid-cut boots and waterproof hiking shoes sit between the extremes. See our best lightweight hiking boots for men guide.
• Check the product guides. See our best hiking shoes for men, best hiking shoes for women and best hiking boots guide for named picks.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Do shoes match boots on waterproofing? Gear Patrol says shoes have the same waterproofing and durability as boots, while CleverHiker says shoes are not as dry in wet conditions as a high-collar boot and estimates lower mileage for shoes.

Does ankle height prevent injury? REI and Gear Patrol credit boots with ankle protection, while Switchback Travel, Treeline Review and SectionHiker say boots do not reliably prevent sprains.

Do heavier shoes tire you out? CleverHiker says they expend more energy per step, while REI says it never claims boots cause more fatigue and only that lighter footwear helps maintain a brisk pace.

Questions About Boots vs Shoes, Answered

“Should beginners buy boots or shoes?”

REI says boots give stability for beginners carrying packs, while Treeline Review names the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Best for Beginners among shoes. It depends on your load and terrain.

“Are hiking shoes as good as boots?”

CleverHiker says shoes balance support, weight, water protection and durability, with less ankle support than boots.

“Are trail runners enough for hiking?”

REI and CleverHiker say they suit fast, light hiking and thru-hiking, but they are the least durable and supportive.

“Do I need waterproof footwear?”

CleverHiker says its team prefers non-waterproof trail runners for big-mile trips, while REI recommends waterproof boots for cold, wet hiking.

“How long do they last?”

CleverHiker estimates about 1,000, 750 and 500 trail miles for boots, shoes and trail runners.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Buying height for safety. Switchback Travel and Treeline Review say a taller boot does not reliably prevent sprains.
• Skipping break-in. REI says boots require break-in time.
• Carrying a heavy pack in light shoes. REI says shoes and trail runners are not built for heavy packs.
• Ignoring fit. Gear Patrol says fit matters more than marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hiking boots better than hiking shoes?

REI says boots suit longer treks, rugged terrain and heavier loads, while shoes suit day hikes.

Do hiking boots prevent ankle sprains?

Switchback Travel and Treeline Review say not reliably.

How long do hiking boots last?

CleverHiker estimates about 1,000 trail miles.

Do hiking shoes need break-in?

REI says flexible models generally need none.

Are trail runners good for hiking?

REI and CleverHiker say they suit fast, light trips.

Are hiking shoes waterproof?

CleverHiker says many are, and good for light rain.

Which is better for beginners?

REI says boots give stability for beginners carrying packs.

Which is lightest?

CleverHiker says trail runners are the lightest.

The Short Version

Choose boots for heavy packs and rugged ground, hiking shoes for day hikes on moderate trails, and trail runners for fast, light miles. Fit and your trip matter more than the category.

Keep Reading

Sources

• REI: How to choose hiking boots
• REI: Hiking boots vs trail runners
• CleverHiker: Hiking boots vs hiking shoes vs trail runners
• Gear Patrol: Hiking shoes vs hiking boots
• SectionHiker: Do hiking boots prevent sprained ankles
• Switchback Travel: Best hiking boots
• Treeline Review: Best hiking boots
• Treeline Review: Best hiking shoes
• CleverHiker: Best hiking boots for men
• CleverHiker: Best hiking shoes for men