Should You Hike in Boots or Trail Runners?

when i started Hiking, big leather boots were the only real option. They were thick, tough and hard to break, but a pair would last you decades. But technology has mercifully caught up. If you’re hitting the trails today, most hikers and backpackers are opting for lighter, lower-cut options. While new shoes from brands like Hoka, Merrell, Danner and Salomon have changed the footwear industry, that doesn’t mean the hiking boots are over. It depends on what you want to do and when you are doing it.

Which shoes should you choose to go out for the day? I tested countless pairs Great hiking bootsTrail runner and hiking shoes, covering a variety of terrains, from forest trails and coastal paths to high alpine terrain. To better understand the differences between the many options available — and which one is right for you — I grilled Ingrid Johnson, a leading footwear product expert. REI. (For what it’s worth, Johnson’s personal recommendation is Salomon XA Pro)

When you’re choosing your next pair of trail running shoes (or hiking boots), check out a few more WIRED’s Outdoor Guidelike Best running shoes, The best puffer jacketAnd Best hiking backpack.

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 are high on the heel with a stiff midsole, protective toe cap, and are usually made of very durable materials like leather and tough synthetic fabrics like Cordura. Hiking boots prioritize durability, protection and durability.

Boots usually have thick, deep lugs, stiff soles, stiff toe guards, stiff ankle support. They protect you from rock impacts, uneven ground, moisture and often cold conditions. The high cut designs 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 durability. They are still heavy, but featherweight compared to a traditional leather boot. POKA’S SO 3 GTX ($240) Blending soft nubuck leather, Vibram Megagrip soles and cushioning bags is one of the best boots ever. Here are a few more picks.

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

Suede leather and rubberised toe-caps make them impressively sturdy, they’re easy to clean and the Gore-Tex liner offers full waterproofing. The outsole is deep, aggressive and impervious to unexpected slips, and the upper marks go to the metal lacing system, especially the middle eyelet that grips the laces securely. They’re not as forgiving underfoot as newer running-shoe-inspired designs, but have plenty of shock absorption between the ball and heel.

You pay handsomely for the privilege, but the Kopec is a hugely versatile, all-season waterproof boot. Made from 100 percent nylon cordura, the upper is very durable and gives the boot a sturdy, secure feel despite weighing just 11.9 ounces for a size eight.

Designed for day hikes on varied terrain, they impressed me with a great blend 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 comfort out of the box, which is rare with a solid boot, and they feel really secure when scrambling and walking. Heel and ankle security is matched by mud-loving 4-mm lugs with a Vibram MegaGrip rubber sole. I’m a big fan of this rubber compound, and the lugs here are arranged to give maximum grip for minimum weight.

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

Serious alpine terrain demands respect, and if you’re going to face snow, ice, rock and steep climbs, you need a hiking boot. Weighing in at 1 pound, 5.8 ounces per boot (9.5) the Kento Tour, from Swiss pioneer Mammoth, offers a surprisingly agile blend of firm sole support, grip and protection. Given the height and stiffness, it’s a remarkably comfortable boot, and despite the large 11mm drop, it’s easy to stick to your natural stride.

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