Hiking boots or trail shoes: choosing for the track

Hiking boots and trail shoes can both be useful. Match the footwear to the terrain, load and fit you need, rather than assuming the tallest boot is always the best option.

What changes between them

Low hiking or trail shoes are often lighter and more flexible. Boots can offer a stiffer platform and more coverage for rough terrain and heavier loads. The sole, tread, fit and construction matter as much as the height of the upper.

Compare them on the intended job

• Formed paths and light loads: a comfortable, suitable shoe may be enough.
• Rougher ground or a heavier pack: compare support, protection and sole stiffness carefully.
• Wet conditions: consider both water entry and how the footwear will dry.

Neither category guarantees freedom from slips or ankle injuries. A poor-fitting boot is not an improvement over a well-fitting shoe simply because it looks more substantial.

Make fit the deciding test

Try your walking socks, leave room for toes on a descent and check for heel movement. Test on a slope where possible. I would choose the pair that fits the actual trip and feels secure before considering colour or brand. For second-hand footwear, inspect the tread, sole bonding, heel lining and any uneven wear, then use the size label and measurements rather than the listing title alone.

Read next: How to size second-hand hiking boots.

Sources and photo credit

Information checked 29 September 2026.

• REI expert advice

Photo: Jjanhone. Original photograph; CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for web display.