Yes, hiking in trail shoes is entirely possible! However, it is a personal choice that won't suit everyone. You need to carefully consider the differences compared to hiking shoes. Explore the pros and cons of trail shoes for hiking, as well as the conditions where they perform best.
Trail or hiking: comparison at a glance
| Criteria | Trail shoe | Hiking shoe |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per shoe | 275 g (X-RACE model) | 520 g (BALME model) |
| Upper | Low-cut, free ankle | High-cut, ankle support |
| Waterproofing | Rarely waterproof, but very quick-drying | Often waterproof membrane |
| Breathability | Maximum ventilation | More limited |
| Break-in | Short, a few outings are enough | Long, rigid materials |
| Lifespan | Shorter, frequent replacement | Up to twice as long |
| Suitable terrain | Maintained trails, moderate terrain, hot weather | Steep trails, snowfields, scree, heavy pack |
In short: trail shoes prioritise lightness and ventilation, while hiking shoes prioritise protection and durability. The right choice mainly depends on the terrain you tackle and the pack weight you carry.
The advantages of trail shoes
To feel confident in the mountains, we often assume we absolutely need built-to-last leather boots with high-cut uppers and a waterproof membrane to face every alpine condition.
Yet hiking in trail shoes, championed by ultralight trekking enthusiasts, has become increasingly popular over recent years.
Incomparable lightness
Trail shoes are significantly lighter than hiking shoes. For instance, our X-RACE trail shoe weighs only 275 g per shoe. For a BALME hiking shoe, the weight rises to 520 g. This difference, which almost doubles, is clearly felt over hours on the move. The lightness of trail shoes reduces fatigue, minimising that heavy-leg sensation that can become uncomfortable after a long day's walk.
Optimal breathability
Another significant benefit of trail shoes is their breathability. They are engineered to deliver maximum ventilation, allowing sweat to wick away rapidly. Your feet stay cooler, increasing your comfort and reducing the risk of blisters, especially in hot weather. While trail shoes are generally not waterproof, they dry very fast. This avoids the uncomfortable feeling of soggy feet.
A much faster break-in
Hiking shoes are often made from tough, hard-wearing materials like leather. Consequently, they require a break-in period to mould perfectly to the shape of your foot. This adaptation takes time, and without sufficient progressiveness, a hike can quickly become uncomfortable. In contrast, trail shoes, crafted from more supple and thinner materials, need a shorter break-in period. They adapt quickly to the shape of your foot, allowing you to head out hiking without having to wear them multiple times beforehand.
The drawbacks
Lower durability
While trail shoes deliver comfort and lightness, it comes partly at the expense of durability. They are inherently less hard-wearing than hiking shoes. Hiking shoes, built to withstand harsh conditions and rough terrain, can last twice as long as trail shoes. This means that, even if trail shoes are less expensive initially, they will require more frequent replacement. Keep this in mind for your long-term budget.
Minimal support
The protection provided by trail shoes is limited. They feature low-cut uppers and less rigidity, making them less suited to steep trails or carrying a heavy backpack. Hiking shoes, with high-cut uppers and built-to-last construction, provide superior ankle support, limiting excessive joint movement on uneven terrain. However, trail shoes deliver good stability and excellent grip, which can be plenty for less technical terrain.
When can you hike in trail shoes?
Trail shoes are a fully viable option for hiking, bringing a different philosophy to traditional high-cut hiking boots. They offer lightness, optimal ventilation, and great freedom of movement. Here are a few situations where hiking in trail shoes proves advantageous:
If you are a relative beginner, trail shoes are ideal provided you stick to well-maintained trails and moderate terrain. They let you hike comfortably and briskly, cutting fatigue thanks to their lightweight build.
If you are an experienced hiker, accustomed to technical terrain and comfortable with less protective footwear, trail shoes can be a smart choice to take you through demanding hikes or long-distance treks. They offer great freedom of movement and a closer-to-the-ground feel, which can be advantageous on technical sections. Still, beware of potential snowfields and scree along your route. We strongly recommend tackling these with a pair of high-cut, waterproof hiking boots.
Finally, in hot weather, trail shoes offer better ventilation. They are ideal as part of a summer hiking outfit to keep your feet cool and reduce the risk of sweat-induced blisters.
Tips for hiking in trail shoes
- Choose the right pair: Not all models are created equal. Make sure to select trail shoes that deliver the right balance of lightness, breathability, and support.
- Prepare your feet: Even though trail shoes require less breaking in, wearing them several times before setting off on a long hike is still recommended. This helps your feet adapt and reduces blister risks.
- Wear suitable socks: Hiking socks are engineered to wick sweat and minimise friction. Choose breathable, comfortable socks to make the most of your trail shoes.
- Stay alert: On technical or steep terrain, pay close attention to your surroundings and your foot placement. Trail shoes provide less protection and support than hiking shoes. Exercising caution is therefore essential.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do a multi-day trek in trail shoes?
Yes, provided you are an experienced trekker travelling light. Beyond a 10 to 12 kg pack, the lack of support in low-cut uppers becomes noticeable, and hiking boots regain the edge. Plan for more frequent replacements too, as the lifespan is roughly halved.
Do trail shoes protect the ankle?
Less than a high-cut hiking boot, which mechanically restricts joint range of motion. Trail shoes compensate with good stability and excellent grip, sufficient on maintained trails. On scree or unstable ground, a high-cut boot remains preferable.
Trail or hiking shoes for beginners?
Both work well; the decisive factor is the terrain. On marked, moderate trails, trail shoes offer immediate comfort thanks to their lightness and quick break-in. As soon as the mountain turns technical or pack weight increases, choose hiking footwear.
