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 |
| Waterproofness | 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.
However, hiking in trail shoes, an approach championed by ultralight hikers, has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Incomparable lightness
Trail shoes are considerably lighter than hiking shoes. For example, our X-RACE trail shoe weighs just 275 g per shoe, while a BALME hiking boot weighs 520 g. You’ll feel that near twofold difference after several hours of walking. Lightweight trail shoes can help you feel less tired by reducing the heavy-footed feeling that can become uncomfortable after a long day on the trail.
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, durable materials such as leather. They therefore need breaking in to mould to your feet. This takes time, and without a gradual break-in, a hike can quickly become uncomfortable. Trail shoes, made from softer, thinner materials, need less breaking in. They quickly adapt to the shape of your feet, so you can set off hiking without wearing them several times first.
The drawbacks
Lower durability
Trail shoes offer comfort and low weight, but partly at the expense of durability. They are less hard-wearing than hiking shoes. Built for difficult conditions and rough terrain, hiking shoes can last twice as long as trail shoes. So although trail shoes may cost less, you’ll need to replace them more often. Bear that in mind when planning your long-term budget.
Minimal support
Trail shoes offer limited protection. Their low-cut uppers and greater flexibility make them less suitable for steep paths or carrying a heavy backpack. Hiking boots have higher uppers and a built-to-last construction that provides better ankle support and limits movement on unstable ground. Trail shoes do, however, offer good stability and excellent grip, which may be enough on 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’re fairly new to hiking, trail shoes are a good choice, provided you stick to well-maintained paths and gentle terrain. Their low weight helps you walk comfortably and quickly with less fatigue.
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’re an ideal addition to a summer hiking outfit, helping to keep your feet cool and reduce the risk of sweat-related blisters.
Tips for hiking in trail shoes
- Choose the right pair: Not all shoes are the same. Make sure you choose trail shoes that strike a good balance between low weight, breathability and support.
- Prepare your feet: Trail shoes need less breaking in, but it’s still wise to wear them a few times before a long hike. This helps your feet get used to them and reduces the risk of blisters.
- Wear the right socks: Hiking socks are designed to wick away sweat and reduce friction. Choose breathable, comfortable socks to get the most from 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 physically limits the ankle’s range of motion. Trail shoes make up for this with good stability and excellent grip, enough for maintained paths. On scree or unstable ground, a high-cut boot remains the better choice.
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.
