ADVENTURE IS WORTHWHILE IN ITSELF
AMELIA EARHART
Advice, Guides, Tips and Reviews from our Veteran, an Avid hiker adventurer and world-class traveler on Best Running Shoes Men & Women.
Prior to sharing guidance, tips and reviews about the Best Running Shoes Men or Women, I would like to take you inside the real deal of today’s hiking styles with hiking boots versa running shoes, as well as Sandals with complete review and details about their benefits and downside.
Hiking Boots Versus Running Shoes & Hiking Sandals
I’m often asked if it is possible to go hiking and backpacking with your running shoes. The answer to that in my view is Yes and without a doubt when backpacking and hiking for those long days and I would add Hiking Sandals to the list as well. You will be doing yourself a big favor mentally and physically as there are all type of benefits to have the Best Quality Hiking Boot as well as Best Quality running shoes women or Men on the trip. Another way to look at it is to have a companionship to your boots on the trail so that you can have a happy feet every once in a while when your boots have done enough for the day, your feet will be demanding from you to give them a break by switching to your trail runners. That my friends is a treat allowing you to have an excellent and balanced journey. When I’m backpacking I always use the three of them, my best quality hiking boots, my best running shoes men and my hiking sandals.
Running Shoes Benefits
On the other hand, a lot of Women hikers prefer to use their best running shoes women these days and not only Men, instead of boots for a simple reason to cut down on weight and take advantage of the time by increasing the speed and reducing the hiking time to their destination.
- Some are lighter shoes with more breathability and easy to use on relaxed trails
- Others are more rugged with better support but much lighter than hiking boots with good structure to take off trail if needed
- Extremely light weight and more breathable
- Better range of movement for your feet to move more freely and efficiently to cover more miles with less effort
- Easy and Require little to no break-in time
- Dry quicker
Best Running Shoes Men – Women
Downside for Runners
- Zero ankle protection for most
- Less support & Less Durability for some
- Not safe for bushwalking
- Not safe for backpacking in terms of ankle protection
- Don’t do well in very cold climate
Hiking Boots Benefits
- More stable, breathable and more durable
- Quality construction to control moisture, snow, water, rocks
- Extra stability and greater degree of protection for your heel, ankle and for the entire foot
- Best Quality Hiking Boots help voiding injury on trails
- Excellent for Bushwalking when off track rugged terrains
Downside of Hiking Boots
- Weight more than running shoes
- Make the hike a bit longer
- It takes time to break into them in order to become comfortable on your feet
Hiking Sandals Benefits
Most expert hikers love hiking sandals these days for one common goal which is the breathability and a source of vitamin D by having access to sun. Outdoor adventure companies have been building them with beefier sole, Easy for water crossings, dry faster, lightweight, comfort and support. Those that come with a cover bumper toe are better for protection in rugged terrains. Hiking Sandals are also good to use when you have a blister to release the pain from your foot but all Sandals are not created equal.
Hiking Sandals downside
Do not offer a stiff underfoot support, the durability and lock of protection for your feet versa hiking shoes or hiking boots, especial sandals without Toe cover bumper. Hot spots can still occur with Sandals straps that can continue rubbing on your feet. Limited to warm weather only. Do not support bushwalking and in rugged trails, intensive hikes and list goes on. Easy to cut your foot or stub your toes in rough terrains.
So it is highly recommended for hikers with Sandals to be cautious and use Sandals only where appropriate and in nice weather.
Best Quality Hiking Boots
Hiking Footwear of Choice
When it comes to hiking footwear, in my opinion, there is no one model to rule them all. As explained above, each has its advantages, and folks have their taste, habit, and style. But I enjoy using them all when doing long hikes, backpacking, and combining them as needed. For easy trails where there is less risk for my ankles, I prefer running shoes, but in complicated terrains or when trying to summit a mountain or bushwalking, Hiking Boots are my number one choice. A balance of support, stability, waterproof, breathability, and traction are the best tools for a successful hike and a more enjoyable journey. I always enjoy hiking sandals when I’m resting after a long trail or during the summertime on easy trails. I know some pro-hikers who use Sandals or their running shoes 80% to 90% of the time except when it is super cold in the winter.
On the other hand, I have shared trails and expeditions with many experts over the years, and everyone has a different view in terms of preference when it comes to hiking boots, running shoes, and hiking Sandals. Everyone looks at it from a different angle as we all have interests and desires. But the only common issue I learned from hikers is their concern about the weight of the boot. Some folks can not stand that because the weight would slow them down. There is a difference between going hiking and running a marathon, in my opinion, and that is the reason why I like to use my hiking boots 50% of the time and running shoes 30%. But my hiking sandals only 20%. Running shoes for me are only for pleasure, while I’m on a hike, and Sandals are for resting my feet when I’m at a campsite or a hotel unless I’m hiking through running streams. At the same time, I do have a lot of respect for other people’s styles and preferences.
Hiking Boots Versa Running Shoes
Areas where trail Running shoes Not recommended
Something you may want to consider. Rocky areas, Bushwalking, in the desert, in rough terrain, brushy areas are all good places where you can use your hiking boots instead of the running shoes or sandals to make sure you do not injure or cut your ankle as I witnessed so many accidents where a lot of folks could have voided injuring themselves if they were wearing a boot instead. You will also protect yourself from snakes because most of the reviews show that people who got bitten by snakes are around the ankle while hiking or exploring. So wearing boots above the ankle versa running shoes or hiking Sandals in these types of circumstances would save you from getting attacked by mother nature. It happens once in a while but I do not wish to be the victim, and that is my advice to all fellow hikers out there.
Other situations where you need to wear your hiking boots instead of trail runners or Sandals is when backpacking a heavy load and carrying a lot of equipment or if you were doing trail maintenance etc… Or if you know that you will be going to an area where there will be off-trail paths and you know that you will need that extra stability and ankle support. There are all instances where Boots would be more useful than trail runners or hiking sandals. Or maybe, you just more comfortable with the feel of the boot when hiking, and that is your choice.
New Balance Trail Running Shoes
Best Running Shoes Men – Women
If you were boot wear who have been considering switching to some of the best running shoes Women or Men, I have a good recommendation as there are some good trail runners based on the interviews with designers and real-life wear testing that helped me determine the best trail running shoes out there appreciated by most hikers whom I met throughout my journeys. So it is something you may want to consider as a trail runner if interested in trying out something different. I have a couple of pairs that I use myself wherever possible to have a break from boots once in a while in safe terrains. Not sure if you heard about the ALTRA story, was designed by two guys who tried to help runners who have some issues with their feet by creating a zero drop from the heel to the toes and they succeeded as those runners no longer have those issues with their feet and the problem resolved now helping the masses. Their trail runners have also known for having a wide toe box to allow your toes to spread up in the shoe to void blisters while backpacking. But for those who will be switching to zero drop shoes must do it gradually to get used to them in order to get better results. It is sort of break-in them in the way by wearing them a few hours only a day for a few days until you get used to them.
 | ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak 4 Mid Mesh Trail Running Shoe Comfortable, The ankle support is very good, Rubber Sole, lightweight, insole contour footbed, midsole with Stone guard, Rubber Outsole with TrailClaw, Moderate Cushioning, waterproof. All types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak 4 Mid Mesh Trail Running Shoe Comfortable, The ankle support is very good, Rubber Sole, lightweight, insole contour footbed, midsole with Stone guard, Rubber Outsole with TrailClaw, Moderate Cushioning, waterproof. All type of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | On Running Men’s Cloud Hi Waterproof Textile Synthetic Trainers Comfort, Durable engineered waterproof, lightweight, Synthetic sole, Foam padded insole for cushioning active only during the foot strike, Lightweight and flexible CloudTec sole unit made from Zero-Gravity foam for cushioning. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$$ and more details |
| On Running Men’s Cloud Hi Waterproof Textile Synthetic Trainers Comfort, Durable engineered waterproof, lightweight, Synthetic sole, Foam padded insole for cushioning active only during the foot strike, Lightweight and flexible CloudTec sole unit made from Zero-Gravity foam for cushioning. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$$ and more details |
There are other best brands out there for folks who prefer using below the ankle running shoe on their hiking and backpacking trails. While I respect people’s wishes as my wife is one of them, these are some of the Best Running Shoes Men – Women with excellent breathability, that provides exceptional impact protection as well as durability.
- Salmon Speedcross 4 GORE-TEX waterproof running Shoe
- Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Textile Synthetic Trail running shoe for Men & women
- On Running Cloudventure Waterproof Black/Graphit Trailfor Men & Women
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe for Men & Women
 | Salmon Men’s Speedcross 5 GORE-TEX waterproof running Shoe Comfortable, Durable, Good Grip on soft ground, Contragrip rubber sole with Precise Foothold, Weatherproof, lightweight, All terrains. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Salmon Women’s Speedcross 4 GORE-TEX waterproof running Shoe Comfortable, lightweight, Monster Grip on soft ground, Contragrip rubber sole with Precise Foothold. 4 GTX, Durable shoes, Weatherproof, All terrains. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Hoka One One Men’s Speedgoat 4 Textile Synthetic Trail running shoe Very Comfortable, lightweight, Breathable, Padded insole for cushioning, Rubber sole, Durable, CMEVA midsole to absorb shock and offer stability, good traction, Excellent grip on most terrains. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$$ and more details |
 | Hoka One One Women’s Speedgoat 4 Textile Synthetic Trail running shoe Very Comfortable, lightweight, Breathable, Padded insole for cushioning, Rubber sole, Durable, CMEVA midsole to absorb shock and offer stability, good traction, Excellent grip on most terrains. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$$ and more details |
 | On-Running Men’s Cloudventure Waterproof Black/Graphit Trail Runner Micro-engineered Grip-Rubber sole for all terrains, waterproof, lightweight, Breathable, Comfortable, Removable foam insole for underfoot cushioning, Good traction, and Durable. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | ON Women’s Cloudventure Sheild Waterproof Running Shoes Micro-engineered Grip-Rubber sole for all terrains, waterproof, lightweight, Breathable, Comfortable, Removable foam insole for underfoot cushioning, Good traction, and Durable. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe Comfort, lightweight, 50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh, Rubber sole, they are designed to deliver precise plushness exactly where you need it, Flexible, Designed for Support, Feature a strong rubber outsole to offer long-lasting durability and daily trail use. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
| New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe Comfort, lightweight, 50% Synthetic, 50% Mesh, Rubber sole, they are designed to deliver precise plushness exactly where you need it, Flexible, Designed for Support, Feature a strong rubber outsole to offer long-lasting durability and daily trail use. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9 Marble Running Shoe Made in the USA or Imported Rubber sole Under Armour’s mission is to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation Where we started? It all started with an idea to build a superior T-shirt The technology behind Under Armour’s diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it’s hot, ColdGear when it’s cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
Best Hiking Sandals
Are Sandals Good for Hiking?
Some folks use hiking Sandals not only as a break to your feet from boots when at a camp or at a hotel but also for hiking with a light or moderate load backpacking and good to use in summer if you were hiking in areas that have a lot of water crossings and streams, instead of removing your boots and socks to not get wet. They are not as protective of your feet but they do have benefits and downside as well and here is the list.
What are the best Hiking Sandals ?
There are a lot of brands out there but Best Quality Hiking Boots will share with you some of my hiking club’s Best hiking sandals here in New York. They also happen to be the most popular with Good grippy -grippy Vibram soles that are heavy-duty, and some of them come with toes protection like Keen Newport H2 Sandals, Keen Rialto H2, Sandals. If I want to really venture out and have Sandals without toes protection, I would go for Ecco Men’s Ankle Strap Sandals, ECCO Women’s Yucatan Toggle Sandal, very comfortable and designed to increase the airflow and eliminate water build-up with good midsole technology to drain water quickly. Another quality hiking Sandals is The North Face Training Walking Shoe Men’s & Women’s.
 | Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandal Comfort, Rubber sole, Lightweight, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, durable water repellent, Good traction with superior grip and Iconic Toe bumper protection, Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and easy way to get them on and off, Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning, Machine washable. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Keen Women’s Newport H2 Sandal Comfort, Rubber sole, Lightweight, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, durable water repellent, Good traction with superior grip and Iconic Toe bumper protection, Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and easy way to get them on and off, Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning, Machine washable. For all types of feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | The North Face Men’s Training Walking Shoe Comfortable, Rubber sole, Lightweight, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, Durable, Excellent grip. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | The North Face Men’s Training Walking Shoe Comfortable, Rubber sole, Lightweight, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, Durable, Excellent grip. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | KEEN Men’s Rialto II 3 Point Leather Textile Sandals Comfortable, Synthetic sole, Lightweight, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, Durable, Excellent grip. Metatarsal ridge for natural underfoot support. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | KEEN Women’s Rialto II 3 Point Leather Textile Sandals Comfortable, Synthetic sole, Lightweight, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, Durable, Excellent grip. Metatarsal ridge for natural underfoot support. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Ecco Men’s Ankle Strap Sandals Soft nubuck leather upper, Lightweight, Comfortable, Rubber sole, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, Durable, Excellent grip. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | ECCO Women’s Yucatan Toggle Sandal Soft nubuck leather upper, Lightweight, Comfortable, Rubber sole, Breathable, Stable, Water resistant, Quick-dry, Durable, Excellent grip. For all type of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Chaco Men’s Zcloud Sandal Synthetic sole, Lightweight, Comfortable, Polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, adjustable, and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers, Chaco grip rubber. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
 | Chaco Women’s Z1 Classic Sport Sandal Synthetic sole, Lightweight, Comfortable, Polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit, Breathable, Stable, Water-resistant, Quick-dry, adjustable, and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers, Chaco grip rubber. For all types of Feet. Click here for PRICE $$ and more details |
You certainly have provided a good choice of shoes/sandals to choose from, I think I have mentioned to you before that I have a very wide foot, where do you think would be the best place to physically try some of these on or get some more information on width.
I don’t want to make a purchase online and have the shoe not fit.
Hello Dave,
Soon, I would be adding a link to each item provided within this article
where you will be able to see complete details and specs from company
producing them or selling them online. As it is always better to
learn more about your needs prior purchasing anything, and especially
when you have a wide feet.
My recommendation is to buy hiking boots from online companies that
offer free return shipping so that you can order several size boots
to find the best fit as it can be hard to shop for the most
comfortable and best quality hiking boots, or for best running shoes
men, or best men hiking sandals these days. Always order the size
that you think would fit you well, then an extra pair with 1/2 point in size a
bit bigger to try on so that you will be able to get the right fit.
Oh, this is a good post on the best shoes and boots for hiking. I surely didn’t know that there were sandals for hiking too but really this is some very nicely done information here and it’s so good to learn about the different types of shoes and all. This is something I should share.
Thanks for the feedback Jamie and enjoy our well tested selection of Best Running Shoes Men could have. Cheers,
Akim, this is a really well researched article about running shoes versus hiking boots for both men and women. You obviously know your subject well and have personal experience of some of your recommendations. There are a good range of products to choose from for those people who love hiking and the outdoors. Your advice will be extremely helpful in making the right purchase.
Many thanks Jenni for your comment. It is my pleasure to help our readers with any tips and advice possible. Kind Regards,
This is an extensive list of hiking boots, running shoes, and hiking sandals. In the past, I have not paid too much attention to the differences between each type of footwear. For me, they were all the same. Thanks for your explanation and the information you have provided. I now realize that each one has a purpose and works best for specific situations. Thank you as well for providing your valuable insights on the benefits and downside for each type of shoe/sandal. I will surely take these into account next time I need to buy a pair.
Hello JRandZen, and Many thanks for your feedback.
It is the pleasure of Best Quality hiking Boots to share all outdoor tested products based on the quality for our readers to learn about and take advantage of. Enjoy and have a happy trail.
I am really impressed by the light weight in Salmon Women’s Speedcross 4. And I absolutly love its design. I initially thought they were not all terrain but now that I know I can use them everywhere I’ll buy them. I have just received a bonus so it’s going to buy me these running shoes.
Hello Ann, and many thanks for your feedback.
I’m very sure that you will be very pleased with your Salmon Women’s Speedcross 4. Enjoy.
You know, I have been looking for a good article or a review that actually goes into thorough and concise details on running shoes because I have been looking for running shoes for the longest time! But literally you have done that for me and I appreciate that so much I have options here and I’m struggling to choose which one I will pick thank you though
Hello there, and many thanks for your comment.
We have done all the hard work for you based on all the tests, all you need to do is to pick the item of your desire from our top picks of Best Running Shoes Men or women could wear with joy, and you will be a very happy camper. Cheers,
Hi Akim,
I am a long-distance runner and invest a lot in shoes. The best running shoes I have found are salmon. It’s comfort level is unparalleled. And they are so light that it feels as if you are not wearing shoes at all. I would strongly recommend Salmon to anyone investing in good shoes.
The best hiking boots, believe it or not, come from Ruggers. And they are extremely cheap too.
Thanks for this wonderful article.
Regards,
Aps
Hello Aparna,
Thank You for your comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the reading. Cheers, and have a happy trail.