Hiking boots or trail shoes?
| Type | Good for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Trail running shoes | Dry, well-made paths; fast walking; warm weather | Less protection and support; wear out sooner; wet feet in bog and snow |
| Lightweight hiking shoes | Most day hikes on paths | Low cut, so scree and water get in more easily |
| Mid-height hiking boots | Rough or wet ground, heavier packs, mixed conditions | Heavier and warmer; need breaking in |
| Stiff mountain boots | Winter, crampons, rocky and steep terrain | Heavy and uncomfortable for easy walking |
Waterproof membranes keep out puddles but dry slowly once they're wet inside, and they can be hot in summer. They help on wet ground in cool climates; in hot, dry places breathable shoes are often better.
How hiking boots should fit
- Try boots on late in the day, when feet are larger, wearing the socks you hike in.
- You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they shouldn't touch the front on a downhill slope.
- The heel should stay put when you walk, though a little lift is normal in a stiff new boot.
- Walk in them at home and on short walks before any long day. New boots on a big day are a common cause of blisters.
Treat hot spots early. Stop and tape the area at the first rub, because a blister that has already formed is much harder to manage.
The base, mid and shell layering system
Several thinner layers you can combine work better than one heavy jacket:
- Base layer. Sits next to the skin and moves sweat away. Merino wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold.
- Mid layer. Insulation: a fleece, or a light synthetic or down jacket. Carry a spare warm layer for stops even in summer.
- Shell. A waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood, plus waterproof trousers when rain is likely. It works as a windbreak even when it isn't raining.
Start walking slightly cool. Within ten minutes of climbing you'll warm up, and taking off a layer early beats getting soaked in sweat that chills you later. The weather and mountain safety guide explains why cold, wet and wind together are the main risk.
Small clothing items that matter
- Hat and gloves, even in summer on high ground.
- Sun hat and sunglasses: UV is stronger at altitude and off snow.
- Gaiters for mud, snow and long grass.
- Spare socks in a dry bag.
How a hiking pack should fit
A pack should carry most of its weight on your hips, not your shoulders. Measure your back length, try packs with weight in them, and adjust the hip belt first, then the shoulder straps, then the load lifters. The packing checklist covers what goes inside.
Hiking boots and layers FAQ
Are trail running shoes OK for hiking?
On dry, well-made paths in warm weather, many walkers like them. They give less protection and support, wear out sooner, and let your feet get wet in bog and snow, so rough or wet ground usually calls for boots.
Should hiking boots be waterproof?
They help on wet ground in cool climates. They're slower to dry once wet inside and can be hot in summer, so in hot, dry places breathable shoes are often the better choice.
Why shouldn't I hike in cotton?
Cotton holds sweat and rain, stays wet and gets cold. Merino wool or synthetic base layers move moisture away from the skin.