Hiking Shoes vs. Boots for Your Trek

What’s the difference, and which should you wear on your next trek?

Uneven terrain. Rocks and roots. Water and mud. When you hike, your footwear goes through a lot—and you still depend on it to keep you comfortable, supported, and secure on every surface.

In other words, picking the right footwear can make or break your hike, whether it’s a quick day trek or a multiday backpacking excursion.

Some features of good hiking footwear are universal: A good fit, grip and traction, and some protection from impacts and obstacles.

But others come down to preference, like waterproofing, the balance between cushion and groundfeel, and—perhaps the most divisive issue among hikers—whether you should opt for the extra support and durability of a full-sized hiking boot or the lightweight agility and breathability of a low-cut hiking shoe.

As with many gear choices, this decision comes down to the type of terrain you’ll use it in, the sort of trek you’re going on, and what you ultimately prefer. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of both hiking boots and hiking shoes, so you can make the right choice and get the most out of your next outing on the trails.

Hiking shoes vs. boots: Key differences

Hiking boots and hiking shoes have some important distinctions that affect the way they perform and the conditions for which they’re best suited, including:

Weight

With their lower cut, hiking shoes can be several grams lighter than hiking boots, making them a more agile companion that can reduce fatigue over many kilometres. Boots add some weight with their mid-height ankle support, but they tend to be sturdier and more stable.

Ankle support

As we just mentioned, hiking boots have a mid-height fit that supports your ankles, which can be useful if you have a heavier pack or are headed into more challenging terrain. Hiking shoes don’t have this added support, which can provide more freedom of movement, and which you might prefer if you’re trying to cover lots of ground quickly.

Breathability

The lower cut of hiking shoes means they usually have better airflow, which can be more comfortable in hot conditions when your feet get warm. Hiking boots, by contrast, are better insulated, which can help keep the elements out when it’s wet or cold.

Waterproofing

While both hiking boots and hiking shoes typically feature waterproof technology, the higher cut of the boot allows the waterproof “bootie” to come up higher on the foot, repelling water to a higher level. Shoes should be sufficiently waterproof in puddles and water that doesn’t rise above the ankle, while waterproof boots should work when the foot is fully submerged in deeper water crossings.

Durability

Their sturdier, more supportive construction means hiking boots tend to last longer against wear-and-tear, while hiking shoes trade durability for the ability to move more dynamically and quickly across the terrain.

A person in a grey jacket, dark pants, and a backpack scrambles up a rocky incline.

When to choose hiking boots

While the choice between hiking boots or hiking shoes depends on your individual preferences, these are the conditions where we prefer the added support and durability of a boot:

Rugged terrain

When the route is particularly technical, uneven, or strewn with rocks and roots, the added ankle support and stability of a boot provides surer footing, while the added durability means it will hold up under the wear-and-tear of trail obstacles.

Carrying a heavy pack

The ankle support and stability of a boot is also beneficial when you’re carrying lots of extra weight that can make you more vulnerable to a fall or rolled ankle.

Extended and multiday treks

Over the course of long and/or multiple days on your feet, you’ll become more fatigued and more susceptible to a fall or injury—something the added support of a boot can help you avoid. This is even more paramount when you consider you’ll likely have a heavier pack in this situation.Cold and/or wet weather

The better-insulated construction and extended waterproofing in a boot do a superior job keeping the elements at bay and keeping your feet dry and comfortable in dreary conditions.

When to choose hiking shoes

On the other hand, there are several scenarios where you might find you prefer the lighter weight and extra freedom of a hiking shoe:

Less-challenging terrain

If the trails are well-maintained, the route is light on climbing and descending, and/or conditions are dry, a shoe could be perfectly sufficient.

Lightweight and/or fast hiking

If you’re a minimalist or lightweight backpacker, and/or your goal is to move as quickly as possible over the terrain, the lighter weight and added agility of a shoe will help you shed grams and fly.

Day hikes

If you’re just headed out for a day or part of it, you’re less likely to carry a heavy pack, get into extended rugged terrain, or hike to a state of fatigue where you’d benefit from a boot—so save yourself some grams and opt for a shoe.

Warm and/or dry weather

If conditions are hot and mud or water isn’t a major concern, you might enjoy the added breathability of a shoe.

Key Arc’teryx hiking footwear technologies

Both Arc’teryx hiking shoes and hiking boots are obsessively designed with features built to excel when the terrain is at its most challenging. Some of the key technologies in our hiking footwear include:

GORE-TEX® waterproof technology

Waterproof yet breathable, GORE-TEX® is used in our hiking boots and shoes to keep water, mud, and snow out, and keep your feet dry and comfortable in any conditions.

Vibram® outsoles

Every Arc’teryx hiking boot and shoe is outfitted with industry-leading Vibram® rubber on the outsole for maximum grip on any surface, so you can hike confidently in all kinds of challenging terrain.

Rugged traction

Our hiking footwear features a custom lug pattern that digs into soft surfaces for confidence-inspiring traction in dirt, mud, and snow.

Protective toecap

A TPU toecap protects your feet from the impact of obstacles like rocks and roots and improves the durability of Arc’teryx hiking shoes and boots on the trail.

Balanced support

Our hiking shoes and boots feature midsoles with cushion and a TPU shank to protect your feet from the trail while retaining critical groundfeel and proprioception to help you stay stable on varied surfaces.

Precision fit

Arc’teryx hiking boots and shoes fit snugly around the midfoot for support on uneven terrain, while a wide toebox accommodates splay and protects the toes.

Orange shoe midsole above black lugged outsole.

Making your hiking footwear decision

Whether to wear hiking boots or hiking shoes on your next trek comes down to several factors, including the length of the hike, the terrain and conditions you’ll encounter, and how much gear you’ll be carrying. Ultimately, though, it is a matter of your personal preference and experience level, and what you’re looking for in your hiking footwear. Many hikers have both boots and shoes in their quiver, and switch between them depending on the trek ahead.

Hiking boots offer sturdiness, durability, and more support, but it comes at the expense of added weight and reduced breathability. Hiking shoes, on the other hand, are lighter-weight, more agile and dynamic, and more breathable, but can be less supportive on rugged terrain or under a heavy pack. Choosing the right footwear depends on the task at hand, as well as trail conditions and your own personal preference.

Explore Arc’teryx’s full collection of high-performance hiking boots and shoes for women and men to find your perfect match.

And if you need some direction in finding the right shoe for your outdoor ambitions, take our short Footwear Finder quiz to be matched with your perfect pair.

2025-10-30