One can easily confuse walking boots with hiking boots. This is because they share a lot of similarities. For instance both shoes can provide adequate comfort, flexibility, and durability, more so for those who live most of their life outdoors. You need to know the differences between these important shoes to make the best choice next time you go shopping.
Here are the main and most important differences between hiking and walking boots
-
Purpose and Intended Use
Hiking Boots:
This is the boot you should have when shopping for footwear meant for challenging and more intense outdoor undertakings, such as backpacking, hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. These ones are carefully designed to perfectly withstand unforgiving terrain while guarding your feet from common obstacles, such as roots and rocks. Therefore, you’ll learn that they have enhanced stability and comfort. You can rest assured that your expedition through unpredictable landscapes will be simple when you pick these boots.
Walking Boots:
You can also call them trail shoes or walking shoes. While they’re strong and durable, these shoes are ideal for gentle recreational walking. This means that you’ll use them in easy environments and terrain. You’ll mostly use these shoes for leisurely walks, strolling in the park, or exploring normal urban areas with even terrain.
-
Support and Stability
Hiking Boots:
Because of the aggressive activities they are meant for, these shoes boast an impressive level of support and stability, more so around the ankles. You’ll realize that they have elevated collars that protect your ankles from possible injuries while ensuring enough support as you traverse the steepest slopes.
Walking Boots:
With these stylish boots, you shouldn’t expect improved ankle support since that’s not what they’re primarily meant for. They’re also not that stable compared to their counterparts. As such, you’ll notice that most of them share a lot of features with athletic shoes, which can also be used to look stylish and fashionable.
-
Traction
Hiking Boots:
Looking at these heavy boots, you’ll learn that they boast deep-lugged, rugged outsoles to make sure that you enjoy premium traction during your Cotswold Outdoors. This quality becomes useful when it’s time to move on challenging surfaces. They’ve aggressive and unique tread patterns that ensure a high level of grip and stability on surfaces, such as uneven rocks that might also happen to be slippery.
Walking Boots:
These boots are designed to look attractive and stylish, but the only difference is that they lack deep treads and patterns because you don’t intend to use them to walk on even terrain. They have traction designed for even surfaces that are gentle and easy to walk on at any time of the year. The shoes are not for walking on slippery rocks, uneven terrains and muddy paths, so there’s no need for reinforced grip.
-
Durability
Hiking Boots:
Due to the purpose they serve, these shoes are designed with durability in mind. The general design is meant to put up with some of the most unforgiving parts of the environment, and that intention wouldn’t be achieved unless they are as durable as possible. When you look at the interiors and exteriors of these boots, you’ll see that they’re made of studier and harder materials to protect them from abrasion and other destructive elements. As an adventurous individual, these shoes will serve you for a long time.
Walking Shoes:
Compared to hiking boots, walking boots aren’t that durable. This is reasonable because the shoes are for lighter use. Therefore, you should be careful not to use them in extreme conditions. Otherwise, you might chip and cut the exteriors of these shoes. Most of the time, the materials used to make them flexible, comfortable, and stylish. You’ll also realise that they’re also lighter so you can easily wear them for long.
Conclusion
Both walking and hiking boots serve vital purposes. For example, they’re both used outdoors and boast different designs and styles. Nevertheless, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for based on your tastes and preferences. You should know the key differences between the two so that you don’t end up with unnecessary regrets. Otherwise, we trust this piece highlights what you need to know so that you make informed decisions.