Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes
Hiking boots vs hiking shoes is one of the questions we get asked most in our Helensburgh store, and the honest answer is that both are good, for different walks. Boots give you more ankle coverage, more protection and better load carrying. Shoes are lighter, cooler and quicker. The right choice depends on where you're walking, how much you're carrying and how your feet and ankles feel on the trail.
This guide compares ankle support, weight, waterproofing and terrain, explains where trail shoes and mid hiking shoes fit in, and points you to the footwear we'd choose for each type of trip.
Shop hiking bootsShop hiking shoes
The short answer: boots, shoes or trail shoes?
- Choose hiking boots if you carry a pack, walk on rough, rocky or uneven ground, want more ankle coverage, or hike in wet or cold conditions.
- Choose a mid hiking shoe or light mid boot if you want some ankle coverage and protection without the weight of a heavy boot. Most day hikers and weekend walkers sit here.
- Choose low hiking shoes or trail shoes if you walk well-formed tracks with a light pack, value low weight and speed, and are comfortable on uneven ground without the extra cuff.
Not sure where you fit? Come into the store and try a few on. We can match the footwear to your trip. See our how to fit hiking boots guide for what to check when you do.
Hiking boots vs hiking shoes at a glance
| Hiking boots (mid to high) | Mid hiking shoes | Low hiking shoes and trail shoes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle support | Most coverage and protection from knocks | Some coverage from a padded, mid-height collar | None from the cuff; relies on your own strength and a good fit |
| Weight | Heaviest | Lighter | Lightest |
| Load carrying | Best for heavy packs and long days | Light to moderate packs | Light packs |
| Terrain | Rough, steep, rocky or off-track | Mixed tracks and trails | Formed tracks and well-worn trails |
| Protection | Rand and toe protection, stiffer underfoot | Toe cap and rand on many models | Lighter protection, more flex |
| Waterproofing | Usually GORE-TEX or similar on the models we stock | Some have a GORE-TEX lining | Varies; check each product page |
| Break-in | Stiffer boots are best worn in before a big trip | Generally quicker to feel comfortable | Generally quickest |
| Typical use | Multi-day treks, heavy loads, alpine and rough country | Day hikes and short treks | Fast day hikes, easy walks, travel |
What is the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes?
The main differences are cut height, weight, stiffness and protection:
- Cut height: boots rise over the ankle, mid hiking shoes sit around it, and low shoes sit below it.
- Weight: every extra gram is lifted with every step, so lighter footwear saves energy over a long day. Heavy-duty boots trade some of that for durability and support.
- Stiffness: stiffer boots resist twisting and spread the load of a heavy pack. Softer shoes flex more and feel natural on easy ground.
- Protection: rands, toe caps and thicker uppers protect against rocks, scrub and knocks. The more rugged the country, the more this matters.
Ankle support when hiking: do boots really help?
Ankle support in hiking is a common reason people choose boots, and it's partly true. A boot or mid-height collar gives extra coverage and keeps scree, sticks and debris out. A stiffer boot also limits how much your foot can twist under a heavy pack.
It's not a guarantee, though. No footwear prevents every rolled ankle, and a poorly fitted boot gives little support. Fit, lacing and your own strength matter just as much. If you've had ankle injuries, talk to a health professional about what's right for you. When you're choosing, the most useful step is to get the fit right, and our boot fitting guide shows how.
Hiking boots vs trail shoes
Trail shoes (including trail runners) are built to be light and fast. They flex more, dry quicker and take less effort to wear, which is why many people love them for day hikes. The trade-off is less protection and less support when carrying weight or crossing rough ground.
If you want a waterproof trail shoe, the LOWA Fortux GTX has a GORE-TEX membrane and suits fast day hikes and speed-hiking. For a hiking shoe with more structure and a toe cap and rand, look at the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3. If you're weighing up open footwear for warm weather, see our guide to hiking in sandals vs hiking shoes.
Mid vs low hiking shoes
Mid vs low hiking shoes comes down to ankle coverage and how much you want to carry:
- Mid-cut adds a padded collar that wraps the ankle, keeps debris out and feels more secure on uneven ground. It weighs a little more and runs warmer.
- Low-cut is lighter, cooler and more freeing. It suits easier tracks and lighter packs, and it pairs well with gaiters if you want debris protection.
Many people who start in low shoes move to a mid when their walks get longer, rougher or heavier. A mid hiking shoe like the Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX sits between the two.
Waterproof or not?
A GORE-TEX lining keeps water out in rain, wet scrub and creek crossings, and it helps keep feet warmer in cold weather. In hot weather, any waterproof membrane is less breathable than a mesh shoe, and a soaked non-waterproof shoe dries faster. Think about your usual conditions. A waterproof mid boot is a safe all-rounder for variable weather, and a light, breathable low shoe suits hot, dry trails.
Which one do you need? By type of hike
- Easy day walks on formed tracks: a low hiking shoe or trail shoe, such as the Ultra Raptor 3 or Fortux GTX
- Day hikes on mixed or rougher tracks: a light mid boot or mid hiking shoe, such as the Innovo GTX Mid or Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX
- Weekend and multi-day hikes with a 5 to 10 kg pack: the Renegade EVO GTX Mid (women’s)
- Heavy loads and rough, steep terrain: the Ranger EVO GTX
- Alpine and 3 to 4 season trips: the Tibet EVO GTX
For our full list of recommendations, see Dave’s picks for the best hiking boots in Australia or the hiking boots comparison guide.
Our picks: hiking boots and shoes we stock
These are the models we'd point you to for each type of walk, from mid boots to heavy-duty boots and low shoes.
Mid boots and mid hiking shoes: the right choice for most hikers
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid Wide (men's)
The mid boot we point most hikers to. It has a true-to-foot fit, a GORE-TEX lining and needs no break-in period, according to its product page. It suits day hikes and overnight trips with a 5 to 10 kg pack. If you regularly carry more than that over rough ground, step up to the Ranger Evo.
View LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid Wide
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid (women's)
Built on a women-specific last, with a streamlined upper with fewer seams to reduce pressure points and a redesigned midsole and outsole for cushioning and stability. It has a waterproof GORE-TEX lining and covers everything from day hikes to multi-day trips.
View LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid
LOWA Innovo GTX Mid (men's)
A lighter, more athletic mid boot, recommended on its product page for day hiking and short backpacking trips in warm weather. It has a breathable upper, a heel brake, an aggressive outsole pattern and a supportive frame. For heavier packs or colder trips, choose a Renegade or Ranger.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX (men's)
A mid hiking shoe that's lighter and less rugged than a leather boot. It has a ripstop upper with a rubber toe cap and rand, a GORE-TEX ePE lining, a padded collar that supports the ankle and keeps debris out, and a TPU heel counter. A good fit for shorter treks, lighter packs and less rough terrain.
View La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Shop all hiking bootsShop LOWA
Heavy-duty boots for big loads and rough country
LOWA Ranger EVO GTX Wide
Our heavy-load pick. Its product page describes a rugged boot for steep, rocky terrain, ideal for experienced users carrying 25 kg+ packs. It's the boot to choose for rough country and big loads. For a casual weekend walk it's more boot than you need.
LOWA Tibet EVO GTX Wide
Built for harsh alpine terrain and 3 to 4 season use, with an updated rand and outsole for durability, grip and protection, and support for loads of 25 kg+ over long distances. It's the most serious boot here, and priced like it.
Low hiking shoes and trail shoes
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 (men's, low)
A low-cut hiking shoe with a breathable ripstop upper, a rubber toe cap and rand, and an integrated gaiter to keep debris out. It's light and quick, but low-cut, so there's no ankle coverage, and no waterproof membrane is listed on its product page.
View La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3
LOWA Fortux GTX (men's trail running shoe)
A lightweight GORE-TEX trail shoe with a rocker-shaped midsole, 6 mm heel-to-toe drop and a standard-width last. Its product page says it needs no break-in. It suits fast day hikes and speed-hiking, not heavy packs.
Whichever you choose, fit comes first
A well-fitted shoe beats a more expensive one that doesn't fit your foot. Measure both feet in the afternoon, wear your hiking socks and check for heel lift, toe room and pressure points. Our guide to how to fit hiking boots walks through it step by step, and the LOWA size chart helps you find your starting size. Pair your footwear with hiking socks, and look after it with our guide to caring for your LOWA boots and the footwear care range. When it's time for a new pair, see the 5 signs it's time to replace your hiking boots.
Read the boot fitting guideDownload the LOWA size chart
Try them on in store
Boots and shoes feel different on every foot, so the best way to choose is to try them. Come into our Helensburgh store, tell us where you're walking and how much you're carrying, and we'll help you find the right pair. We're at 10/177 Princes Highway, Helensburgh NSW 2508, open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Contact the storeCall (02) 4294 2810
Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors
We're a family-owned and operated Australian outdoor retailer based in Helensburgh, NSW. We only stock gear we trust, and we're trusted suppliers for emergency services, government, military and outdoor education groups.
Footwear is personal, so we'd rather help you choose than rush a sale. Our team will talk through your trip, your pack weight and your feet, show you the options at different price points and explain the trade-offs honestly, including when a lighter shoe is the better choice. Come in to see us, or shop online at pastoutdoors.com. We're always happy to help with the rest of your kit as well, from socks and gaiters to packs and layers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes?
Hiking boots rise over the ankle and are usually stiffer, heavier and more protective, which suits rough terrain and heavy packs. Hiking shoes are lower, lighter and more flexible, which suits easier tracks and lighter loads. Mid-cut options sit between the two.
Are hiking boots better than hiking shoes?
Neither is better in every case. Boots are better for heavy loads, rough ground and extra ankle coverage. Shoes are better for light packs, easy tracks, warm weather and speed. Choose by where you're walking and what you're carrying.
What is the difference between hiking boots and trail shoes?
Trail shoes are lighter and more flexible, and they dry faster, but they give less protection and support under a heavy pack. Hiking boots are stiffer and more protective. For a waterproof trail option, see the LOWA Fortux GTX.
Mid vs low hiking shoes: which should I choose?
Choose a mid for more ankle coverage and debris protection on uneven or longer walks. Choose a low for lighter weight and cooler feet on easier tracks. If you're undecided, a mid hiking shoe such as the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX sits between the two.
Do hiking boots give ankle support?
A boot or mid-height collar adds ankle coverage, protects against knocks and keeps debris out, and stiffer boots limit twisting under load. They can't guarantee against rolled ankles, and fit matters as much as height. If you have a history of ankle injuries, ask a health professional for advice.
Do I need waterproof hiking boots in Australia?
It depends on your conditions. GORE-TEX models keep water out in rain, wet scrub and creek crossings and help in the cold. In hot, dry weather a breathable, non-waterproof shoe is cooler and dries faster. A waterproof mid boot is a good all-rounder.
Can I wear hiking shoes on a multi-day hike?
Yes, if your pack is light and the terrain is not too rough. Many people use mid hiking shoes for short treks. If you're carrying more than about 10 kg or walking steep, rocky country, boots such as the LOWA Renegade EVO or Ranger EVO give more support.
Do hiking boots and shoes need breaking in?
Some are comfortable straight away. Our product pages say the LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid and the LOWA Fortux GTX need no break-in period. Stiffer boots are best worn in before a big trip. See our boot fitting guide for how to break them in.
What should I wear if I'm carrying a heavy pack?
A stiff, supportive boot. The LOWA Ranger EVO GTX and Tibet EVO GTX product pages describe them as suited to carrying 25 kg+ packs, and both come in a wide fit.
How should hiking boots and shoes fit?
Snug but not tight, with a locked-in heel, room for your toes and no pressure points. Try them on in the afternoon with your hiking socks. See our how to fit hiking boots guide and the LOWA size chart for the full process.
Can I try hiking boots and shoes before I buy?
Yes. Visit our Helensburgh store at 10/177 Princes Highway to try them on, or call (02) 4294 2810. You can also shop online at pastoutdoors.com.
Find the right hiking footwear
Boots or shoes, we'll help you choose. Come in and try a pair at Helensburgh, or shop online.
Shop hiking boots Shop hiking shoes
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.