Hiking is loads of fun, but as with any sport, some expenses include getting the proper footwear. If you don’t plan to hike along rough terrain, you may opt for a good pair of hiking shoes. However, once you have them, you may wonder if you can use them for regular walking and not saving your shoes specifically for hiking. So, are hiking shoes good for walking? Read on and find out.
Should You Wear Hiking Shoes Daily?
Let’s begin by saying it’s OK to wear hiking shoes daily. But, there are some things to keep in mind before you start wearing your hiking shoes all the time. First, they are meant for hiking and not meant to be worn for everyday activities.
Remember that hiking shoes, even the lightweight varieties, are much heavier than regular walking shoes. So, they may not be as comfortable to wear daily. But, then again, you may find that they are more comfortable than regular shoes, at least if you take longer walks.
Why Wear Hiking Shoes for Regular Walks?
Many people wear their hiking boots or shoes for walking, but in most cases, they walk on trails. Let’s look at some of the best reasons to wear hiking shoes for walking.
Support
Because hiking boots are made to accommodate the weight of the hiker and their backpack, they will provide plenty of support and cushioning. Hiking shoes also offer better ankle support.
Budget
If you have a good pair of lightweight hiking shoes, there is no need to spend more on a pair of walking shoes.
Tougher Soles
Hiking shoes are made for hiking rather than walking, so it only stands to reason that they would have tougher soles than walking shoes. Of course, this isn’t necessary if walking on paved surfaces, but it can come in handy when walking on gravel paths.
Quality Materials
Generally, hiking shoes are made from much more durable materials than walking shoes. Some of these shoes are also waterproof, unlike regular runners or walkers. In addition, the materials used in hiking shoes are thicker and heavier, offering more protection for your feet.
Traction
Because hiking shoes are meant to be used on rougher terrain than walking shoes, you will have much more traction with hiking shoes. This will be particularly handy if you walk in wet or snowy/icy conditions.
Reasons Not to Wear Hiking Shoes for Walking
While there are many arguments for wearing hiking shoes while walking, there are also a few reasons you should not wear them. For starters, it’s not like hiking shoes and boots are overly fashionable, and they aren’t really meant for everyday wear. So here are some more reasons hiking shoes aren’t best for walking.
Cost
Even the lowest-priced hiking shoes will likely cost more than a good pair of walking shoes. You can expect to spend between $80 and $150 on hiking shoes. After spending this much, you likely won’t want to ruin them by wearing them daily.
Chunkiness
Hiking shoes are often very chunky and clunky. This will make lifting your feet difficult, and you may scuff your feet as you walk.
Weight
Because hiking shoes are made for rough terrain, they are made from heavier materials than walking shoes. This means that they will be much heavier than walking shoes. The upside to this is if you are walking to burn calories, the extra weight will help you burn more calories than you would while wearing walking shoes.
Wear and Tear
Walking on asphalt and concrete can cause a lot of wear and tear on your shoes. In fact, it can really do a number on the soles of your hiking shoes. Obviously, the more you wear any pair of shoes, the more wear and tear will happen. If you want to protect your hiking shoes so they’re always ready to wear on an actual hike, stick to walking shoes for regular walks.
Conclusion
When you come down to it, the choice to wear hiking shoes while walking is yours to make. There is no right or wrong, and it’s a matter of personal preference. If you prefer to wear hiking shoes for the support they provide, by all means, go right ahead. However, remember that you will have to replace your hiking shoes more often than if you were just using them for hiking.