Trail runners vs hiking shoes: here’s what 100 miles in each taught me, and which one might be the better pick for your hikes.
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I’ve put serious miles on both traditional hiking shoes and popular trail runners, and in this video I break down the key differences you’ll notice out on the trail. I hiked 100 miles in the Oboz Sawtooth II hiking shoes, then switched back to my Altra Lone Peak 6 trail runners—and the contrast was immediate. Instead of reviewing just one shoe, I wanted to share my real-world take on when a hiking shoe makes sense, and when a trail runner is the better choice.
Weight is the first big factor. Hiking shoes like the Oboz typically weigh close to two pounds per pair, while trail runners like the Lone Peak 6 come in closer to one pound. That difference adds up over thousands of steps on a hike, especially on long days. Trail runners are lighter, but the trade-off is durability—they might last 300–500 miles, compared to 800–1,000 miles from a good hiking shoe.
Fit and comfort are the next major difference. Hiking shoes are stiffer, more supportive, and more protective—especially in rocky, technical terrain. They’re like a light hiking boot, locking your foot in and shielding it from trail hazards. Trail runners, on the other hand, fit more like a sock, with a pliable upper and a roomy toe box that allows your foot to expand naturally as you walk. This makes them more comfortable for long days on groomed trails, though they don’t offer quite as much underfoot protection.
If you’re after a long-lasting, tough shoe that handles any terrain, models like the Oboz Sawtooth II or Merrell Moab 2 are excellent choices. But if all-day comfort is your top priority and you don’t mind replacing shoes more often, trail runners like the Altra Lone Peak 6 are hard to beat. I wear mine almost daily, and they still handle most conditions well despite showing some tread wear.
For more details, links to the shoes I’ve tested, and my full gear recommendations, check out my gear page. I keep it updated with the latest footwear and equipment I’m using on my hikes.
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Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
If you have greek foot shape, don’t buy Altras, your second toes going to get sore
I love my Nike Wildhorse 8 for hiking. I really dislike big chunky “boots” that make my feet feel like lead weights. A rugged trail running shoe like the Wildhorse 8 has heaps of tread (6mm lugs I believe) as well as very sturdy heel and arch support while also being relatively light ad breathable and quick drying. They have decent scuff resistance as well.
Is pack weight a factor in this choice? I’ve historically worn hiking boots on multi-day backpacking trips with roughly a 27# pack. I’ve seen ppl wearing trail runners but I’m concerned that with such flexible soles the roots and rocks would take a toll on my feet over several days of trekking. What are your thoughts, and also do you find it easier to get blisters with boots or trail runners under pack load?
I have Topo Traverse trail runners. Supposedly they have a rock plate. They fit very well, however The bottoms of my feet are really sore the day after hiking on a rocky trail. I used to wear the Oboz Sawtooth, but when I got a new pair last winter I found the toe box to be smaller than my previous pair which was very uncomfortable even with street walking with no pack. Currently looking for another solution.
In my opinión you should use the hiking shoe for winter when you can slip and need a more stable shoe and with goretex and a trail runner for summer unless you are going on a very technical terrain