Dave's Hiking Emails

Should I wear hiking boots or hiking shoes?

I just read the article on hiking boots vs hiking shoes on your site.  I am going on a hiking trip to Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and one of the trails, the James Callaghan trail go up the mountain.  Apparently one has to climb a rocky gully and yet another one coming down.  I have a pair of Merrell hiking shoes and a pair of Timberland boots which are not so well-padded.  Do you think I'd be okay with the shoes?  Any advice you can provide is appreciated.  Tks.

Catherine

Dave says:

For this hike, there are two things that a boot will often give you that a shoe usually won't: 

Waterproofing & Ankle Support

Since your Timberland boots probably aren't very waterproof the real issue is ankle protection.  Timberland boots usually get low grades for ankle support because the side wall is a bit flimsy, but something is better than nothing.  And most of the time, it is easy to be careful and prevent injury, unless you've been hiking a long time and you get fatigued.  When you are tired, you can easily get injured.

Shoes have many advantages over a boot: they're lighter, cooler, more comfortable when you want to move fast and definately more stylish - which is always important :)  And the boots sound like they will give you blisters and generally be uncomfortable, even when the trail is good.

In summary, if you're in pretty good shape and it's a hike you won't get really tired on, wear the shoes and just be extra careful on the rocks.

Let me know how it goes and happy hiking!

Dave

 

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