Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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.
*Lowest Prices I Found:*
Trail Runners: hkgy.co/shoes
Shoes: rei.pxf.io/e1ZZo6
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After hiking 100 miles in Oboz Sawtooth II hiking shoes and switching back to Altra Lone Peak 6 trail runners, the differences are immediate. Hiking shoes weigh close to two pounds per pair and offer stiffer soles and ankle support. Trail runners weigh around one pound, flex naturally, and let your feet move. The weight difference compounds over thousands of steps on long days. Your choice depends on terrain, load, and whether you value support or speed. I break down when each makes sense based on real trail time in both.
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*Disclaimer:*
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.
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.
*Lowest Prices I Found:*
Trail Runners: hkgy.co/shoes
Shoes: rei.pxf.io/e1ZZo6
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After hiking 100 miles in Oboz Sawtooth II hiking shoes and switching back to Altra Lone Peak 6 trail runners, the differences are immediate. Hiking shoes weigh close to two pounds per pair and offer stiffer soles and ankle support. Trail runners weigh around one pound, flex naturally, and let your feet move. The weight difference compounds over thousands of steps on long days. Your choice depends on terrain, load, and whether you value support or speed. I break down when each makes sense based on real trail time in both.
---
*Disclaimer:*
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.
