Discover Hiking & Camping Blog | Cap Puckhaber

 When I first started hiking years ago, I was told—like many of us were—that if I wanted to take my adventures seriously, I needed a good, stiff pair of hiking boots. So I listened. I bought some hefty, waterproof boots with ankle support up to my knees and soles that felt like they were made from truck tires. They were reliable, sure. But they were also heavy, inflexible, and honestly, a bit of a drag on longer trails.

Fast forward to today: I’ve officially made the switch. These days, you’ll find me out on the trail in lightweight hiking shoes or even trail runners—yes, sneakers. And I’m not alone. There's been a quiet but steady revolution in the hiking world. More and more hikers are shedding the bulky boots in favor of something lighter, faster, and more comfortable. Let’s talk about why that is—and whether it might be time for you to consider making the switch too.

 Don’t get me wrong—hiking boots still have their place. When you’re carrying a 50-pound pack over uneven alpine terrain or trudging through snow and loose scree, that ankle support and rigidity are helpful. Brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Lowa have dominated this space with solid, dependable models. They’ve kept generations of hikers upright and blister-free.

But they’re also overbuilt for many of today’s common hiking scenarios. Most of us are out for a weekend trip or a day hike with a relatively light load. And those thick-soled, high-ankle boots? They start to feel like overkill.

 What’s been fascinating to watch—and experience firsthand—is the shift toward ultralight hiking. The backpacking crowd, especially thru-hikers on trails like the PCT or AT, started realizing that shaving ounces off their gear wasn’t just a nerdy obsession—it meant less fatigue, fewer injuries, and more miles covered comfortably.

One of the biggest weight savers? Footwear. Trail runners and lightweight hiking shoes were originally designed for runners bombing down backcountry paths. But it turns out, they’re excellent for hiking too. You get flexibility, breathability, and faster break-in times. Plus, they dry out quicker than boots if you cross a stream or get caught in the rain.

Even better? No more ankle cuffs that feel like medieval armor.

 I switched about two years ago. At first, I was nervous—would I twist an ankle? Would my feet be sore? But within a few hikes, I noticed something surprising: I felt faster and lighter. The trail runners hugged my feet, allowed me to move more naturally, and didn’t make me feel like I was hauling bricks on my feet.

Sure, there are trade-offs. I’ve stepped on sharp rocks and wished I had thicker soles. And my trail runners wear out faster than boots. But for 90% of the hiking I do, the trade-off is worth it. And when I’m carrying more or headed into gnarly terrain? I still keep a pair of solid hiking boots in the gear closet.

 Fit is everything with hiking footwear, so if you can, go to a store like REI and try them on. Walk around. See how they feel with hiking socks. If you’re shopping online, make sure the return policy is forgiving—most brands and sites like Backcountry and REI have generous returns because they get it: feet are personal.