Can I wear trail runners for hiking?

The answer is yes. This is a very common practice among experienced hikers who know their limitations and what would be considered safe for them. For day hikes or even some long distance thru-hikes, trail runners are great. Trail runners are design differently that regular running shoes, from a more aggressive tread, to a specially designed shank to protect your foot from pounding on the rocks.

There are several things that should be taken into consideration before deciding to buy and wear trail runners for hiking.

Things to consider:

• Your weight
• Your pack weight (under 30lbs is best)
• The trail (rough terrain or going off trail is not recommended)
• Trail runners will not last as long as hiking boots.

A trail running shoe (bottom) has a more aggressive tread than a regular running shoe (top)

With so many manufacturers, materials, tread design, and even colors it can seam overwhelming. Which ones do I choose?!  Well unless you have unlimited fun funds, cost can certainly be one of the top considerations. 

But the one that trumps them all is how do they fit you? Some trail-running shoes cater to certain foot types, due to their design and their type of sole construction. The key is try a bunch of different brands and see what fits you the best. Break them in, and have fun out there!