Do you have hiking shoes or want to buy hiking shoes? And do you want to use them for walking as well? But here a question arises in your mind whether hiking shoes are good for everyday walking the simple answer is yes. But hiking shoes and walking shoes have almost the same features.
Hiking shoes are designed with specific features that make them well-suited for walking in various terrains and conditions.
All of the qualities that we considered hiking shoes are good for walking :
- Comfortable: Padded insoles and cushioning for long walks.
- Supportive: Strong midsoles and ankle support prevent injuries.
- Good Grip: Rugged treads on the outsoles provide traction.
- Durable: Tough materials for regular use over time.
- Water-resistant: Keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Breathable: Allows airflow to keep feet cool and prevent moisture buildup.
Additionally, hiking shoes are designed for long-lasting comfort, with cushioned midsoles and breathable materials that help prevent blisters and hot spots, even during extended walks.
Here are some recommendations for shoes good for walking on concrete:
- Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
- Merrell Moab 3
- Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX
- Altra Lone Peak 7
- Brooks Ghost 14
All these shoes are just a few examples of hiking shoes. Also, before choosing a good walking shoe, it is important to consider all the factors such as the weather conditions of the area where we will be living and even our personal preferences.
Are Hiking Shoes Good For Walking on Concrete
Hiking shoes are not the best choice for walking on concrete. Hiking boots can be a good choice for general walking, but when it comes to walking on concrete, we have to think more.
Hiking shoes are designed for rough terrain and paved trails Conversely, concrete does not provide the same level of cushioning and shock absorption as natural surfaces. Concrete contains more aggregates and cement which makes it a very healthy surface.
Hiking boots have a tread pattern that provides a good grip on dirt, rocks, and uneven surfaces. This type of movement in concrete can be very high and can create new problems for us by causing instability.
Therefore, we should choose shoes for walking on concrete that are designed for urban environments because such shoes are designed to absorb the impact of walking on light materials, more flexible soles, and healthy joints. Which makes walking on paved surfaces comfortable and quiet while hiking.
Best Walking shoes on concrete:
Here are some recommendations for shoes good for walking on concrete:
- Brooks Ghost 15
- Asics Gel-Venture 9
- Hoka Bondi 7
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
- Ryka Devotion Plus 3
Downsides to Wearing Hiking Shoes for Walking
While hiking shoes are designed to provide support, stability, and protection for rugged terrain, they might not always be the best choice for casual walking or everyday use. Along with this, they also have some downsides that you should keep in mind.
Here are some potential downsides to wearing hiking shoes for walking:
- Bulkier: Hiking shoes are typically bulkier and heavier than walking shoes, which can make them less comfortable for long walks on pavement.
- Less breathable: Hiking shoes can be less breathable than walking shoes, which can make your feet hot and sweaty.
- Price: Hiking shoes are generally more expensive than walking shoes.
Conclusion
Overall hiking shoes are specially designed for trails and rugged terrain. So we should choose the shoes that are specially designed for walking. That we can make our walking calm and comfortable.
If you want a complete comprehensive guide about the best and most comfortable walking shoes, then you should visit our article (Top 5 Best Comfortable Walking Shoes all-day)
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FAQs
Can I run in hiking shoes?
You can technically use hiking shoes for short runs, but they are not ideal for long runs. Shoes with better flexibility and cushioning can be good for regular running. Because When we run, our feet exert a large amount of force on the shoe that normal shoes cannot handle.
Are walking shoes the same as hiking shoes?
No! hiking and walking shoes are the same However, they may have some features in common, like their breathability, basic cushioning and secure fit, etc
Can you wear hiking shoes in the city?
Yes, you can definitely use hiking shoes in the city and these can be very strong and supportive. But keep in mind that these shoes can be a bit bulky and less flexible than normal shoes on flat pavements. Which can lead to a decrease in your confidence.
Can I use hiking shoes for work?
Using hiking boots to work depends on your workplace. So, when are hiking shoes a good option for work?
- Landscaping
- Construction sites
- Warehouses
- Other jobs with uneven terrain or slippery floors
So hiking shoes can be a good option for some work environments, but not all.
Are hiking shoes necessary?
Yes, hiking shoes are necessary for certain types of hiking adventures, especially if you’re tackling rugged terrain or long distances. But hiking shoes have all the gradients that provide our feet with the traction and protection they need, reducing our chances of injury.
Although easy pick sticks work with regular shoes too. But if you want to enjoy your trip without any hassle, then you have to use hiking shoes.