Can You Wear Hiking Shoes Every Day? [Pros & Cons]

Did you buy yourself a new pair of cute hiking shoes and are contemplating using them as your everyday shoes?

Or did your old shoes get worn down and you’ve found yourself reaching for your hiking shoes to replace them?

Well, the good news is that I’ve got you covered with all of the information that you’ll need to know about doing so.

So you won’t have to ask yourself, “can I wear my hiking shoes every day?” anymore.

Read on to find out the answer!

Can I Wear Hiking Shoes Every Day?

Hiking shoes are a comfortable shoe that can be tempting to wear on the daily.

And with how expensive they can be, I totally get why you would want to wear them as your everyday shoe.

So in short, yes, you can definitely wear them every day if you feel like it.

There’s nothing stopping you from doing so, and there’s really no harm in it either!

In fact, many people choose to do this and you probably don’t even notice!

But before you run down to the door and lace them up, let me run you through a few pros and cons of doing so.

Pros of Wearing Hiking Shoes Every Day

There are many positives that come with making your everyday shoe your hiking boots.

Here are a few of the top pros.

Fewer Shoes in the Closet

One of the biggest factors of just using your hiking shoes rather than going for a second pair is having fewer pairs of shoes.

This saves room in the closet, leaving you more space for something else.

You won’t have to spend 5 minutes every morning searching for that one shoe that you swore you saw yesterday but now is suddenly missing.

Plus, you won’t have to take the time to decide which pair matches your outfit better.

Having fewer shoes simplifies the process of getting ready each morning.

Less Money Spent on Shoes

By using one pair of shoes for multiple different purposes, you’re going to save money.

Shoes have continued to get more and more spendy as the years go on, so why not try to save a few bucks where you can?

Instead of purchasing one of each kind, choose a hiking shoe that can double as an everyday wearer, and call it good!

Saves time and saves your pocketbook. That’s a win-win if you ask me.

More Traction

It’s pretty common for hiking shoes to have much better traction than regular shoes.

They’re built to be out on rugged trails with exposed tree roots, sharp rocks, and slippery surfaces.

Regular shoes just have basic traction for walking indoors and on dry surfaces.

And sometimes that’s just not good enough.

Hiking shoes can definitely come in handy when there’s water or snow on the ground or if you just prefer extra traction on your feet.

Extra Support

Depending on the type you have or are purchasing, most hiking shoes have a pretty good ankle support system.

Again, they’re built to be worn on rugged trails where the ground is anything but flat.

So wearing a pair of these will help protect your feet and ankles more than a regular shoe does.

But, consider which pair you’re buying, because low-top hiking shoes have much less support than higher ones.

Waterproof

Many hiking shoes are waterproof to some extent, which can be great if you get caught in the rain or walk in the snow.

If you walk to work or school, this might be a great plus for you because you’ll get to show up to work with dry shoes.

It’s definitely hard to find a regular shoe that has the waterproofness of a hiking shoe, so this is a major pro.

Always Down for an Impromptu Hike

I know this one isn’t really that much to consider.

But if anyone ever asks if you want to go for a hike, you’ll always be prepared. 😉

Cons of Wearing Hiking Shoes Every Day

Besides all of the pros that come with wearing your hiking shoes every day, there are also some cons to be aware of.

Here are 3 of the most important ones to consider.

More Expensive

While you may be saving money by only purchasing one pair of shoes, it is important to consider that hiking shoes are typically more expensive.

If you’re looking for a really good, high-quality pair, you can expect to pay anywhere from $130 to upwards of $300.

You can find cheaper ones, but they aren’t usually as good of quality and won’t last as long.

Wear Down Faster

Wearing hiking shoes on surfaces that they aren’t meant to be worn on can definitely cause them to break down faster.

They’re built to walk on dirt paths, so bringing them on cement, tar, or indoors can play a factor in wear.

On top of this, if you’re wearing them for both hiking and everyday uses, they’re wear down twice as fast.

Quality hiking shoes are said to last between 500-1,000 miles.

Everyday wear shoes typically will last a person about 500 miles, depending on how you’re using them.

Heavy

Normal shoes are usually fairly lightweight, while hiking shoes tend to be heavier and weigh the foot down more.

This is because they’re sturdier and have more materials built into them, which is great for being on the trail.

But for wearing every day, this can get heavy and annoying to have to lug around those heavy shoes.

Not Good for Certain Activities

While hiking shoes are great for, well, hiking, they definitely don’t perform the best when used for other activities.

If you plan to use them for other activities such as running, working out, playing basketball, etc., you’ll find that they don’t work great.

They’re heavier and don’t support your feet in the right ways for those specific activities.

So either way, you’ll still need a second pair of shoes if you participate in other things.

Workplace Dress Code

Some workplaces may have a dress code that they require you to follow, so you’ll want to consult that to ensure your hiking shoes fit the bill.

You definitely do not want to show up to work and be sent home to change your footwear.

Best Hiking Boots for Everyday Wear

Below I’ll tell you a few of the best brands and models of hiking shoes that work best for both hitting the trail and wearing to the grocery store.

Best Women’s: adidas Terrex Free Hikers

Best Men’s: adidas Terrex Swift R3

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FAQ: Wearing Hiking Shoes Everyday

Do you have more questions about whether or not you can wear your hiking shoes every day? I’ve got you.

Read down below to find out the answers.

How Long Should Hiking Boots Be Worn For?

How long you wear your hiking shoes will depend on a variety of factors.

This includes your weight, the conditions they were used in, how well you care for them, and the brand of the shoe.

Most brands say that their shoes will last between 500-1,000 miles, while others claim 350-500.

For the average hiker or person, this is about 2-3 years.

If you’re heavier or are wearing them on really rough terrain, expect them to last closer to that 500 range.

But if you just wear them for walking on flat paths or for everyday use, you may get closer to the 1,000-mile mark.

You’ll be able to tell that you need a new pair when yours start to have tears, get uncomfortable, or have no support left.

Can Hiking Shoes Be Worn on Pavement?

Yes, hiking shoes can be worn on pavement, but since they’re designed to be worn on trails, it may wear them down faster.

Dragging shoes on pavement can decrease the traction that is found on the bottom.

Can Hiking Shoes Be Worn in the Snow?

Hiking shoes can most definitely be worn in the snow.

In fact, most of them are designed to be used as all-season shoes.

Many pairs are waterproof, which helps keep your feet warm and dry during the winter months.

Are Hiking Shoes Good for Walking?

Yes, hiking shoes can be worn casually worn for walking, but they will wear out faster when used on hard surfaces.

Just like walking on pavement, using hiking shoes on surfaces other than dirt will break them down faster.

But they are good for walking and provide great support while doing so.

Are Hiking Shoes and Walking Shoes Different?

Hiking shoes and walking shoes are different in a few different ways.

The most obvious factor is that hiking shoes are built for more rugged terrain while walking shoes are meant for pavement.

So hiking shoes will have more support, better traction, and are heavier.

Walking shoes are lightweight, don’t have much ankle support, and usually don’t have a lot of traction on their soles.

Can I Run in Hiking Shoes?

It’s really not recommended to wear your hiking shoes running because they’re too bulky and don’t provide the support you’ll need.

When running, your feet need more breathability, better flex, and arch support.

Many hiking shoes don’t have this to the extent that you may need.

If you need to for a short stent, then no, it won’t hurt the shoes.

But they aren’t typically built for the amount of mileage that is usually put on a running shoe, so try not to do it often.

Are Hiking Boots Comfortable?

A short answer to this one- yes! As long as you choose the best pair for you.

Try your bet to make sure they aren’t too big or too small and that they will last for many miles to come.

Wrap-Up: Can You Wear Hiking Shoes Every Day

Now that you know many of the pros and cons that come with wearing hiking shoes on the daily, you might have a more informed decision.

Whether it’s because you want fewer shoes, to save money, or to just try something different, there are pluses and minuses.

So can you wear hiking shoes every day? The answer is, yes, you certainly can.