Trail Shoes? Approach Shoes? Hiking Boots?: How to Choose the Right Footwear for Your Hike…(in our humble opinion…)
When it comes to hiking gear, few decisions are as personal—and important—as what you put on your feet. Whether you're exploring mellow forest trails, scrambling over boulders, or setting off on a multi-day backpacking mission in the Purcells, your choice of footwear can make or break the experience.
At Playwest, we’ve seen it all—from blisters on the first kilometre to folks hiking 100 km in the same dusty pair of sneakers they wear to the gym. So let’s break it down: trail shoes vs. approach shoes vs. hiking boots. Each has its place out here in the Canadian Rockies. The trick is knowing what kind of adventure you're heading into—and what kind of support your feet will need to get there (and back).
When you’re planning a hike in the Canadian Rockies, your choice of footwear matters. A lot. Whether you’re out for a quick half-day hike or embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip, the right hiking shoes can mean the difference between a blissful day in nature—or limping back to the car with blisters and regrets.
At Playwest Mountain Experiences, we get asked this question all the time:
“What’s the best hiking footwear?”
Our answer? It depends.
Trail Shoes: Light, Fast, and Ready to Move
What they are: Trail shoes are essentially beefed-up running shoes designed for dirt, gravel, and roots. They’re light, breathable, and quick-drying—perfect for covering ground at a good pace. Now we get it, the hard core ultra-liters are going to grind our gears here…but this is a guideline…
Scarpa Rush 2 GTX With the feel of a running shoe and the support of a hiking boot, the Rush 2 GTX is the perfect choice for a variety of trail pursuits.
Pros:
Lightweight and breathable: Great for hot days and fast hikes.
Flexible soles: Allow for natural foot movement and better agility.
Dry out quickly: A good option for stream crossings or unexpected downpours.
Cons:
Limited ankle support: Not ideal for heavy packs or unstable terrain.
Shorter lifespan: Trail shoes tend to wear out faster than boots.
Less protection: Sharp rocks or scree fields might leave your toes feeling bruised.
Best for: Half-day to full-day hikes on well-maintained trails, summer missions, and hikers who value speed and comfort over support.
Approach Shoes: Built for the Scramble
What they are: Originally designed for climbers approaching rock walls, approach shoes are a hybrid between a hiking shoe and a climbing shoe. Think sticky rubber soles and sturdy construction.
Scarpa Crux: The best-selling Crux features a full-coverage toe rand, sticky Vibram sole and lace-to-lace design for ample support and protection on slabby scrambles, loose talus and rugged descents.
Pros:
Excellent traction: Grippy soles are awesome on rock slabs and scrambles.
Durable and protective: Torsion-resistant with solid toe bumpers.
Lower profile: More breathable than boots, but tougher than trail runners.
Cons:
Stiff underfoot: Not always the most comfortable for long days on mellow trail.
Heavier than trail shoes: The added protection adds some weight.
Limited ankle support: Like trail shoes, they’re still low-cut.
Best for: Technical hikes, scrambly ridgelines, and any mission where you’ll be mixing trail with a bit of rock-hopping.
Hiking Boots: Supportive, Sturdy, and Ready for Big Missions
What they are: The classic choice for long-distance hiking and backpacking. Today’s hiking boots range from leather tanks to lightweight synthetic options—but the idea’s the same: support and stability.
Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX features GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, a one-of-a-kind lightweight, waterproof lining with protection that won’t weigh you down.
Pros:
Ankle support: Great for uneven terrain, heavy packs, and long days.
Durable and protective: Built to take a beating and last for seasons.
Good for all weather: Many boots offer waterproofing and insulation.
Cons:
Heavier and hotter: More weight means more fatigue, especially in summer.
Longer break-in time: Your feet and your boots need time to get to know each other.
Slower drying: Once they’re wet, they stay wet.
Best for: Multi-day backpacking trips, rough terrain, shoulder season outings, or any hike where stability, support, and protection matter most.
So… What Should You Choose?
Here’s the truth: there’s no one perfect shoe—just the right shoe for the right hike. If you’re joining us for a full-day guided hike in the Columbia Valley, trail shoes or approach shoes might be all you need. Planning a remote, multi-day backpacking trip into the Purcells? We’ll nudge you toward a proper hiking boot.
Hot Tips when your ready to try some on:
It’s recommended that you size up by at least a half size. Your feet swell so set yourself up for success!
we always recommend trying them on with the socks you’ll actually wear hiking. What looks good on the shelf might not feel so great on a rocky alpine descent. We like Darn Tough’s line of activity specific socks. Warm, durable, and quick drying.
Even though they look good or are “pretty”, if you feel any discomfort or have even the smallest hotspot, DON’T BUY THEM! That feeling is not going to go away and honestly will likely result in hotspots and blisters…Remember…Happy feet = happy hiking. We’ll see you on the trail.
TeamPlaywest
