Some people might be under the impression that running in hiking shoes is harder and more painful than a shoe made for running. But what if that’s not true?
In this article, we’ll examine some of the reasons why you might think running in hiking shoes is harder than running in other shoes. But do you want to know why?
Running in a hiking shoe is harder than running in a running shoe, but why?
There are a few reasons why you might think this is the case.
1. The shape and weight:
Hiking shoes are heavier, more sturdy, and more structured than running shoes. This means that the sole is wider, the heel is sturdier and more aggressive, and the upper is less flexible.
When a shoe has more structure, it tends to be more difficult to compress and reshape your foot. And because of this structure, a hiking shoe must be constructed in a very specific way to fit your feet right the first time you put them on.
As you can imagine, this can be quite frustrating, especially if you have wide or high-volume feet. A shoe that fits correctly at the start is a shoe that will fit correctly all day long. But shoes with less structure do allow your feet to bend and mold to fit them better as you run.
Another consideration is the weight of the shoe. When it comes to running shoes, lighter is almost always better. This is because being able to move faster in fewer steps means less effort and more efficiency over long distances.
Of course, this isn’t always true, as a more flexible forefoot and the ability to adjust to the ground and let your foot run slightly downhill can be more efficient. But generally, being able to move faster over more distance is better.
The problem with hiking shoes is that they’re much heavier than running shoes; this means that if you were to run for miles on end in a pair of hiking shoes, you would tire much faster than you would otherwise.
2. The Density:
When a shoe is lighter, it’s easier for your foot to move and become more flexible. But not all shoes are created equally. Some have more structure, some have less; and each of these qualities makes a difference when it comes to running.
The shoes with less structure will allow your feet to bend much easier. And because they’re less heavy and stiff, they will be easier on your joints while running. This is why the best shoes for running can feel very stiff in the initial 60 seconds or so and then they become almost non-existent.
Of course, a shoe that’s too lightweight isn’t going to help you at all. When running, you need to have something that absorbs or transfers impact as well as it can without doing damage to your feet.
3. Interesting Facts:
Hiking shoes are usually made from a harder material than running shoes. This means that they’re not going to bend as easily to fit your foot and are probably not as flexible.
The shoes with less structure will also be more rigid, which means they’re going to take a bit longer to break in and mold. So while they might fit you better when you first put them on, they might be a bit harder to start moving well immediately after that.
A shoe that’s too lightweight will also be more flexible and will easily accommodate your foot from heel to toe. However, if you were to run with these shoes for an extended period of time, they may eventually begin to hurt your feet.
4. Footwear Designer’s Intent:
It’s tempting to assume that the tighter the shoe fits, the better it will be for running. But there is actually no correlation between tight-fitting shoes and running performance. As many people know, tight shoes can hurt your feet.
Regardless of the shoe design, if the fit does not work with your foot, it will not be able to help you run efficiently. So even if your running shoe fits great, you should avoid buying a hiking shoe that’s too tight and will cause unnecessary damage to your feet.
5. Less support:
A hiking shoe will have less support and more flexibility than a running shoe. This means that the tread is not as aggressive, the heel is not as sturdy, and the upper is not as supportive.
Something else to keep in mind here: a hiking shoes are made for activities where you’re carrying a lot of weight on your back, so they must be constructed to support all of this extra weight. Running, on the other hand, has much looser requirements.
6. Hiking shoes are not made for running:
Hiking shoes are made for hiking, running is just an ancillary use. You were doing it wrong! A shoe that’s specifically made for running is going to be lighter, more flexible, and have more structure than a shoe made for hiking.
Running and hiking are two very different activities. Hiking does not require as much flexibility in your feet or as much cushion in your heels and it does not put nearly as much pressure on your joints over time.
To Sum Up!
Running in a hiking shoe is harder than running in a running shoe, but why?
It’s not always going to be the case. The design of the shoe will ultimately determine the level of difficulty you experience when running. But generally speaking, if you are able to find a hiking shoe that fits well and supports your foot well, it will offer a better experience than running in any kind of running shoe.
However, most hiking shoes are not designed to be able to run, so you are always going to experience that initial stiffness and difficulty while they break in. The best way to get around this is to select a pair of running shoes that will allow your feet to bend and mold when you first try them on and then simply just run in those.
This will make the shoe feel more natural and comfortable, which will make it easier for you as you continue your run.