When you are setting up for mountaineering or trekking expedition an important decision to make is what type of boots are perfect for the expedition. Mountaineering boots are made for mountaineering expedition and trekking boots are made for trekking expedition. Both shoes are made for different purpose with different design under different condition.
As a tourist I have also went for mountaineering and trekking expedition. There I noticed that various people have wear mountaineering boots for trekking and vice versa. Also, several people asked me that can they use mountaineering boots for trekking or not. So, I decided to write the answer and share.
Understanding Mountaineering Boots and Trekking Boots
Mountaineering boots are designed for extreme mountain environment. Mountaineering is a type of adventure where the mountaineers have to climb on big mountains. The mountains are covered with snow and vertical land. The vertical land that is covered with snow required boots that gives amazing grip on snow. Also, the boot should be insulated of cold temperature so that the foots of the mountaineer remain warm under low temperature.
On the other hand, trekking is a technical adventure. Unlike mountaineering, trekking does not need equipment such as rope usage or other fancy equipment. Trekking is a long-distance hiking in the remote or natural environments such as forest. For trekking you need a boot that are comfortable, lightweight, durable and strong. The difference between both is complex but important to understand while getting things ready for the adventure.
Can you use Mountaineering Boots for Trekking?
Yes, you can use mountaineering boots for trekking but should consider some conditions. If your trekking route contains difficult, steep and snow, covered path then you should opt for best mountaineering shoes. Their strong design and insulation make them perfect for this condition.
If your trekking path is just a forest or any other natural path where there is no snow covered steep path, then it is not recommended to wear mountaineering boots. This because of various factors.
Mountaineering boots are heavy and insulated for cold temperature. On the mountains, usually the temperature remains below the 0o C. So, every time putting these shoes on keep their feet warm and they do not feel hot.
On the other hand, while trekking on simple path such as forest, if you wear mountaineering shoes you will be uncomfortable. Obviously, as you keep walking the body temperature will increase and your feet become hot. This can make your adventure uncomfortable. For this it is recommended that for trekking you should wear simple hiking boots that are lightweight, durable, comfortable and give good grip.
Difference between Mountaineering Boots and Hiking Boots
As it has been stated before, that mountaineering and trekking both are different. You have to understand the difference between both for proper arrangements you will make. While selecting the boots you have to consider the difference between them.
Mountaineering Boots
Mountaineering boots are made with a strong and insulated material that resist the extreme cold temperatures in the mountains. Below are some features to be considered while selecting shoes for your mountaineering expedition.
- Rigid Sole:- Mountaineering boots have hard sole that gives support while climbing. This hardness is very important for walking on snow, ice and rocky path. Usually, the sole of mountaineering shoes is attached with crampons.
- Insulation:- These boots are highly insulated for extreme cold weathers. Mountaineers have to face the temperature below 0o C. To keep their feet warm they have to choose shoes that are highly insulated.
- Waterproof material:- Usually these boots are constructed with waterproof material. This helps the climbers to keep their feet dry when the snow on the shoe melts. This improves their comfortability.
- Crampon Compatibility:- Mountaineering boots are designed with crampon compatibility. Crampon is a metal plate with spikes that are attached with the sole of boots. It helps in walking on ice and climbing rocks. It provides amazing grip.
- Durability and Tough Construction:- They are manufactured with stony leather, synthetic material and reinforced plastics. This makes them comfortable use in harsh environments.
- Ankle Support:- While climbing up there is always a danger of ankle injuries. The high collars and stiff uppers, protect ankles from injuries on uneven path.
- Weight:– Mountaineering boots have strong design and insulation material. Due to this they are heavy in weight that adds in their protection and performance.
Hiking Boots
Although hiking and trekking both are different outdoor activities but for trekking you can wear hiking boots because they are not that much different. Hiking is walking on an established path fir short period of time and less physical fatigue. On the other hand, trekking is a walk on challenging and unmarked routes usually on remote and stony areas. It needs more preparation.
I am writing the features of hiking boots because usually people look for hiking boots even if they are going for trekking. Also, there is not much difference between hiking and trekking boots as much as trekking and mountaineering boots. Below are some features of hiking boots. You can search for the features of trekking boots. I am sure there will be not that much difference between them.
- Ankle Support:- Usually have mid or high cut, hiking boots give good ankle support for avoiding the foot to twist.
- Comfort and Cushoning:- Hiking boots give good cushioning and comfort. This greatly decreases foot fatigue during long hikes.
- Flexible and Strong Sole:– Hiking boots have flexible and strong soles as compared to mountaineering boots. This gives natural foot movement while and give durability and protection against sharp rocks and roots.
- Waterproof:- Hiking boots are also waterproof to keep the feet dry under wet conditions or wet tracks.
- Durable Material:- The hiking shoes are designed with highly durable such as leather and synthetic nylon. It balances the durability, water resistance and lightweight.
- Weight:- Hiking boots are lighter than mountaineering boots. This decreases foot fatigue but still gives enough strength for rough trails.
The features I have defined in hiking boots, almost similar features you will find in trekking boots with minor difference.
Conclusion
If you notice that there are almost similar features in hiking boots and mountaineering boots. Both gives comfortability, durability, ankle support, rigid sole and smooth grip. But the difference is between there weights and insulation properties. These two features create big differences between two shoes.
On trekking you have to wear lightweight shoes and shoes that keep your feet warm under cold condition and cool under hot conditions. This means that it varies according to environment.
On the other hand, mountaineering shoes have feature of crampon, heavy weight and highly insulated for cold temperature. Due to this you can not wear mountaineering boots on trekking unless your path does not contain snowy or icy path.