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Merrell Hiking Boots vs Standard Hiking/Walking Shoes

Hello:
I recently bought a pair of Merrells hightop waterproof hiking boots for my upcoming trip to Switzerland in May.
I have not worn hiking boots before, just regular Merrells walking shoes, and my reasoning was that boots would be more practical this time because there may be mud and water (and snow) on the ground during my time there: May 12 - 18.
Have you hiked / walked in the Berner Oberland region around this time of the year, and what
do you think about hiking boots vs low top walking / hiking shoes?

Would hiking boots the more practical choice for this time of the year?
Should I not attempt a footwear style I have not worn before?

Thanks for your help.

Posted by
1419 posts

Hiking boots are always preferable if it is practical to take them. I have hiked in the region in June in hiking shoes. Usually part of a much longer trip that made boots impractical (we usually do a lot of biking also). I live in Colorado and do a fair amount of hiking. If I'm going on a trek of significant distance (more than 3 miles) I always wear boots. Boots will give you more ankle support. I agree you are likely to run into mud and snow. Boots will be the better choice in May. You MUST break them in before your trip! I would start wearing them whenever possible and take some longer walks / hikes with them.

Posted by
11247 posts

Jill is right on. If we are going to do more than a day-or-two of mountain walking, we bring the hiking boots. Ankle protection is important. They are bulky so wear them on the plane.

If we get to a point in the trip where we do not need them any longer, we will ship them home along with anything we’ve acquired.

Posted by
740 posts

From past experience, be aware that some of the Berner Oberland trails will not be open in May. Depends on snowpack. That may help answer your question.

Posted by
1194 posts

High top boots are for ankle support. You usually need that for heavier loads or off trail scrambling.

High tops provide better protection for the snow.

How many days hiking Vs regular touring? If you are only hiking one or two days then you might want to wear low hikers with wool socks and a pair of gaiters. But for deeper snow you’ll need high tops and something that cinches around your ankles - either rain pants or gaiters.

High tops need more break in time. Don’t just wear them out of the box or your feet will be in bandages for the remainder of the trip.

Posted by
484 posts

Thank you all for your very helpful responses.
I think I will use my broken in hiking shoes and leave the boots for another time. They are not broken in yet and I would prefer to be without painful feet after the first day of walking. And I don't think we will be doing enough hiking to justify taking the boots.
I will be doing a lot of walking but mostly on paved paths in areas like Mt. Pilatus, Rigi, Lucerne, Wengen and Lauterbrunnen.
Thank you all again for helping me with this.

Posted by
1 posts

Nadine. Could you let us know how it went? I’m going to be hiking in the exact same area in July. I am hesitant about buying high top boots. I find them very uncomfortable and I don’t think they will be necessary. I am assuming the trails will not be very rugged. Hope you are having a great trip.
Jeannette

Posted by
16026 posts

Hi top hiking boots are appropriate for mountaineers (who may be attaching crampons and will be hiking through snow) and backpackers ( who are carrying heavy packs on rugged trails). For most casual hikers they are too much boot.

Hiking shoes ( which may come in a waterproof version) are fine for most trails, unless there is a lot of steep downhill. Then it is difficult to keep your feet from sliding foreword so your toes are pinched. For that reason, I like a "mid" boot for dayhiking, including on rough trails. ( I will continue to use my hi top boots for backpacking).

This is an example of a good "mid" boot for women. They are lightweight, flexible, and have a good Vibram sole. Comfortable right out of the box ( although I will do a few more hikes in there here before heading to the Alps in July).

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/128838/la-sportiva-fc-40-gtx-hiking-boots-womens

I bought mine on a previous 20% off sale. REI is offering that again on one Outlet item, through tomorrow. So they would be around $96 instead of $119.