There are people who swear in deep boots for hiking, and that is totally fine. But there are also people who are always on the lookout for alternative ways to make their trip and packing a little lighter. A great footwear alternative for shallow rivers, hard rock terrain, and even rainy and snowy trails are easier to cover with, are running shoes. Nike Roshes are good for hiking if you are used to them. Their design provides sufficient versatility and can be used for a variety of activities, not just hiking. However, the real question is can the hiker, meaning you, get used to the design of the shoe, and do you consider it efficient or not. To learn more about Nike Roshes and whether they can be an alternative to hiking shoes, keep reading.
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Hiking Shoe Essentials
Many people will go for the boot by insertion, as old school mountain climbers will always tell you to do so. It is important to keep in mind that the point of the shoe is not the boot per se, but rather that the footwear you are wearing for a hike provides you with these essentials:
- Durability
- Ankle support
- Water protection
Basically, a good shoe should be able to last you a while, keep your ankles safe and supported while going through rough terrain, and stay dry and warm during the entire hike. Mountain climbers will wear shoes for running on a hike and wear shoes as a spear if they are planning longer trips.
Reasons Why to Ditch Hiking Boots
There are quite a few reasons, and good ones, why you should consider implementing some running shoes as an addition to your camping and hiking gear. We listed a selection of five good reasons why you should reconsider sneakers (Nike Roshes included) for your next hiking trip.
Hiking Boots Weigh You Down
The more baggage you are carrying, the more energy you are spending. It is easy to understand, but the weight on your feet is even more significant and important. Baggage on your feet will take you 4-6 times more energy than any load you are carrying on your back. That is why the boot should be replaced. Usually, boots will also weigh more than one kilo, while any running shoes are lighter and weigh less than 1kg. It is equivalent to if you took off 4-6 kilos of backloading, which will save energy and your muscles in the long run.
Blisters Are a Nightmare
Stiff boots with a thick sole will not bend enough and will enclose the feet, preventing the skin from being able to breathe. After an entire day spent in boots or mountain climbing shoes, your feet will be soft and soaked with sweat, making them more prone to blisters.
Even a great, softened pair of boots will give you blisters after an entire day of walking. If you’ve ever experienced those painful blisters, you already have the experience of the pain, so consider changing some things around. Get those running shoes. Also, if you decide to go hiking in National Parks, boots are a no-go!
Waterproofing Is a Lie
Many hiking boot brands will claim to be waterproof, and most mountain climbers will consider this to be a good thing. However, waterproof boots won’t keep your feet dry. There are quite a few reasons:
- Your feet will sweat because there is a lack of airflow in them.
- Waterproof shoes will provide only short-term protection from the rain. When the clouds break out with rain and thunder, you are likely to go through rough and muddy terrain and will likely get soaked.
- Even the greatest quality waterproof shoes will get tiny fractures and holes over time and will start to leak water during long exposure to rain.
Rain clothing can prevent your feet from getting wet right away, but if you are hiking during the rainfall season, you will probably get wet at some point during the hike. Be wary of the quality and purpose of waterproof boots, and think about the benefits of shoes rather than boots. They can make your life easier.
Ankle Support Is a Myth
Maybe not an actual myth, but ankle support is frankly only one of the things your hiking shoes should have. First of all, it is a phrase that aims to land the sail. A deeper boot will provide ankle support, no doubt about it. However, it is important to talk about the fear of twisting the ankle in real life. People who are active should focus on building up endurance and stretching the ankles daily. Being agile and active will prevent any unplanned movement of your feet. Besides, deeper shoes will tire your feet faster and make you more clumsy. This will make you more exposed, and lead to a greater risk of injury than opting for some low-key, light running shoes. 
Deep Shoes Are Demanding
Boots can be expensive, require a lot of time to break down, and require regular maintenance in order to be preserved and serve you for a longer period of time. There is quite some effort to invest in a pair of footwear that will additionally tire you on your every hike. A lighter and cheaper alternative, one that can be worn straight out of the box, is considering running shoes for hiking. The greatest combination for a good hike and staying comfortable and dry is to combine the two. Take a look at the weather report, as well as the length of the trail, and consider whether or not you should carry both pairs with you.
Time for a Change
Once you are ready to change your boots for easier mountain climbing/hiking footwear, make sure your choice is adapted to the lightweight concept of modern alpinism. Running shoes are the efficient resolution, and Nike Roshes happen to be a great example. Make sure that the shoe model you will choose has good ventilation for your feet so they can dry out fast if and when they get wet. Stay away from shoes that have large sections without an additional layer of webbing, as it tears off pretty fast. It is also a good idea to get a half-size-up model, as your feet will get swollen from long walks. In time, the sole will wear off, but a pair of sneakers can go over 800 kilometers, or even more.
Nike Roshes Breaks the Budget
Finding a good shoe that will not eat almost half of a decent paycheck is hard, and while most campers and hikers are used to gasping when it comes to professional equipment, this specific pair of running shoes is a little surprise. Now, it will probably make you gasp, but pleasantly. The general price of a Nike Roshe running shoe model can be found under $100 easily. The casualty of its design makes this specific shoe and brand versatile and easily adaptable to jogging, hiking, mountain climbing, and even golfing purposes. Its wide application may seem that this model is a cheaper version of a good shoe, well not entirely. In recent times Nike has become the creative guru of creating good quality shoes. Their regular models are amped with spikes to the bottom to call it a day. The formula is efficient, the models are stylish, and, more importantly, super comfortable.
How Light Should You Pack?
Regarding how much lighter you should pack before safely altering from boots to shoes, there is no definite number. It is a completely individual process in which you should consider the following:
- Weather and rain conditions
- Movement requirements
- Movement speed (whether or not you are able to run with the luggage)
There are quite a few advantages for packing less, starting with the beauty of simple camping. Packing light is always recommended, even if you decide not to alter your hiking boots with sneakers. If you are going on a shorter trip, bring only the essentials and stay away from big 70l backpacks.
In the End, Are Nike Roshes Good for Hiking?
Changing from shoes to sneakers can be a big change, and some hikers are worried about that. Fear of change is a common behavior trait in all of us, which is why we suggest you try implementing small and practical changes over a longer period of time. Pack a smaller backpack and go hiking near your house. Do that wearing hiking boots one time, and the next try wearing running shoes. Try to go on similar weather conditions, and on the same route of course. Compare feelings and overall performance and decide for yourself. You may become the next top fan of running shoes used for hiking, or it may take some getting used to them. Eventually, you will enjoy the light feeling on your feet, and the lessened pressure of your annual footwear budget. When it comes to questions about mountain climbing, hiking, and trekking, newbies will often ask almost the same questions every time. It is not unheard of that a different type of shoe is used for another type of activity. For example, people often wonder can trekking shoes be used for walking, can you wear ski boots with snow shoes, or is it better to wear shoes for running on a mountain climbing trip and how light they should be to replace mountain climbing shoes.
