Walking Boots vs Walking Shoes: How to Choose the Right Pair
It might be the walking world’s biggest debate...
Okay, maybe not the biggest, but it's a question that tends to always crop up.
Should you go for walking boots or walking shoes?
Both have their place. Both have their fans.
And both can be the right choice, depending on what kind of walking you tend to do.
So we thought we’d walk you all through the details (sorry, couldn’t resist!) to help choose the pair that fits your own adventures best.
What’s the Difference Between Walking Boots and Walking Shoes?
At first glance, the difference feels straightforward: boots cover your ankles, shoes sit lower.
But if the “walking boots vs shoes” debate has taught us anything, it’s that the answer isn’t always that simple.
Because when it comes down to it, it’s less about definitions, and more about what your walks actually look like.
You might set off on a dog walk and wonder if your chunky hiking boots are a bit much. Or end up halfway up a muddy hill in the Peaks, sliding around and wishing you’d worn something sturdier.
So the real question becomes:
What kind of walking do you do?
- Are you up in the hills most weekends?
-
Sticking to flatter countryside paths?
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Travelling light on holiday?
-
Out every day in all weathers?
That’s where the difference really starts to matter.
Walking Boots vs Walking Shoes: Key Feature Differences
So, what happens when we move past the labels and look at the features that affect how they feel underfoot?
Walking boots really come into their own when you’re dealing with uneven ground, changeable weather, or longer distances.
That's because they tend to be sturdier and offer extra ankle support when you’re carrying a backpack or navigating tricky terrain.
Walking shoes, on the other hand, feel more like your everyday trainers — just upgraded for outdoor activities.
They’re lighter and ideal for flatter paths, coastal routes, or those days when bulky boots feel like overkill.
Let’s take a closer look at how the two compare across the key features:
| Feature | Walking Boots | Walking Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle Support | Higher cut offers extra protection and support, especially useful on uneven or hilly ground. | Low-cut style gives your ankle more freedom to move — ideal for flatter trails and steady paths. |
| Weight | Often slightly heavier, though many modern styles are surprisingly lightweight. | Generally lighter overall — a good pick for travel, warm weather, or shorter walks. |
| Water Protection | Taller design gives more coverage in long grass, puddles, or mud. | Just as waterproof in many cases, but with less height to stop splash-back or deep puddles. |
| Durability | Designed to handle regular, rough use — great if you’re out often or year-round. | Materials are often lighter but still built to last, especially for casual or mid-level walking. |
| Warmth | The higher ankle and thicker uppers offer more protection from wind, cold air, and icy puddles — a bonus on winter walks or early mornings. | Lower cut means more airflow around the ankle, which helps keep you cool on warm-weather hikes or faster-paced walks. |
A Closer Look: Walking Boots vs Walking Shoes in Action
To bring the walking boots vs walking shoes debate to life, let’s look at two best-selling styles in our walking footwear collections: the Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX Walking Shoes and the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX Walking Boots.
Same brand, same technical range. Both are waterproof, both are built to handle miles, and both are favourites among outdoor lovers for good reason.
The difference? It’s all in the details.
The Moab 3 Shoes give you a lower-cut, slightly lighter feel, which is great for rocky paths, coastal trails, and fast-paced walks where flexibility and freedom of movement matter.
The Moab 3 Boots, on the other hand, offer extra ankle support and a bit more coverage — ideal for hill walks, uneven ground, or long days out with a heavier backpack.
Here’s how they compare side by side:
So… Should You Choose Shoes or Boots?
As you can see with the Merrell Moab 3, there tends to be a lot of overlap between the two styles. Which means there’s no single “right” choice — it really depends on how and where you plan to wear them.
Here are a few quick scenarios to help you decide:
| If this sounds like you... | Go for… |
|---|---|
| You mainly walk on flat trails, gravel paths, or coastal routes | Walking shoes |
| You want something light for travel or everyday use | Walking shoes |
| You’re often out in muddy fields, wet grass, or winter weather | Walking boots |
| You enjoy hill walks, rocky terrain, or long-distance routes | Walking boots |
| You’ve had ankle injuries or feel unsteady on uneven ground | Walking boots |
| You’re after a pair that’s flexible, comfortable, and easy to wear daily | Walking shoes |
Still not sure? It’s often one of those debates where there’s no clear winner — and the more you walk, the more you realise why.
A lot of outdoor folk end up with both:
Walking shoes for lighter days, summer trips, or more easy-going trails.
Walking boots for when the ground’s uneven, the backpack’s heavier, or the weather’s a bit grim.
So if you’re choosing your first pair, don’t worry about getting it “right.”
Pick the style that matches most of your walks right now, and take it from there.
Common Questions
We’ve covered the big stuff, but no good debate ends without opening the floor to a few questions.
To wrap things up, here are a few of the most common “but what if…” thoughts that tend to come up when choosing between walking boots and walking shoes.
Will boots be too hot in summer?
They can be, especially if it’s warm, dry, and you’re walking at a faster pace.
If you know your feet tend to overheat or you’re heading off on a summer holiday, a lighter shoe will usually feel cooler and more comfortable.
Are hiking boots overkill for short, easy walks?
Sometimes, yes.
If most of your outings are gentle strolls, local footpaths, or quick walks with the dog, a big sturdy boot might feel like more than you need.
A walking shoe is easier to wear day-to-day and still offers loads of grip and support.
Will I regret not getting hiking boots if I start doing harder walks later on?
It depends how soon and how often that shift might happen.
If it’s a “maybe one day” scenario, shoes are a good place to start, and you can upgrade later.
But if you’re already eyeing up tougher routes, weekend hikes, or hill walks, boots are the smarter investment now.
Are walking shoes the same as trainers?
Not quite, but they’re close cousins.
Many walking shoes are inspired by trail runners, so they feel familiar if you’re used to wearing trainers.
But they’re usually made from tougher materials, with better grip and weather protection; particularly if you go for a waterproof option.
Take the Merrell Women’s Antora 4 below: it’s based on a trail runner, but made more versatile for all sorts of walks.
What about walking sandals?
Walking sandals have become increasingly popular in recent years, with brands like Teva leading the way in great designs. They’re a brilliant choice for coastal paths, beach holidays, and hot summer days.
You won’t get the same level of protection as you would with a boot or shoe (your feet are more exposed, after all), but they’re a solid pick for dry, warm-weather walks where breathability and comfort matter most.
Final Thoughts
So, walking boots vs walking shoes — where do you land?
By now, you’ve seen how both options stack up. Whether you’re drawn to the lightweight freedom of a walking shoe or the extra support of a boot, the best choice is the one that fits your walking life.
Explore our full collection of walking shoes and walking boots to find your perfect pair, or drop us a comment below if you have any more questions about the big footwear debate!
About the Author
A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!