Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Hiking a marathon across the countryside - trainers or walking boots?

36 replies

cherrybakewell17 · 06/05/2023 18:35

I’m hiking a marathon across the Jurassic coast in the summer which has hills and rocky parts, would walking boots with ankle support be best or would a pair of trainers be okay? My first hiking marathon distance. Thanks

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Srin · 09/05/2023 14:57

I always wear my standard running trainers. They are lightweight and don’t give me blisters.

Lemonademoney · 09/05/2023 14:32

I did a 1000 mile challenge last year and wore Terrex (hybrid walking boot/trainer) they were perfect and very comfy

greenacrylicpaint · 09/05/2023 14:27

that trail goes up and down and whilst mostly decent walking paths there are steps and stones.
you need shoes with grip.
hiking shoes will be ok. fit over price. try some on. as pp say buy the right size, which is usually a size up from your regular shoes.

also look at socks. take at least one spare pair to change if socks get wet.

MsMartini · 09/05/2023 14:14

I've worn the Decathlon trail running shoes linked to below for hilly 20-mile plus in summer. I find them much more comfortable than walking boots for long distances but it does depend on the terrain and conditions.

pinkgown · 07/05/2023 18:15

Wow, that's a lot of ups and downs. I hope you are fond of hills (and steps).

suggestionsplease1 · 07/05/2023 10:44

When I've done these big hikes in Scotland pretty much everyone was wearing hiking trainers. I use Salomon goretex ones with anti blister socks and compeed anti blister stick on first, and my feet have always been fine after with that combination. In the Scotland big hikes I've never seen any challenging terrain, I imagine the same is true for their other events. 🤷‍♂️

I think walking boots would be a bit heavy for 26 miles. But whatever you do get some hours in of wearing them before the day!

Original poster
cherrybakewell17 · 07/05/2023 10:33

anunlikelyseahorse · 06/05/2023 23:01

I'm assuming when you say 'hiking a marathon' you mean a long walk? In which case go for decent waterproof walking boots, they'll stabilise your ankle over rough terrain, give decent grip on the downhill slopes, and keep your feet warm and dry with good breathability.
Trail trainers are good if you're looking at running trails, but on that bit of coastline, I'd stick to a good boot.
Brasher are expensive but they are my go to boot for quality, comfort and durability....having said that its such a good boot mine are a several years old so checkout reviews to ensure they have remained in the top ranks of walking boots quality.

Yeah it’s this: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-an-event/charity-walks-treks-and-hikes/take-on-the-big-hike-challenge-2023

Take on the Big Hike challenge 2023

Big Hike is a series of full and half marathons hiking challenges, held in 4 stunning locations across the UK. Explore the great outdoors and raise money for

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-an-event/charity-walks-treks-and-hikes/take-on-the-big-hike-challenge-2023

OP posts:
Original poster
cherrybakewell17 · 07/05/2023 10:30

Thanks everyone.
Does price matter? If I found a cheaper version, also I’m conscious that I’m hiking my first marathon and I’ve not walked that distance before so if I have to pay extra I will if it means protecting my feet.

OP posts:
OP posts:
MissingMoominMamma · 07/05/2023 01:52

Theimpossiblegirl · 06/05/2023 19:23

Would you mind linking to some? They sound ideal for me.

Show quote history

I’m on my third pair. I hike at least twice a week. Because of the way they are designed, I find them more stable than a boot. I doubt I’ll ever use anything else now!

Hiking a marathon across the countryside - trainers or walking boots?
pinkgown · 06/05/2023 23:46

ChrisPPancake · 06/05/2023 20:29

I've got some mid height Merrells (Moab?) which are a kind of hybrid trail trainer/walking boot. I've done (some of) the Jurassic coast in them, as well as the 3 peaks.

That's exactly the trainers I have, very comfortable. I live on the Jurassic coast and do lots of walking on the coast paths.

anunlikelyseahorse · 06/05/2023 23:17

cherrybakewell17 · 06/05/2023 21:24

Trail running shoes sounds like a better idea.. I’ve been wearing these in but they are heavier and I prefer trainers.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/adventurer-womens-waterproof-boots-p11653.aspx/

Check the waterproof rating, mountain warehouse regularly claim stuff to be waterproof but when you look at their rating its questionable! Anything under 10,000 is pointless so just check the label. The other thing with mountain warehouse is it's fine for light outdoor pursuits, but it sounds if you are planning a serious hike, so if brasher is out of your price range look at Jack wolfskin, decent quality for serious hikers.

anunlikelyseahorse · 06/05/2023 23:01

I'm assuming when you say 'hiking a marathon' you mean a long walk? In which case go for decent waterproof walking boots, they'll stabilise your ankle over rough terrain, give decent grip on the downhill slopes, and keep your feet warm and dry with good breathability.
Trail trainers are good if you're looking at running trails, but on that bit of coastline, I'd stick to a good boot.
Brasher are expensive but they are my go to boot for quality, comfort and durability....having said that its such a good boot mine are a several years old so checkout reviews to ensure they have remained in the top ranks of walking boots quality.

AHugeTinyMistake · 06/05/2023 22:03

Mudclaws will feel very harsh underfoot on trail. Peregrines are a good shout though.

I've also worn Hoka Challengers and Inov8 parkclaws on long walks.

If budget is an issue these might be worth a try Decathlon trail running shoes

They're the men's version (I tried the women's and they didn't fit, you might have better luck). They're pretty comparable to peregrines tbh, they feel quite similar underfoot.

Men's Trail Running Shoes TR2

Men's Trail Running Shoes TR2 null TRAIL RUNNING in training or competition up to 40 km on easy terrain. Versatility for switching between roads, trails and undergrowth, etc.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-trail-running-shoes-tr2/_/R-p-312120?mc=8569906&c=BLACK

Original poster
cherrybakewell17 · 06/05/2023 21:24

Trail running shoes sounds like a better idea.. I’ve been wearing these in but they are heavier and I prefer trainers.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/adventurer-womens-waterproof-boots-p11653.aspx/

Adventurer Womens Waterproof Boots | Mountain Warehouse GB

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/adventurer-womens-waterproof-boots-p11653.aspx/

OP posts:
ChrisPPancake · 06/05/2023 20:29

I've got some mid height Merrells (Moab?) which are a kind of hybrid trail trainer/walking boot. I've done (some of) the Jurassic coast in them, as well as the 3 peaks.

AxolotlOnions · 06/05/2023 20:20

Hiking boots 2 sizes bigger than your regular size.

AHugeTinyMistake · 06/05/2023 20:19

Whatever you currently wear.

I wear boots if it's super icy/snowy otherwise trail shoes all year round.

I find traditional walking boots very awkward now - clumpy, no ground feel, I'm much less confident on my feet on uneven ground.

In summer trail shoes will be a much better option.

Democrat · 06/05/2023 20:11

I do a lot of hiking, mainly in the mountains. I wear traditional leather boots (Meindl Vakuum) for the big rocky boggy days in rough terrain, and trail shoes which are a lot lighter for easier terrain. Up Ben Lomond today (easy terrain) in nice lightweight Salomon Predict Goretex Trail shoes - the Cuillin would shred them to bits! I’d personally go lightweight for a marathon distance on a coastal footpath, but we are all different and some people would prefer boots.

helpfulperson · 06/05/2023 20:07

Walking shoes are a good option. I use them for all types of walking including lakeland fells. Haven't worn boots in years.

mastertomsmum · 06/05/2023 19:59

Decent lightweight walking boots but break them in for a least a month.

LaughingLemur · 06/05/2023 19:54

I'd recommend Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes. Light and very comfortable.

Clymene · 06/05/2023 19:51

Trail runner boots with great ankle support. Break them in first.

I have an older version of these and they're great

www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-emea/product/outrise-mid-gore-tex-li3090.html