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

[cherrybakewell17]

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

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

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!

So would something like this be better for hiking? https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/gel-trabuco-11/p/1012B424-001.html

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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