Hiking Boots OK for Pavement Walking?

cafeaulait7
cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm trying to add regular walking to my fitness routine in the winter, but the only footgear I have for that is hiking boots. I'm going to be walking a paved track in a park. Are the boots OK, or do I need to look into something more like athletic shoes?

It gets wet and/or icy here in winter, so it would have to be something made for the weather. I'm clueless about walking, really, other than hikes, lol. Any help is appreciated.

My pudgy, old little doggie is going to get in shape, too, btw! He's coming on the walks :)

Replies

  • stt43
    stt43 Posts: 487
    If you're just walking then hiking boots will be great.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Shouldnt be an issue in principle but the big question would be whether they're full or half shank. A full shank, Alpine boot for example, is much less flexible and will put some unusual loads on your leg.

    If they're just vanilla walking boots you should be fine.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    It's walking not hiking. You need walking boots. j/k


    Actually - more serious response.
    Unless you are doing very long walks with very heavy boots it does not matter.

    In training for ultra long ice hikes I used a boot with an overboot (ice screws on the bottom). The resulting weight and shuffle caused significant pain until I adjusted to the boot inertia over several months.

    Start slow, build up and you can walk with almost anything.
  • mitchiemo
    mitchiemo Posts: 61 Member
    To be honest, if I was just taking a walk in the park on a concrete pavement I wouldn't wear my hiking boots because the soles will wear down really quickly (I speak from personal experience). I certainly wouldn't in my current pair BUT I did pay a small fortune for them. If yours are cheap ones then go ahead, you won't find anything more comfortable. If not then I would buy some cheaper but comfortable shoes/boats/trainers that are warm, waterproof, flexible and have a good grip. Take your hiking boots hiking, they deserve it! :wink:
  • FrankieBenjamin
    FrankieBenjamin Posts: 61 Member
    They will be fine - usually meant for walking on all sorts of terrain and will give you some grip for colder conditions. Enjoy!
  • Flab2fitfi
    Flab2fitfi Posts: 1,349 Member
    I live in hiking boots come on the winter months as they are great when it gets icy and I walk mainly on the pavement - upto 5/6 miles miles a day.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    I walk in walking boots on paved areas sometimes and they are ok. I would recommend getting some trainers though. As long as it is flat and there is little chance of twisting your ankle then trainers may be more comfortable.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    or walking trainers lol. If you go to a walking shop they have very lightweight boot/trainer type things. I bet they are ideal
  • wild_wild_life
    wild_wild_life Posts: 1,334 Member
    To be honest, if I was just taking a walk in the park on a concrete pavement I wouldn't wear my hiking boots because the soles will wear down really quickly (I speak from personal experience). I certainly wouldn't in my current pair BUT I did pay a small fortune for them. If yours are cheap ones then go ahead, you won't find anything more comfortable. If not then I would buy some cheaper but comfortable shoes/boats/trainers that are warm, waterproof, flexible and have a good grip. Take your hiking boots hiking, they deserve it! :wink:

    Agreed!
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
    My preference would be trainers for clear concrete paths, off-trail running shoes for if there is snow on the path because they are more grippy and in slush and snow I would go for hiking boots. I like to feel the roll through my feet from heel to toe when I am walking.
  • MonaRaeHill
    MonaRaeHill Posts: 145 Member
    I wouldn't wear hiking boots on concrete for daily walking, but that's just me.

    My reasons:

    1) Because yes, the soles will wear down fast.
    2) Mainly because they are heavy and will chafe your feet, (wherever they come in contact with your feet) and after the first 3 miles, they will feel like lead, attached to your legs.

    Hiking boots are made to NOT give much, whereas, walking shoes are designed to cushion the feet and be flexible and adaptable, to your individual stride.

    They are also much more comfortable when first breaking them in, and can be accessorized, when they start wearing down.

    I get about 6 months more then the average user, with all my shoes/boots, just by inserting Dr. Johnson's gel liners in every pair (one of my old and dear hikers (waffle-stompers) have two pairs in them).

    Having said that, I do also use a pair of old-knock-about hikers, for winter conditions, I've got a cheap pair of those ice grippers that you just put on your shoes, for when it's icy.

    Last, but not least, if you think you will wear your hikers, a lot, definitely invest in some smart-wool socks. I've personally never found a sock that I've liked better. I must have 50 pairs of them, (2 changes a day, 5-6 days a week), because if my feet get wet and cold, I'm done in.

    Good luck. Enjoy your outings with DOG. lol.

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