Hiking Shoes Mid vs. Low: Are They The Same?

Hiking shoes mid vs. low: What’s the main difference? Which is more suitable for you? You’ll get answers to these questions through this article. So let’s get into the details!

Hiking Shoes Mid vs. Low: Comparison Table

There are various opinions on how to choose hiking shoes. Some people believe the only safe selection is high or mid-top, rugged hiking shoes. They will tell you ankle support is most important.

On the flip side, there is a growing contingent of hikers who swear by low-profile shoes, preferring the more streamlined and lighter design.

So, low vs. mid hiking shoes: what’s best? 

	Low Shoes	Mid Shoes
Pros	Taking less space in the pack. Lightweight, ideal for one-day hikes, trips, or well-kept trails. Do not require a long break-in period. Breathable and reliable for hot & warm weather.	Many of these shoes are insulated. Provide excellent ankle support. A dependable option for both rocky and even trails.
Cons	Provide less support for your ankles. Not as much protection from elements.	Bulkier and heavier. Less breathable. Need more time to break in.
Best For	You hike on the one-day hike. Your trail is well-maintained. You carry lightweight backpacking. You have good foot placement and strong ankles.	You have a heavyweight backpack. You need to get good ankle support when hiking. You are hiking on unmaintained and rocky trails. You hike in cold and snowy weather. High risk of rolling your ankles.

Low vs. Mid Hiking Shoes: What Are the Main Differences?

Low vs. Mid Hiking Shoes are better for a specific purpose, which I will discuss further in the following sections

1. Main Difference

Low Hiking Shoes

Low hiking shoes go above your ankles. They work well in supporting your ankles and feet when you carry a heavy pack on your back over rough terrain. By wearing them, you should feel warm, stable, and sturdy.

The lacing system often features metal hooks, helping the cuff stay secure and hug legs comfortably. Also, they protect your ankles from branches and sharp rocks on any trail.

Mid Hiking Shoes

Low hiking shoes expose your ankles and don’t provide as much as their mid-hiking counterparts.

But these shoes are more breathable, lighter, dry quicker, and more flexible. They enable you to be more efficient and reach longer distances with the same energy.

2. Pros

Low Hiking Shoes

• Low hiking shoes are smaller than others, taking less space in the pack.
• These shoes are lightweight and ideal for one-day hikes, trips, or well-kept trails.
• You may rely on low hiking shoes if you want to jump across small rivers or rocks.
• These shoes do not require a long break-in period.
• They are breathable and reliable for hot and warm weather.

Mid Hiking Shoes

• Many of these shoes are insulated, keeping wearers warm in cold weather.
• Mid hiking shoes provide excellent ankle support, making them ideal for the hiker prone to rolling the ankle.
• They make a dependable option for both rocky and even trails.
• These shoes feature a great build and are designed to take a beat, making a longer life span.

3. Cons

Low Hiking Shoes

• Low-cut shoes provide less support for your ankles while hiking.
• Not as much foot support.
• Not as much protection from elements, objects, and animals.

Mid Hiking Shoes

• Bulkier and heavier.
• Less breathable.
• Need more time to break in.

4. Best For

Low Hiking Shoes

• You hike on the one-day hike.
• Your trail is well-maintained.
• You carry lightweight backpacking.
• You have good foot placement and strong ankles.

Mid Hiking Shoes

• You have a heavyweight backpack.
• You need to get good ankle support when hiking.
• You are hiking off-trails and hiking on unmaintained and rocky trails.
• You hike in cold and snowy weather.
• High risk of rolling your ankles.

Hiking Shoes Mid and Low: Which Is for You?

Have you chosen the best one after checking all the information above? If you are still confused, we will recommend some final tips.

Low Hiking Shoes

Low-cut shoes are ideal for a short backpacking trip or day hike. They allow you to move quickly while still offering enough support.

You can’t go wrong with low-cut shoes if you are one trail runner or minimalist hiker who values stability or efficiency.

Low shoes are less rigid, bulky, and lighter, so they will work well in warmer climates. Their excellent breathability makes your feet much more comfortable.

They are our preferred selection if we know there are many creek crossings. Low shoes are also quick to put on/take off, take less time to dry, and are more portable.

Although cut shoes are typically used for the well-maintained trail and easy terrain, they have recently become more favored by hikers and backpackers.

Mid Hiking Shoes

Mid-hiking shoes are ideal for hiking through rough, challenging terrains. These boots offer more support to your ankles, shanks, and feet.

Next, let’s talk about the wildlife in your area. Are there scorpions, snakes, or just bugs in general? Are there tall grasses, cacti, or a lot of thorns and bushes?

If any of these is the case, the mid hiking boots are the better pick as leaving ankles exposed is never a good idea.

Finally, If you anticipate a lot of snow, puddles, muddy terrains, or if the forecast indicates rainy weather, consider bringing a pair of mid-hiking boots.

Quick Rundown

The kind of hiking shoes should depend on the hiking style, personal experience, preference, and how you will use them. Here is a quick rundown to help you choose the one that works best for you.

• Hiking style: Mid-cut shoes for stability and low-cut shoes for efficiency.
• Experience: The low-cut shoes are ideal for the beginner as they are more comfortable, lighter, and do not require much time to break in.
• Moisture: Most shoes and boots nowadays feature a water-resistant membrane and waterproof exterior.
• Terrain: Here is a general rule based on the kind of terrain.

• • Uneven terrain: Choose mid-cut shoes.
  • Rocky trails: Choose mid-cut shoes.
  • Many rough vegetations: Choose mid-cut shoes.
  • Many creek crossings: Choose low-cut shoes.
  • Many elevations changes: Choose low-cut shoes.
• Trip length: Here’s a general rule based on the length of your journey:
  • A day hike: Choose low-cut shoes.
  • A backpacking trip (From 2 to 7 days): Choose mid-cut shoes.
  • A longer hike trip (request resupply along your trail): Choose low-cut shoes.

FAQs

Below here is common questions and answers related to Hiking Shoes Mid and Low.

Are Mid Boots Good for Hiking?

Thanks to the extra support, mid hiking boots work well for a multi-day backpacking trip.

These boots will raise your gravity center and offer more stability, which is beneficial if you carry heavier loads.

They are also a reasonable choice for hiking through rough, challenging terrains.

What Does Mid Mean in Hiking Boots?

Mids are mid-heeled or mid-height footwear. The cuff around the ankle rises to about half the height of a “proper” walking boot, delivering some extra support. So a pair of mid-cut hiking boots will go above your ankles.

What Does Low Hiking Shoes Mean?

It refers to shoes having a relatively low height that does not extend above the wearer’s ankle.

Do Mid Hiking Boots Protect Ankles?

Mid hiking shoes are a hybrid of low and high shoes.

They usually rise above your ankle, offering more protection from the elements and keeping your ankles safe from abrasions and cuts.

Moreover, they will often provide similar waterproofing as higher shoes but with more freedom of movement.

Should You Buy a Size Bigger in Hiking Shoes?

Hiking shoes should be tight nowhere, fit snug everywhere, and deliver room to wiggle your toes. We recommend trying them with socks you want to wear when your feet swell at the end of the day.