December 19

Are Converse Good For Hiking?

Can you hike in converse? A question that people are asking more and more lately is whether or not Converse are good for hiking. After hours of research and trying out I feel confident in saying that I have the complete answer for you.

Converse aren't designed for hiking because they have poor ankle support, and when wet, they become very greasy to keep your feet from wandering around within the shoe. Furthermore, they are not waterproof at all. That will cause you blisters and a less-than-pleasant hiking experience.

Is this to say that Converse is unfit for hiking at all? Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that. Although I wouldn't recommend these for extended hikes, they could be a great replacement if you don't have any proper hiking shoes.

However, if you plan on hiking 15+ kilometers or more, I recommend investing in a good pair of hiking shoes. Even if you'd use them occasionally. Remember that if you know where to look, you may find good hiking shoes for a very low cost.

The History of Converse

Converse, often known as “Chuck Taylor All-Stars,” is a casual shoe brand owned by Converse, which began as a basketball shoe in the early 1920s.
Since its introduction in the 1920s, the “Chuck Taylor All-Star's” design has remained mostly constant.

A stitched upper piece, a toe cap made of white rubber, and a sole made of brown rubber make up the shoe. Although Chuck Taylors are available in many materials, including leather, the original and most well-known model is made of cotton canvas.

Can You Go Hiking in Converse?

Well, the short answer is yes, you can hike in whatever is comfortable for you. but like I said earlier, they are not for hiking. Converse are made for certain activities.

One is sports, like basketball, which require quick, short jumps, but if you're wearing them for a short trip that is only for one or even a half-day hike, it might not be the craziest thing in the world, especially if you're going through rout of easy hills, you will be fine.

Also Read: Are Timberlands Good for Hiking?

Is Converse a Good Hiking Shoe?

 Are Converse Good For Hiking

Converse was never designed for hiking long-distance, so they're not a good hiking shoe. They're not horrible shoes, but they're made for certain activities like basketball, which require quick, short jumps.

Why Is It a Bad Idea to Hike in Converse?

Converse can be a fine, fashionable choice, but they neither are comfortable nor durable and the canvas on the top isn't extremely supportive.

Furthermore, the leather, covering isn't waterproof, so your feet will get wet, and the shoes will take longer to dry than synthetic or other proper hiking footwear.

The Pros and Cons of Converse

Pros

  • The cost is great, and it's a shoe that most people can buy if they just want to look fashionable.
  • A durable shoe that’s great and strong enough for walking short distances or having fun.

Cons

  • Instead of the shoe adapting to the foot, it is known and reported to shape the foot.
  • it may cause orthopedic issues if the shoe is worn for more than sports or any short-term walking.
  • Little to no protection from the elements
  • Not waterproof
  • Not great for walking long distances or extended hikes
  • They have no stress absorption, so hiking for any real length of time is not the thing of this shoe.

Traction and grip

The Converse is no match for a proper hiking shoe  just like blundstonse when it comes to traction and grip. Even the cheaper hiking shoes perform a lot better when it comes to traction.

Is a strong grip in a hiking shoe truly necessary? Unless you just hike on extremely simple trails where you don't need any traction, I'd say definitely, a hiking shoe with a strong grip is essential.

Durability

There are some myths about Converse and durability. Converse are said to be indestructible by many people. However, most of these folks have one thing in common: they're all worn Converse.

Yes, Converse shoes are durable enough for daily use and can last several years if you wear them casually or for going to the gym. However, if you're using them for hiking they will not last that much furthermore they might get you hurt and causes you blisters, they have little to no foot protection when it comes to hiking.

Ankle support

The Converse is once again outperformed by a true hiking shoe in terms of ankle support. That being said, the Converse will usually take the win when competing with a traditional sneaker, The Converse isn't bad, but they're just not good enough for hiking.

Things To Consider When Hiking in Converse

If you still want to hike in converse here are some tips for you:

  • To assist protect your feet, use a canvas protection spray to maximize the canvas's
  • water resistance.
  • To get a feel for how Converse will perform on hiking, go for a moderate walking in them.
  • Wear Thin Socks: Thick socks increase sweating and retain moisture which ups your chances of blisters.
  • allow them to breathe: Take a few minutes to air out your feet, whether they're wet at the end of the day or simply a little wrinkled after all day in your shoes.
  • Go to the less difficult hills.

What other brands are recommended for hiking?

Salomon

Salomon is an excellent illustration of a company that started out making one product and went on to become successful in an entirely different field.

They began with saw blades and steel ski edges, but quickly became known for producing some of the best hiking shoes in the market.
Since 1947, the company's experience has been put into new and better models.

In a big section of the Salomon shoe collection, they have Quicklace system, Salomon does something unique with shoe lacing. This system is made up of a thin, endless lace that passes through all of the eyes.

Their Salomon's X Ultra 3 GT

Their Salomon's X Ultra 3 GT is a combination of a low hiking shoe and a trail run/running shoe. It is light in weight and provides excellent comfort. The Contagrip sole provides excellent traction.

Gore-Tex is a waterproof material. The shoe only absorbs a small amount of moisture and is quite adaptable, ranging from short walks to longer hikes with a medium backpack.


Merrell

Merrell is a well-known brand with legions of online fans who are ready to say "I loove my Merrells" whenever someone asks for a hiking boot or shoe suggestions. Merrell has been around for about four decades.

Initially, the company planned to sell high-end, custom-made hiking boots to the outdoor specialty market. In 1986 when the brand's original owners sold it.

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

One of their best-known shoes is the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator, for many years, hikers have favored these shoes because of their comfort, durability, and affordable pricing.

The Moab is a little bulkier than some others, so they might not be the ideal choice for long days. However, they'll last a long time and give good comfort and stability for day hikes and weekend road trips.

Conclusion 

So, are Converse excellent for hiking, or are they bad for hiking? To put it another way, if you came here asking whether you should buy Converse for hiking, the answer would be strongly "not recommended".

But if you already own Converse and wondering if it's safe to start hiking in them, you may do so as long as the hike isn't too extensive or difficult.

If your hike would be more than 10 miles, I would avoid wearing Converse and instead hunt for a decent hiking option.

Converse simply doesn't have the qualities to be a good hiking boot. However, they are still getting praise for being a solid  regular sneaker.

About the Author

Author

Hussain is a passionate hiker and traveler that love the outdoor and enjoys what nature has to give, whenever he can he love to write and give tips & honest reviews to help others get out there and just seek more unforgettable experiences.

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