Hiking In Converse? Is it a good idea?

Hiking is a wonderful activity. Suppose you are someone who enjoys spending time in nature. Still, you also like to incorporate some physical activity into your day. In that case, hiking is the best thing you can try. It is great for both the mind and the body and will give you the adrenaline boost you crave.

Still, you should remember that you might need specialized gear to hike some more demanding trails. Many people want to know if they can hike in Converse and not spend the extra money on a pair of hiking boots. Wearing Converse shoes on a hiking trail can have some positive and some negative sides, which I want to elaborate on in this guide.

So, if you want to learn more about hiking in Conserve shoes, I recommend you stay tuned for this article. By the time you reach the end, you will know whether these shoes are good or bad for hiking trails.

Let us go into the guide and see what we need to learn on the topic!

Can You Wear Converse For Hiking?

Chuck Taylor or Converse is a brand that has been around for a while. They have many popular shoe models that people have worn for years. The Chuck Taylor All-Star brand is one that people from all over the world recognize. They love their light and affordable shoes.

While these are great shoes for many occasions, the Converse sneakers are not the best choice for hiking adventures. They have many things in which they fall behind regular hiking shoes.

To help you decide if you want to wear Converse for hiking, I will tell you more about the biggest shortcomings of these shoes:

Problematic structure       

Most Converse shoes are created using nothing but cotton canvas. This makes their structure quite problematic because there is no support, no protection, and little to no traction. On a hiking trail, you should wear shoes that keep your feet stable and protected. So, the problematic structure makes the Converse shoes one of the worst shoes for hiking.

No ankle support

There are two types of Converse shoes – some go up to the ankle, while others do not surpass it in height. Both shoes are not the best for ankle support because they offer little to no support. No matter what you do, the canvas built on the shoe will not protect your ankles or feet. So, you might want to consider another type of shoe for more demanding trails.

No comfortable sole

The sole on the Converse shoes is not that bad, but it is not good for hiking. When people hike, they need comfortable soles so they can walk on uneven terrain or sharp stones without any problems. You cannot get this type of comfortable sole from the Converse, and you should also not expect any traction from them.

Not waterproof

Water-resistant hiking boots allow you to walk into streams or hike even when the weather is humid or raining. Since most Converse sneakers have no water resistance, you will not be able to do this with them. You must wear them in dry weather or risk damaging the canvas beyond repair. It is not a good idea to wear Converse made with other materials in the rain.

Blistering issues

I do not recommend hiking in Conserve all-stars because they can cause quite a lot of blistering. This goes not only for the heels but also the toes – the converse shoes can cause blisters all over. If you want to wear the shoes, protect your feet with some Band-Aid and remember to wear thick socks too.

Tip For Hiking In Converse Shoes

The best-suited shoes for hiking are hiking shoes. I always recommend hiking in specialized shoes because they protect your feet in ways other shoes cannot. But if you do not have any other shoes you can use for hiking, you can always utilize your Converse all-stars. Here is how you can do that:

Break-in

You must always break the shoes in before you take them anywhere. If you do not do that, you risk getting blisters all over your feet. Wear the shoes for at least a couple of weeks before making a long trip with them. Only once you are sure they no longer hurt your feet can you take them on day hikes.

Use good socks

Comfortable socks are a must when you want to wear Converse shoes on a hiking trip. They will protect your feet from blistering and keep them from sweating too much. There are special hiking shoes you should consider buying. They make hiking much more enjoyable.

Get a protection spray

The best thing to do is get a protection spray for your Converse shoes when you are on a hike. Water and dirt can damage the material, but you can always protect it to the best of your ability! If you suspect you will be coming in contact with water, get the protection spray and use it when needed.

Improve arch support

You can always improve the arch support if you add an orthopedic insole instead of the regular one that the shoes come with. The insole will make a tremendous difference and make you feel much more comfortable. So, investing in one is a great idea!

Air out after a trip

The material on the Converse shoes can adopt a faulty smell if your feet sweat during the trip. The same goes in case you step into a puddle or something similar. The material will absorb the water, causing the shoe to have a musty smell.

This is why I recommend airing out the shoes after a trip. If you have the chance, wash them as well. That way, you will ensure no more stale water is all over your shoes.

Avoid slippery surfaces

To hike safely in your Converse, you must avoid slippery surfaces. These shoes do not perform well on such surfaces and may cause you to fall and injure yourself. If possible, walk on dirt or crushed stone paths. You can essentially take any path that is not wet or slippery in any way.

Is It Safe To Go Hiking In Converse?

Whether you have low or high-top converse, ones from canvas or ones from leather, you are bound to love wearing them. They are great when walking on park paths or going to town. But they are not safe to go hiking in, at least not entirely.

The shoe's design features a rubber sole and canvas material with seamless stitching. These materials will not withstand the harsh conditions on most hiking trails. These shoes are also not good for trail running or rock climbing, so do not try that as well.

I recommend getting a pair of classic chucks that you can wear when taking regular walks or short day hikes. If you want to walk a long distance or go on a more demanding trail, stick to the specialized hiking shoes or boots.

Wrap-Up

Thank you for checking out this guide on Converse shoes. I hope what you read thus far helped you decide if wearing Converse on a hike is the best idea or not. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference and the options you have to choose from, so choose wisely.

Have you tried hiking in Converse or at least been tempted to do so? What was your experience like? Share all your stories in the comments below, and I will read them as soon as possible!