All hiking boots have a specific purpose to deliver, but you can’t get it right unless you know the difference. When you are at the shoe shop, you must have seen the variety of their respective types. However, if we specifically talk about hiking boots, the primary comparison is always between mid vs low vs high hiking boots.
The main difference between mid, high, and low hiking boots is the ankle covering part of the boot. For instance, the mid hiking boot covers just above part of the ankle whereas the low hiking boot doesn’t cover the ankle and the high hiking boot covers a few inches above the ankle bone through its cuff.
But there are many more differences as well. Each hiking boot has its dedicated terrain to work on. So, without further ado, let’s dig deeper to know the boot diversion.
What is a High-Cut Hiking Boot?
The high-cut hiking boots mainly cover above ankle-foot area. But some high-cut boots can be higher than that and cover the shin (halfway between the ankle and calf). Moreover, the best kind of high boots are more breathable and offer enhanced protection against sudden impact or an abrasion from the ankle area. High-cut hiking boots are usually more durable than any other.
What is Mid Cut Hiking Boot?
The mid cut hiking boots do not cover the ankle area thoroughly, but they fall between the low-cut and high-cut hiking boots. These boots are designed to sit just above the ankle area but not more than that. A mid-cut hiking boot is ideal for protection against cuts or abrasion while ensuring the breathability factor is efficient.
What is Low Cut Hiking Boot?
The low-cut hiking boots are the same. It’s lower in the ankle area. Thus, there is minor support for the ankle. The low cut hiking boot is ideal for lifting a load or carrying a heavy backpack during a strenuous ascending. Mainly a low-cut hiking boot keeps the ankle area exposed and works best for summer hiking; however, there is support, flexibility, and breathability.
So, now you know what each boot is, let’s see the comparison of each boot with the other as mentioned below:
Comparison of Mid vs Low Hiking Boots
Down below, I have given the comparison of low-cut vs mid-hiking boots so you can easily know the differences at one glance:
| Features | Mid hiking boot | Low hiking boot |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Mid hiking boot covers just above the ankle bone area | Low hiking boot doesn’t cover ankle area |
| Breathability | Less breathable | More the breathable |
| Weight | Mid-hiking boots are heavier | Lightweight and promote faster walking |
| Protection | Enhanced protection from elements and abrasions | Less protection against impacts, abrasion, or jerks |
| Performance | Sturdy, warmer, and stable for ascending | Flexible and dries quicker |
| Usability | More waterproof, provide precise lacing, and is best for ankle and shank support, but becomes heavy when wet | Quick to wear and put on makes it preferable for summers |
Comparison of Mid vs High Hiking Boots
Down below, I have given the comparison of mid-cut vs high-cut hiking boot so you can easily know the differences at one glance:
| Features | Mid Hiking Boots | High Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Mid hiking boots only cover just above the ankle area of the foot. Doesn’t provide extra support | High hiking boot covers a few inches above the ankle or shin (below the knee). Provide extra ankle support. |
| Weight | Less weighty than high cut boots | Little bit heavier |
| Performance | Best for lifting loads and heavy backpacks | Best for climbing, hiking, walking, and rubbing on rough terrain |
| Material | A mix of both hybrid of leather and rubber material | Leather to a mixture of leather and rubber |
| Waterproof | Waterproof and more flexible to walk | Waterproof and best for ankle protection |
| Performance | Sturdy, warm, and stable | Supportive and protective for vulnerable joints |
| Usability | Work best for proper grip on abrasive grounds | Work best for snowy terrain and serve best mostly in muddy and watery conditions |
Comparison of High Ankle vs Low Ankle Hiking Boots
High ankle and low ankle hiking boots have some differences both in style and performance.
Down below I have given the comparison of high cut vs low cut hiking boots so you can easily know the differences at one glance:
| Features | High Top Hiking Boots | Low Top Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Cove the ankle a few inches above the area, and protect it from abrasion, impact, etc. | It keeps the ankle exposed and less protected from impact and abrasions |
| Material used | Mostly high-cut hiking boots feature a mixture of leather and rubber | Mostly of synthetic |
| Flexibility | Less flexible but sturdy and warmer | More flexible and breathable |
| Heaviness | Heavier and plus around ankle | Lightweight and think overall |
| Breathability | It keeps feet warm but lesser breathable | Best for keeping feet ventilated and dry |
| Best suitable | Suitable in muddy conditions, rainstorms, or on snowy trails | Best for mid-temperatures, summer, trailing, and moderate hiking |
| Grip and outsole | Best grip on slippery ground or during ascending | Moderate gripping but best for abrasive ground |
Details of High vs Mid vs Low Hiking Boots
Let’s take straightforward details on differences among all three boots, i.e., high, mid, and low hiking boots mentioned below:
1. Ankle Support
High-top hiking boots are known for providing better ankle support; hence, they efficiently protect the ankle and the below-shin area. The cuff of the high boot is what protects from impact and abrasion, whereas the low ankle boots do not provide better ankle support.
However, the mid-cut or mid hiker’s boot is something that readily falls between high and low-cut hiking boots for its ankle support.
2. Material Choice
The material choice of hiking boots depends based on their manufacturing style. High-ankle boots usually come in a variety of materials. For instance, it features leather, a mixture of leather and rubber; however, different brands use different materials. On the contrary, the low-cut hiking boot uses material that blends synthetic leather.
3. Weight and Heaviness
The weight of a high-cut boot is obviously more than that of mid-cut and low-cut boots. However, the high-cut boot for hiking has a sturdy and durable material choice, making it somewhat heavier than the other two boots.
4. Waterproofing and Breathability
Low cuts boots are exceptional in breathability and waterproofing properties. On the other hand, the high-cut boot offers a warmer and sung interior that’s best for wearing in snowy or colder outdoor hiking.
5. Flexibility and Functionality
Low-cut hiking boots are superb for quick functionality due to their lightweight design. However, in contrast, the high-cut boots are less flexible but provide a comfortable interior.
Likewise, the mid-top boot would be flexible if you intend to walk on an abrasive route with a rough path. Mid-cut would not be the best for challenging hiking, especially in winter.
6. Usability
The cutting and cuff support for the hiking boot is something that always matters for their dedicated terrain. That said, the low-cut hiking boots are suitable for well-maintained walking routes, whereas the high-top boots are better suitable for rough and uneven terrains with better support.
On the contrary, the mid-cut boots are suitable for the terrain, which is rocky, uneven, and rough. In short, mid-cut hiking boots mostly suit best when you want something between high-cut and mid-cut footwear for trailing and hiking.
Here is the helpful video to understand each boot comparison and which kind of boot you will need:
