Is it necessary to have hiking boots if you are only going on easy hikes?
Can you use sneakers?
We will be in BI and Kauai.
Thanks!

Yes I use regular sneakers for easy hikes.

I use supportive sneakers/ cross trainers for easy hikes. I wouldn't bother with hiking boots. They do have lightweight hiking boot/ sneakers through Lands End and Llbean.

Go with the sneakers. They're lighter. And maybe more comfortable too.

you have a lot more longevity to your knees, feet etc...if you wear a thick soled, light weight hiking boot (below ankle).

On Kauai you can frequently bump into red wet dirt that will ruin any pair of sneakers,leaving you slip sliding away on the trail.

Go on Sierra trading, you can usually find a sale. Think my sister bought a pair of summer vasque for $20 on there. My vasque were $80 10 years ago AND I STILL WEAR THEM. You will have shoes you don't care about crapping up for a decade LOL.

Versus the sneakers won't make it home.

Hiking boots are too bulky to pack, IMO. Do not wear white sneakers on Kauai which will turn pesky reddish/brown in no time.

Anna Roz

on second thought steer clear of anything that is marketed as a running "trail" shoe. Other sister came with those to Kauai once, she was advised that they were perfect for light summer hiking "like she might see on Kauai".

Day 1 she attempted the first hill of the napali coast line, was not attempting the entire trail, just the first vista. Not an easy trail but many tourist do it in flip flops. Well it had rained the evening before and she turned around in 15 minutes trashed her $80 trail running shoes on day 1 of a 3 week stay.

Had the same experience with new keens on the Manoa trail on Oahu (45 minute walk).

K....a suggestion on packing. If and only if packing is a bear, wear them on plane. ...mid to below the ankle support will be ok on plane and they do support you better than sneaks when you are toting luggage to and from.

Yep - when I take hiking boots on a trip, I just wear them on the plane so they don't take up suitcase space.

Sneakers can be slippery on the rocks(especially on steeper inclines). My husband had to pull me up a couple times on trails of Kauai-near Queen's Bath & on Maui near the coastline. I would take a pair of lightweight hiking boots.Newer styles are more like sneakers with a rugged thicker sole. Hope this helps.

I have worn for years nike acg sandles, on many hikes. They have worked in Montana, Italy, and Washington. Granted my feet are leather, but you should be fine with sneakers, I love the word sneakers.