Summer of 2025 Backcountry Hiking and Trail Running Survey Results

When we announced our expansion into summer gear reviews, we asked for your input to guide our new content. The Backcountry Skiing Canada community responded in force.

A huge thank you all who completed our footwear survey. Your detailed feedback provides a clear roadmap for our new review series and reinforces that this is, and always has been, a community-driven site.

The key takeaway was unmistakable: you are experienced, active users who prioritize durability, performance, and comfort. You're tired of gear that wears out prematurely and want reviews that go beyond first impressions to focus on long-term, real-world testing.

This report details the key findings from the survey, which are already shaping our upcoming "Best Of" series for hiking and trail running shoes. Read on to see what your fellow mountain enthusiasts had to say.

Respondent Profile

The survey respondents are highly experienced and active outdoor enthusiasts who tackle demanding terrain frequently.

• Primary Activities: The most common activities are Day Hiking (mentioned by ~88% of respondents), Multi-day Backpacking (~54%), and Trail Running (~51%). A significant number also participate in Scrambling / Light Mountaineering (~47%).

• Preferred Terrain: Respondents primarily use their footwear on rocky, technical alpine terrain and forested, root-covered trails.

• Frequency of Use: The vast majority are very active, with 51% getting out multiple times per week and another 26% heading out once a week.

• Experience Level: This is a seasoned group. Over 80% identify as "Intermediate" or "Advanced/Expert," indicating they have well-defined needs and high expectations for their gear.

What Matters Most in a Shoe

When selecting new footwear, users prioritize function, comfort, and longevity. They have clear preferences when it comes to common performance trade-offs.

Top Rated Features

Based on a 3-point scale where 3 is "Essential," the most critical features are:

1. Grip / Traction (Average Score: 2.89)

2. Comfort (Average Score: 2.82)

3. Durability (Average Score: 2.72)

4. Protection (Average Score: 2.58)

5. Cushioning (Average Score: 2.53)

Waterproofing was a more polarizing feature, with a significant number of users rating it "Not Important" (1), leading to a lower average score of 2.0.

Key Trade-Offs

When forced to choose, respondents showed clear priorities:

• Breathability over Waterproofing: 69% prioritize Maximum Breathability and Quick-Drying over Complete Waterproofing. This aligns with frustrations about sweaty feet in waterproof shoes and the desire for shoes that perform well after getting wet.

• Durability over Light Weight: 65% prioritize Durability and Support over having a Lightweight and Nimble shoe. This reinforces that longevity is a primary concern.

• Cushioning over Ground-Feel: 64% prioritize Maximum Cushioning and Comfort over "Good Ground Feel."

Brand & Research Insights

Respondents rely on a few trusted brands and primarily conduct their research online.

• Most Popular Brands: The brands that users have had the most positive experiences with are Salomon (mentioned by 49 respondents), La Sportiva (42), and Scarpa (36). Hoka and Merrell were also frequently cited.

• Top Research Methods: Users are overwhelmingly turning to digital resources. Online review sites and blogs are used by 85% of respondents, followed by recommendations from friends (58%) and YouTube gear reviews (49%).

Major Frustrations & Pet Peeves

The most significant user complaints center on a perceived decline in quality and a failure to meet basic performance expectations.

1. Premature Wear and Tear: This was the most dominant theme. Users are frustrated with soles wearing out too quickly, lugs peeling off, uppers delaminating, and seams separating long before they feel they should.

2. Poor Fit: Common complaints include toe boxes being too narrow, inconsistent sizing between different brands (and even between different models of the same brand), and a lack of options for specific foot shapes (e.g., wide forefoot with a narrow heel).

3. Laces: A surprisingly frequent complaint was laces that constantly come undone or break easily.

4. Failed Waterproofing: Many users cited shoes with waterproof liners (like Gore-Tex) that either fail quickly or make their feet excessively sweaty and hot, negating the benefit.

Opportunities for Better Shoe Reviews

Respondents have a clear vision for what is missing from most footwear reviews. They want content that goes beyond initial impressions and addresses their biggest pain points directly.

• Long-Term Durability Testing: This was the #1 request. Users want to know how a shoe holds up after 6 months or after covering 500+ kilometers. A "one year later" follow-up review would be highly valued.

• Detailed Fit & Sizing Comparisons: The second most common request. Reviewers should provide direct comparisons, such as "If you wear a size 10 in Salomon, you'll need a 10.5 in this La Sportiva model." Information on which shoes suit wide, narrow, or high-volume feet is considered essential.

• Specific Performance Testing: Users want details on grip across different surfaces (especially wet rock and roots), how long shoes take to dry after being soaked, and how stable they are on uneven terrain.