Yes, it is possible to climb Ben Lomond in trainers, and many do, particularly in dry summer conditions via the main tourist path. However, it is not recommended, especially in wet weather, as the path can become very slippery, boggy, and treacherous, increasing the risk of injury.
Yes, it's generally acceptable to wear sneakers for mild hiking on well-maintained trails. However, for more challenging terrains or climbing, it's better to wear proper hiking boots or climbing shoes. They offer better support, traction, and protection for your feet.
Regular trainers simply aren't built for Welsh mountain terrain. High-friction surfaces, sharp rocks and boggy sections wear them out quickly. For anyone planning to climb Snowdon more than once, boots are a much better long-term choice.
Short answer: Yes -- but with important limits. Sneakers (athletic shoes) can work for easy, short, dry, well-maintained trails; for longer, technical, wet, steep or remote treks they are a poor choice compared with proper hiking footwear.
Ankle supporting walking boots, not trainers and definitely no flip flops. Comfy walking socks. Look after your feet, they'll be working hard! Walking trousers.
Ben Lomond | Most Southerly Munro | Beginner's Munro | Munro Bagging | Loch Lomond
What is the difference between trainers and hiking shoes?
The main difference between walking trainers and hiking boots is style and functionality. Walking boots are usually sturdier and feature a thicker sole and a higher collar for greater protection. This is therefore considered specialised wear for walking and hiking.
Do I have to wear walking boots? Yes! Our events require all participants and staff to wear walking boots, rather than trail running shoes or approach shoes. If you usually prefer shoes, manufacturers such as Salomon, Scarpa, Mammut and Innov8 make lightweight boots suitable for our challenges.
Cotton readily absorbs and retains water leaving the hiker wet, which is a dangerous situation in both cold and hot weather. Wearing cotton socks is a particularly quick way to get blisters on the trail. Wool – Some may remember with horror the days of wearing an itchy wool sweater.
You can't use sneakers because they don't have enough grip and are often a weird shape for a climbing wall. You'll struggle to get a good base from your feet upwards, which affects your climbing technique. If this is your first time, then we recommend getting some rental climbing shoes.
If you're out searching for the right fit, consider the All Conditions Gear (ACG) hiking shoes from Nike, which can double for urban hiking and outdoor adventure.
If you don't have any special hiking footwear, go with your most comfortable sneakers. Some people swear by hiking sandlals in hot weather. I used to use Chacos and they're great, but switching to a breathable trail runner eliminated the need for sandals. If you get a leather hiking boot, you will need to break it in.
Hiking shoes are lightweight, flexible, and breathable, ideal for easy trails and warm weather, while hiking boots offer superior ankle support, durability, and protection for rugged terrain, heavy loads, and cold/wet conditions, though they are heavier and less flexible. Choose shoes for short, fast hikes on even ground, and boots for multi-day trips, rocky trails, or backpacking.
What should I take on my Ben Lomond climb? Like any lengthy walk, be prepared and have plenty of water, food, and layers of clothing. On some days, the temperature can be highly variable at different points. Good walking boots are recommended, although we see many with trainers!
Is Ben Lomond harder than Snowdon? If climbing Snowdon from the Pen-y-pass, Ben Lomond takes longer to climb. Ben Lomond will reach about 950 metres for the climb whereas Snowdon is around 700 metres.
The best thing that any hiker can do, whether they are alone or in a group, is to treat others the way that you would want to be treated. The National Park Service labels this as the “Golden Rule” of hiking.
Processed sugar is what a lot of people crave when they're hiking, and for good reason. Eating some M&M's, a Snickers bar, or some gummy bears, offers the body an immediate boost of energy.
If it's a beautiful, meandering forest trail, though, light and lean footwear will work fine. If it's a paved nature trail, even a pair of city sneakers can handle it.
90% of people complete all 3 peaks, however only around 40% manage it in less than 24 hours with 50% achieving successful completion between 24 and 25.5 hours. The chances of a whole group completing in less than 24 hours are not guaranteed although it does occur.
Generally, when hiking, we advise leaving anything precious or irreplaceable at home. Packs that are too heavy or don't fit: No hiker wants to be weighed down with an overloaded or ill-fitting daypack or backpack. Too much weight can make the trek a slog, and a pack that's poorly fit can cause chafing and soreness.
A brief note about names: walking is the British term for hiking, tramping or any other words for putting one foot in front of the other in the outdoors. Rambling is the term for gentler walks through flatter countryside. Hillwalking or mountain walking mean walking, as opposed to rock climbing, up hills and mountains.
So, wear a polyester or wool shirt, take a warm fleece or two to put on as you get higher up the mountain. Wear walking trousers – no jeans - that are loose and comfortable, or leggings that fit neatly and are not made of cotton.
