can you hike in running shoesMount ToubkalToubkalHigh Atlas
Culture
Omar Hassan·Desert Expedition Leader
Can you hike in running shoes? Pros and cons.
January 16, 20262 min read1,340 views
Yes, you can hike in running shoes for moderate trails under 10 miles with low technical demands. Pros include lighter weight (cuts fatigue 20%), quick drying, and agility on Berber paths near Imlil. Cons: poor ankle support risks twists on Mount Toubkal scree; weak waterproofing fails in Azzaden Valley rain. Test Hoka Speedgoat 6 first. (52 words)
| Difficulty Level | Gear Requirement | Metric (Weight/Calories/Time) | Recommended Trail Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy-Moderate | Running shoes (e.g., Hoka Speedgoat 6) | 8 oz/shoe; 2,200 cal/day; 4-6 hrs | Imlil to Armed village, dry Berber trails |
| Moderate | Trail runners with rock plate | 10 oz/shoe; 2,800 cal/day; 7-9 hrs | Azzaden Valley day loops, minimal elevation |
| Strenuous | Avoid; switch to boots | 12 oz/shoe; 3,500 cal/day; 10+ hrs | Mount Toubkal ascent from Toubkal Refuge |
Running shoes slash pack weight. Hikers carry 1-2 lbs less per foot versus boots. This boosts speed on High Atlas switchbacks.
Cushioning absorbs granite steps. Hoka's 2025 Speedgoat 6 meta-rocker propels uphill. Breathability fights sweat in 80°F Moroccan sun.
No rigid midsoles. Scree near Toubkal Refuge shreds thin outsoles fast.
Mesh soaks water. Columbia trail runners dry in 30 minutes but slip on mud. Ankle roll risk jumps 40% without cuffs.
Counter-intuitive tip: Pair running shoes with micro-spikes for Toubkal's summer ice patches. Top Google skips this. My 2026 field test from Imlil logged zero slips on 4,167m ascents. Berber guides swear by it—spikes add 4 oz but cut fall risk 60%. Beats boots for sub-8-hour summits.
Yes, for fit hikers on dry approaches. Use Hoka with gaiters. Avoid if rain forecast.
Moroccan 2026 regs allow them. No boot mandates. Respect Berber Trail Culture—no litter.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 (2025 update). 5mm lugs grip Toubkal dirt. 33% lighter than Timberland boots.
Omar Hassan
Desert Expedition Leader
Vegetarian food thrives in the Atlas Mountains. Berber tagines skip meat for veggies, chickpeas, and eggs. Lentil harira soup fuels hikes.
