When it's time of choosing the best shoes for hiking or other outdoor adventures, it's always better to determine your choices before looking at any option.
This helps in choosing the pair that best suits your needs.
Do you want to travel with a few light bags in decent weather? A trail running shoe can perfectly complete your desire.
Do you want to go for a long distance hike? You'll need a hiking shoe for that.
Based on the weight and usage we can classify adventure shoes in 4 different categories:

1. Trail Running Shoes: As name suggests, these shoes are made basically for running purposes but can perfectly suit for small hiking adventures.
   If you don't carry heavy packs with you and like hiking with light gear then you can certainly complete hiking with these shoes.
   Most shoes of this category aren't waterproof and are more agile and sensitive in nature.
   However, today some manufacturers have started making waterproof trail running shoes too, so you can look for them if it seems necessary.
   
2. Hiking Shoes: This is a common category between trail running shoes and full-cut hiking boots.
   They're lighter than hiking boots but heavier, sturdier and more supportive than trail running shoes.
   They include a little bit of ankle support and come with low cuts.
   The lighter upper part and sturdy Vibram sole makes them perfect for hiking.
   They are comfortable enough like trail running shoes and don't require any break-in.
   They usually come with the choice of waterproof and non-waterproof.
   
3. Hiking Boots: In this category you can find a lot of variety because these boots are made for a wide spectrum of hikers.
   Lighter ones are for hikers who don't carry a lot of load with them while heavier boots for heavy backpackers.
   They're known as boots because their cut ends right above the ankle, which gives them appearance of boots.
   Needless to say that they're heavier than normal hiking shoes.
   They're usually waterproof and their upper part is constructed of full-leather.
   
4. Mountaineering Boots: These heavy-hitter boots come with very hard soles and high cut that also includes a gaiter usually.
   They are insulated and come with plastic inserts towards heal or along the toe for accommodating crampon bales.
   The stiffness and overweightness of these shoes may seem killing, but these shows are an absolute requirement for mountaineers.
   Sometimes ice climbers and heavy hikers also use them while hiking through the snow.