Hiking shoes are designed for outdoor activities like hiking, walking, and trekking. While they are designed for physical activity and can be considered a type of sports footwear, they are not typically designed for high-impact or intense sports like running, basketball, or soccer. Hiking shoes provide stability, support, and durability suitable for rugged terrains and long walks. For specific sports activities, it's recommended to use sports-specific shoes designed for that purpose, as they offer the necessary performance features and support.