Updated: June 2026
The 5 Cimalp models by activity
This table compares the five models across three main types of terrain use. The Touet comes in two versions: without a membrane for dry outings and with Ultrashell for year-round use.
| Model | Main use | Upper | Material | Membrane | Vibram sole | Weight (size 42) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Hiking | Fast hiking, quick-paced trails | Low-cut | Synthetic ripstop | Yes | XS-Trek | 370 g |
| X-Trek | Fast hiking with ankle support | Mid-cut | Synthetic ripstop | Yes | XS-Trek | 420 g |
| Touet | Day hikes, travel, everyday wear | Low-cut | Full-grain leather | No | XS-Trek | 370 g |
| Touet WPF | Day hikes, all weather | Low-cut | Full-grain leather | Yes | XS-Trek | 390 g |
| Balme | Technical day hikes, heavy packs | Mid-cut | Leather + textile | Yes | XS-Trek | 530 g |
| Bérarde | Demanding treks, high mountains | High-cut | Leather + textile | Yes | XS-Trek | 580 g |
Use 1: Fast hiking and brisk walking: X-Hiking and X-Trek
Fast hiking sits between traditional hiking and trail running: you move quickly, stay on the trail, and shoe weight matters as much as grip. Both models are built for that pace.
X-Hiking: freedom of movement first
The X-Hiking is the most dynamic model in the Cimalp range. At 370 g per pair (size 42), its low-cut Ripstop upper leaves the ankle free and supports a natural, responsive stride.
The Ultrashell membrane provides waterproof protection without adding weight. The Vibram XS-Trek sole offers maximum traction on dry and wet terrain alike.
One distinctive feature: it comes with two interchangeable insoles, a standard comfort option and a more insulating version, so you can adapt the shoe to the season. It's ideal for active hikers or trail runners moving into lightweight, fast-paced walking.
X-Trek: the same foundation, with added ankle support
The X-Trek is the mid-cut version of the X-Hiking, with the same specifications. The same Ultrashell membrane, the same Vibram XS-Trek sole and the same 365-day interchangeable insole system.
The difference is its mid-cut upper, which covers and supports the ankle bone on slightly rougher trails. For walkers who want the pace of fast hiking but prefer dependable ankle support, it's a natural choice. At 420 g, it remains lightweight without sacrificing protection.
Use 2: Day hiking: Touet and Balme
Day hiking covers very different needs: some walkers want comfort and durability on varied trails, while regular hikers tackle technical terrain with a loaded pack. Three models cover that range.
Touet: maximum breathability in dry weather
The Touet is new to the Cimalp range for 2026 and its first full-grain leather hiking shoe. Its low-cut upper, 1.4 to 1.6 mm thick, provides natural support and gradually moulds to the shape of the foot.
The Vibram XS-Trek sole provides versatile grip on dry and wet terrain, with a 10 mm drop. At 370 g, it's as light as the X-Hiking while offering significantly greater abrasion resistance on rocky trails.
It's a choice for summer outings, travelling light and everyday life in the mountains.
Touet WPF: the same leather, waterproof in every season
The Touet WPF has an Ultrashell membrane between the leather upper and inner lining: a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm and breathability of 80,000 g/m²/24h. It weighs 390 g.
Both versions share the same features: a rubber toe cap, padded tongue and collar, a rear pull tab for easier fitting, and a removable insole compatible with orthotic insoles.
Balme: technical hiking with a heavy pack
The Balme is for regular hikers tackling technical trails with a heavier pack. Its mid-cut upper combines leather and textile for abrasion resistance and breathability.
The reinforced heel limits heel movement on descents. The Vibram XS-Trek sole absorbs shocks on hard ground and maintains grip on wet rock. The Ultrashell membrane protects against summer storms without adding unnecessary weight.
It is designed for day hikes on technical trails with a pack weighing up to 15 kg. Hikers comfortable carrying a pack can also use it for trips lasting a few days.
Use 3: Demanding treks and high mountains: Bérarde
The Bérarde has a distinct place in the range: it's the only shoe designed specifically for rocky high-mountain terrain and multi-day trekking with a heavy pack in exposed environments.
Bérarde: a dependable choice for demanding terrain
The Bérarde is the range’s most capable model. Its high-cut upper combines leather and textile: the leather moulds to the foot and withstands abrasion against rock, while the textile provides breathability. It keeps the ankle firmly in place on unstable scree and steep side slopes without restricting movement as you walk.
The leather toe cap protects the forefoot on abrasive rocky sections. The Vibram XS-Trek sole, with substantial 4 to 10 mm lugs, provides braking on descents and precise traction on wet rock when climbing. The climbing zone at the front helps you place your foot precisely on small footholds.
It's a shoe for demanding trekkers and mountaineers on approach routes moving through fully rocky, technical terrain.
Leather or synthetic: which material should you choose?
The Touet brings a different approach to materials into the Cimalp range. Full-grain leather does not try to compete with synthetics on weight or breathability: it offers something different. It moulds to the foot over successive outings and becomes more comfortable over time, whereas a synthetic upper retains the same shape. It also offers greater abrasion resistance against rocks and roots.
Cleaning with a soft brush and regularly applying a waterproofing treatment such as Nikwax are enough to maintain water repellency. A well-cared-for Touet lasts for several seasons.
Synthetics take the opposite approach: low weight from the outset, quick drying and suitability for frequent outings. The X-Hiking and X-Trek get their responsiveness from this construction. The two approaches complement each other in the range; neither is inherently better.
Hiking shoe FAQs
What's the difference between a low-cut shoe, a mid-cut shoe and a high-cut shoe?
Upper height determines ankle support. A low-cut upper leaves the ankle free: lighter and more responsive, it suits easy terrain and fast hiking. A mid-cut upper covers the ankle bone, offering a versatile balance for most hiking terrain. A high-cut upper wraps around the ankle, providing maximum protection and stability on technical terrain and when carrying a heavy pack. Your choice depends far more on the terrain and pack weight than on your hiking experience.
How do you choose a waterproof hiking shoe?
A waterproof membrane keeps water out while allowing sweat to escape. Cimalp uses its in-house-developed Ultrashell membrane: waterproof to a water pressure of 10,000 mm, with breathability of 80,000 g/m²/24h. It features in the X-Hiking, X-Trek, Touet WPF, Balme and Bérarde.
A membrane is useful in changeable weather, in autumn or on wet terrain. For short outings in hot, dry weather, the Touet without a membrane will be more breathable.
Which sole offers the best grip for hiking?
Every shoe in the Cimalp range has a Vibram XS-Trek sole, a technical benchmark for outdoor footwear. Lug depth varies from 4 to 10 mm depending on the model. On abrasive terrain, rubber durability matters as much as initial grip.
Weight versus support: how do you choose?
On easy trails with a light pack, every 100 g saved makes a difference over several hours of walking. On technical terrain with a heavy load, the reverse is true: a shoe that's too light tires the stabilising muscles and can cause ankle pain.
A practical rule of thumb: with a pack under 10 kg on a marked trail, prioritise low weight. With a pack over 10 kg or when going off-trail, prioritise support.
How long do hiking shoes last?
Between 800 and 1,200 km, depending on construction, terrain and care. Watch for these signs of wear: a smooth sole or one coming away at the edges, an upper that no longer supports the heel, or flattened insole cushioning.
Full-grain leather ages well if it is regularly treated with waterproofing product.
Can you use trail shoes for hiking?
Yes, on easy trails and short outings with a light pack. Once the terrain gets technical, the outing gets longer or the pack gets heavier, trail shoes show their limits: soles that are too flexible, a drop that's too low and insufficient upper support. Long descents with a load can cause toe pain and ankle fatigue that more structured hiking shoes help prevent.
Cimalp designs and makes its hiking shoes with particular attention to durability. The in-house-developed Ultrashell membrane features in four of the five models in the range. Find all five models in our men’s hiking shoes and our women’s hiking shoes.
