Choosing the right footwear is essential for the best possible hiking experience. It's important to select a pair that suits your needs — and more broadly, the trails you'll be covering, the weather conditions you'll face, and your own foot shape. To help you navigate collar height, weight, grip, comfort and breathability, we've put together a selection of the best hiking shoes along with a guide to help you choose wisely.
Selection of the 7 best hiking shoes
CIMALP X-Hiking
The X-HIKING are reactive, dynamic shoes built for fast hiking. Their featherlight weight gives you a genuine sense of freedom. They also offer a first level of protection thanks to their Ultrashell® waterproof-breathable membrane, a rock guard, and a Ripstop collar with lateral reinforcements. The profiled lugs on the Vibram® EVOLUTION XST outsole deliver maximum grip and a perfect balance between cushioning and stability.
- 740 grams per pair (size 42)
- Low collar
- Dynamism and flexibility with every stride
- The +: ultra-lightweight and breathable insole
CIMALP X-Trek
The X-TREK is one of the best hiking shoes on the market. Perfect for day hikes, it can be worn all year round and adapts to every season. Its waterproof and breathable Ultrashell® membrane delivers high protection against bad weather. Its Vibram® FUGA XST outsole provides grip on all terrain types, including slippery surfaces.
- 840 grams per pair (size 42)
- Mid collar
- Versatility and dynamism
- The +: ultra-lightweight and breathable insole
CIMALP Balme
The BALME is the perfect shoe for hiking on technical terrain with a load (up to 15kg). Waterproof and breathable, it delivers excellent stability and solid support even on unstable ground, without compromising on comfort. The Vibram® EVOLUTION XST outsole ensures strong traction on the way up and effective braking on the way down, on both dry and wet terrain.
- 1040 grams per pair (size 42)
- High collar
- Stability and protection
- The +: Bio-sourced foam insole (30%) for excellent comfort
CIMALP Berarde
The BERARDE are the ultimate trekking shoes. Waterproof, technical and stable, they'll be your best ally on the most demanding mountain paths and trails. Their high collar fully wraps the ankle for maximum support and protection. The multidirectional lugs and climbing zone at the front of the CURCUMA outsole allow you to tackle technical passages and provide security both on ascents and descents.
- 1120 grams per pair (size 42)
- High collar
- Protection and safety for demanding treks
- The +: Bio-sourced foam insole (30%) for excellent comfort
MEINDL Top Trail Mid GTX
Meindl offers the Top Trail Mid GTX for all your outdoor adventures. These hiking shoes are fitted with a Vibram® Hiking Grip outsole for grip and stability with every step. They also feature precise heel adjustment thanks to the Variofix system and a perfect fit to your foot's shape with an extended lacing system. Finally, they are waterproof and breathable thanks to their GORE-TEX® membrane for added comfort.
- 1040 grams per pair (size 42)
- Mid collar
- Versatility and durability
MEINDL Lite Trail GTX
The Meindl Lite Trail GTX is a hiking shoe designed for less technical terrain. Combining durability and comfort, it features a suede leather upper paired with mesh fabric. Air-Active technology ensures flexibility and comfort, while the GORE-TEX membrane keeps your feet dry. Its rubber outsole complemented by an EVA cushioning unit delivers excellent traction and ideal cushioning. It's the perfect choice for day hikes, fast-hiking or everyday wear.
- 760 grams per pair (size 42)
- Low collar
- Lightweight and comfortable for easy terrain
MEINDL Capri
The CAPRI is the perfect choice for light hiking in hot conditions on easy terrain. These technical sandals feature a secure and comfortable support system with precise 3-point adjustment and a lateral instep strap on the outside. The insole is pre-moulded with a shock-absorbing midsole for added lightness and cushioning. Their non-marking EVA outsole provides traction and durability.
- 610 grams per pair (size 37)
- Sandals
- Comfort for ultralight hiking
Essential criteria for choosing the best hiking shoes
Collar height
If you want to know how to choose your hiking shoes, several criteria need to be considered. Collar height is key to determining which hiking shoes are best for you. It refers to the upper part of the shoe, which covers the top of the foot. There are three types of collar:
- Low collar (below the ankle): Allows the ankle to move freely, but offers little protection. Ideal for fast walking or hiking on easy trails.
- Mid collar (at ankle height): The most versatile option — it supports the ankle with more flexibility than a high collar and keeps the shoe lighter. Perfect for hiking on easy to intermediate trails.
- High collar (rising and wrapping the ankle): The most secure collar, but also the heaviest. It protects the ankle, especially on steep terrain. Recommended for long-distance hiking or trekking.
To choose the right collar height, you need to consider several factors. First, the type of terrain. If you're heading into the mountains on a steep trail, a high collar is the way to go to avoid injury. On the other hand, it can feel heavy and cumbersome for hiking on flat ground. Next, the weather plays a role in your collar choice. High collars offer more protection against rain and snow, while low collars provide better breathability in summer. Backpack weight also matters. If you're carrying bivouac gear, stiff mountain boots with a high collar are the recommended option.
Outsoles
Made from a more or less soft rubber compound, outsoles determine the grip, traction and cushioning of a hiking shoe.
The outsole varies depending on the terrain. On hostile and unstable ground such as mud, snow or sand, grip is the priority. This is provided by deep, sculpted lugs. On rough or hard terrain such as rock or stone, traction takes precedence. It is determined by wide, shallow lugs. The insole, meanwhile, helps make your hiking shoes as comfortable as possible by improving cushioning and absorbing the impact of each footfall.
Hiking outsoles also provide stability through their width. A narrow outsole is ideal for precision on difficult terrain, while a wide outsole guarantees perfect stability on less demanding paths. Active hikers tend to favour a flexible outsole, ideal for propulsion. Experienced walkers, on the other hand, lean towards a rigid outsole — best suited to hiking and trekking shoes, particularly for committing terrain.
Protection
To determine which hiking shoes are best for you, assess your protection needs. A reinforced pair will protect your feet effectively, especially on steep trails. Look for a shoe fitted with a rock guard. This shell protects the toes and sides of the foot from impacts against rocks and other obstacles.
Protection against the elements should not be overlooked either. In hot, dry conditions, you can opt for lightweight, breathable shoes with a mesh upper to prevent overheating. In rain, snow or when crossing streams, look for a pair fitted with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex®. This will be essential for long-distance hiking or trekking.
The choice of material also plays a role in the protection and durability of your pair. Leather is a supple, durable and waterproof material that also resists abrasion. While ideal on technical terrain, it requires regular maintenance. Materials such as suede or nubuck offer another option. They are thinner and more breathable, but less robust than leather. Another option is synthetic leather or fabric. The latter offers excellent lightness and breathability.
Shoe size
Before buying, make sure you choose the right size for your hiking shoes. Sizing can vary depending on the model and brand. As a general rule, it is advisable to go up one size from your usual size, though this is not always the case. The best approach is to try them on with hiking socks. Once on and unlaced, you should be able to slip a finger behind the heel when your toes touch the front of the shoe. Once the shoe is laced up, also check that your heel doesn't lift completely, to prevent future blisters.
Choosing the best hiking shoes is essential for a comfortable and safe walking experience. With all these criteria in mind, you should now have a clearer picture of how to find the ideal pair for your specific needs. All that's left is to gear up and enjoy your next outdoor adventures.
