Choosing the right hiking shoes is essential to ensure the best possible walking experience. It is important to select a pair that suits your needs and, more broadly, the trails you will cover, the weather conditions you will encounter, and your own morphology. To help you navigate upper height, weight, grip, comfort and breathability, we have put together a selection of the best hiking shoes and a guide to help you choose wisely.
Selection of the 7 best hiking shoes
CIMALP X-Hiking
The X-HIKING are reactive and dynamic shoes for fast hiking. Thanks to their featherlight weight, you will have a true sense of freedom. They also benefit from a first level of protection via their waterproof-breathable Ultrashell® membrane, along with a toe cap and a Ripstop upper with lateral reinforcements. The profiled lugs of the Vibram® EVOLUTION XST outsole deliver maximum grip and a perfect balance between cushioning and stability.
- 740 grams per pair (42)
- Low upper
- Dynamism and flexibility with every stride
- The +: ultra-light and breathable insole
CIMALP X-Trek
The X-TREK is one of the best hiking shoes. 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 the elements. Finally, its Vibram® FUGA XST grip provides traction on all types of terrain, including slippery surfaces.
- 840 grams per pair (42)
- Mid upper
- Versatility and dynamism
- The +: ultra-light and breathable insole
CIMALP Balme
The BALME is the perfect shoe for hiking on technical terrain with load carrying (up to 15kg). Waterproof and breathable, it delivers great stability and good support even on unstable terrain, without compromising on comfort. The Vibram® EVOLUTION XST outsole ensures excellent traction on the ascent and effective braking on the descent, on both dry and wet terrain.
- 1040 grams per pair (42)
- High upper
- 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 will be your best ally on the steepest mountain paths and trails. Their high upper completely covers the ankle for maximum support and protection. The multi-directional lugs and climbing zone at the front of the CURCUMA outsole allow you to tackle technical passages and provide security both on the ascent and descent.
- 1120 grams per pair (42)
- High upper
- Protection and safety for demanding treks
- The +: Bio-sourced foam insole (30%) for excellent comfort
MEINDL Top Trail Mid GTX
Meindl's Top Trail Mid GTX is built for all your outdoor adventures. These hiking shoes feature a Vibram® Hiking Grip outsole for grip and stability with every step. They also offer a precise fit around the heel thanks to the Variofix system and a perfect adaptation 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 (42)
- Mid upper
- Versatility and durability
MEINDL Lite Trail GTX
The Meindl Lite Trail GTX is a hiking shoe designed for low-technical terrain. Combining durability and comfort, it features a velour 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 is the perfect choice for day hikes, fast-hiking or everyday use.
- 760 grams per pair (42)
- Low upper
- Lightness and comfort for gentle terrain
MEINDL Capri
The CAPRI model is the perfect choice for light hiking in extreme heat on gentle terrain. These technical sandals feature a secure and comfortable support system with a precise 3-point fit, along with a lateral support strap on the outside of the instep. The insole is preformed with a shock-absorbing midsole, ensuring greater lightness and cushioning. Finally, the non-marking EVA outsole provides traction and durability.
- 610 grams per pair (37)
- Sandals
- Comfort in ultra-light hiking
Essential criteria for choosing the best hiking shoes
Upper height
If you want to know how to choose your hiking shoes, several criteria need to be considered. The height of the upper is very important in determining the best hiking shoes. It is the upper part of the shoe, covering the top of the foot. There are three types of upper:
- The low upper (below the ankle): It allows the ankle to move freely, but offers little protection. It is therefore ideal for fast walking or hiking on easy trails.
- The mid upper (at ankle level): The most versatile option, it supports the ankle with more flexibility than a high upper and makes the shoe lighter. It is perfect for hiking on easy to intermediate trails.
- The high upper (rising and wrapping around the ankle): It is the most secure but heaviest upper. It protects the ankle, particularly in steep terrain. It is recommended for long-distance hiking or trekking.
To choose the right upper height, several factors need to be considered. First, the type of terrain. If you are heading into the mountains on a steep trail, a high upper is recommended to prevent injury. On the other hand, it may feel heavy and cumbersome for hiking on flat terrain. Next, the weather plays a role in choosing the upper. High uppers offer more protection against rain or snow, while low uppers provide greater breathability in summer. The weight of your backpack also matters. If you are carrying your bivvy gear, rigid high-cut mountain boots are more advisable.
Soles
Made from a more or less soft rubber compound, soles influence the grip, traction and cushioning of the hiking shoe.
The outsole varies depending on the type of terrain. For hostile and unstable terrain such as mud, snow or sand, grip should be your priority. This is provided by deep, sculpted lugs. If you walk on rugged or hard terrain such as rock or stones, traction takes precedence. This is determined by wide, shallow lugs. The insole, meanwhile, allows you to have the most comfortable hiking shoes. It improves cushioning by absorbing the impact of foot strikes on the ground.
Hiking soles also provide stability thanks to their width. A narrow sole is ideal for precision on difficult terrain, while a wide sole guarantees perfect stability on less steep paths. Finally, active hikers tend to prefer a flexible sole, ideal for providing propulsion. Seasoned walkers, on the other hand, will opt for a rigid sole. This is best suited to hiking and trekking shoes, particularly on committed terrain.
Protection
To determine the best hiking shoes, you need to assess your protection requirements. Indeed, a reinforced pair will effectively protect your feet, especially on steep trails. For this, you can opt for a shoe fitted with a toe cap. This shell protects the toes and the sides of the foot in the event of impact against rocks or other obstacles.
Protection against weather conditions should not be overlooked either. In warm and dry conditions, you can opt for lightweight and breathable shoes fitted with a mesh to prevent sweating. In rain, snow or when crossing streams, make sure you have a pair equipped with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex®. It 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 great lightness and excellent breathability.
Sizing
Before making a purchase, make sure you choose the right size for your hiking shoes. Indeed, sizing can vary depending on the model and brand. In general, it is advisable to go up a size from your usual size, but this is not always the case. The best approach is to try on a pair with hiking socks. Once on and unlaced, you should be able to slip a finger behind the heel when your toes touch the end of the shoe. Once the shoe is laced up, you should also check that your heel does not lift completely, to prevent future blisters.
Choosing the best hiking shoes is essential to guarantee an enjoyable and safe walking experience. With all these criteria in mind, you should now have a clearer picture of how to find the ideal pair to meet your specific needs. All that is left to do is kit yourself out and enjoy your next outdoor adventures.
