Updated: June 2026
The 5 Cimalp models for your use
This table positions the five models across the three main terrain uses. The Touet comes in two versions: without a membrane for dry outings, with Ultrashell for all seasons.
| Model | Main use | Upper | Material | Membrane | Vibram outsole | Weight (42) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Hiking | Fast-hiking, fast trail | Low | Synthetic Ripstop | Yes | XS-Trek | 370 g |
| X-Trek | Fast-hiking with ankle support | Mid | Synthetic Ripstop | Yes | XS-Trek | 420 g |
| Touet | Day hike, travel, everyday | Low | Full-grain leather | No | XS-Trek | 370 g |
| Touet WPF | Day hike, all weather | Low | Full-grain leather | Yes | XS-Trek | 390 g |
| Balme | Technical day hike, loaded carry | Mid-high | Leather + textile | Yes | XS-Trek | 530 g |
| Bérarde | Challenging trekking, high mountain | High | Leather + textile | Yes | XS-Trek | 580 g |
Use 1: Fast-hiking and speed walking: X-Hiking and X-Trek
Fast-hiking sits between classic hiking and trail running: you move fast, stay on the path, and shoe weight matters as much as grip. Both models are built for this pace.
X-Hiking: freedom of movement above all
The X-Hiking is the most dynamic model in the Cimalp range. At 370 g per pair (size 42), its low Ripstop upper keeps the ankle free and promotes a natural, responsive foot roll.
The Ultrashell membrane ensures waterproofing without adding weight. The Vibram XS-Trek outsole delivers maximum grip on both dry and wet terrain.
Its standout feature: it comes with two interchangeable insoles, a standard comfort option and a more insulating version, to adapt the shoe to the season. The ideal profile is the active hiker or trail runner switching to fast-paced light hiking.
X-Trek: the same base, with your ankle secured
The X-Trek is the exact mid-upper version of the X-Hiking. Same Ultrashell membrane, same Vibram XS-Trek outsole, same 365-day interchangeable insole system.
The difference lies in the mid-high upper that covers and secures the ankle bone on slightly rougher trails. For walkers who want the pace of fast-hiking but prefer the reassurance of genuine ankle support, it is the natural choice. At 420 g, it stays within the lightweight bracket without sacrificing protection.
Use 2: Day hiking: Touet and Balme
Day hiking covers very different practices: the walker seeking comfort and durability on varied trails, and the regular hiker tackling technical terrain with a loaded pack. Three models cover this spectrum.
Touet: maximum breathability in dry conditions
The Touet is Cimalp's 2026 newcomer, and the first full-grain leather hiking shoe in the range. Its low upper, 1.4 to 1.6 mm thick, provides natural support that progressively moulds to the shape of the foot.
The Vibram XS-Trek outsole provides versatile grip on dry and wet terrain, with a 10 mm drop. At 370 g, it is as light as the X-Hiking, while offering significantly superior abrasion durability on rocky trails.
It is the choice for summer outings, light travel and everyday mountain use.
Touet WPF: the same leather, waterproof in all seasons
The Touet WPF integrates the Ultrashell membrane between the leather upper and the inner lining: waterproofing rated at 10,000 mm water pressure, breathability at 80,000 g/m²/24h. It weighs 390 g.
Both versions share the same features: rubber toe cap, padded tongue and collar, rear pull loop for easy entry, removable insole compatible with orthopaedic insoles.
All Cimalp shoes benefit from lifetime repair: detached sole, loose stitching or damaged upper — after-sales service steps in with no time limit.
Balme: technical hiking and loaded carry
The Balme is the shoe for regular hikers tackling technical trails with a heavier pack. Its mid-high upper combines leather and textile for a balance of abrasion resistance and breathability.
The reinforced heel limits rear slippage on descents. The Vibram XS-Trek outsole absorbs shocks on hard terrain and maintains grip on wet rock. The Ultrashell membrane protects against summer storms without unnecessary added weight.
It is designed for day hikes on technical trails with loads up to 15 kg, and can extend to a few days of touring for hikers comfortable with carrying weight.
Use 3: Challenging trekking and high mountain: the Bérarde
The Bérarde holds a unique place in the range: it is the only shoe designed specifically for high-mountain rocky terrain and heavy multi-day trekking in exposed environments.
Bérarde: the reliable choice for demanding terrain
The Bérarde is the ultimate model in the range. Its high upper combines leather and textile: the leather adapts to the foot's shape and resists abrasion against rock, while the textile ensures breathability. It completely locks the ankle on unstable scree and significant cross-slopes, without restricting movement while progressing.
The leather toe cap protects the forefoot on abrasive rock sections. The Vibram XS-Trek outsole with its massive 4 to 10 mm lugs ensures braking on descents and precise traction on ascents over wet rock. The climbing zone at the front allows precise foot placement on small holds.
It is the shoe for demanding trekkers and mountaineers on approach who move through an entirely mineral and technical environment.
Leather or synthetic: which material to choose?
The Touet introduces a different material logic to the Cimalp range. Full-grain leather does not attempt to compete with synthetic on weight or breathability: it offers something else. It moulds to the shape of your foot over time and becomes more comfortable with use, whereas a synthetic upper always retains the same shape. Its resistance to abrasion on rock and roots is superior.
A soft brush clean and regular application of a waterproofing product such as Nikwax are enough to maintain water repellency. A well-maintained Touet lasts several seasons.
Synthetic follows the opposite logic: immediate lightness, fast drying, adaptability to frequent outings. The X-Hiking and X-Trek draw their dynamism from this construction. Both approaches are complementary within the range, not ranked.
Hiking shoe FAQ
What is the difference between a low-cut shoe, mid and high?
Upper height defines ankle support. A low-cut upper leaves the ankle free: lighter, more dynamic, suited to easy terrain and fast-hiking. A mid upper covers the ankle bone for a versatile compromise across most hiking terrain. A high upper wraps the ankle for maximum protection and stability on technical terrain and with heavy loads. The choice depends far more on terrain and pack weight than on the hiker's level.
How to choose a waterproof hiking shoe?
A waterproof membrane prevents water from entering while allowing perspiration to escape. Cimalp uses its own Ultrashell membrane, developed in-house: waterproofing rated at 10,000 mm water pressure, breathability at 80,000 g/m²/24h. It equips the X-Hiking, X-Trek, Touet WPF, Balme and Bérarde.
A membrane is useful in changeable weather, in autumn or on wet terrain. In warm, dry conditions on short outings, the Touet without a membrane will be more breathable.
Which outsole offers the best grip for hiking?
The entire Cimalp range is fitted with Vibram XS-Trek outsoles, the 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 vs. Support: what compromise to choose?
On easy trails with a light pack, every 100 g saved counts over several hours of walking. On technical terrain with a load, the opposite applies: a shoe that is too light fatigues the stabilising muscles and causes ankle pain.
Practical guide: below 10 kg pack weight on marked trails, prioritise lightness. Above 10 kg or off-trail, prioritise support.
How long do hiking shoes last?
Between 800 and 1,200 km depending on construction, terrain and maintenance. Wear signs to watch for: smooth or edge-peeling outsole, upper no longer holding the heel, insole cushioning flattened.
Full-grain leather ages well when regularly waterproofed. All Cimalp shoes benefit from lifetime repair: detached sole, loose stitching or damaged upper — after-sales service steps in with no time or seasonal limit.
Can you use trail shoes for hiking?
On easy trails and for short outings with a light pack, yes. As soon as terrain becomes technical, duration increases or the pack gets heavier, trail shoes show their limits: outsole too flexible, drop too low, insufficient upper support. Long descents with a load cause toe pain and ankle fatigue that structured hiking shoes avoid.
Cimalp designs and manufactures its hiking shoes with particular attention to durability and repairability. The Ultrashell membrane, developed in-house, equips four of the five models in the range. All Cimalp products benefit from lifetime repair.
