When preparing for a hike, one of the key questions is: should you choose high-cut or low-cut hiking shoes? This choice depends on several essential factors such as terrain type, pack weight, weather conditions and personal preferences. High-cut and low-cut hiking shoes each offer distinct advantages, and understanding these differences is key to making the best choice for your outdoor adventures.
The difference between high-cut and low-cut hiking shoes
The upper of a hiking shoe refers to the top section that wraps around the ankle and sometimes the lower calf.
- Low-cut hiking shoes: These shoes stop just below the ankle. They offer maximum freedom of movement, similar to that of running shoes. They are lightweight, allow greater foot flexibility and deliver a feeling of fluidity when walking, as the foot can roll through more naturally.
- High-cut hiking shoes: These shoes wrap around the ankle and sometimes the malleolus. They are designed to provide increased ankle support and better protection against injuries, particularly against twists and impacts on rough terrain. They are often reinforced to deliver greater stability and cushioning, especially useful on technical terrain.
Which terrain for which type of shoe?
The type of terrain you will encounter is one of the most important factors in making your choice. Whether you are in the mountains, on forest trails or on flat paths, the nature of the terrain will influence your comfort and safety.
Rugged and technical terrain
When venturing onto technical and rugged terrain, such as mountains or steep trails, high-cut shoes are often the best choice.
They provide additional ankle support, which helps reduce the risk of twists, particularly on rocky or scree terrain. The reinforcement around the ankle also helps prevent injuries by offering protection against sharp stones, roots and various obstacles.
Moreover, high-cut shoes provide better stability, which can help reduce fatigue on long hikes and ensures increased comfort in demanding conditions. For high-mountain hikes with technical and sometimes challenging sections, this type of shoe is recommended.
You can opt for the BALME for day hikes with a loaded pack on technical terrain, or the BERARDE for maximum protection on long treks.
Even and undemanding terrain
For less technical and less steep terrain, such as lowland paths, forest trails or well-maintained tracks, low-cut hiking shoes are perfectly suited. They are lightweight and allow a natural foot roll, which works the ankle muscles and ligaments more freely. They offer a feeling of immediate comfort and are ideal for hikers moving on easy trails or undemanding routes.
Low-cut shoes also allow for greater agility, which is particularly enjoyable on undemanding routes where you want to move at pace without compromising on comfort. In that case, you can turn to the X-HIKING, which deliver dynamism and grip, perfect for fast hiking.
Backpack weight: a decisive factor
The weight of your backpack also plays a crucial role in the choice of your walking shoes. The heavier the pack, the more strain is placed on your ankles, and therefore the more important ankle support becomes.
If you are carrying a heavy pack on a long-distance hike, high-cut shoes will offer better ankle support, reducing the risk of pain and fatigue. These shoes distribute the load more effectively and provide increased stability, which is essential during long days on the trail.
For a day hike with a light pack, low-cut shoes will be more than sufficient and will offer optimal comfort while reducing fatigue. The lightness of this type of shoe is a major asset for hikers looking for speed and simplicity.
The impact of weather conditions
Weather conditions also play a major role in choosing your hiking shoes. The weather can turn a simple hike into a far more complex adventure, and it is important to gear up accordingly.
Rain and wet terrain
When conditions are rainy or you are moving on wet terrain, high-cut shoes offer more protection, provided they feature a waterproof-breathable membrane. They limit water ingress and help you stay drier, especially when crossing rivers, marshy areas or when snow is present.
Their high construction prevents water from easily entering through the top of the shoe — a major advantage in wet conditions.
Hot and dry weather
In hot and dry conditions, low-cut shoes are a smart choice. They offer better ventilation, allowing your feet to breathe and reducing perspiration. This can be a decisive factor in ensuring comfortable walking in warm weather.
Blister risk and foot comfort
Blisters are one of the hiker's greatest enemies. If you are particularly prone to friction or tend to develop blisters quickly, low-cut shoes can be an advantageous option.
They are generally more flexible and supple, which helps reduce friction on the heels and lower ankle area — zones typically responsible for blisters. These shoes are also lighter, which can minimise the pressure on your feet.
Mid-cut hiking shoes: the ideal compromise?
Mid-cut shoes, or mid-height shoes, are an increasingly popular alternative. They combine the advantages of high-cut and low-cut shoes, offering good ankle support while remaining relatively lightweight.
These shoes are often more waterproof than low-cut models and offer protection against rocks and obstacles. They are an excellent choice for moderate terrain where you need support without sacrificing mobility.
Mid-cut shoes are well suited to versatile hikers who explore different types of terrain, from mountains to easier trails, while looking for a good balance between support and comfort. This is notably the case with the X-TREK, versatile and stable for hiking on all terrain.
Choosing between high-cut or low-cut hiking shoes comes down to several factors: terrain type, pack weight, weather conditions and your specific comfort needs. High-cut shoes are ideal for technical and rugged terrain, offering increased support and protection.
Low-cut shoes, being lighter, are better suited to even terrain and less demanding hikes. Mid-cut shoes represent an excellent compromise for those seeking both support and lightness.
Make sure to choose the right hiking shoe size and break them in gradually to avoid blisters and pain!
