When preparing for a hike, one of the key questions is: should you choose high or low hiking shoes? This choice depends on several essential factors such as the type of terrain, pack weight, weather conditions and personal preferences. High-upper and low-upper hiking shoes each offer distinct advantages, and it is important to understand these differences to make the best choice for your outdoor adventures.
The difference between high-upper and low-upper hiking shoes
The upper of a hiking shoe is the top section that wraps around the ankle and sometimes the lower calf.
- Low-upper 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 provide a sensation of fluidity when walking, as the foot can roll through more naturally.
- High-upper 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 twists and impacts on rough terrain. They are often reinforced to offer greater stability and cushioning, particularly useful on technical terrain.
Which terrain for which type of shoe?
The type of terrain you will encounter is one of the most important criteria when 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 in the mountains or on steep trails, high-upper shoes are often the best choice.
They provide extra 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 providing protection against sharp stones, roots and various obstacles.
Furthermore, high-upper shoes offer better stability, which can help reduce fatigue on long hikes, and ensure increased comfort in demanding conditions. For high-mountain hiking, with technical and sometimes delicate passages, this type of shoe is recommended.
You can opt for the BALME for day hikes with load-bearing 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-upper hiking shoes are perfectly suited. They are lightweight and allow a natural foot roll, enabling the ankle muscles and ligaments to work more freely. They offer a sensation of immediate comfort and are ideal for hikers on easy trails or low-technical routes.
Low-upper shoes also allow for greater agility, which is particularly enjoyable on undemanding routes where you want to move at a good pace without compromising on comfort. In this case, you can look at the X-HIKING, which provide dynamism and grip, perfect for fast hiking.
Backpack weight: a decisive factor
The weight of your backpack also plays a crucial role in choosing your walking shoes. The heavier the pack, the more strain 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-upper shoes will provide better ankle support, reducing the risk of pain and fatigue. These shoes distribute the load more effectively and provide increased stability, which is essential on long days out on the trail.
For a day hike with a lightweight 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 seeking 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-upper shoes are more protective, provided they feature a waterproof-breathable membrane. They limit water ingress and help you stay drier, particularly when crossing rivers, marshy areas or when snow is present.
Their high design prevents water from easily entering through the top of the shoe, a major advantage in wet conditions.
Warm and dry weather
In warm and dry conditions, low-upper shoes are an interesting choice. They offer better ventilation, allowing your feet to breathe and reducing perspiration. This can be a deciding factor in ensuring a comfortable walk in warm weather.
Blister risk and foot comfort
Blisters are one of hikers' greatest enemies. If you are particularly prone to friction or tend to develop blisters quickly, low-upper shoes can be an advantageous option.
They are generally more flexible, which helps reduce friction on the heels and lower ankle — the areas most commonly responsible for blisters. These shoes are also more lightweight, which can minimise the pressure exerted on your feet.
Mid-upper hiking shoes: the ideal compromise?
Mid-upper shoes, or mid-cut, are an increasingly popular alternative. They combine the advantages of high-upper and low-upper shoes, offering good ankle support while remaining relatively lightweight.
These shoes are often more waterproof than low-upper models and offer protection against rocks and obstacles. They are an excellent choice for moderate terrain where you need support without sacrificing mobility.
Mid-upper shoes are suited to versatile hikers who explore different types of terrain, from mountains to easier trails, while seeking a good balance between support and comfort. This is notably the case with the X-TREK, versatile and stable for hiking on all terrains.
Choosing between high or low hiking shoes depends on several criteria: the type of terrain, your pack weight, weather conditions and your specific comfort needs. High-upper shoes are ideal for technical and rugged terrain, offering increased support and protection.
Low-upper shoes, being more lightweight, are better suited to even terrain and less demanding hikes. Finally, mid-upper 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 discomfort!
