Choosing your hiking shoes matters. To find the right pair, first consider how you will use them and the type of hiking you do. Here’s how to choose your hiking shoes.
Upper height
Low-cut uppers
Low-cut hiking shoes have the advantage of being lightweight and agile. Because the upper stops below the ankle, your foot can move freely, making it easier to cover ground. Wearing low-cut shoes for hiking offers benefits such as flexibility and freedom of movement. Their one drawback is that they do not protect the ankle from the elements. You can wear them for fast hiking or on less rugged trails.
Mid-cut uppers
Mid-cut boots strike the perfect balance between low-cut shoes and high-cut boots. Highly versatile and relatively lightweight, they offer dependable protection and support the ankle with more flexibility than high-cut models. They are ideal for easy to moderate trails during day hiking with a moderate load.
High-cut uppers
High-cut boots help keep you safe. They wrap around and protect your ankles. They also have toe caps, are sturdy and are generally waterproof. However, high-cut boots are heavier and their rigidity can make them less comfortable. They are ideal for long hikes and treks on technical or rugged terrain.
For more information, read our guide to choosing between high-cut and low-cut hiking shoes.
The type of hiking
Day hiking on non-technical trails
For a few hours’ walking in the mountains on relatively easy trails, you can choose a responsive shoe that offers flexibility and comfort, such as the X-HIKING (low-cut) or X-TREK (mid-cut).
This style of footwear promotes a natural roll of the foot for a fluid stride as well as good cushioning, while incorporating a baseline level of protection with a rubber toe cap and a Ripstop upper with lateral reinforcements.
Day hiking on technical terrain
Selecting the right footwear is essential for hiking on rugged terrain, particularly when carrying a fairly heavy pack. Choose mid- or high-cut boots to guarantee proper ankle support. Key attributes to look for are stability and grip. Stiffer soles are recommended, as is the use of boots with a waterproof membrane for weather protection.
The ideal model for this type of hiking is the BALME. It helps keep your footing secure without slowing you down. Its Vibram® EVOLUTION sole and multidirectional lugs provide excellent grip both uphill and downhill. A TPU insert at the heel reinforces ankle support, while a leather toe cap offers substantial protection against impacts and the elements.
Long treks
Hiking long-distance routes such as the GR 20 in Corsica means spending long hours on trails that can be very rugged, with significant elevation changes. High-cut boots with semi-rigid soles and toe caps are strongly recommended. Protection, support and grip matter more than ever. A high-performance waterproof, breathable membrane is also essential for multi-day hikes.
The BERARDE meets all these requirements, with excellent ankle support and a semi-rigid Vibram® CURCUMA sole designed for excellent traction uphill and reassuring braking downhill, even on highly technical terrain. The front section (the climbing zone) lets you place your feet precisely on the most difficult sections.
Waterproofing in hiking boots
Choosing waterproof hiking boots depends on the conditions you will be walking in. If you are on fairly dry ground or facing light morning dew, shoes with a water-repellent treatment are more than enough. They allow water droplets to bead up and slide off without penetrating, keeping your feet dry. Moreover, footwear without a waterproof membrane is more breathable, providing a clear comfort advantage.
However, if you plan to hike on waterlogged ground, in pouring rain, or across snow, truly waterproof hiking boots become essential. They provide a complete barrier against moisture, ensuring your feet stay dry even in severe weather conditions.
For optimal protection, choose shoes with a waterproof rating of at least 10'000 Schmerber, a measure of water resistance. Alongside waterproof shoes, gaiters or overboots can be very useful in extreme conditions. They stop water entering from the top of your shoes and also protect against wind — a valuable benefit in high mountains or polar environments.
Choosing the insole
The insole plays a crucial role in the comfort and performance of hiking boots. Make sure to choose an insole that is both breathable and comfortable. The footbed foam must ensure proper airflow inside to wick away moisture. Effective foot ventilation minimises the risk of blisters.
Initial comfort matters too. A good sole provides cushioning by compressing with each impact, then returning to shape before your foot strikes the ground again. Avoid memory foam: it compresses and holds its shape, making it less effective at reducing impact. Choose open-cell PU foam for optimal comfort on your hikes.
The importance of hiking boot weight
The weight of hiking boots is a frequently overlooked yet critical factor. Lightweight hiking shoes are more comfortable to wear because they put less strain on muscles and reduce fatigue. Conversely, overly light shoes can lack durability and offer less protection on rugged or rocky terrain.
Finding the right balance between low weight and durability is crucial. Your shoes need to be light enough not to weigh down your steps, yet sturdy enough to protect you from obstacles on the trail. The right balance also depends on the type of hiking you have planned.
For a day’s hiking with a light backpack, lightweight shoes will do the job. For multi-day hikes with a heavy pack, however, it is better to choose sturdier shoes that offer good support and maximum protection, even if they weigh a little more.
Explore ways to extend the life of your hiking boots with care tips from mountain guide Florian Olivier:
