Choosing your hiking boots is not a trivial decision. To find the ideal pair, identify your intended use based on the type of hiking you practise. Here is a guide on how to choose your hiking footwear.
Upper height
Low-cut uppers
Low-cut hiking shoes have the advantage of being lightweight and agile. The foot retains full mobility as the collar sits below the ankle and malleolus, allowing you to move easily over varied ground. Using low-cut shoes for hiking offers numerous benefits, including flexibility and freedom of movement. Their only drawback is the lack of ankle protection against external elements. They are ideal for fast hiking or day walks on less rugged paths.
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 guarantee your safety. They wrap around and protect your ankle securely. Additionally, they feature protective toe caps, are built tough, and are generally waterproof. However, high-cut boots are heavier and can be less forgiving due to their stiffness. They are best suited for long hikes and treks across technical or rugged terrain.
To learn more, explore our guide to help you decide whether to choose high-cut or low-cut hiking boots.
The type of hiking
Day hiking on non-technical trails
For a few hours' mountain walk on fairly non-technical trails, you can opt for dynamic footwear that delivers flexibility and comfort, as found on the X-HIKING (low-cut) and X-TREK (mid-cut) models.
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 ultimate model for this type of hiking is the BALME. It is the ideal boot to secure your footing without slowing your pace. It delivers exceptional grip both uphill and downhill thanks to its Vibram® EVOLUTION outsole and multidirectional lugs. Ankle stability is reinforced by a TPU heel insert, alongside a leather toe cap for heavy-duty protection against impacts and rugged elements.
Long treks
Trekking on long-distance routes such as the Corsican GR 20 requires walking for long hours on trails that are often extremely rugged with significant elevation changes. High-cut boots with semi-rigid soles and protective toe caps are strongly recommended. More than ever, prioritise protection, support, and grip. A high-performance waterproof, breathable membrane is also essential for multi-day treks.
The BERARDE meets all these demands, with excellent ankle support, a semi-rigid Vibram® CURCUMA sole engineered for outstanding uphill traction and secure braking on descents, even on highly technical terrain. The front climbing zone delivers highly precise foot placement on the most challenging 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 boots with a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 Schmerber. In addition to waterproof footwear, using gaiters or overboots can prove invaluable in extreme conditions. They prevent water from entering through the top of the boots and shield against wind—a vital advantage 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.
Step-in comfort is equally important. A good insole provides effective cushioning by flexing with each impact and regaining its shape between strides. Avoid memory foam, which is counterproductive: by compacting and retaining its compressed shape, it fails to absorb trail shock. Opt for open-cell PU foams for lasting 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.
It is therefore vital to strike the right balance between lightness and durability. Footwear must be light enough not to weigh you down, yet robust enough to provide adequate protection against trail obstacles. This choice also depends on the type of hiking you plan to do.
For a day hiking trip with a light pack, lightweight shoes will do the job perfectly. However, for multi-day hikes carrying a loaded pack, it is better to opt for sturdier boots offering solid support and maximum protection, even if that means a little extra weight.
Discover how to improve the lifespan of your hiking boots with maintenance tips from Florian Olivier, mountain leader:
