Choosing your hiking shoes is not something to take lightly. To find the right pair, you need to identify how you plan to use them, based on the type of hiking you do. A closer look at how to choose your hiking shoes.
Upper height
Low-cut uppers
Low-cut hiking shoes have the advantage of being lightweight and nimble. The foot stays mobile since the upper sits below the ankle and malleolus. They allow you to move freely across terrain. Using low-cut shoes for hiking has many advantages, including flexibility and freedom of movement. Their only drawback is the lack of ankle protection against the elements. They can be used for fast hiking or on easy, non-technical trails.
Mid-cut uppers
Mid-cut uppers are the perfect middle ground between low-cut and high-cut uppers. Highly versatile and relatively lightweight, they offer solid protection and ankle support with more flexibility than high-cut uppers. They are ideal on easy to moderate trails during day hiking with a moderate load.
High-cut uppers
High-cut shoes guarantee your safety. They wrap around and perfectly protect your ankle. They also feature toe caps, are sturdy and generally waterproof. High-cut uppers are, however, heavier and potentially less comfortable due to their rigidity. They are ideal for long hikes and treks on technical or rough terrain.
To find out more, check out our guide on whether you should go for high or low hiking shoes.
The type of hiking
Day hiking on non-technical trails
For a few hours' walking in the mountains on fairly non-technical trails, you can opt for a dynamic shoe that offers flexibility and comfort, such as the X-HIKING (low-cut) and X-TREK (mid-cut) models.
This type of shoe encourages a natural foot roll for a fluid stride and good cushioning, while incorporating a first level of protection with a rubber toe cap and a Ripstop upper with lateral reinforcements.
Day hiking on technical terrain
Choosing the right shoes for hiking on rough terrain is essential, especially when carrying a fairly heavy pack. Mid or high-cut shoes are recommended to ensure good ankle support. The key qualities to look for are stability and grip. Stiffer soles are advised, as is the use of shoes with a waterproof membrane for protection against the elements.
The perfect shoe for this type of hiking is the BALME. It is the ideal shoe for securing your movement without holding back your progress. It delivers excellent grip on both ascent and descent thanks to its Vibram® EVOLUTION sole and multidirectional lugs. Ankle support is reinforced with a TPU heel insert, and it features a leather toe cap for outstanding protection against impacts and the elements.
Long treks
For hiking on GR long-distance trails such as the GR 20 in Corsica, you'll be covering long hours on trails that are sometimes very rugged with significant elevation changes. High-cut shoes with semi-rigid soles and toe caps are strongly recommended. More than ever, the priorities are protection, support and grip. A high-performance waterproof and breathable membrane is also essential for multi-day hiking.
The BERARDE meets all these demands, with excellent ankle support, a semi-rigid Vibram® CURCUMA sole designed for outstanding traction on ascents and secure braking on descents even on highly technical terrain. The toe section (the climbing zone) allows for very precise foot placement on the most demanding passages.
Waterproofing in hiking shoes
Choosing waterproof hiking shoes depends on the conditions in which you'll be walking. If you're on fairly dry ground or dealing with light morning dew, shoes with a water-repellent treatment are more than sufficient. These shoes allow water droplets to bead off the fabric without soaking through, keeping your feet dry. A shoe without a waterproof membrane will also be more breathable, which is a genuine comfort advantage.
On the other hand, if you plan to walk on waterlogged ground, in heavy rain, or in snow, truly waterproof hiking shoes become essential. These shoes provide a complete barrier against moisture, ensuring your feet stay dry even in challenging weather conditions.
For optimal protection, it is advisable to choose shoes with a waterproofing rating of at least 10,000 Schmerber, the indicator of water resistance. In addition to waterproof shoes, using gaiters or overshoes can be very useful in extreme conditions. These accessories prevent water from entering through the top of the shoes and also offer protection against wind — a significant advantage at high altitude or in polar environments.
Choosing your insole
The insole plays a crucial role in the comfort and performance of hiking shoes. Make sure you choose an insole that is both breathable and comfortable. The foam of the insole should allow good airflow inside the shoe to wick away moisture. Good ventilation of the feet minimises the risk of blisters.
Initial comfort should also be taken into account. A good sole plays a cushioning role by deforming with each impact, then returning to its shape between each ground contact. Avoid memory foam, which is counterproductive: by compressing and holding its shape, it fails to reduce ground impact. Opt for open-cell PU foam for optimal comfort on your hikes.
The importance of hiking shoe weight
The weight of hiking shoes is a criterion that is often overlooked but very important. Lightweight hiking shoes are more comfortable to wear as they put less strain on your muscles and reduce fatigue. That said, shoes that are too light may lack robustness and offer less protection on rough or rocky terrain.
It is therefore crucial to find the right balance between lightness and durability. Shoes must be light enough not to weigh down your stride, yet robust enough to provide adequate protection against trail obstacles. This choice also depends on the type of hiking you have in mind.
For a day's hiking with a light pack, lightweight shoes will do the job perfectly well. However, for multi-day hikes with a loaded pack, it is better to opt for more robust shoes offering good support and maximum protection, even if that means a little extra weight.
Check out how to extend the lifespan of your hiking shoes with maintenance tips from Florian Olivier, mountain guide:
