What are their advantages? In which situations should you prefer them to low-cut or high-cut shoes? Let's explore the key things to know about mid-cut shoes.
For a few years now, the market has seen the arrival of mid-cut hiking shoes, also known as mid or semi-high, sitting between low-cut and high-cut. More flexible than high-cut shoes and above all lighter, they are very well suited to medium-length hikes, especially in summer, for hikers carrying a light backpack.
High-cut, low-cut and now mid-cut — it's harder than ever to find your bearings! Let's explore the pros and cons of mid-cut shoes together, to help you decide when to choose them over their low-cut and high-cut counterparts.
Brief description
Mid-cut shoes are those that rise to ankle height and feature one hook above the ankle (compared to two for high-cut shoes). Versatile, lighter than high-cut shoes yet offering better ankle support than low-cut ones, mid-cut shoes are an excellent compromise between the two. Of course, they are not perfect in every situation and, like all compromises, they do not win on every front. They remain less durable than high-cut shoes and do not offer the same ankle support, and they are not as light as low-cut hiking shoes, but they hold their own and represent an excellent option for medium-length outings in nature or low-to-mid mountain terrain.
When should you choose them?
Mid-cut shoes offer good ankle support and good breathability. They are relatively light and flexible enough to give the hiker a better natural foot roll compared to a high-cut shoe. Generally more waterproof than low-cut shoes, they also feature a toe cap for foot protection and are more durable. All good reasons to consider them well suited to a variety of occasions — let's look at which ones together.
- On moderately steep mountain terrain: even if they wrap the ankle less tightly than high-cut shoes, mid-cut shoes offer sufficient support for outings in low-to-mid mountain terrain, provided the paths are not too rough. They will give you more flexibility and lightness than high-cut shoes.
- For light walks and hikes: on easy terrain, especially in fine weather, there is no reason to burden yourself with high-cut shoes that are heavy, stiff and warm. Go for lightness, breathability and comfort with mid-cut shoes.
- In the desert: once again, high-cut shoes often prove more of a hindrance than a help in the desert. They keep your feet warm, and do not allow the same natural foot roll as mid or low-cut shoes. For greater versatility, (when travelling you may not be hiking exclusively in the desert) opt for mid-cut shoes rather than low-cut ones.
- For short multi-day hikes: the materials used in mid-cut shoes are almost always lighter than those found in high-cut shoes. Mid-cut shoes are therefore often lighter and can be a great choice for a multi-day hiking trip where every gram counts. Be careful, however, that your backpack is not too heavy, to avoid placing too much weight on your ankle, which is still not as well supported as in a high-cut shoe.
- For mountain hiking: mid-cut shoes are also suitable for mountain hiking, provided conditions are not too extreme, as they will never be as waterproof or as warm as high-cut shoes. When buying, make sure they are fitted with a toe cap to protect your toes and your foot in general.
