Every type of hiking calls for its ideal shoe. Let's explore together how to determine what kind of hiker you are so that you can choose the pair that suits you best.
Choosing hiking shoes is no simple matter, and before making a decision, it is worth determining what type of hiker you are. Someone who hikes in the high mountains in cold weather, sometimes in harsh conditions, will not choose the same shoes as someone who heads out occasionally for a sunny hike on flat terrain. There are different types of hiking shoes, and making the right choice involves taking several factors into account, such as the terrain or even the weather conditions you will face. It is therefore important to identify the type of hiking you are planning to do, so that you can choose the shoe best suited to your needs. Before buying a pair, ask yourself the right questions to make sure you make the right choice.
The right shoe for every terrain
The first question you need to ask yourself before buying a new pair of hiking shoes is what type of terrain you plan to use them on most often. Of course, you won't be changing shoes for every hike, and you won't always be heading to the same place — but you can get a fairly good idea of the terrain you're likely to cover based on the area where you usually hike on holiday or at weekends. If you're buying in advance of a trip, you'll already have a good sense of what to expect.
- Easy terrain: for relatively short outings on flat or rolling trails, in forest or on plains — in other words, terrain that is not too steep or uneven — (and if you have no ankle issues, e.g. Recurring sprains), you can opt for low-cut or mid-cut shoes. Prioritise comfort and lightness by choosing flexible and grippy shoes in which your foot can breathe.
- Mid-mountain terrain: for outings on slightly steep terrain, if you are heading out for a full day, it is important to have good ankle support — opt for mid- or high-cut shoes. The soles, fitted with crampons, must grip well on steep trails or rocky paths. Choose a comfortable model that is not too heavy for the ascents.
- High mountain: for longer hikes in the high mountains, choose high-cut boots without hesitation to secure your foot and ankle. Also pay close attention to the quality of the sole and its crampons — it must grip and adhere sufficiently.
- Technical and fast outings: opt for resistant low-cut uppers that offer greater lightness and better freedom of movement to go faster. Pay close attention to grip, cushioning and foot hold within the shoe.
- Desert: in the desert, choose the lightest and most breathable low-cut shoes possible — hiking sandals are worth considering. Make sure the sole has sufficient grip.
- Snow or ice: high-cut winter boots will be your best allies — they must be waterproof, insulate you from the cold and moisture, and keep your foot warm. Make sure they feature a waterproof-breathable membrane and that their soles are also insulating and fitted with crampons.
The right shoe for every distance
The second question to ask yourself concerns the distances you plan to cover in your shoes. The longer the distances, the more you should invest in quality shoes that are more durable and provide the best possible foot support.
- Short hikes: low-cut walking shoes or mid-cut ones will do the job. They are versatile and equally well-suited to a simple stroll or a full-day hike in the mid-mountains. Flexible and lightweight, they offer good grip, good traction and good breathability. Waterproofing is a welcome bonus, as is a toe cap.
- Multi-day treks: on long-distance hikes or multi-day treks, it is essential to choose high-cut boots fitted with a toe cap for better abrasion resistance and greater protection for your toes and feet in general. Lateral reinforcements are an added bonus. The boot should be as comfortable as possible — also make sure it is waterproof and breathable.
What type of shoe for what weather conditions?
Weather conditions should also factor into your choice of footwear. In fact, the ideal solution is to own two pairs of hiking shoes — a lighter pair for fair-weather hikes and a fully waterproof pair reserved for more wintry outings.
- Fine weather: if you are only heading out for a few hours or a single day, and the ground is fairly dry or only slightly wet from overnight rain or morning dew, water-resistant shoes will do the job perfectly well (provided you don't need to cross streams with your feet in the water).
- Bad weather: if it is raining or the climate is very damp, you need to make sure your shoes are waterproof and protect your feet from both rain drops and moisture. This is why it is also important that they are breathable, so that sweat and moisture can escape from the shoe.
- In cold weather, on ice or snow: it is essential that your shoes are sufficiently warm and insulating, to protect you from both the cold and wet ground. They should have a genuinely high cut, be rigid, waterproof and breathable, and also feature well-insulating soles with crampons.
Hot weather: wearing high-cut shoes — or even rigid ones — is out of the question in real heat. If you are hiking on flat or rolling terrain that is not steep or rocky, you can opt for hiking sandals. Open-toed, they are very practical for letting water or sand escape — in the desert, for example — and are well-suited to the heat. Otherwise, lightweight, breathable synthetic-fabric shoes are an excellent alternative.
