Every type of hiking calls for its ideal shoe. Let's look at how to determine what kind of hiker you are so you can choose the pair that suits you best.
Choosing hiking shoes is no small matter, and before making a decision, it's important to determine what type of hiker you are. Someone who hikes in the high mountains in cold weather, sometimes in harsh conditions, won't choose the same shoes as someone who occasionally heads out for a sunny hike in the lowlands. There are different types of hiking shoes, and to make the right choice, several factors need to be taken into account, such as the terrain or even the weather conditions you'll be facing. It's therefore important to determine the type of hiking you're planning to do, so you can choose the shoe best suited to your needs. Before buying your pair of shoes, you need to ask yourself the right questions to be sure you're making the right choice.
The right shoe for every terrain
The first question to ask yourself before buying your new pair of hiking shoes is which type of terrain you intend to use them on most often. Obviously, you won't change shoes for every hike, and you won't head out to the same place every time — but you can broadly anticipate what type of terrain you'll be walking on, based on the region where you usually go hiking on holiday or at weekends. If it's a purchase made in preparation for a trip, you already have a good idea of what to expect.
- Easy terrain: for fairly short outings on flat or rolling paths, in forest or lowland — in any case on terrain that's not too steep or rough — (and if you don't have ankle issues, e.g. recurring sprains), you can opt for low or mid-cut shoes. Prioritise comfort and lightness with flexible and grippy shoes that let your foot breathe.
- Mid-mountain: for outings on slightly steep terrain, if you're heading out for a full day, it's important that your foot is well supported — opt for mid or high-cut shoes. The soles, fitted with crampons, must grip well on steep paths or rocky tracks. Go for a comfortable model that's not too heavy for the ascents.
- High mountain: for longer hikes in the high mountains, choose high-cut shoes without hesitation, to keep your foot and ankle secure. Pay close attention to the quality of the sole and its crampons — it must grip and adhere sufficiently.
- Technical and fast outings: opt for durable low-cut uppers that give you greater lightness and better freedom of movement to go faster. Pay attention to grip, cushioning and foot hold within the shoe.
- Desert: in the desert, opt for the lightest and most breathable low-cut shoes possible — hiking sandals are a great choice. Make sure the sole provides sufficient grip.
- Snow or ice: high-cut winter shoes will be your best allies — they must be waterproof, insulating against cold and moisture to keep your foot warm. Make sure they are fitted with a waterproof-breathable membrane and that their soles are also insulating and equipped with crampons.
The right shoe for every distance
The second question to ask yourself is about the distances you plan to cover in your shoes. The longer the distances, the more you'll need to invest in quality shoes — ones that are more durable and provide the best possible foot support.
- Short hikes: low-cut walking shoes or mid-cut are sufficient. Versatile, they're just as well suited to a simple stroll as to full-day hikes in mid-mountain terrain. Flexible and lightweight, they offer good grip, good traction and good breathability. Waterproofing is a welcome bonus, as is the toe cap.
- Multi-day treks: on long-distance hikes or multi-day treks, it's essential to choose high-cut shoes fitted with toe caps for better abrasion resistance and maximum protection for your toes and feet in general. Lateral reinforcements are an added bonus. The shoe should be as comfortable as possible — also make sure it is waterproof and breathable.
What type of shoe for each weather condition?
Weather conditions also need to factor into your shoe choice. In fact, the ideal is to own two pairs of hiking shoes — one lighter pair for hiking in fine weather, and another fully waterproof pair reserved for more wintry outings.
- In fine weather: if you're only heading out for a few hours or a single day, and the ground is fairly dry or barely damp from overnight rain or morning dew, water-repellent shoes will be more than adequate (as long as you don't need to wade through rivers).
- In bad weather: if it's raining or the climate is very humid, you need to ensure your shoes are waterproof and protect your feet from both rain drops and moisture. That's why it's equally important that they are breathable, so that sweat and moisture can escape from your shoe.
- In cold weather, on ice or snow: your shoes must be 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 feature well-insulating soles with crampons.
In hot weather: wearing high-cut shoes — or even rigid ones — is simply not an option in real heat. If you're on flat or rolling terrain, not too steep and free of rocks, you can go for hiking sandals. Open and airy, they're great for letting out water or sand in the desert, for example, and they're well suited to the heat. Otherwise, lightweight synthetic fabric shoes that are breathable are an excellent alternative.
