Every type of hiking has its ideal shoe. Let's work out together how to determine the type of hiker you are so you can choose the pair that suits you best.
Choosing your hiking shoes is no small matter. Before deciding, it's worth working out what type of hiker you are. Someone who hikes in high mountains in cold weather, sometimes in harsh conditions, won't choose the same shoes as someone who heads out occasionally for a sunny hike across the plains. There are different types of hiking shoes, and making the right choice means taking several factors into account — such as the terrain and the weather conditions you'll be facing. It's therefore important to identify 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, ask yourself the right questions to make sure you get it right.
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 walk on most often. Obviously 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'll encounter based on the region where you usually go hiking on holiday or at weekends. If this is a purchase you're making ahead of a trip, you'll likely already know what to expect.
- Easy terrain: for fairly short outings on flat or rolling trails, through forests or across plains — in short, on low-gradient, largely obstacle-free ground — (and if you don't have ankle issues such as recurring sprains), you can go for low-cut or mid-cut shoes. This prioritises comfort and lightness, with flexible and grippy shoes that let your feet breathe.
- Mid-mountain: for outings on mildly steep terrain, if you're heading out for a full day, good foot support is essential — opt for mid or high-cut shoes. The soles, fitted with lugs, must grip well on steep trails and rocky paths. Choose a comfortable model that isn't too heavy for the climbs.
- High mountain: for longer hikes in high mountain terrain, choose high-cut shoes without hesitation — they secure your foot and ankle. Pay close attention to sole quality and lug pattern; it must grip and adhere firmly.
- Technical and fast-paced outings: go for resistant low-cut uppers that give you greater lightness and freedom of movement to move faster. Pay close attention to grip, cushioning, and also how well the shoe holds your foot in place.
- Desert: in the desert, go for the lightest and most breathable low-cut shoes possible — hiking sandals are well worth considering. Make sure the sole has sufficient grip.
- Snow or ice: high-cut winter shoes will be your best allies — they must be waterproof, insulate you from cold and moisture, and keep your feet warm. Make sure they feature a waterproof-breathable membrane and that their soles are equally insulating and fitted with lugs.
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 should 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. They're versatile and equally suited to a simple walk or a full-day hiking trip in mid-mountain terrain. Flexible and lightweight, they offer good grip, good traction and good breathability. Water repellency is a welcome bonus, as is a toe guard.
- Multi-day treks: on long-distance hikes or multi-day treks, it's essential to choose high-cut shoes fitted with toe guards for better abrasion resistance and maximum protection for your toes and feet overall. Lateral reinforcements are an added bonus. The shoe must be as comfortable as possible — also make sure it is waterproof and breathable.
What type of shoe for different weather conditions?
Weather conditions should also factor into your choice of shoes. In fact, the ideal is to own two pairs of hiking shoes — a lighter one for fair-weather hikes, and a fully waterproof one reserved for more wintry outings.
- In fair weather: if you're only heading out for a few hours or a single day, and the ground is fairly dry or just slightly damp from overnight rain or morning dew, water-repellent shoes will do the job perfectly well (as long as you don't need to wade through rivers).
- In bad weather: if it's raining or the climate is very wet, your shoes must be waterproof and protect your feet from both rain and moisture. That's why breathability is equally important — so that sweat and moisture can escape from the shoe.
- In cold weather, ice or snow: your shoes must be sufficiently warm and insulating to protect you from both the cold and wet ground. They need a genuinely high cut, be rigid, waterproof and breathable, and fitted with well-insulating soles with lugs.
In hot weather: high-cut or rigid shoes are simply not an option in real heat. If you're on flat or rolling, non-steep, stone-free terrain, hiking sandals are a great choice. Open and airy, they're ideal for draining water or sand — in the desert, for example — and they handle the heat well. Otherwise, lightweight synthetic fabric shoes that are breathable are an excellent alternative.
