Hiking boots

At Cimalp, we offer the best brands of hiking shoes for all types of terrain. So, what are the features of our hiking shoes and why should you absolutely get a pair? For your next mountain outings, remember to prepare your hiking accessories and gear.

Our walking and hiking shoes: the features

We offer built-to-last shoes, carefully finished, made from leather or technical materials and lined with waterproof-breathable membranes. Thanks to this, your feet stay dry and, above all, breathe even during long hiking trips in warm weather. In addition, the Vibram soles are renowned for their perfect grip and stability on all surfaces, wet or dry, flat or sloped, while being flexible and lightweight.

You'll particularly appreciate the technical and durable materials, but also superior build quality, with a pre-formed heel and a sole that perfectly moulds to your arch. All of this for uncompromising comfort and durability on all-terrain hikes, even the most demanding. Hike in style by choosing from a wide range of designs and colours to find a pair that is both technical and on-trend. Cimalp also offers numerous innovations for an optimal experience on every trail.

Why have hiking and trekking shoes?

If you are here, it means you are an avid walker and need a well-suited pair of hiking shoes for men or women:

• To your body shape
• To the type of terrain
• To your habits
• To your fitness level

Like the tyres on your car, shoes are an essential part of your hiking equipment. The sole provides good grip on the ground, the upper ensures ankle support, and the waterproof membrane protects against the elements. All of these features are key to both your safety and walking comfort. We have written a comprehensive guide on the subject of trekking shoes, so if you would like to everything you need to know about hiking shoes, find our tips.

What upper height should you choose?

Choosing the right upper height for your hiking shoes is essential to ensure your comfort and safety during your outings. An ill-suited upper can quickly ruin your walking experience. Depending on the terrain, different models exist to meet every need.

Shoes with high upper are specially designed to provide optimal support of the ankle and foot, making them ideal for rough terrain or long hiking trips with a heavy backpack. They are built-to-last and reduce the risk of injuries such as sprains while providing extra stability.

Models with mid upper are versatile shoes that offer a good compromise, providing ankle support while remaining more lightweight and more flexible than high upper models. They are perfect for moderate hikes. 

Finally, low upper shoes are the most lightweight and most flexible, ideal for day hikes and forest walks on non-technical trails. They offer extra freedom of movement, but do not provide the same ankle support as higher models. Check out our collection of low upper hiking shoes.

Our fitting tips

When choosing hiking shoes, it is crucial to focus on 2 or 3 specific models that best suit your activity. Here are some tips to help you find the right pair:

• Try with the right socks : It is advisable to test your hiking shoes with the socks you will wear on your hikes. Hiking socks are generally thicker than regular socks and offer better cushioning and increased protection against blisters.
• Test the stiffness : When trying on shoes, twist the shoe slightly to test its stiffness. If the structure is very rigid, it will be better suited to technical hikers tackling difficult and uneven terrain. On the other hand, a more flexible shoe will be perfect for less demanding terrain or for sporty walkers who practise fast hiking.
• Choosing the right size : It is generally advisable to choose a size slightly larger than your usual size. This helps prevent your toes from touching the front of the shoe, especially on descents. In addition, your feet may swell during exercise, so it is important to leave them a little room.
• Compare the feel : Try on different models by lacing them up and compare the feel. Walk, jump, and climb a few stairs if possible to test comfort and support. A good shoe should wrap around your foot without squeezing it, offer good arch support and be comfortable from the very first try.

When should you replace your walking shoes?

It is recommended to replace your hiking shoes every 1,000 km, depending on how often you use them and the conditions in which you hike. It is important to replace your hiking shoes when they start to show signs of wear, such as worn outer soles or deteriorated seams.

How to care for your hiking shoes?

Regularly, it is important to take care of your shoes by carrying out a deep clean. To start, loosen the laces and tongue to make airing and drying easier, and to reach every nook and cranny. Then clean the outer soles, making sure there are no stones or residue left. Next, remove the insoles and if necessary, brush or wash them, then leave them to dry in a well-ventilated, breathable spot.

Grab a soft brush, make sure you have access to clean, lukewarm water and start scrubbing. A rinse with clean water will help tackle bad odours and, if your shoes are breathable, reactivate the breathability of the membrane. Finally, leave your hiking shoes to dry in a dry, breathable spot, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

From time to time, remember to re-waterproof to preserve the effectiveness of the membrane against rain. You can even replace the laces and have your pair resoled. By following these simple care tips, you can extend the life of your shoes. 

 The importance of a good pair of socks and soles

A large part of the discomfort felt during hiking is often due to poor arch support. To optimise your comfort, it is essential to pay attention to the quality of your socks and soles:

• The soles : The choice of soles is crucial for arch support. It is important to take into account your gait type (neutral, supinating or pronating) as well as your arch type (high, medium or flat). The right soles can greatly improve your comfort and prevent pain even on steep gradients. For hiking in warm weather, opt for lightweight and breathable soles that wick moisture effectively.
• Socks : Hiking socks play a crucial role in foot comfort. They should be breathable to wick away perspiration and prevent friction and bunching that can cause blisters. In cold conditions, choose socks that offer good thermal insulation.

At CimAlp, our hiking and trekking shoes meet strict quality and performance criteria. If you need expert advice, feel free to contact us. Complete your outfit with abreathable hiking t-shirt, a hiking jacket or walking poles.

Where to buy hiking shoes at Cimalp?

You can buy your hiking shoes directly on our website or in our store located in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence. On our website, we offer a wide range of models and new arrivals available at the best prices, with real-time availability and a wide choice of colours, allowing you to quickly find the pair you need. You can also explore all our outdoor sportswear for your mountain adventures.

We also offer options for fast delivery and convenient for home delivery or collection point. If you change your mind, returns are free within 30 days. Plus, you regularly benefit from promotions and great prices to save money. We also offer end-of-line models at a discount on the recommended retail price to suit your budget. For those who prefer to try products before buying, our physical store lets you discover the shoes in person. Explore our range and enjoy the excellence of Cimalp technologies for your next hikes.

Browse all our models, whether high, mid or low upper:

• The men's hiking shoes
• The women's hiking shoes
• The Scarpa mountaineering and hiking shoes
• The Meindl mountaineering and hiking shoes
• The Lowa hiking shoes
• The Asolo hiking shoes
• The Aku hiking shoes