Low-, mid- or high-cut footwear: which height for which hiking conditions?
Boot height is the first thing to decide before buying. It determines ankle support, freedom of movement and footwear weight.
- Low-cut: lightweight and flexible, it suits day walks on marked trails and relatively even ground, with less than 300–400 m of elevation gain. It is also the preferred choice for fast hiking, where agility and speed matter more than support.
- Mid-cut boots: a versatile choice for mountain outings on varied trails, mixed terrain (scree and wet forest tracks), or weekends with a moderately loaded pack. It protects the ankle better without restricting your stride.
- High-cut: essential for multi-day trekking with a heavy pack, technical terrain (scree, loose rock and snowy sections), and any situation where stability comes first. The outsoles on high-cut models balance protective stiffness with flexibility, even under a heavy load.
Which material should you choose for men’s hiking shoes?
- Full-grain leather: naturally water-repellent and highly abrasion-resistant, it gradually moulds to the shape of your foot. It is the benchmark material for Meindl and Lowa models built for long-distance hiking and demanding trekking. It needs regular care (conditioning and waterproofing) and can be heavier than synthetic materials.
- Nubuck and suede leather: more breathable and softer to the touch than full-grain leather, they offer good comfort in summer. The trade-off is lower water resistance, and they need regular waterproofing to maintain their performance.
- Synthetic materials: Kevlar, polyester and nylon make it possible to build lightweight, breathable, quick-drying shoes, ideal for summer outings and fast hiking. Waterproof performance varies by model: choose a waterproof, breathable membrane for outings in the rain.
- Waterproof, breathable membranes: Our Ultrashell membrane, developed by Cimalp, provides full waterproof protection while letting perspiration escape. The Meindl, Scarpa, Lowa and AKU models in our range feature Gore-Tex, the industry benchmark. A membrane is essential when you hike in rain, on wet ground or in snow.
Soles, cushioning and toe bumpers: the technical essentials
- The outsole: Vibram is the premium benchmark for grip on dry rock, loose ground and mixed terrain. The Presa sole, developed by Scarpa, offers comparable performance on technical terrain. Lug depth varies by use: deep lugs for mud and loose ground, wide, shallow lugs for scree and rock. The sole type is specified on each product page.
- Cushioning: it helps protect your knees, hips and back on long descents and hard ground. Prioritise cushioning for routes with more than 800 m of cumulative descent, on stony paths, or if you have a history of joint problems. Some models also offer anatomical insoles to fine-tune the fit.
- The toe bumper: a rigid guard at the front of the foot, it absorbs impacts from stones and roots on rough trails. Essential for alpine trekking and scree crossings, but unnecessary for woodland walks or well-maintained paths.
- Lacing: Traditional lacing with hooks lets you adjust the fit precisely in each zone. On the trail, loosen the laces slightly on long climbs to give your feet room, then tighten them before descending to secure your heels and help prevent bruised toenails. Some models have a self-locking system for quick, even tightening.
Hiking, trekking, mountaineering: which footwear suits each level?
- Light hiking and day walks: a flexible, breathable low-cut shoe or mid-cut boot is enough. Stability and low weight matter more than stiffness.
- Long-distance hiking and multi-day GR routes: a mid- to high-cut boot in leather or technical synthetic material with a membrane is recommended. Ankle support and robust construction make the difference over time.
- Trekking with a heavy pack: you’ll need a stiff, high-cut boot with a thick sole and protective toe cap. Some models are compatible with lightweight crampons for snowy sections.
- Approaches and mountaineering: a stiff shoe with a sole that grips precisely on rock, designed for via ferrata and technical approaches.
Walking, mountain or trekking shoes: five men’s Cimalp models
For fast walking and easy-going trails, the low-cut 365 X-HIKING weighs 370 g in size 42. Its mid-cut version, the 365 X-TREK, weighs 420 g. Both run small: go one size up from your usual size. The low-cut leather TOUET comes with or without an Ultrashell membrane; it runs large, so go one size down. In the mountains, the BALME (530 g) supports a pack of up to 15 kg on technical trails. For treks with a loaded pack, the high-cut BERARDE weighs 580 g per boot, or 1,160 g per pair.
Our men’s hiking shoe brands
- Cimalp: our own range features the Ultrashell membrane for reliable waterproof protection on alpine trails. These models are designed and tested on trails in the Alps and Vercors, with constructions suited to demanding mountain terrain.
- Meindl: a Bavarian manufacturer founded in 1683 and a global benchmark for alpine-grade full-grain leather. Its men’s models are known for their robustness, durability and long-distance comfort. Vakuum technology provides a precise, anatomical fit.
- Scarpa: Designed in Asolo, Italy, since 1938, Scarpa shoes combine Vibram or Presa soles with a Gore-Tex membrane on most technical models. The men’s range runs from mid-cut trekking boots (ZG TREK) to crampon-compatible mountaineering boots (RIBELLE HD).
- Lowa: European production since 1923; the iconic Renegade is a reliable choice for versatile hiking. A precise fit and proven durability, from day walks to multi-week trekking.
- AKU: Italian innovation featuring the Dual Fit system, with Vibram soles and Gore-Tex in the waterproof versions. Particularly well suited to fast hiking and technical trails.
- Asolo: an Italian mountain-footwear specialist since 1975, using hybrid leather and synthetic constructions to combine durability and low weight over long distances.
Explore our selections by brand too: Meindl shoes, Asolo shoes, AKU footwear, Lowa shoes.
Explore also our women’s hiking boots.
