All about hiking boots

Hiking boots are the foundation of your equipment. If you choose them well, they will provide good support for your feet and grip on the ground, while guaranteeing comfort and safety. In this article you will learn all about hiking boots.

Hiking requires very little equipment, but it is important to choose it carefully, starting with the shoes. Given the miles you are about to walk with your hiking boots on, and if you don't want your trip to the mountains to turn into a real crossroads, it is imperative to choose good quality, comfortable, durable shoes that are adapted to the use you will make of them. Between the different heights of shoes, and the different kinds of materials that make up both the shoe and the sole, it is not always easy to find your way around. Here's a complete guide to hiking boots, to help you choose your next purchase and learn all about hiking boots.

High upper or low upper?

The upper is the upper part of the hiking boot and can be low, high or mid, i.e. somewhere in between. The choice depends on the type of terrain you will be hiking on, but also on your level and the duration of your hikes.

The low upper: if the height of the shoe stops below the malleolus, it is called a low upper. This type of shoe is very light and flexible, leaving the ankle free to move. The low shaft is only suitable for hiking on easy, flat or hilly terrain, but never on steep terrain. For hikes on more rugged terrain, it is imperative that the ankle is supported, a low upper is absolutely not suitable. 

The high upper: a shoe with a high upper goes up to the ankle and holds it perfectly. It is ideal for long hikes or treks on steep terrain. No matter what obstacles you have to overcome, whether on a slope or on a path strewn with large stones, the ankle and shin will be supported and secured. High upper shoes are those that protect the foot more, they are the most robust, therefore the most durable but also the heaviest. 

The mid upper: this is a compromise between the low upper and the high upper, it reaches the level of the malleolus. Mid shank shoes are suitable for mountainous terrain, provided it is not too rough. They support the ankle well (less so than high shanks, of course) but remain fairly light and flexible. Like all compromises, the mid-shaft is an in-between, and some people will be disappointed not to find the support of high-shaft shoes or the lightness of low-shaft shoes. 

What composition should you choose for your hiking boots?

Generally made of leather or synthetic fabrics, the composition of the shoes varies from one hiking boot to another. Let's find out what materials your hiking boot is made of. 

Leather: this is a very resistant and therefore durable material whose flexibility offers a certain comfort. Leather is fairly waterproof (it can sometimes be lined with a waterproof membrane or undergo a specific treatment), it resists abrasion well and is sufficiently rigid for use on technical terrain. However, it requires regular maintenance and tends to be quite heavy. 

Suede and nubuck: thinner and softer than leather, they are obtained by sanding the latter. The leather is treated on the inside for suede and on the outside for nubuck. They are lighter and more breathable than leather but less resistant and therefore less durable. 

Synthetic leather: much more economical than leather, synthetic leather is however less supple, therefore less comfortable, much less breathable and less resistant to abrasion and sunlight. 

Synthetic mesh: shoes made of synthetic fabrics are the lightest, most breathable, most flexible and also more economical than leather. However, they are permeable and much less resistant, so it is essential that they are lined with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry. 

The sole

The sole is the main point of contact with the ground, so it must provide good grip and grip, while ensuring sufficient cushioning for comfort. In any case, your shoes should have non-slip, notched soles.

The outsole: soles can be made of a harder or softer rubber. Soft rubber soles are more flexible and grip the ground better than soles made from harder rubber, but they also wear out faster. On the other hand, hard rubber soles offer more precision and better support for the foot. 

The midsole: This is the part of the shoe that provides cushioning and thus relieves the arch, the joints and the legs. Its role is to absorb shocks. 

The insole: From the point of view of comfort, the insoles play a very important role. They also provide cushioning and thus protection against shocks and injuries. They can be changed regularly, for example from one season to the next, from summer to winter insoles.

The stone guard on the hiking boot

Absolutely essential on rocky terrain if you don't want to end up with bruised feet, the stone guard not only protects your toes but also strengthens the front of the shoe, which is less likely to be damaged. The more coverage it provides, the more protection it gives the shoe, making it more resistant to abrasion.

Hiking boots with waterproof-breathable membranes

These allow your feet to breathe while staying dry. The best known of these is Gore-tex®, but there are many different types. Be aware that no shoe is completely waterproof (unless it's a rain boot) but there are systems to make them as waterproof as possible, and waterproof-breathable membranes are by far the system that works best. They release perspiration but prevent water droplets from entering the boot, while keeping your feet warm.  

How to choose your size?

High or low uppers, leather or synthetic fabrics, you've decided on the ideal hiking boot, now it's time to choose the right size! To avoid blisters due to friction caused by shoes that are too big or to avoid foot pain due to shoes that are too small, it is important to choose the right size. Unfortunately, there is no universal rule for the size of hiking boots, although you often hear people say "you should go up a size or half a size from your usual size". While the gap tends to get smaller and smaller from one brand to another, what is true for one brand is not always true for another.

The best solution is to measure your longest foot and choose your size according to the length of your foot. In general, each manufacturer has a size chart, so if you are between sizes, take the next size up. If you are in the shop, don't forget to put on your hiking socks to try on the shoes. Once you've got your shoes on, lace them up and take a few steps. You should feel comfortable in them and not feel any particular discomfort, but your foot should be sufficiently supported.  

This first article has allowed you to deepen your knowledge on the subject and to learn more about hiking boots, browse the guide to discover more.