How to Choose Your Hiking Shoes

Each foot is different, but the number of shoe models on the market is limited. The choice of a pair is a matter of compromise to sacrifice neither comfort nor technicality. Brand, type of hiking, waterproofness of the shoe are part of the criteria to study before going to fitting. A study that, even more than for street shoes, is essential when choosing hiking shoes.

→ Test What to choose: Comparative Hiking shoes

Too many people believe that it is "logical" to have foot pain after a hike, especially when the shoes are new. This is false: by treating his feet with respect when choosing his pair of tatanes, the walker will reduce the risk of problems (blisters ...) and accidents (sprain, fall, etc.). The choice of shoes is based on the use, ease, and experience of the hiker.

SHOES FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

The low-rise shoes are for the ride. Light and flexible, they are well suited for walks on easy paths with little drop. Multi-purpose hiking boots are usually medium-sized ("mid"). Halfway between hiking shoes and trekking shoes, they hold the ankle better and ensure a good grip, while remaining light.Trekking shoes are taller, completely rigid and most often waterproof. They are heavier and future-proof and adapt to long walks with heavy bags on difficult terrain and variable climatic conditions.There are also other types of croquenots, such as trail shoes. They have the appearance of low running shoes but are reinforced and offer better grip and grip. These versatile shoes can be used for strolls, for small races, or for mountain bikes.

A LITTLE BIT OF TECHNIQUE

The type of hike to which the shoe is suited is determined by observing its reaction to lateral torsion: if it is easy to twist, it means that it does not guarantee good support on the rough or slippery terrain. It is therefore reserved for short hikes or experienced persons sure of their support. When the shoe is resistant to torsion, its rigidity makes it suitable for use on more difficult terrain (rocks, slope ...). The sole provides cushioning. It is usually thin on low-stemmed shoes because these models are more focused on accuracy and contact with the ground. Soft soles are made for flat terrain. The hard soles, with thick crampons, are designed for the mountain. The laces must be held by small self-locking hooks, which lock the ankle. We must tighten the laces to ensure good support, without compressing the ankle. The lower stems may have "quick lacing". It is a strap that provides lacing, without knot to do.

BRANDS AND SIZE

There are thirty brands of hiking shoes. "Each with its own footprint," says David Genestal, creator of the YouTube channel Carnets de Rando. The Italian brands are fine, the German is wider ... " If the size is important, " we must also reason in terms of foot volume: some have large onions and other dancers ankles, " says he. If you are satisfied with a pair, it may be interesting to renew your shoes in the same brand. Of this will also depend on he shoe size, which can be classified according to English or American standards, with a few millimeters of differences with the European sizes.Impossible, therefore, to buy a pair without trying it.

GOOD GESTURES IN STORE

It is best to try shoes in the afternoon or even early evening, because the foot tends to swell in the day and become more sensitive. Come with short nails, but not cut flush, and with a pair of socks suitable for hiking. The feet are not always identical, the fitting is done with both shoes. Fasten the laces without compressing your feet: when walking, the heel should not lift more than 5 millimeters.Take the time to walk in the store on a hard surface: the carpet can skew the feelings. Specialized stores have inclined planes to simulate slopes: in this position, your toes must not touch the front of the shoe. The weight of the backpack changes the supports, it is interesting to try the shoes with a typical load to better appreciate the comfort.

USEFUL OPTIONS

The insoles absorb and remove sweat. They are usually removable and easily replaceable if their performance disappoint. In general, those provided by default are flexible and hold only very slightly the arch. The rigid soles ensure a real maintenance and custom ones are recommended for people with hollow or flat feet. The impression taking is done in a few minutes. The waterproof side of the shoe can be interesting for long hikes or in areas where the weather is variable. Be careful, Gore-Tex type membranes do not prevent wet feet if there is too much external moisture that saturates the fabric and prevents sweat from being evacuated. Note that sometimes the membrane does not cover the entire shoe. The stone guards at the tip of the shoe are essential for hiking in the mountains.