The Board to Choose Well Before Buying Shoes

Being in one's shoes is essential when practicing physical activity, such as hiking or Nordic walking, or wandering the streets of snow-covered resorts in the winter.

Snow hiking sneakers

Know what you want to do before buying your shoes:

• Hiking: This is a shoe with a medium to high upper that is breathable and waterproof. The hiking shoes have a grippy sole and a stone guard at the front of the shoe to protect your toes.They are often quite rigid.

• Trail: Generally with a low shank, trail or brisk walking shoes like Nordic Walking are lighter and more flexible than a hiking boot. They have a sole that must hang on all types of terrain even slippery. They must be waterproof, breathable to regulate the temperature and evacuate perspiration.

• Outdoor: Also often called a walk, this category of shoes is appreciated for walking whether in the forest, in the countryside or at the seaside. They are heavier and stiffer than trail shoes but lighter and more flexible than hiking shoes. They do not all have a waterproof membrane (so check when buying shoes) and most of the time low rod.

• Apres-ski: A must have in winter, snow boots are ideal to keep your feet warm. They are rising with a rod medium to high. They must be waterproof and have a good insole and anti-slip to walk on snow and ice.

The technical features to know before buying shoes:

• The membrane: A film integrated into the composition of the shoe that allows the shoe to be waterproof and breathable. All major fabric manufacturers have developed their own breathable and waterproof membrane (Kimbertex at Kimberfeel , Water WS Stopper at the Italian brand Trezeta, Dry Feet at Elementerre ...). The best-known membrane remains the GORE-TEX® membrane found on many hiking boots thanks to its effectiveness in terms of impermeability, breathability, and resistance to cold.

• The sole: this is a point not to neglect when buying shoes. A good sole must have a soft rubber (natural rubber or thermoplastic rubber ...) and a consistent crampon profile for optimal grip on all possible terrains. Their adherent and abrasion resistant soles have already attracted many brands of footwear.

• Thermal insulation: Removable or not, the lining allows keeping the heat input of the foot. Some après-ski have a Thinsulate® lining for maximum insulation.

• Lacing: It can be classic or fast as with the Salomon Quick Lace system. With the Quick Lace no need to bother lacing his shoes, just pull on the lace it locks automatically. Ultrafast to put on!

Following a shoe purchase or after-ski, is the material guaranteed?

All shoes are guaranteed by the manufacturer. The warranty periods vary depending on the hardware. The treatment of the guarantee is carried out by us. In case of problems, use our service form.

Snowuniverse Sustainable Development Tips:

Remember to properly maintain your shoes to keep them as long as possible. Clean them regularly with a brush or a soft cloth to remove all traces of dirt and dust. Dry them in the open air or on a dryer that does not dry out shoes like the Amphora shoe dryer model. Regularly waterproof the outside of the shoe to keep their water repellency with a waterproofing bomb compatible with a Gore-tex membrane if necessary. And finally, check the condition of your insole. The latter must not be damaged or worn, you can replace it to increase your walking comfort.