How to choose the right hiking shoes

The beautiful season is just around the corner, and the mountains are bursting with vivid colors and intense scents: it is the perfect time to get out of the house and immerse yourself in nature in search of peace, tranquility, and rejuvenating activities to get back in shape or stay fit. Hiking is good for both body and mind, and there is something for everyone: challenging and technical routes for the more experienced, flat walks and medium-difficulty trails for those looking for something easier. The mountains offer an incredible variety of activities and itineraries, capable of satisfying all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers.

But there is one fundamental rule to follow: do not wing it. Before tackling any kind of hike, it is best to be well-informed, physically prepared, and properly equipped. Most importantly, special attention must be paid to footwear: before leaving for a weekend in the mountains or a vacation in nature, having the right hiking shoe is absolutely essential.

Here are some valuable tips on how to choose the right shoe for your needs.

BACKGROUND

First of all, there is no absolute "best" shoe, simply because each of us has "unique" feet with different characteristics from everyone else.

Not all trails are the same, and obviously, choosing the best mountain footwear depends on the type of terrain you will be facing.

Regular hikers should always have at least two pairs of shoes:

• A heavier and more structured one, providing good ankle support, suitable for chilly and drizzly climates.

• One suitable for warm weather, which must be breathable and lightweight, ensuring mobility and freedom of movement thanks to a lower cut. However, it must still be able to withstand the impact of rocky and rugged terrain.

The main types of hiking shoes

Here is how we can categorize the different types of hiking footwear:

• Low-cut mountain shoes or mid-cut boots: These are very comfortable and lightweight options, perfect for easy, well-worn trails. Thanks to their leather and fabric uppers, they offer breathability and freedom of movement at the ankle. They are ideal for day hikes or for approach trails that later become more demanding. They are also often very useful for travel, becoming a loyal companion for the modern traveler. Today, some people even wear them for daily walks in the city or to go to work, proudly showing off a symbol of their personal passions and hobbies.

• Light trekking or hiking boots: These ensure greater stability and a slightly stiffer structure, while remaining flexible and comfortable for the wearer. This footwear is ideal for hikes with light to medium loads on unpaved and uneven terrain. They can be made with a leather and/or fabric upper and are usually equipped with a waterproof and breathable membrane. With their mid-to-high profile, they typically cover the ankle to protect the foot from external elements and impacts.

• Backpacking and heavy trekking boots: If you have a passion for rocky and challenging terrains, more structured backpacking and trekking boots are the ideal choice, featuring solid soles with deeper lugs and technologies specifically designed to improve performance. In this case, the ideal upper material is full-grain leather, though nubuck is also highly appreciated by users. It is advisable to opt for footwear that is flexible yet still provides adequate ankle support, as these hikes normally involve carrying heavy backpacks. Many of these boots are equipped with protective external rubber rands and almost all of them are made with waterproof and breathable membranes.

What features should a hiking shoe have?

• LIGHTWEIGHT YET STRUCTURED. Not all trails and hiking activities are the same; therefore, you need to look for the right product that offers the optimal compromise between lightweight design and stiffness/structure for your intended use. For easy terrains with little elevation gain, you could opt for a lightweight product, whereas for challenging and rugged trails—perhaps while carrying a backpack—you should lean toward a more structured product that provides ankle support.

• COMFORT. One of the most fundamental features is comfort: you need to feel good inside your footwear to tackle walks and hikes. This factor is crucial to prevent annoying foot pain and avoid ruining your day. Try on boots or shoes before buying them, paying close attention to how your feet feel once inside.

• WATERPROOFING. In the mountains, especially in summer, the weather can change within a few hours. This is why opting for hiking shoes equipped with a waterproof membrane becomes essential to avoid ending up with completely soaked feet in case of rain. Today, GORE-TEX® is the most reliable brand offering various technologies that also provide excellent breathability, keeping your feet dry at all times.

• WATER REPELLENCY. It is important to clarify the difference between water repellency and waterproofing: though they are often used as synonyms, they are not. A water-repellent hiking shoe allows water to slide off and is sufficient for light rain, whereas when facing more extreme weather conditions, it is necessary to have waterproof footwear that resists water penetration and absorption.

• PROTECTION. For anyone hiking in the mountains, a primary need is to use hiking shoes that safeguard against ankle sprains and other potential injuries. If you are tackling uneven terrain, it is advisable to choose mid-to-high cut footwear (no low shoes) that supports the ankle, particularly on steep trails, and ensuring they are roomy in the toe box to prevent toe pain.

• LOAD SUPPORT. If you are carrying heavy backpacks during multi-day treks, then robust, flexible, and comfortable mountain shoes are a must. This will allow you to move freely while ensuring enough protection to prevent injuries or pain to the soles of your feet and ankles.

• GUSSETED TONGUE. A very useful feature to prevent dirt, small pebbles, water, or various debris from slipping into your hiking shoes while walking and causing discomfort. This is the tongue under the laces, which is folded and connected directly to the upper, leaving no open gaps or slits.

• PROTECTIVE RAND. Usually made of rubber or polyurethane, it offers greater protection on the outside of the footwear against potential abrasions and scratches caused by sharp rocks. Sometimes it is positioned only at the toe, while in other cases it is applied along the entire outer edge up to the heel. This band also makes the footwear more durable.

When do hiking shoes fit perfectly?

Trying on mountain boots before a hike is a fundamental rule, and knowing when they are ideal for your foot is just as important. There are a few tricks that can help you find the best solution:

• Try on hiking shoes in the late afternoon, when your feet have reached their maximum size.

• Test them with proper socks that you would typically wear for your chosen activity.

• If you need to use orthotic insoles, make sure they fit well inside the footwear.

• It is necessary to try them while moving, attempting to walk around the store or, if possible, testing them on different types of terrain, both uphill and downhill, for at least a few minutes.

• Pay close attention to how they feel while moving (e.g., walking around the store) to ensure the heel does not rub against the inside of the boot, which helps prevent the development of annoying blisters.

• Do not overlook this: your toes must have the right amount of room to move inside the hiking shoes.

Now you are ready to choose your hiking shoes: don't wait any longer, visit our online shop and decide which model is right for you!