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How to choose your hiking shoes
The different types of shoes according to
use
– Walking shoes and leisure
Characteristics :
The walking shoes and leisure are generally 3 low stems whose main feature are the lightness and flexibility. These shoes have the advantage of having a thicker and cleated sole compared to sports shoes. In addition, they are stronger and protect the foot better and therefore reduce the chances of getting hurt.
– Hiking boots
Characteristics :
The "hiking" style shoes are mainly high-stemmed (high), relatively light, with good support, good grip and good grip. They are often moderately isolated and are not very impermeable. In addition, they are of medium rigidity.
– Trekking or trekking shoes
Characteristics :
They have a high stem, sometimes slightly higher than for hiking shoes. They are very often leather, waterproof and quite rigid. They offer better protection (stone barriers and side reinforcements), better support and better comfort than hiking shoes.
– High mountain or mountaineering shoes
Characteristics :
They have a tall or very tall stem and are often made of thick leather, plastic or a combination of both. These are very rigid shoes on which can be adapted crampons to walk on snowfields and glaciers. They are very well insulated against cold and humidity - some models are even waterproof. In addition, they are stronger, stiffer and heavier than trekking shoes.
– Trail shoes or raid
Characteristics :
They are similar to running shoes - running low - but reinforced and adapted to more difficult terrain. They have better support than running shoes, are a little stiffer and better protected. They also have better grip and grip. These shoes have the advantage of being very light and allow a good unwinding of the foot.
- The walking sandals
Characteristics :
They have the advantage of being open, light and evacuate water and sand. They have slightly cleated soles and adjust with Velcro.
– The shoe size
You have probably already heard that one must take a half or a size above his shoes. That's true, but not in all cases. For shoes with a high upper (except for very soft shoes), it is necessary to take larger shoes because the feet swell while walking. On the other hand, do not take too big because you will miss sensation, of maintenance and you will be likely to have blisters. To choose the size you need, use the following technique: put on your shoes, lace them (neither too much nor too little) stand up and push your foot as far as possible. You must be able to pass about a finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. This way, you make sure that your toes will not stop in front during descents. For shoes with low or flexible upper, take slightly larger than what you would take for sneakers, tennis shoes or running shoes. As they are soft, when your foot swells, they stretch slightly. In addition, they will extend a little after the first outings In summary, the more a shoe is rigid plus you have to take the margin.
– The width
Width is a key element that many people do not care about. However, it is imperative that your foot is well adjusted in it. If the shoes are too wide, you will not be able to compensate by tightening your laces. You will lack sensation and maintenance and risk blisters.
Conversely, they should not be too narrow because they will create uncomfortable points of compression and friction. Take the time to try several models to find the width that suits you.
– The materials
There are a multitude of different materials constituting the stem and liners of walking shoes. Leather that was the only material or almost used before is far from the only one now. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the main materials used to make walking shoes. If you do not recognize them, take a look at the box or shoes (print or label).
The leather :
There are many different types of leathers. The leather is soft, durable, and quite waterproof. It can also be treated to improve its impermeability. The thickness and type of leather vary depending on the type of shoe. Finally, the leather requires good maintenance to keep its characteristics over time.
Suede and nubuck:
Suede and nubuck are obtained after sanding the leather. They are thinner, more breathable but less robust than leather. The difference between the two is that the nubuck is leather that has been sanded on the outside and suede on the inside.
Synthetic leather:
Synthetic leather has properties similar to leather but for a much lower cost. However, it is less breathable and less resistant to sun and abrasion. In addition, it absorbs very little water and only deforms slightly when wet.
Synthetic fabrics:
It is often found in the composition of walking shoe liners because of their low cost and lightness. They provide good ventilation but are not rigid and impermeable.
Plastic :
It goes into the composition of mountaineering shoes that may have plastic parts or be entirely plastic. Plastic is also used as reinforcement (heel, toes ...). Its advantages are rigidity and tightness. The main disadvantage is that the plastic does not breathe.
– Soles
The insoles (inner and outer) are key elements because it is through these that the contact between the feet and the ground is made. It is from them that the grip, the adhesion and the cushioning depend.