Best Hiking Shoes

1. Weight
2. Durability
3. Waterproofing
4. Comfort
5. Adhesion
6. Rod
7. Type of hike

Weight

Lighter shoes allow for greater agility and reduce muscle fatigue, while heavier shoes generally offer more support and durability. It is therefore crucial to find the right balance based on your specific needs and the type of hiking you do.

The weight of hiking shoes affects every step you take. Wearing heavy shoes can increase fatigue, slow your pace, and make long hikes more strenuous. On the other hand, lightweight shoes can enhance your agility and reduce the strain on your muscles and joints, allowing you to cover more distance with less effort.

However, it is important not to sacrifice support and protection for a lighter weight.

There are 4 brackets for Weight

• ultra light
• light
• standard
• heavy

Durability

Hiking shoes should be designed to last and withstand the toughest conditions of hiking, such as rocks, roots, mud, and scrapes.

The quality of the materials, the construction of the shoe, and the strength of the sole are all factors that determine whether a shoe is durable and sturdy over time.

Leather shoes are often more durable than those made of synthetic materials. However, it’s important to note that leather requires regular maintenance to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

High-top shoes are more robust than low-top shoes, as they offer better support and additional protection.

If you only plan on hiking a few days a year, then this becomes a secondary criterion. But if you know you’re going to the mountains every weekend, make sure you choose durable shoes!

There are 4 brackets for Durability

• basic
• average
• high
• very high

Waterproofing

Hiking shoes must be waterproof to ensure effective protection against moisture.

Indeed, during your outings in the mountains, you can quickly face unpredictable weather conditions and muddy, wet, or even snowy terrains.

That’s why it is important to choose shoes with a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex or eVent. These membranes prevent water from entering the shoe while allowing perspiration to escape.

Choosing shoes with a waterproof membrane is crucial. Technologies like Gore-Tex or eVent are commonly used in hiking shoes. These membranes work by preventing water from entering the shoe while allowing perspiration to escape. This ensures that your feet stay dry from the inside as well as the outside.

• Gore-Tex: Offers durable waterproofing and excellent breathability. Ideal for varied conditions.
• eVent: Known for its high breathability, it is an alternative to Gore-Tex, particularly effective at quickly wicking away internal moisture.

Waterproofing can be measured by the water column test, which indicates the water pressure that the material can withstand before allowing water to penetrate. Here are common value ranges for waterproof membranes:

• 10,000 mm – 15,000 mm: Basic protection against light rain and splashes.
• 15,000 mm – 20,000 mm: Good protection against moderate rain and humid conditions.
• 20,000 mm – 30,000 mm: Excellent protection against heavy rain and very humid conditions.
• 30,000 mm and above: Maximum protection for extreme conditions, including torrential rain and melting snow.

Finally, the seams of the shoes must be sealed to prevent any water infiltration through weak points.

• Sealed seams: Use of sealing tapes applied over internal seams to prevent leaks.
• Thermally bonded seams: A process where seams are fused with thermal adhesive tapes, providing additional water protection.

There are 5 brackets for Waterproofing

• none
• basic
• good
• excellent
• maximum

Comfort

Comfort is certainly the first criterion to consider. No matter the characteristics of a shoe, if you feel good in it, you immediately imagine it’s a good shoe.

And that’s quite true; having your toes cramped or wearing shoes that are too big can lead to blisters that are frankly debilitating if you don’t take breaks.

You need to feel good in your shoes without swimming in them. Try your shoes on with a pair of socks suitable for hiking. It would be misleading to try the shoes on with a pair of thin city socks.

A good fit is essential to avoid discomfort and injuries. The length and width of the shoes must perfectly match your feet.

It is recommended to leave about one centimeter (approximately 0.4 inches) of space between your toes and the end of the shoe to avoid bruising during descents. The sides should not compress your foot, but they should not leave too much space either.

Additionally, the interior volume must allow your feet to slightly swell during walking without causing slippage.

There are 4 brackets for Comfort

• weak
• average
• good
• exceptional

Adhesion

The grip of the shoe, or rather the sole of the shoe, is as important as the comfort of a shoe.

Indeed, this allows for better stability and limits falls on difficult and rugged terrain.

The soles of shoes should be equipped with studs or deep patterns to improve grip on the ground. Rubber soles are often the most used for their ability to adhere to all types of surfaces.

Some brands also offer special technologies to enhance grip, such as Vibram technology. This uses a special rubber and specific patterns for better traction.

It is important to choose shoes with good grip based on the planned hiking terrain, whether it be rocks, muddy, wet ground, or even snow.

There are 4 brackets for Adhesion

• weak
• average
• good
• excellent

Rod

There are high-top, low-top, and mid-top shoes. Specifically, high-top shoes are more commonly referred to as high-top sneakers, low-top shoes are classic shoes, and mid-tops are a middle ground.

To decide between these different types, you should consider the following criteria:

• The type of terrain you will be on
• The weight you will be carrying on your back
• Your health condition and joints

If the terrain is rough, if you are carrying a significant weight, or if your joints are fragile, high-top shoes are recommended, as they provide good support for your feet.

On the other hand, high-tops are less flexible and a bit heavier.

A good middle ground could be mid-top shoes, which offer dexterity, flexibility, reasonable weight, and good ankle support.

There are 3 brackets for Rod

• low
• mid
• high

Type of hike

Different types of hikes require specific features to ensure comfort, performance, and safety. Here is an overview of the main types of hikes and the corresponding requirements for hiking shoes:

Day Hike

For day hikes, comfort and lightness are priorities. You will spend a few hours walking, often on well-marked trails with relatively easy to moderate terrain.

Day hiking shoes should provide good support without being too rigid, allowing for comfortable walking over moderate distances.

Multi-Day Hike

Multi-day hikes require shoes that offer better support and greater durability, as you will be carrying a heavier backpack and covering longer distances, often on more varied terrain.

Shoes for multi-day hikes should be sturdy and capable of withstanding more rigorous conditions while providing sufficient comfort for long hours of walking.

Trek

Treks, often lasting several weeks, traverse difficult and varied terrain, requiring extremely robust and durable shoes.

Trekking shoes are designed to provide maximum protection and optimal performance in challenging conditions, ensuring that your feet remain protected and comfortable throughout the journey.

There are 3 brackets for Type of hike

• Day hike
• Hiking 2+ days
• Trek