Low or high, in leather or canvas, rigid or flexible sole… It is difficult to make a choice when walking the shelves of hiking shoes in specialized stores.
The purchase of a first pair is however a crucial moment in the preparation of his stay, unsuitable shoes can put a premature end to his hike in the event of exacerbated pain.
"
Comfort and safety are the imperative criteria to be taken into account
», Underlines César Onde, pole manager at Vieux Campeur, who reminds us that shoes are the centerpiece of the hiker's equipment.
The type of hike planned (over a day or several days), the weight that you will carry on your back, the terrain practiced (path, stony paths, mountain ...), the climate but also the maintenance of the foot and the desired ankle will have an influence on the model of shoes to acquire.
These parameters will in fact make it possible to identify the appropriate upper, sole and coating.
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Low, medium or high shank shoe
There are shoes with a low, medium or high shank.
Maridav / Adobe Stock
Upper part of the shoe which covers the top of the foot, the upper can be made of leather or synthetic materials, materials to which manufacturers most often add a reinforcing membrane to optimize its waterproofness and preserve its structure. We speak of "high rod" when it encloses the ankle, "mid or medium rod" when it rises to the level of the malleolus and "low rod" when it stops below the malleolus. “The
higher the upper, the more support the shoe provides at the ankle,
” explains Edward Roberts, product manager for mountain hiking boots at Decathlon.
The
low stems
are suitable for hikes on easy terrain, trails without too much drop and for day hikes. Less hot and lighter than tall stems, they are also more suitable for high temperatures. Be careful, however, they
do not protect the ankle at all
and are not necessarily suitable for beginner hikers who are not used to walking long distances and carrying several pounds on their backs. "
The fact of being loaded causes additional fatigue and weight in the ankles with each step
", recalls César Onde who advises novices to opt for a higher rod.
The
medium or
mid
stems
are preferred for hikes on more rugged trails because they offer
better ankle support
while maintaining a certain flexibility and lightness.
As for the
high stems
, they are recommended for
medium and high mountain hikes
because they are more robust and equipped with stone guards, they ensure a maximum level of safety at the ankle and foot.
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The sole, flexible or rigid
The type of terrain practiced will guide the choice for a flexible or more rigid sole, the primary quality of which must be grip and grip. “
For terrain that requires precision, stony or uneven ground, a rigid sole block is recommended,
” emphasizes César Onde, because this allows for more secure support and less feeling of the ground. “
The flexible sole, which provides a better roll of the foot, lends itself to easier trails, paths and roads.
He adds.
While the overwhelming majority of hiking boots today feature quality lugs, it may be a good idea to take a look under the shoe and opt for a wide and shallow lug when hiking on hard terrain made up of rocks and stones.
For terrain that requires precision, stony or uneven soils, a rigid sole block is recommended.
César Onde, pole manager at the Vieux Campeur
The covering, in leather or synthetic
In France, the vast majority of hiking boots offered are waterproof.
Diego Cervo / Adobe Stock
In terms of coating, the choice will mainly depend on the climate and weather forecast during the hike. There are two categories of footwear:
waterproof footwear
which does not allow water to enter, but which allows perspiration to escape, and
non-waterproof footwear
which does not have a specific membrane against moisture and which will therefore wet quickly, but have the advantage of being lighter and drying faster.
“
In France, where we enjoy a temperate climate, most of the shoes on the market are fitted with waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex. They are suitable for the majority of hikes
”, assures César Onde. Non-waterproof shoes are only recommended when staying in a very hot country where the average temperature exceeds 25 ° C.
Regarding the outer covering, several options exist: leather, more rigid and resistant, but also heavier and warmer, to be preferred for walks in medium and high mountains, and more fragile but lighter synthetic materials which are suitable more for hiking in the plains.
"
While leather is very popular for its longevity and the support it offers, more and more customers are looking for plant-based materials such as vegan leather
," says Edward Roberts, while emphasizing the innovation of manufacturers for s '' adapt to consumer needs.
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What about socks?
"
We often underestimate the importance of having suitable socks, but it is essential to avoid blisters,
" recalls the Decathlon product manager.
No more classic sports socks and place for hiking socks with reinforcements at the heel and toes, in synthetic materials or merino wool which manage humidity and perspiration and thus prevent friction and the skin. does not soften.
"
Cotton is the public enemy number one of the hiker
", warns César Onde because "it is a material which is filled with water very quickly and which takes a long time to dry".
Cotton is the number one public enemy of the hiker
César Onde, pole manager at the Vieux Campeur
Where to equip yourself?
For a first pair, professionals recommend not to buy online but to go to a specialized store in order to be able to try different models. “
The sizes do not vary between brands but the widths of the shoes may differ,
” says Edward Roberts, who reminds us that a hiking shoe shouldn't hurt when you put it on. Whenever possible, it is better to try on at the end of the day because the feet tend to swell with the heat and the activity, with hiking socks. "
Test different sizes, lace up your shoes and take the time to walk around the store to make sure the pair you choose combines comfort and support
», Advises César Onde.
Before going on an adventure, do not hesitate to test your shoes during short regular outings to give them time to get used to their feet.
Read the fileHiking: the Figaro guide
