Low or high, in leather or canvas, rigid or flexible sole… It's hard to make a choice when browsing the shelves of hiking boots in specialist stores. The purchase of a first pair is however a crucial moment in the preparation of your stay, unsuitable shoes can put an end to your hike prematurely in the event of exacerbated pain. "Comfort and safety are the essential criteria to take into account", underlines César Onde, pole manager at the Vieux Campeur who recalls that shoes are the centerpiece of the hiker's equipment. The type of hike envisaged (over a day or several days), the weight that you will carry on your back, the terrain practiced (path, stony paths, mountains, etc.), 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 indeed make it possible to identify the appropriate upper, sole and coating.

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Shoe with low, medium or high upper

Upper part of the shoe that covers the top of the foot, the upper can be made of leather or synthetic materials, materials to which manufacturers most often add a reinforcement membrane to optimize its sealing and preserve its structure. We speak of a "high stem" when it encloses the ankle, of a "mid or medium stem" when it rises to the level of the malleolus and of a "low stem" when it stops below the malleolus. "The higher the upper, the more the shoe provides ankle support," explains Edward Roberts, product manager for mountain hiking shoes at Decathlon.

The low uppers are suitable for hiking on easy terrain, paths without too much elevation change and for day hikes. Less warm and lighter than the high uppers, they are also more suitable for high temperatures. Be careful though, 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 kilos on their backs. "The fact of being loaded leads to additional fatigue and weight in the ankles with each step", recalls César Onde who recommends that novices opt for a higher upper.

Medium or mid uppers are preferred for hiking on more rugged trails because they offer better ankle support while maintaining a certain flexibility and lightness.

As for the high uppers, they are recommended for hikes in medium and high mountains because they are more robust and equipped with stone guards, they ensure a maximum level of safety at the level of the ankle and the 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 unit is recommended", underlines César Onde, because it allows for more secure support and less feeling of the terrain. “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, shallow lug pattern when hiking on hard-packed terrain. rocks and stones.

The covering, in leather or synthetic

In terms of covering, the choice will mainly depend on the climate and the weather forecast during the hike. Two categories of shoes exist: waterproof shoes which do not let water in but which allow perspiration to escape, and non-waterproof shoes which do not have a specific membrane against humidity and which go therefore be quickly wet, but which have the advantage of being lighter and drying more quickly.

“In France, where we enjoy a temperate climate, most shoes on the market are equipped with waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex. They are suitable for the majority of hikes”, assures César Onde. Non-waterproof shoes are only recommended if you are staying in a very hot country where the average temperature exceeds 25°C.

There are several options for the outer covering: leather, more rigid and resistant, but also heavier and warmer, to be preferred for medium and high mountain walks, and more fragile but lighter synthetic materials which are more suitable for hiking in the plain. "Although leather is highly acclaimed for its longevity and the foot support it offers, more and more customers are looking for vegetable materials such as vegan leather", specifies Edward Roberts, while emphasizing the innovation of manufacturers for its adapt to consumer needs.

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What about socks?

“We often underestimate the importance of having the right socks, but it's essential to avoid blisters,” says Decathlon's product manager. Gone are the classic sports socks and made way for hiking socks with heel and toe reinforcements, made of synthetic materials or merino wool that manage moisture and perspiration and thus prevent chafing and the skin do not soften. “Cotton is the number one public enemy of hikers”, warn César Onde because “it is a material that soaks up water very quickly and takes a long time to dry”.

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 on different models. “The sizes do not vary between the brands but the widths of the shoes can differ”, specifies Edward Roberts who recalls that a hiking shoe should not hurt when you put it on. If possible, try on at the end of the day because the feet tend to swell with the heat and activity, with hiking socks. "Test different sizes, lace up your shoes and take the time to take a few steps in the store to make sure that the chosen pair combines comfort and support," advises César Onde. Before setting off on an adventure, do not hesitate to test your shoes during short regular outings to give them time to get used to your feet.

Read the fileHiking: the Figaro guide