Trekking & Hiking Shoes

How to choose the right women’s hiking boots?

Hiking boots come in many different styles and materials. Choosing the right hiking boots for you will depend on what kind of hiking you want to undertake – day hikes, multi-day hut-to-hut hiking or longer trekking journeys carrying a heavy backpack.

What are the different types of hiking footwear?

• High-cut boots
  For tougher, longer hiking you’ll want more ankle support. High-cut boots offer this.
  -> Best for when you are carrying a heavier backpack or alpine and mountaineering activities.
• Mid-cut boots
  Flexible mid-cut boots are ideal for day hikes.
  -> Best for moderate hikes, shorter trekking trips with a light pack – or hut-to-hut tours.
• Low-cut models
  For fast-paced or shorter hikes, a flexible, lower cut model will give you more lightweight freedom and flexibility.
  -> Best for day hiking or crag approaches.

Are waterproof hiking boots a good idea?

Waterproof protection will give your hiking boots year-round usability, but if you are only hiking in warmer, dryer climates, then a hiking boot without waterproof protection will be more breathable and therefore more comfortable. Traditionally, hiking footwear has been made from waterproofed leather, and increasingly they are made from a mix of leather with synthetic materials or full synthetic materials. Synthetic uppers are generally lighter, and with a GORE-TEX® membrane in them they are waterproof and breathable.

How should women’s hiking shoes fit?

Hiking footwear comfort is all in the fit. Your hiking boots or shoes need to allow your toes some space – ideally a thumb’s width from your longest toe. An easy way to check the fit is to take the footbeds out of your boots and stand on them. And your feet need to be able to swell, especially on longer hikes or treks, but your shoes must also fit your heel well, so you don’t suffer from heel slip, and consequently blisters.

What is important when buying hiking footwear?

• Stiffer boots: For more challenging terrain and to accept crampons.
• Softer boots: Greater comfort and with softer midsoles for flexibility.

Midsole materials:

• Polyurethane
  Polyurethane is generally firmer and more durable and is used in trekking and mountaineering boots.
• EVA
  EVA is lighter and has more cushioning elastic properties. Midsoles use varying densities of EVA to provide support where needed.

Outsole materials:

Hiking footwear is equipped with outsoles made of specialist rubber compounds. They have tread patterns that deliver specific grip, traction and foot placement precision for each type of hiking.