Which hiking footwear to choose?

When we go hiking in the mountains, we often plan the route, check the weather, food, and the gear we'll carry in our backpack, but we don't pay attention to the footwear, and this can make the difference between a perfect excursion or a nightmare. The right footwear can turn a demanding trek into a comfortable and safe experience, while poorly chosen footwear can cause discomfort such as blisters, black toenails, and even injuries.

Choosing good boots is investing in safety and comfort. We explain some features and tips for choosing your companions for the long haul.

First, the correct size

To be able to properly try on the type of footwear we want, we need to know our correct size. Normally, we can take out the shoe insole and, standing on it so that the foot expands with our weight, adjusting the heel well, we should have about 1 or 1.5 cm of space at the tip of the longest toe. This will ensure we don't end up with black toenails due to pressure on the toe box on descents.

Another way to know our size is with a blank sheet of paper, place it flat on the floor against a wall, and step on it with your heel against the wall, standing up, and make a mark at the longest toe: you'll have your size in CM! You'll just need to know the equivalent size for each brand, which you can find online or ask at your trusted store.

We reveal a secret: all, absolutely all humans are asymmetrical, therefore, we will have one foot longer than the other. Find out which is your long foot, and always choose based on that.

Types of footwear

• Low-cut footwear: we are seeing more and more of this type of footwear, 'trail shoes' derived from the world of mountain running. Generally, they are shoes without a collar, breathable, similar to athletic shoes but with a sole with more grip and tread. That's why the industry has opted for low-cut shoes without a collar specialized for walking and not for running, with the features of a boot, therefore, with more lateral reinforcements, and with protection against moisture with waterproof membranes. This footwear is recommended if you are in good physical condition, as it will require more strength in the lower leg and well-trained balance.
• Flexible boot: low or mid-cut footwear. We can find them with one, two, and up to three lacing points on the collar. They offer more protection against impacts because they cover more of the foot and ankle. We will also look at the construction of the outer material (upper): there are very thin and light ones, and others that are more robust, resistant, and protected. We will choose a more robust or thinner one depending on the terrain. For us, it is the most suitable option for day trips, especially if we are moving on uneven terrain, as it provides more support and offers fewer options for ankle twists. They practically always come with a waterproof membrane that protects against moisture.
• Semi-rigid boot: These boots may look very similar to flexible ones aesthetically, but they differ in that their construction is more robust due to the terrain they are intended for. They are built with more structure in the midsole, to better support our weight during climbs. They also almost always come with a waterproof membrane. We will find some models with cold protection.

Which of these types of footwear do I choose?

For hiking routes, which we understand as half-day or full-day trips with a medium backpack, low-cut footwear or flexible boots can be suitable.

For trekking routes, which we understand as all-day routes with a large and heavier backpack, for one or more nights, a flexible boot with a two or three-point collar, and a semi-rigid boot can be good.

For outings in snow or snowshoeing, it is better to have semi-rigid boots, but for excursions on easy terrain, a flexible boot can serve the purpose.