When tackling a hike or a walk, choosing the right footwear is essential. Depending on the trail you want to follow, you will encounter different terrain, and depending on the location or the time of year you choose, you may also face different weather conditions. Choosing the right boot is what can make a hike a success, allowing you to move safely and nimbly and helping you avoid blisters. There are many features to consider in a boot, which is why we have put together an in-depth list of everything you need to know before making your choice.
The “cut” of the boot is essential:
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing footwear is the “cut”; there are in fact mid-cut boots, low-cut shoes and high-cut boots.
Mid-cut boots are ideal for off-trail hikes as they offer good stability, excellent ankle support and protection from mud and dirt; they are also suited to hikes with heavy loads because their cut allows good freedom of movement while at the same time providing the right support to avoid injury. These models are most commonly grouped in the backpacking category, but they can be classified in other ways depending on the type of trail you intend to follow.
Low-cut hiking shoes are characterised by a high freedom of movement and are perfect for hikes where you stay on the trail most of the time or for fast-paced activities. Low-cut shoes closely resemble sneakers in look and fit, so much so that they are suitable both for high-intensity running and for hikes in the wilderness. This footwear is mostly known as light hiking shoes and is also perfect for those approaching the trails for the first time.
High-cut boots, commonly known as mountaineering boots, fully cover the ankle and offer excellent support during high-mountain hikes. These models are often very sturdy and are ideal for activities in wet, low-temperature environments as they offer good protection from water and cold.
Boot technologies:
There are various types of trails, each characterised by different terrain and rocks. For this reason, knowing the boot outsoles is important to achieve optimal performance on the variety of terrains you will face. All boot outsoles have a feature called lug pattern, a determining factor in how much traction the boot will have on different trails. Outsoles with deeper, thicker lugs are ideal for grip on alpine or hiking trails, while outsoles with widely spaced lugs help prevent mud from building up while walking, such as in the undergrowth.
Another key component is the braking zone on the heel of the boot. This section is clearly defined and clearly visible on the outsole. Depending on its shape and size, this part of the boot is essential when tackling steep descents and when changing altitude on the trail. A wide braking zone can prevent slipping and falling and allows you to descend at a normal pace with ease.
All Garmont footwear features Anatomically Directed Design (a.d.d.®) technology, a set of solutions developed from the shape of the foot whose aim is to offer the best possible comfort in terms of fit. One component of a.d.d.® technology is the asymmetric ankle cut, which provides good protection and excellent stability. The anatomical tongue, on the other hand, is designed from the asymmetric shape of the foot and made so that it stays firmly in place, avoiding rubbing against the skin. Two other components of a.d.d.® technology are the precision lacing and the asymmetric ankle collars; these two solutions are designed to keep the foot firmly inside the boot and to prevent the formation of blisters. The last solution that completes a.d.d.® technology is the extra room in the Toe Box, the tip of the boot. More space at the toe ensures a more comfortable fit and prevents the big toe from being cramped during the descent.
Boot membranes and materials:
During mountain activities you may run into unfavourable weather conditions, which is why you should pay attention to the material and the membrane that make up the boot. Garmont shoes can have two types of membrane: GORE-TEX® and G-Dry. The GORE-TEX® membrane is designed to make boots waterproof while at the same time allowing sweat and moisture to breathe out, keeping the feet always dry. The G-Dry membrane, on the other hand, is a technology developed by Garmont and used in some of the latest products in our collection. This membrane has a windproof barrier with water resistance of up to 10,000 mm and also features an eco-friendly lamination, which delivers the boot’s best performance thanks to its waterproof material while at the same time allowing the essential ventilation of the foot. When taking long hikes, proper ventilation is important to prevent boots from cramping the feet and causing discomfort while you need to concentrate on the activity you are doing.
As for the materials that make up the boot’s upper, there are various solutions that meet different needs. A widely used material is synthetic, which adapts to the foot more easily but is less water-resistant in the absence of a membrane. Another type of material often used to make mountain boots is leather, which is very sturdy and more water-resistant. There are various types of leather, from split leather to full grain, by way of nubuck. Whatever your choice, you must be careful to treat the upper with the right products and to keep the boots always clean. *
Choosing boots is very important and must be done bearing in mind your own needs and the different solutions that footwear can offer. Once you have bought a boot, it is important to test it to get used to its shape and to allow the upper to adapt to the movement and shape of the foot.
When tackling a hike, the last thing you want is to have sore feet. To prevent your boots from becoming a problem, think carefully before making your choice!
* For more information on boot care, visit our dedicated article.
