How

to

Choose

the

Right

Hiking

Boots

What makes hiking boots so special?

Unlike regular shoes, hiking shoes and boots  provide a high level of sturdiness and functionality. The material and tread of the sole provide perfect hold and protection for your feet, especially on uneven terrain. Spoiler alert: There is no such thing as THE perfect pair of hiking boots. It’s all about finding hiking boots that complement you, your individual requirements, and the type of activity you’ll be using them for. Here’s an overview of the key criteria to consider:

• Upper: Choose the upper based on the terrain. A lower cut is great for easy treks, a mid-high cut for moderately challenging terrain, and a high-cut for challenging routes with lots of rubble to provide stability and protection for your ankles.

• Material: Breathable and water-repellent materials will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Leather and modern synthetic textiles all have their unique qualities, which directly impact their durability, and how much care and maintenance they’ll require.

• Weight: Lightweight hiking boots are more comfortable for long stretches, whereas heavier boots will give you a lot more protection and stability. Try to find a good balance between shoe weight and the features you’re looking for. 

• Tread: A grippy sole with a deep tread will ensure a firm foothold on various types of terrain. The rubber composite of the sole should be matched to your surroundings – pick soft soles for wooded trails, harder ones for alpine terrain.

• Size and fit: Avoid blisters and pinching by picking a shoe that fits snugly, yet gives your feet enough space to breathe, even with hiking socks on.

Types of hiking shoes

From lightweight mid-cut shoes to heavy mountaineering boots  – there’s a wide range of hiking shoes to choose from, with each type specifically designed for different types of terrain. As such, they all boast different qualities. Don’t get caught on the wrong foot when you’re out and about: Think first about what kind of trails you’ll be hiking on, and choose your shoes accordingly. The best way to compare different types of hiking boots are the upper and the AB flex index.

Uppers of hiking boots

The cut of the upper is the first feature you need to decide on when buying a new pair of hiking boots. Again, the type of activity you’ll be using them for is key: While a low-cut shoe will be just fine for hikes taking you across flat meadows, you should definitely opt for a model with a higher upper for alpine terrain. Uppers are divided into low-, mid- and high-cut:

• Low-cut hiking boots: These types of hiking boots have a low upper, which usually cuts off just below the ankle. They look a bit like running shoes or trail running shoes , yet offer all the features you’d expect from a hiking boot. Low-cut hiking boots give you added mobility, and are a bit more comfortable to wear because of their lightness and breathability. However, there is a compromise to be made as far as protection and stability go: As the ankle is exposed, there is a higher risk of twisting your ankle, as well as sustaining scratches and abrasions on your skin. Low-cut shoes are best for casual one-day hikes on safe terrain which require very little equipment.

• Mid-cut hiking boots: These hiking boots combine the best of both worlds. They offer much more support for your ankles than low-cut shoes, while giving you more freedom to move than a high-top. That makes them super versatile, and a great choice for anything from easy hikes down to days-long trekking tours in constantly changing terrain with a moderately heavy backpack. As they offer a good balance between stability, protection and comfort, mid-cut shoes are also great for beginners – and give you a solid base for exploring the different aspects of hiking.

• High-cut hiking boots: High-cut boots provide support and stability for your ankles – which is essential when traversing challenging and uneven terrain. They effectively keep your feet out of the reach of dirt, rubble, wetness, and other external influences. High-cut boots are especially great for hiking with a heavy backpack because they distribute the weight more evenly, and provide added stability. Their obvious drawback is that they are much heavier, and limit your mobility – so definitely not a good choice for a casual hike. Instead, use high-cut hiking shoes for challenging alpine tours, and extensive trekking tours in constantly changing terrain that require a lot of equipment.

The AB Flex Index for hiking shoes

All Mammut hiking shoes and boots are categorized using the AB flex index. This allows us to class shoes according to their bendability or stiffness, as well as cushioning. A low flex index indicates a sole with higher flexibility, which will ensure a higher level of mobility and comfort on flat, easy terrain. A high flex index, on the other hand, indicates a stiffer sole for added support on rocky and steep terrain. The index ranges from 14-9 to B1-3. Check out the table below to find the right flex index for your needs.

FLEX INDEX

A4 | soft and very bendable sole, good cushioning | Use it for leisure, walks, casual hikes on flat terrain

A5 | soft and bendable sole, very good cushioning | Use it for casual hikes, easy trails

A6 | soft and bendable sole construction, good cushioning | Use it for casual and moderately challenging hikes, day hikes on wide and open paths

A7 | sole with medium stiffness, active stabilization and cushioning | Use it for longer day hikes, easy to moderately challenging trails, slightly hilly terrain

A8 | firm sole, active stabilization and cushioning | Use it for more challenging hikes, steeper trails, easy to moderate alpine terrain

A9/B1 | stiff sole, partly suitable for use with crampons | Use it for longer day tours, moderate to challenging terrain

B2 | stiff shoe with midsole, suitable for use with crampons | Use it for alpine tours, via ferrata, challenging terrain

B3 | high-tech shoe with a fully stiff midsole, suitable for use with crampons | Use it for mountaineering, ice climbing, extreme alpine conditions

Materials of hiking shoes

The material of your hiking shoes not only impacts durability, but directly affects performance and wearing comfort. The outer material, inner lining and sole all contribute to keeping your feet protected and supported throughout your activity of choice. So when picking shoes, the type of activity should be your main guide. Whether robust leather or modern synthetic materials, they all have their own different qualities, and are designed for use in specific conditions. Typically, hiking shoes and boots come in the following textiles and materials:

• Leather: Hiking boots made from leather, e.g. velours or nubuck, are particularly robust and durable. Over time, they’ll adapt to the shape of your feet, and they effectively regulate the temperature inside the shoe for a more comfortable feel. On the flip side, leather shoes tend to be heavier than shoes made from synthetics, take longer to dry, and need regular care. Leather can be used both as the inner and outer material, and is great for hiking in dry conditions.

• Cordura: This ultra hardwearing and abrasion-resistant polyamide weave is more lightweight than leather, and a great outer material for hiking shoes.

• Mesh: Thanks to its high level of breathability, a mesh weave ensures your feet are kept comfortable while actively wicking away moisture. It’s particularly flexible, and super lightweight. The only drawback: It’s a lot less sturdy than leather or cordura. That’s why hiking boots made out of mesh are great for casual hikes in warmer temperatures. 

• Gore-Tex: At Mammut, you’ll find a wide range of hiking shoes made out of Gore-Tex . They are fully waterproof, even in the pouring rain – making them ideal for frequently changing weather conditions. However, this also means they’re less breathable when you’re out and about in the heat.

The right sole for hiking boots

Anti-slip soles will give you a great foothold on uneven terrain. As such, they are a definite must-have in alpine surroundings. The soles of hiking shoes are commonly made out of rubber, giving you a good grip on most types of terrain. When choosing the sole, the rubber composite is key: Softer composites will give you more grip, especially on wet surfaces, although they’ll wear down more quickly. Stiffer rubber soles are more durable, but won’t offer as much hold on wet surfaces.

The sole of your hiking shoes should always be matched to the conditions you’re most often encountering on your hikes. So think about whether you’re mainly exploring flat paths or steep trails, and whether you’re most likely going to hike in the rain or in dry conditions. At Mammut, you’ll also find hiking shoes with  : They combine different lugs, lamellae and lasts to provide maximum hold and stability.

Frequently asked questions about hiking boots

• Which hiking shoes are suitable for beginners?

For beginners who’ll mainly be walking on easy to moderately difficult paths, we recommend lighter shoes with flex index A4 to A7. Also opt for a mid-cut upper to enjoy both added mobility and good support.

• Which hiking shoes are best for small or big feet?

Every hiking shoe is cut differently. To avoid blisters and pinching, make sure to find shoes that fit you perfectly. Always try on hiking shoes with the appropriate socks and/or inlays before making a purchase, and walk around for a bit. When in doubt, go for a slightly bigger size to give your feet some breathing room.

• What are the ideal shoes for hiking in the summer?

When hiking in hot weather, lightweight hiking shoes are the perfect choice. Choose a low-cut shoe made out of breathable material like a mesh for extra ventilation. Just remember that it will still get pretty cold when you’re high up in the mountains, even in the summer – so always make sure you pick a pair that works for the conditions you'll be hiking in.

• Which hiking shoes are fully waterproof?

When you’re out and about in all kinds of weather and you need fully waterproof shoes, hiking shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane are the way to go – and will keep your feet dry, even in the pouring rain.

Mammut hiking boots: Always a step ahead

Now that you’ve got all the info you need, and with the right hiking shoes in your backpack, you’re ready for your big outdoor adventure! Still missing some other equipment? We’ve got everything you need for your next tour, from outdoor clothing  to hiking backpacks . On top of that, you’ll find our carefully curated backpacking gear checklist , an in-depth guide to choosing the right backpack weight  plus many more handy tips in our Mammut Stories und Guides !