Hiking shoes selection guide

Your perfect hiking boot, does it even exist? You have so much choice between different materials, brands, and types of hiking shoes. Buying good hiking boots isn't always easy or cheap, but if you gain some knowledge about them, you'll make it much easier for yourself. In a series of blogs, we’ll help you find your way through this footwear jungle.

In the past two blogs, we studied the anatomy of the hiking boot and looked at the different types of hiking shoes you can choose from. But what is the perfect hiking boot for you? Ultimately, that choice is yours. It largely depends on your personal preferences and what you plan to do. Still, we can and will help you. We've created a decision aid to make choosing a shoe as simple as possible. By answering a few questions, you'll be one step closer to the right shoe, and then it's just a matter of trying them out.

Contents

• The location
• Your luggage
• The season
• Your physique
• All-round shoe vs. specialist
• A visit to our store

The location

Question 1: What type of paths or roads do you prefer to hike on? Do you also plan to go off-trail often?

Question 2: Do you mostly walk in the flat Netherlands? Also in hilly areas? Or do you prefer to head into the mountains?

The more you go off the beaten path and the more irregular the terrain, the more you should look for a shoe with a sturdy sole and good ankle support. Robust upper materials such as leather will also be preferred on this type of terrain, as they are less easily damaged and provide more protection from above against tree roots and other protruding objects.

Your luggage

Question 3: How far do you plan to hike on average per day?

Question 4: Do you walk without luggage, with a small daypack, or do you hike for several days with a heavier backpack?

If you cover many kilometers in a day, you likely need a sturdier sole that offers comfort all day long. And the more kilos you carry, the more support your hiking boot should provide.

Question 5: At what pace do you like to hike?

The higher the pace, the more you will likely prefer a lightweight hiking shoe. You might even see the ankle support of a higher boot as a limitation to your flexibility.

The season

Question 6: Do you mainly hike in warm summer environments? Or do you also plan to go out in winter? And what about the chance of rain?

In summer, a highly breathable shoe is more pleasant. If you expect a lot of rain or also hike in winter, a waterproof shoe (for example with a Gore-Tex membrane) is more comfortable. Generally, the more waterproof a shoe is, the less breathable it becomes.

Your physique

Question 7: Do you stand very firmly on your feet, or do you tend to twist your ankles easily?

In the latter case, you are more likely to need a (higher) hiking boot that provides more ankle support.

Question 8: Do you have wide or narrow feet? And do you have a high or low instep?

Try different brands to see which fit suits you best. Sometimes brands also produce narrow or wide versions of a series. In any case, make sure your hiking boot fits well to prevent friction in the shoe and thus prevent blisters. Always check the size charts carefully if you are ordering your shoes online.

All-round shoe vs. a specialist

Question 9: Do you want a specialized shoe that is perfect for that one specific activity, or do you want a hiking boot that you can take into the hills but also use to visit a city?

For example, if you buy a sturdy shoe for the mountains, it is often a less pleasant shoe for walking 20 kilometers on flat terrain. Are you sticking to more simple forest paths? Then shoes with a more all-round character are a good idea if you also want to use them during a city trip. Just realize that the more diverse the activities you have in mind for your shoes, the more this shoe becomes a compromise. And if you really plan to explore higher-risk terrains, we strongly advise you to choose a specialized shoe.

A visit to our store

If you have been able to answer all these questions, you can take these outcomes into account in your choice. If you then apply these to our product filters, you will find a selection of the most suitable hiking boots for you. Still can't quite figure it out? Or would you like to try on your hiking boots first? Then stop by our store. Our experienced staff will be happy to provide you with advice. Before you visit, please take the following tips to heart:

• Consider trying on shoes later in the day. Your feet will have been active by then and will be slightly swollen.
• It is useful to bring your own hiking socks. This allows you to immediately feel the combination of the shoe and your own sock. Don't have hiking socks yet? No problem, you can of course find these with us as well.
• Also bring your old shoes. Tell us what you experienced as pleasant or less pleasant about these shoes.
• Take plenty of time to try them on.
• Keep in mind that you also need to break in your hiking boots. The boots will become more flexible and mold to your foot.

A foot scan or analysis

In our store, we also have a Sidas 3D analysis, which allows us to create an accurate 3D scan of your feet in just a few seconds. This provides information about the length, width, instep height, circumference, and pressure points of your feet. With this scan, we can assess whether you might need a custom-made insole while hiking. Correct foot support ensures proper foot roll, prevents injuries, and prevents excessive wear on your hiking boots. Together with this information, the consultation about use, and your wishes and possibilities, we can recommend the shoe that will best fit your feet.

Do you still have any questions after reading our blogs about hiking boots? Then stop by for personal advice or contact us via email or phone.