HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HIKING OR TREKKING FOOTWEAR?

If there is one question you should ask yourself before choosing your footwear, it's “what type of hiking am I going to do?”.
That is to say, on what type of terrain? For how long? And how heavy is your backpack?
There is a wide range of hiking shoes available that have been designed according to the terrain you are going to walk on.
If you're walking on lowlands you won't have the same needs as for mountain walking.
Each type of terrain has its own particular features.

If you are planning a short day hike on lowlands, in the forest or on the coast, choose hiking boots from our "nature" range.
These shoes usually have dual density insoles, which means that the first sole is close to your foot for comfort, while the second sole is close to the ground for cushioning and insulation from rocks. 
Their spikes and outer sole provide excellent grip on certain types of terrain such as forest trails or on the coast. On the other hand, avoid technical passages or too high a gradient.
With less rigidity than mountain hiking boots, they provide maximum comfort and cushioning so that you don't feel the roughness of the trails.

Are you looking to reach summits on more technical trails with more elevation changes?
If you hike in the mountains more often and use scree or technical paths, it is best to choose hiking boots designed specifically for the mountains.
They are more lightweight so your steps aren't as heavy on the climb.
Their sole and spikes also grip and have good grip so you don't skid on steep trails or in scree.
These are the two main promises of the CONTACT technology in our Quechua hiking boots.
Often the front of the shoe is also reinforced with a toe bumper to protect your toes (similar to safety shoes).
Usually, these hiking boots offer more rigidity, have precise lacing and a foot support designed to keep you comfortable on all types of terrain.
They also have better ankle protection thanks to their raised upper - not to be overlooked during the technical passages that can be encountered in the mountains!

Do you want to take on snowy trails and peaks? 
Then your choice is completely different! Indeed, snow means warm and waterproof shoes are needed.
We recommend you choose snow walking shoes that insulate not only from the cold but also the moisture of the snow.
Snow walking shoes come with a waterproof and breathable membrane so they don't turn into a sauna for your feet, which would then be wet by their own perspiration (a sauna is better "after hiking", not during", don’t you agree!).

Their insoles also insulate and the shoes have an anti-ingress system preventing the snow lifted by one shoe from falling back into the other...
Some of our snow walking shoes come with CONTACT technology, the result of lengthy tests.
CONTACT insoles are made with a specific component and stud pattern that is designed to ensure the best possible grip and traction. This makes them more effective on snow than standard soles.
Combined with a pair of snow socks and choosing a suitable size to give your toes some room, your shoes will go everywhere with you, without fear of the cold and snow!

The insole is to the shoe what the mattress topper is to the mattress. 
People think that they don't need them and that if they have chosen their shoes well, they can do without them. 
This is absolutely true! 
However, your foot may change over time, or the weather may not always be kind to you. 
You can then have a gel insole for maximum cushioning in summer, and opt for a felt insole with "fleece" for extra warmth, or a leather insole that will fit your foot perfectly over time...

There are two other factors to take into account: support and fit.
A high upper will be useful to support your ankle if you walk on rugged or steep trails.
This also stops stones or dust for example from getting inside the boot.
Moreover, if you have followed correctly, the weight of the bag can influence the choice of the height of your shoe's upper: the heavier your backpack, the more support you will need for your ankles with a high upper.
If you are looking for lightness and freedom of movement for your ankle, choose a low upper.

We often hear that you should go up a size for hiking boots... but not necessarily! In fact, it’s different for everyone. Indeed, our feet do not all "swell" the same with effort, some people have a difference of half a size between their right and left foot, etc.
I'm sorry I can't give you a universal solution to this question... 
The best option is to try your hiking boots at the end of the day, with hiking socks.

Some brands of hiking boots take into account average differences between men's and women's feet. 
This does not mean that these averages are absolute morphological realities, nor does it mean that they necessarily fit you individually. 
For example, the width of the foot is sometimes wider in the men's range. 
In addition, sizes often start at 6 in the men's range. Again, try on what you like and trust your feelings: your foot will tell you if it feels comfortable or not.
So, if you prefer a man's design when you are a woman (or vice versa), and you find your size and it feels good then go for it!

Do you generally hike in high summer when it's very hot? Breathable hiking shoes are the answer! These models have greater breathability thanks to the mesh used and they stop you perspiring when hiking. There is nothing more uncomfortable than hiking with a damp foot that sometimes slides in the shoe!
If you want complete foot ventilation, go for sandals. Their sole and toe bumper, at the front of the shoe, protect the foot and give the same grip as a boot.