How to choose your hiking or trekk?

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 what about the weight of your backpack? 

In terms of the terrain, there is a wide range of hiking boot models designed specifically for the terrain you’re going to be covering.
If you’re walking on lowlands you won’t have the same needs as you would for mountain walking.
Each type of terrain has its own specific features.

If you’re planning a short day-hike in the lowlands, forest, or along the coast, choose hiking boots from our "nature" range 

These boots typically feature dual-density soles: a first layer close to your foot provides cushioning for comfort, while a second layer closer to the ground offers shock absorption from rocks. 

Their lugs and outsole provide excellent grip on varied types of terrain, such as forest trails or coastal paths. 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 mountain summits via more technical paths, with more climb? 

If you most often practise mountain hiking and you’re going to be on rocky terrain or pass through technical sections, it’s preferable to opt for hiking boots specifically designed for mountain use. 

They’re lighter so that you’re less weighed down during climbs.
Their sole and crampons also have good grip and traction so you don’t skid on steep trails or in scree.

These are the two main promises made by the CONTACT technology integrated into our hiking boots at Quechua.
Often the front of the boot 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 high-rise upper - not an insignificant feature when you find yourself on the technical sections you often come across in the mountains.

Are you looking to tackle snowy trails and peaks?
In this case, your choice is everything!In fact, where there’s snow involved, this calls for warm, waterproof boots. 

We recommend you choose snow hiking boots that insulate you not only from the cold, but also the moisture of the snow.
Snow hiking boots are equipped with waterproof, breathable membranes so they don’t turn into a sauna for your feet, which would then be drenched in their own perspiration (it goes without saying that a sauna would be better "after the hike," not during!).Their soles also insulate and the boots have an anti-ingress system preventing the snow lifted by one boot from falling back into the other.

Some of our snow hiking boots are equipped with CONTACT technology,the result of lengthy tests. CONTACT outsoles are made with a special material and lug pattern specially designed to ensure the best possible grip and traction. This makes them more effective on snow than standard soles.

Paired with a pair of snow hiking socks, and by choosing a suitable size that leaves a bit of space for your toes, your boots will go along with you wherever you go, so you don’t have to worry about the cold or the snow!

There are two other factors to take into account: the fit and the size. 

If you’re going to be hiking on uneven or steep paths, a high upper will be useful for good ankle support.
This also prevents the ingress of stones and dust in the boot for example. 

What’s more, if you’ve been following closely, you’ll already know that the weight of your backpack may influence the choice of height for your boot’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. Our feet do not all "swell" in the same way after physical exertion, 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 doesn’t mean that these averages are absolute morphological realities, nor does it mean that they necessarily fit you as an individual.
For example, the width of the foot is sometimes wider in the men’s range. 

In addition, sizes often start at UK size 6.5 in the men’s range. Again, try on what you like and trust your feelings: 
 your foot will tell you if it’s comfortable or not. 

So, if you prefer a man’s design when you’re 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’s nothing more uncomfortable than hiking with a damp foot that sometimes slides around in your boot! 

If you want complete foot ventilation, rather opt for sandals. Their sole and toe bumper, at the front of the shoe, protect the foot and give the same grip as a boot.