Hiking boots and shoes for men

Trekking and Mountain Walking Boots

Trekking and mountain walking boots are designed to tackle rough terrain and provide good grip on steep trails. This type of walking boot is essential for hikers planning backpacking trips or multi-day treks. They are especially made to offer excellent protection, good grip, and superior comfort even on the most challenging terrains. When embarking on multi-day hikes, often with a loaded backpack, choosing the right pair of boots is essential.

A pair of boots must be able to support the extra weight of the equipment you carry without compromising the stability or comfort of the hiker. Quality models are designed with robust materials and advanced support systems to minimise the risk of injury and reduce fatigue. The presence of a stiff sole yet offering good traction is essential for confidently traversing rugged terrains, while the cuff height plays a crucial role in supporting the ankle under the weight of the backpack.

These boots not only protect your feet and enhance your performance on the trail; they ensure a more enjoyable and secure experience during multi-day treks. They allow you to fully focus on what surrounds you, namely, the beauty and vastness of nature.

Hiking Boots or Shoes?

The choice between high, mid, or low men’s hiking footwear plays a crucial role in the comfort and protection provided during your hikes. High ankle hiking boots are recommended for their excellent ankle protection on rugged terrains, ideal for mountain hikes or unstable terrains where the risk of ankle twisting is higher. They offer superior support, crucial for long distances and challenging terrains.

On the other hand, low cut hiking shoes are often chosen for easy hikes and everyday outdoor activities due to their light weight and flexibility. They promote greater freedom of movement and are perfect for well-maintained trails or day trips. For hikers looking for speed and efficiency on mixed terrains, fast hiking shoes, which are often low cut models, offer an ideal combination of lightness, flexibility, and traction.

Mid cut hiking boots represent an ideal balance between the two. They provide better protection and additional support compared to low models, without sacrificing the lack of flexibility and weight penalty of high ankle hiking boots. These boots are particularly suited to hikers looking for a balance between protection and comfort, especially on moderately rugged terrains or for medium-distance hikes. Their design aims to offer sufficient ankle support while allowing good mobility, making them ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

Depending on the type of hike planned, the choice between high, mid, or low models directly influences your comfort and protection. High hiking boots offer excellent ankle protection on rugged terrains, while low hiking shoes are favoured for their light weight and flexibility.

Waterproof Hiking Boots and Shoes

A waterproof hiking shoe is essential to keep your feet dry, in wet weather conditions. Technologies such as Gore-Tex and other membranes allow your feet to breathe while blocking external moisture, thus ensuring better comfort and increased protection on your outdoor adventures.

What are the Best Shoes for Hill Walking?

Choosing the best shoes for mountain and hill walking is essential to ensure safety, comfort, and fun throughout your hikes. For mountainous terrains, high ankle or mid cut hiking boots are often recommended because of their ability to offer superior ankle protection and excellent grip on rocky or slippery surfaces. These models are designed with robust materials and outsoles that maximise traction on rugged terrains, essential for safely progressing on steep trails.

Boots equipped with waterproof membranes, like Gore-Tex, are also preferable to cope with the often-variable weather conditions encountered in the mountains. By keeping your feet dry, they help prevent blisters and maintain optimal comfort, even during long days of walking. The presence of a good cushioning system can also play a crucial role in reducing the impact on joints during descents or on uneven terrains.

In short, the best shoes for mountain walking are those that combine protection, support, waterproofness, and grip, while being perfectly adapted to the shape of your foot and your personal preferences.

Glisshop Expert Advice

Determine Your Foot Type

• Flat feet: You will need shoes that offer good arch support to prevent overpronation (when the foot rolls inward).
• High arches: Look for shoes with good cushioning to better absorb shocks and support your arches.
• Neutral feet: You can opt for shoes with a balance between support and cushioning.

Analyse Your Gait

Our experts will help you analyse your gait. This can help you understand how your foot behaves during walking and which type of shoe would be most appropriate.

Give Them a Try

• Try shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen, similar to what they would be after a long hike.
• Wear the socks you plan to use for hiking during the fitting.
• Make sure you have enough space at the toes (about an inch between the toes and the end of the shoe).

Read Reviews

Before making your choice, consider reading the reviews available about the items on our website. These insights can help you better understand the performance and reliability of each model in real conditions. These reviews are a valuable resource and can help you make the right choice.

Columbia, Salomon, Merrell, Lowa: Wide Selection at Glisshop

Choosing a renowned brand like Salomon, Merrell, or Lowa means investing in quality and durability. Each brand offers a wide choice of men's hiking shoes, from classic leather shoes to models made of robust synthetic materials.

Hiking is more than just an activity; it's a passion that requires suitable equipment to be fully enjoyed. By choosing the right pair of shoes or boots, you benefit not only from better comfort and adequate protection but also unforgettable adventures, no matter the path taken. Explore our selection to find the pair that will follow you on your next hike.

Remember that choosing hiking footwear should not be taken lightly. Consider the type of shoes, the design, the cuff height for excellent protection, and make sure they offer the best comfort possible. With a wide choice of shoes and boots available, you will undoubtedly find the perfect pair for your next outdoor adventure.