Hiking boots and shoes for men

Trekking, and Mountain Walking: How to Find the Right Boots

A good pair of trekking boots should support the additional weight of your gear without compromising the hiker’s stability or comfort. High-quality models are made with durable materials and advanced support systems to minimise the risk of injury and reduce fatigue. A stiff sole with good grip is essential for tackling rugged terrain with confidence, while the height of the upper plays a crucial role in providing ankle support when carrying a backpack.

These boots do more than just protect your feet and enhance your performance on the trail; they ensure a more enjoyable and safer trekking experience over multiple days. They allow you to fully focus on your surroundings – the vast beauty of nature.

Features of Long-Distance Trekking Boots

Trekking and mountain boots are designed to tackle rough terrains. Their rubber rands and tough upper materials protect your feet on rocky paths, while their soles ensure good grip on steep trails. These hiking boots are essential for those planning multi-day treks or long-distance hikes. Specifically designed to provide excellent protection, good grip, and enhanced comfort, they are built to handle even the most demanding terrains. When embarking on multi-day hikes with a loaded backpack, choosing the right trekking boots becomes crucial.

What type of footwear is best? High or Mid Boots, vs Low-Cut Shoes

Deciding between high, mid, or low-cut men's hiking footwear plays a key role in the comfort and protection you receive on your hikes. High-cut boots are recommended for their excellent ankle support on uneven terrain, making them ideal for mountain hikes or unstable ground where the risk of ankle twists is higher. They provide superior support, which is essential for long distances and challenging trails.

On the other hand, low-cut shoes for men are often chosen for easier hikes and everyday outdoor activities due to their lightweight design and flexibility. They offer greater freedom of movement and are perfect for well-maintained trails or short day trips. For hikers looking for speed and efficiency on mixed terrains, fast hiking shoes, which are often low-cut models, provide the perfect combination of lightweight design, flexibility, and traction.

Mid-cut men's boots offer an ideal balance between the two. They provide better protection and additional support compared to low-cut models while maintaining more flexibility and lightweight comfort than high-cut boots. These boots are particularly suited to hikers looking for a balance between protection and comfort, especially on moderately rough terrains or medium-length hikes. Their design ensures adequate ankle support while allowing good range of motion, making them ideal for various outdoor activities.

So, Boots or Shoes?

Depending on the type of hike you plan, your choice between high, mid boots, or low-cut walking shoes will directly impact your comfort and protection. High-ankle boots offer excellent ankle support on rugged terrain, while low-cut models are favoured for their lightweight feel and flexibility. Whether you're setting off on a long-distance hike or a short outing, whether your focus is more on performance or leisure, your needs will vary. Personal preferences also come into play. Some hikers prefer a pair of low-cut hiking shoes, while others require high-ankle boots due to weak ankles.

What Are the Best Boots for Mountain Walking?

Choosing the best boots for walking in the mountains is essential to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout your hikes. For mountainous terrains, high-ankle or mid-cut hiking boots are often recommended for their ability to provide superior ankle support and excellent grip on rocky or slippery surfaces. These models are built with durable materials and outsoles designed to maximise traction on uneven trails—an essential feature for navigating steep and challenging paths safely. A rand, at least at the front of the boot, improves durability and protects your feet from loose stones.

Boots equipped with waterproof membranes, such as Gore-Tex, are also preferable for dealing with unpredictable mountain weather. By keeping your feet dry, they help prevent blisters and maintain optimal comfort, even during long hikes. A good cushioning system can also be crucial in reducing impact on joints when descending or traversing uneven ground.

In summary, the best mountain walking boots are those that combine protection, support, waterproofness, and grip while being perfectly suited to your foot shape, personal preferences, and the types of terrain you will encounter.

Glisshop Experts’ Advice

Determine Your Foot Type

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

Analyse Your Walking Gait

Our experts can help analyse your gait. This will help you understand how your foot moves while walking and which type of boot would be most suitable for you.

How to Try on Boots and Find the Right Size

• Try boots on in the evening when your feet are slightly swollen, similar to how they would be after a long hike.
• Wear the socks you plan to use for hiking when trying them on.
• Ensure there is enough space at the toe area (about a thumb’s width between your toes and the front of the boot).

Read Reviews

Before making your choice, consider reading customer reviews on our website. These real-world experiences will help you better understand each model’s performance and reliability. Reviews provide a wealth of valuable information to guide your decision toward the right pair hiking shoes.

What Is the Difference Between Trail Running and Walking Trainers?

While some low-cut walking or approach shoes may resemble trail running shoes, these two categories have distinct characteristics. The sole of a trail running shoe is more flexible than that of an approach shoe. Models designed for running are significantly less suited for carrying a heavy backpack. The features of approach shoes make them an ideal option for short hikes or a few hours on steep terrain. Their stiff sole protects your feet on rocky paths, and their rand ensures durability. In addition to deep lugs, approach shoes have smooth zones at the front to facilitate scrambling on steep rock surfaces.