Trekking boots

Trekking or mountain hiking, what are the differences between the two?

While these two walking activities are of course very similar, they differ on several points. Mountain hiking implies spending only a day in nature, most of the time on waymarked trails. It can be short and easy, or long and challenging, the route can be a loop or not.

On the other hand, a mountain trek is a multi-day adventure. It requires the mastery of multiple parameters for your own safety. While a trek guarantees magic moments, it compels you to take the preparation of your equipment seriously, as you’ll be spending nights under a tent far from civilisation. For this type of adventures, performance trekking shoes are needed to walk for hours on end on the trails. More robust than standard hiking boots, they’ll follow you on any terrain!

The various types of trekking shoes

Lightweight low cut walking trainers: what usage?

While they’ve been banned from hiking and trekking paths for a long time, low cut shoes have come a long way. They can now be seen around the globe, no matter the duration or how challenging the adventure is. Sure, then can’t provide the same level of ankle support as a high ankle trekking boot, but they often feature lugged outsoles that provide all the grip required to tackle various challenging terrains. Finally, these lightweight walking shoes will satisfy performance-oriented trekkers, looking for a reliable and efficient shoe, to be fast in the mountains.

However, despite being reinforced at strategic and exposed areas, and while they’ll offer efficient protection to the entire foot, trail running shoes are not as durable as a dedicated trekking shoe. Meaning they’ll need to be replaced more often.

More rugged high ankle walking boots

This type of boots is a benchmark for hiking, meant for dedicated hikers, looking for comfort, strength and durability. Everything is designed so that hikers can attempt the most beautiful adventures, on and off the trails and on any type of terrain. Thanks to their high ankle, trekking boots guarantee better ankle support. Yes, these models are bulkier and heavier, but they’ll guarantee your safety by protecting you from the impacts you may experience.

To prevent any bad surprises on the trails, make sure to wear your new shoes on a few outings before the start of your adventure. It'll reduce the risk of blisters. Finally, as it is generally recommended to wear mountain boots with thick socks, pick half a size or a full size bigger.

Waterproof walking boots for your rainy hikes

Trekking boots featuring membranes and water repellent finishes have been popular among hikers. While in the rain, these waterproof walking boots have the great advantage of keeping your feet dry, in hot weather, they won’t wick away sweat as quickly. Therefore, they are much recommended in poor weather but will show their limitations on your summer treks in dry weather.

The criteria to choose a trekking boot

Outsole and grip

Often reinforced and featuring lugs, trekking boot outsoles guarantee perfect grip in any situation. The stiffer they are, the more efficient they are, to the detriment of comfort. On the other hand, more flexible outsoles are very comfortable, but better suited to less challenging routes. If you can’t decide, intermediate outsoles offer an interesting balance!

Comfort

Lightness, thickness of the upper, stiffness of the sole and more generally the boot, are elements to consider when gauging the comfort of a trekking boot. Because every foot is different, don’t hesitate to contact our experts or stop by our store, they’ll know how to guide you to find the model with the best comfort/performance ratio for your foot shape!

Lacing system

There are various lacing systems:

• Quick lace
• Traditional lacing with hooks to hold the tongue

The former is quicker, found more often on lightweight low cut shoes. Less durable. On the other hand, traditional laces take more time to tie, they’ll stay in place during your entire hike. They are also very durable.

Cuff height

You can find low cut trekking shoes, as well as mid cut and high ankle boots. If you’re looking to go fast on your treks, you’ll naturally turn to a lightweight shoe with a low cuff. Contemplative mountain trekkers will prefer a more protective, rugged and durable high ankle boot. A lifetime investment!

Materials, strength and durability

Various materials can be used when designing a trekking boot or shoe. Leather provides ruggedness and durability but is heavier and stiffer. Suede and nubuck are the result of processing leather to reduce its weight. These shoes and boots are lighter and more breathable than leather models, but less durable as well. Finally, synthetic shoes and boots offer the most interesting weight/performance ratio. Now widely available around the globe, they are lightweight and flexible, as opposed to leather boots. Paired to a Gore-tex membrane, they are waterproof.

Men or women, the best walking boot and shoe brands at Glisshop

Don’t wait to discover the wide range of trekking boots and shoes available on Glisshop.co.uk. Models designed and developed by leading brands of the outdoor industry, that will satisfy long distance hikers looking for high-quality mountain boots for all their adventures!