Snow gaiters

Why wear gaiters when hiking?

Gaiters effectively protect the lower legs and the tops of your shoes. They prevent water, snow, sand, and pebbles from getting in, reducing the risk of blisters and helping keep your feet dry for longer. They also shield the lower part of your trousers from dirt, abrasion, and moisture, while providing an extra barrier against ticks, brambles, or superficial scratches. In wet or snowy conditions, they offer real added value for hiking.

A versatile option for hikers

Hiking gaiters are suited to a wide range of terrains and conditions. They’re useful in wet or muddy environments, tall grass, forests, sandy areas, or even in the mountains. They’re just as suitable for summer hikes as they are for winter outings, with or without snowshoes. Some hikers wear them with shorts to keep their feet dry while staying lightweight. Others pair them with waterproof trousers or hiking shoes, especially low-cut models, for enhanced protection.

Waterproof and breathable gaiters protect your feet from the rain

Most hiking gaiters are designed to stop water entering through the top of your shoes — a common issue in rain, wet vegetation, or puddles. Breathable models made from technical fabrics like Gore-Tex allow perspiration to escape while blocking external moisture, which prevents a build-up of dampness inside and improves comfort on long walks.

Extra protection for mountaineering

In mountaineering, gaiters are used in more technical conditions: snowfields, hard snow, sharp rocks, and steep slopes. They protect your legs and trousers from abrasion while stopping snow from entering, even in inclined positions. They need to stay securely in place, including over the tops of your boots, using sturdy fastening systems, often reinforced, with covered zips or high-quality Velcro closures.

How to put gaiters on hiking boots

Gaiters are worn over your trousers. They cover the top of your boots and are secured using a hook for the laces, a strap under the sole, and a front or side closure system (Velcro, press stud, zip, or drawcord depending on the model). It's important to position the buckles on the outside to avoid snagging while walking. The fit should be snug but not overly tight, ensuring both waterproofness and freedom of movement.

How to choose the right gaiters

Choosing gaiters depends mainly on the activity, outing duration, and expected conditions. There are different types of gaiters suited to various terrains, seasons, and protection needs. Here are the main gaiter types based on use:

Hiking gaiters

Hiking gaiters come in long (up to the knee) and short (above the ankle) versions. Long gaiters are best for muddy, wet terrain or tall grass. Short ones are suited to dry paths or summer hikes with low-cut shoes. Durability also varies: some models are lightweight and thin, others are more robust and reinforced. The materials used — such as ripstop nylon or waterproof-breathable membranes — affect both comfort and durability.

Mountaineering gaiters

Stiffer and more rugged, mountaineering gaiters are designed for use in demanding environments with snow, ice, or abrasive rock. They must be very durable and fit tightly so they don’t shift — even when wearing crampons. Fixings are strong, with reinforced underfoot straps, secure hooks for laces, and reliable closures (zips or Velcro). Some models are extra tall to offer protection up to the knee.

Trail running gaiters

For trail running, gaiters are mainly used to keep debris (sand, gravel, twigs) out of your shoes. They are lightweight, low-profile, breathable, and easy to put on, often using elastic or Velcro fastenings. Their purpose is to act as a barrier without interfering with your stride. Waterproofness is generally less important for this use.

Snowshoe gaiters

Snowshoeing often involves walking through powder or wet snow. Long hiking gaiters are ideal for this activity, preventing snow from entering your footwear and keeping the bottom of your trousers dry. Waterproofness is crucial here, as is a good grip on the boot. Abrasion resistance is also valuable, though the technical demands are lower than in mountaineering.