The best shoes for hiking
This guide will help you choose the best hiking boots for your needs.
Hiking boots are a hiker's most important piece of equipment and a companion that guides every step on the way. At their best, they are both safe and comfortable. High-quality hiking shoes are designed to accompany you on many incredible adventures. There are many differences between hiking shoes, both in terms of their purpose and their properties. Therefore, it's worth taking a careful look at the features to make sure you choose the right match for you.
What to consider when choosing hiking shoes?
•Purpose of use
•Shoe shaft height
•Material
•Size and fit
•Special features
•Breaking in period
What kind of a hiker are you?
The most important thing to consider when buying hiking boots is the purpose you need them for. For various hikes, terrains and intensity levels, there are many different types of shoes available.
Many Dachstein shoes are well suited for both everyday walks and light hikes, but for more demanding terrain and multi-day treks, it's worth paying special attention to the characteristics of the shoes. Here are our shoe recommendations for different purposes.
For daily walks and light hikes in the city or in nature:
High-cut or low-cut hiking boots?
Hiking shoes can be divided into low-cut, mid-cut and high-cut styles. The height of the shaft has a particular impact on how much the shoe supports your ankles. It also affects the shoe's ability to provide protection against water and dirt, as well as its breathability. Low-cut shoes are easier to move around in, while high-cut boots are often a little heavier and don't flex as much. For these very reasons, high-cut boots are preferable for longer hikes, on which the need for support and stability is greater.
The basic principle is that the shorter the shaft, the shorter the hike and vice versa. However, low-cut shoes can be suitable for long hikes if they are sturdy and technical enough. Alternatively, lightweight, higher-cut boots can also make great day-hiking shoes.
Weather conditions also play a role in this choice as a very high-cut shoe may be unnecessarily warm in the summer heat, while in cold or rainy conditions a high shaft provides good protection for the ankles against water splashes and chilly breezes. In the end, it might simply be your personal preference that makes the final decision. Luckily, most Dachstein styles offer both low and mid-cut options.
Materials
Dachstein hiking boots are manufactured with a range of high-quality materials and technologies to protect your feet in varying terrains and conditions. Most of our hiking boots are equipped with GORE-TEX membrane, which makes them waterproof but also breathable. GORE-TEX hiking boots are therefore suitable for a wide range of terrains and weather conditions and are comfortable to wear. Our shoes also use exclusive, with Vibram® developed rubber soles, Liba® Smart material in toe protectors, Cordura® leather, Perwanger® suede and vegan faux leather as well as recycled knit materials, among others. Read more about our innovation partners’ materials and technologies.
Can hiking boots be worn all year round? Yes, if you know how to choose the right ones. When comparing shoes, you should consider the conditions in which you will be wearing them. In warm weather, urban environments and on rocky climbs you should focus on breathability and lightness, while in winter and autumn, waterproof hiking boots with a warm lining are more crucial. For example, some great lightweight walking boots for fine warm weather are Dachstein SF-21 Evo, Dachstein Delta Rise 3.0 GTX and Dachstein Urban Move. For cooler weather and unstable climates, winter hiking boots are a good choice.
One very traditional hiking shoe material is leather. Leather breathes well and also repels water, making it a very versatile material. Leather hiking boots last a long time in use and shape particularly well to your own feet.
Which size is right for you?
Once you've found the hiking shoes that suit your needs, it's time to figure out which shoe size is best for you. Under no circumstances should hiking shoes be too small as they will quickly start to squeeze and distort your steps when walking. Shoes that are too big and floppy on the foot are also not fun to walk in and can cause chafing or improper stress on the muscles of the foot.
In-store, you can start by removing the insole and stepping on it. With the other foot, take a step forward so that the foot on the insole leans slightly forward. This step, reaching slightly forward, is the actual size of your hiking shoe. Also, take your hiking sock with you and make sure the shoe feels good with it too. When visiting our online shop, use Dachstein's size chart to check the number of your shoe size in the UK, US and EU size ranges.
By adjusting the laces, it is possible to increase the snugness of the shaft or to have a little extra width for the foot. Certain materials tend to loosen slightly in use, so, if the shoe otherwise feels a little tight but is a good length, it may be a good choice for you. There are also differences in the shoe sole widths, so it's worth trying on different types of shoes. For example, Dachstein Ramsau 2.0 GTX has a slightly wider last, which means there's a little more room for the foot.
How about other features?
In addition to the surface material, hiking shoes also have other important elements such as insole, midsole, outsole, lacing, collar and toe cap. These components can make a big difference to comfort. In difficult terrain and conditions, a hiker needs more specialised technical features than the occasional walker on shorter hikes. For example, if you're looking for shoes for rocky mountain terrain, you need to pay special attention to the toe's hardness to ensure a safe and comfortable hike. Dachstein shoes are always technical, with carefully considered details and innovative material choices, so you can rely on their quality and durability even if you are less familiar with the features of hiking shoes.
Getting your new shoes on
It would be great to put on your new hiking boots right away and head off to a long trek, but be patient. Try them out on a few short walks first to get them shaped to your feet and avoid chafing and blisters.
You can spray your shoes with a variety of dirt and moisture-repellent protective products to keep them in better condition longer. First, check what material your shoes are made of so you can choose the right protective coating. For example, not all protectants are suitable for GORE-TEX membrane or leather surfaces. Always check the label on the spray to avoid damaging your new shoes.
Hopefully, these tips help you find your dream hiking boots that will take you faithfully to grand adventures and back!