Hiking- and Trekking boots

Useful information about Hiking- and trekking boots

Go on a hiking tour together with your family, friends or partner - but of course only with the right hiking boots. Hiking is a beautiful, relaxing and exciting way to move in and with nature, reach new peaks and discover unknown paths. So what are you waiting for? Find your right equipment and start your outdoor adventure.

The difference between Hiking and Mountaineering Boots and their range of us

Hiking and trekking boots are not necessarily the same as mountain boots, even if this is often mistakenly equated. Differences lie both in the field of application, as well as in the construction and shape of the shoe. The mountain boot is extremely robust, stable and also usually very heavy. The hiking boot, is also very robust and stable, but somewhat more flexible, softer and also lighter. In addition, the mountain boot contains a much harder sole than the trekking boot suitable for hiking.
The area of use for the hiking boot is the regular hiking trail, whether it is the local mountain or the Way of St. James. The mountain boot, on the other hand, is suitable for somewhat more extreme terrain. For example, it can also be used for ice climbing.

Important functions of Hiking and Trekking shoes

Why wear these shoes when heading for the mountains? Hiking boots offer more stability than, for example, a running shoe. This is because they are better supported around the ankle area and the shoe is built to be firmer and more stable. Furthermore, the sole of the trekking shoe has a profile that is best suited for hiking.

There are those with a very low shaft, which are better suited for forest and gravel paths or flatter terrain. They also make good approach shoes for climbing or via ferrata. On the other hand, shoes with a higher shaft are better suited for steeper terrain.

Then there's cushioning - again, there are softer and less soft models. Softer cushioning is more comfortable, but it gives you less feel for the ground. With less damping then accordingly a better power transmission.

Now to the material. Hiking boots are either made of synthetic leather or genuine leather. Both are relatively warm in winter, but the real leather shoe also cools down very well in summer. On the other hand, synthetic leather dries faster when you sweat, so that's a big advantage. Many models of them are equipped with Gore-Tex and thus waterproof. On rainy hiking days, they thus protect you from wet socks.

Last but not least: The sole of hiking boots is very often a Vibram sole. Vibram soles can be recognized by the yellow, angular logo on the bottom of the sole. These are designed for the right amount of grip on the ground and abrasion resistance, as well as comfort. These rubber soles are abrasion resistant and based on vulcanization technology. So before you buy your shoes, you should consider in what terrain, or what kind of outdoor activity you want to pursue to have the right footwear ready.

Hiking Boots for the most diverse Conditions

Many hiking boots are also crampon resistant, meaning that crampons can be attached to them. This can be a very useful feature if you plan to tackle a via ferrata or two. By the way, if the shoes have a rubberized Climbing Zone at the toe, this serves for good grip and abrasion protection on via ferrata.
Due to the equipment with Gore-Tex, you do not have to give up your adventure even in wet conditions. Your feet and socks stay pleasantly dry.

What should I pay special attention to when buying Trekking boots?

Make sure you get the right size and fit when buying your boots. It is often advisable to buy the trekking boot in a larger number than the normal running shoe. There should be enough space between your toes and the toe of the shoe, so that pain and blisters due to shoes that are too tight can be avoided. Of course, when buying trekking shoes, you need to make a very clear distinction between children, women, and men. The shoes for children and ladies fall narrower and smaller and thus bring less weight. This can be an important factor for longer hikes. Simply use the filter in our online store and quickly find the right models.
In which season do you do most tours? Most hiking boots are designed for warmer conditions, as the season lasts from the dew period in spring, until autumn. In order for you to fully enjoy your winter hike through snow and ice, there are criteria to consider when buying a winter hiking boot. It is significant that the boot is equipped with additional insulation and quite thick lining. Logically, the shoe must be waterproof and a little higher than the usual trekking shoes, so that snow does not get into the pair.

Which shoe Brand suits you best?

At Sport Conrad Online Shop, you'll find a wide selection of hiking and trekking shoes from a variety of brands, for example from Adidas, Lowa or Salewa. So how do you find the right brand for you in this huge selection of shoes? Basically, it's the characteristics of the individual shoe that have to suit you and your hiking tours. Nevertheless, the brands differ from each other in some aspects, such as environmental and sustainability. You will find many hiking shoes that are marked with our "W IR DENKEN UM" label. Brands and products with this label commit, for example:

- to responsibility throughout the entire supply chain
- to pursue an environmentally friendly and resource-saving production
- or produce in the EU

What other accessories do you need for fully Equipped Hiking gear?

Definitely the right outdoor clothing. This should be made of breathable materials and either keep you warm or cool.
It also makes sense to take a backpack with you on your hiking tour. Here you can store a water bottle, a lunch box and other clothing.
Furthermore, hiking socks can be very helpful, as they are padded at the heels and toes, wick away sweat and can prevent blisters. It is also recommended to have the right accessories and the right accessories for the trekking boot, such as a second pair of laces or a shoe polish. When cleaning the shoes, make sure that you remove the laces and insole. After that, use a grooming brush to thoroughly clean the boot and then let it dry properly. After drying, apply shoe polish to the hiking boot. This procedure should be done after every long outdoor activity. With regular care and caution, your trekking boot will last you for a long time. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and buy your hiking shoe for your new outdoor adventure. Get inspired by the latest trends and tours.

You can read more about hiking boots on our blog:
In search of the right hiking boot: Here's what you should look out for
No blisters on your feet with the right hiking socks
Hike with the Right: What essentials do you need for hiking and mountain walking?Packing list for your next hut tour
©Hiking boots by Hanwag ©Hiking boots Close-Up by Cristoffer Sjöström