Hiking Boot Types

Choosing hiking footwear that is just right for your needs can be very confusing. Do you need a trail boot, an off-trail or a rough-trail? Leather or synthetic? High-cut boot or low-cut shoe?

Here some helpful tips on hiking boot types and styles to help you with your decision.

Boot/Shoe Type

Technical Scrambling: These are a low to mid-cut shoe. They have a grippy sole and snug moulds (lasts) made specifically for scrambling or rock climbing.

Trail (or Light Trail): Hiking shoes or boots ideal for walking on maintained, non-technical trails. Low-cut to midcut in height with lugged rubber soles.

Trail Running: Lightweight and low-cut. More support and cushioning than traditional running shoes and provide better ventilation than a light hiker. Made for runners and fast and light scramblers.

Rough Trail: Have a higher cut and a torsionally rigid sole. Offer a better edge on rougher terrain with enough flex for comfortable walking.

Off-Trail: Provides the best durability under heavy loads and are the most waterproof. They can feel stiff on trails and usually require a few trips to break them in.

Mountaineering: Hiking boots designed for alpine climbing and aggressive back-country hikes. They are stiff and durable with rigid soles for use with crampons. Require a few trips to soften them.

Amphibious: This is the newest type of footwear. Amphibious footwear combines support and protection of a hiking shoe with the breathability and versatility of sandals. Excellent for water sports and creek crossings.

Height

Low-Cut: The top of the boot is well below the ankle. Offers no ankle support. Best for light loads on maintained trails.

Mid-Cut: Ankle is wrapped for support and provides protection against rocks. Allow you to walk smoothly, but lack full support needed for steep terrain with heavy loads.

High-Cut: Provide superior ankle support and stability for rugged alpine hikes.

Uppers

Full-Grain Leather: Uses the full thickness of the hide. Longer lasting and better water resistance. Conforms well to your foot and can be waterproofed. Can last for years when properly cared for.

Split-Grain Leather: The inner part of the cowhide has been split from the supportive, waterproof outer layer. Less durable than full-grain.

Nubuck: This is full-grain leather that has been buffed to look like suede. It is much more durable than suede, and can be waterproofed.

Synthetic Fabrics: A wide range of materials used to construct mesh (high breathability) and woven fabrics (greater durability). Lighter weight fabrics, generally, are more breathable, and easier to break in. Less durability than leather, and difficult to waterproof unless used together with a waterproof breathable membrane like Gore-Tex®.