What shoes are suitable for hiking. My shoes for tourism and travel

Choosing trekking boots is a very demanding task, you cannot rely on the fact that any mid-priced boots will allow you to successfully complete trekking or hiking. You should familiarize yourself with the main aspects of choosing hiking boots before purchasing them.

The topic of hiking shoes is very relevant, since it is the right pair that will allow you to enjoy the trip as comfortably and safely as possible, without distracting you with troubles with your feet and making difficult terrain more accessible and walkable.

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In the last article, we have already covered the topic in some detail, today we will consider footwear in "heavy weight" - boots for trekking, mountain hiking and climbing.

Let's first define.

Trekking boots - high (from the ankle and above) specialized footwear for walking and climbing on difficult terrain in any weather. Made of artificial and (or) natural materials of increased strength and durability and equipped with a specialized sole with developed lugs for confident grip on a variety of surfaces. In mountaineering or challenging mountaineering models, the sole can be specially designed to secure crampons with a rigid or semi-rigid fit. The characteristic features of many models are the same: elongated anatomical lacing for better fixation of the leg; improved protection against moisture; protection of the top from mechanical damage; protection of the bootleg from the ingress of foreign objects. Outsole (most often from the specialized manufacturer Vibram) with deep self-cleaning tread.

For a successful choice of shoes, you need to imagine for what conditions this or that type is best suited. When do sneakers "end" and boots "start"? Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all recipe. The general trend towards lighter equipment and faster trail speeds is leading to a greater prevalence of sneakers. Personally, I have repeatedly met people in sneakers far above the snow line in the mountains, and I myself have repeatedly walked in sneakers on the winter Toubkal (4167m). However, sneakers can never completely supplant boots even from summer tourism, let alone winter. So, when can we quite clearly assume that it is necessary to take trekking (mountain) boots on a hike when walking in or on time, or in another case?

We have to move on a very difficult terrain - rocky surfaces, talus slopes on small and medium-sized stones. The boots will protect your ankles from painful bumps against stones, and your ankle from sprains.

It will be wet and dirty. If you have to often walk knee-deep in water, then boots will not save your feet from getting wet. But wet grass, mud of forest roads, frequent crossings over streams, heavy rainfall just shout to you: take your boots!

Snow, cold. There are almost no options. No, you can certainly take more serious sneakers, leggings, warmer socks, thicker insoles ... But do we need it? If a couple of days for a hike, then okay, for an experienced tourist this is a way out, but if not? We take the boots!

Classification of hiking boots

The classification, of course, is a very conditional thing, but it will help us to define a little. Now there are a lot of models on the market and there is an opportunity to choose shoes for your specific tasks. You can buy a universal pair “for all occasions”, but you need to be prepared for the fact that, like any compromise, it will lose to specialized solutions. This option is perfect for a less frequent user or an experienced traveler who goes on a long trip with a variety of conditions.

Below is an approximate division of trekking boots into main classes, which will allow a beginner to "focus", which is very important when choosing - good shoes pleasure is not cheap.

LIGHTWEIGHT TRACKING BOOTS

In fact, the "transitional link" from the world of sneakers to the world of "serious" trekking shoes. It's just that the trekking shoe grew in height and became a boot. The main distinguishing features: a relatively soft sole for bending and torsion; lightweight upper materials, often a combination of thin leather / inversion and synthetic overlays (upper is rarely made of a single piece of material, usually multi-piece); light weight; often "sneaker design".

Well suited for light trekking where there is no continuous snow cover, for simple rocks, viaferat, they will show themselves well in the city. After the sneakers, you will immediately feel better fixation, confidence in ankle support, which is especially noticeable when carrying a heavy backpack over uneven surfaces.

UNIVERSAL TRACKING BOOTS

As the name suggests, this is the most versatile and common type of hiking shoe. Rather, they are simply “trekking (or mountain) boots”, because when people talk about hiking boots, they mean them first of all. To some extent, these are shoes “for everything” - in such boots you will see tourists all over the world, they are often used even in the heat, if you need increased protection and fixation of the leg. This type of shoe is chosen for both summer and winter, especially when a rather difficult hike is planned. But it will manifest itself best of all at moderate temperatures - from + 15-20 to -10-15 degrees.

The main distinguishing features - the outsole is quite stiff, with deep tread, but still it is not as "oak" as in heavier models and in specialized mountaineering shoes. It flexes when walking, so you can walk considerable distances in these boots without any extra effort. Also, the sole is thick enough to, on the one hand, hide in itself a multi-layer structure that can reliably support the foot of a person of any weight with a heavy one and be wear-resistant, and on the other hand, have sufficiently good thermal insulation, which allows hiking on solid snow or ice. As a rule, the soles of universal trekking boots do not have special attachments (welts) for crampons with a rigid fixation, but they can be used with ordinary, "soft (universal)" crampons. Ice climbing is best done in specialized shoes. The top of the boot More often leather (in this variety the classic still prevails), sometimes combined. There are models made from one piece of leather. They are distinguished by special endurance and improved moisture protection, but more expensive. Usually such shoes are of medium height, but lovers of high shoes can really find such an option. There are also options for hunters and military men with a specific design - sometimes they are also bought for hiking.

In general, it is in this segment that the choice is so extensive that it rather complicates than facilitates the purchase. Therefore, the better you imagine your “perfect shoe” before purchasing, the easier it will be for you in the store.

BOOTS FOR HEAVY (DIFFICULT) TRACKING

The general name that is usually used for hikes, which include frequent and prolonged movement on very difficult terrain, ascents (often using mountaineering techniques). They are also used for walking in cold conditions. This is a kind of symbiosis, a "transitional link" between trekking shoes and specialized footwear for high-altitude and technical mountaineering. This type of boots is especially popular among experienced mountain tourists, because they have to move around the highlands and sometimes make several rather difficult ascents during the hike.

What are the characteristics of such shoes? By appearance it looks more like ordinary trekking boots, but at the same time it is more powerful, heavier. The most reliable materials are used - thick leather, Kevlar, ABS plastic. The outsole is already almost completely rigid, often with cat welts, but the profile and tread are still more "sharpened" for walking than for climbing.

In other words, these shoes are quite niche, such a division in general is very arbitrary, since the line between this class and mountaineering shoes is very blurred.

BOOTS FOR ALPINISM

This is a rather specific class of footwear, primarily intended for technical (with the use of special equipment and on difficult, usually vertical terrain) and high-altitude ascents to the peaks.

KEY FEATURES... This is usually the most innovative shoe, using the latest achievements and technologies in its construction (even if the boot looks classic on the outside), with the maximum degree of foot protection - after all, conditions are very extreme in mountaineering. Design and construction can often differ from what we are used to; as a rule, bright colors of shoes are used. There are many extremely lightweight designs on the market today, in which low weight and ultimate functionality come to the fore in comparison with the boot resource. Of course, such shoes are more expensive than just trekking shoes and, at the same time, are not so comfortable for long walking on flat terrain due to a very rigid sole with a relatively flat profile. This shape allows you to comfortably move around the rocks and ice climbing in crampons. To fix the latter, mountaineering boots are equipped with special welts at the front and back, or only at the back (on lightweight models). It is in this type of footwear that natural materials have recently been actively replaced by artificial ones. The fact is that the latter better meet the main criterion of mountaineering - the maximum reduced weight with maximum functionality. The resource is secondary here. Therefore, modern fabrics, rubber, plastic and composite materials are increasingly replacing very durable and wear-resistant, but heavy leather. Climbing boots often have additional insulation - after all, in the mountains, at altitudes it is very cold all year round.

In boots for technical mountaineering, the main emphasis is on the convenience of climbing in them on the most difficult terrain and lightness of construction. A good fit on the foot is achieved with a special shape of the last and a long lacing from the toe. The outsole often has a climbe zone with a smooth tread on the toe for better traction on the rock.

In high-altitude climbing shoes, the most important criterion is maximum thermal insulation. Boots for climbing eight-thousanders can withstand frost down to -60 degrees for some time! At the same time, they weigh very little. Often these shoes are also used for polar expeditions. It has a multi-layer construction and is made, as a rule, only of artificial materials.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN BUYING

WHERE TO BUY? On the Internet, everything is now mostly cheaper than in a store. But even experienced tourists and climbers who have changed more than one pair of shoes can make a mistake when choosing in an online store. It is not recommended to buy your first pair or shoes from an unknown manufacturer on the Internet. Remember, the miser pays twice. At a minimum, you will have to return the pair that you have been waiting for from several days to several weeks and order a new one. Therefore, if you do not have a lot of time for such feats, buy in large outfit centers with good assortment and qualified personnel. Keep in mind, however, that each center distributes a certain number of manufacturers and it is to purchase the products of these manufacturers that you will be persuaded in every possible way. Of course, you can try it on in the store and order it elsewhere ...

RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVISORS. Most beginners have more experienced and reputable friends who are happy to help with advice when choosing equipment. Only now their advice is often categorical and categorical. Take THIS period! Why? Because it suits me, then it will suit you. It is better to stay away from such advisors. Only you know about the peculiarities of the structure of your leg - fullness, lifting height, some individual characteristics require you to choose a comfortable shoe "for yourself". A competent seller will definitely ask you questions about the features of the structure of your leg and your preferences, and only then will he help you with the choice. Even very good manufacturers have different pads. You need to choose the one that is right for you. Choose your shoes carefully, usually they are bought for more than one year.

SHOES SHOULD BE MEASURED! Travel shoes need to be measured very carefully. This should be done at the end of the day, with swollen feet, and use hiking socks to try on. Before buying, you need to spend at least 10-15 minutes in laced shoes. Shoes should "sit" on you and be comfortable right away. Don't expect it to "spread" and "sit down." If you experience discomfort in the store, chances are you will have problems later.

FOOTWEAR AND INNOVATION. Choose shoes according to your criteria. Don't be fooled by trendy and bright designs and unverified manufacturers. There is always the risk of serious disappointment in new, revolutionary models. Do you want to become a tester of new ideas for a manufacturer for your own money with an unknown result? This is a dubious idea that I recommend abandoning. Proven solutions won't get you off track or getting in trouble on a long hike. So be careful.

MEMBRANE. For tall trekking shoes these days, the membrane is the default. In 95% of cases, the membrane in the boot is really worth recommending. It is only better that it was a membrane from GORE-TEX or EVENT. But if you go to a VERY wet region, for example, to Norway or Kamchatka or somewhere else, where rivers often cross knee-deep without taking off your shoes and many times a day, that is, if you are guaranteed to get your feet wet many times during the hike , then you don't need a membrane! Choose boots without a membrane and with a smooth leather liner. These shoes can be dried on a hike, unlike boots with a membrane, which you will still try to dry (including over a fire) and which you will simply ruin. And remember - the membrane requires care and careful use.

PROTECTION. If you are shopping for challenging hiking shoes, you should look at the models with all-over rubber protection along the bottom of the boot. This will significantly extend the resource and protect your legs. I am glad that the "rubber band" has become a trend lately. For simple trekking and town, boots may be without additional protection.

TONGUE. When choosing, pay close attention to the design of the tongue. This is often an area for manufacturer innovation. They often try to experiment with the tongue and are not always successful. Don't fall for the marketing bait! The tongue should be comfortable from the very beginning, this is a "risk zone" and you need to be very careful when trying on. Many manufacturers offer the ability to adjust the height of the tongue. It's pretty handy. Make sure the tongue is not uncomfortable - best shoes the one that after a few minutes you stop noticing on your leg.

USE AND CARE OF YOUR BOOTS

I won't write anything particularly new here. Keep your shoes as clean as possible, especially the inside. When hiking, use every opportunity to dry your boot and remove the insole. Remember that even the most beautiful membrane “breathes” rather conditionally, and even the most beautiful girls sweat on their legs. From time to time, spray the inside of the boot with hygienic sprays, and wipe it with antibacterial wipes during the hike. Dry your shoes very gently. Just in the shade in the wind or in the sun (but with a feeling, don't overheat). Try not to dry it out or place it on a hot battery. Many civilized shelters are now installing special dryers for shoes, you can also have your own, from ski boots. You can also stuff slightly damp shoes with paper at night. If water just leaks out of the shoe (say, you fell into a stream), first wipe the inside with a camping towel as thoroughly as possible, then with napkins or toilet paper, only then start drying. Sitting near a cozy fire, remember that synthetics are very bad for sparks and high temperatures... This is especially true for shoes with a membrane.

Out-of-the-box shoes are usually water-repellent (often referred to as DWR). Over time, it is wiped off with various abrasives such as dirt, washed off and begins to get very wet. Even if there is a membrane inside, it is still unpleasant. Therefore, apply the water-repellent coating yourself at home. The necessary funds for this are sold in outfitting centers and on the Internet (be careful with the latter). There you also need to purchase means for washing shoes (especially if shoes with a membrane). Better to clean your shoes by hand, the machine is not as effective.

REMEMBER that trekking boots are only part of the system, which also includes socks, gaiters (or shoe covers), as well as crampons, or an ice ax (on ascents). Only a competent and comprehensive use of camping equipment will help you create maximum comfort when traveling, even over very rough terrain. Much also depends on your skills. All a good choice and exciting travel! The road will be mastered by the walking one.

When choosing equipment for traveling in the taiga, you need to start, perhaps, with the simplest, but at the same time, with the most important thing - with shoes.
More recently, the entire choice of hiking shoes was reduced to sneakers, rubber boots, hiking or army boots.
There is no need to talk seriously about sneakers as shoes for a difficult journey through the taiga.

Rubber boots can do well in wet, waterlogged soil. At the same time, in glued boots, the legs get tired less, however, cast boots are more durable, they are not so afraid of sharp dry branches. But, frankly, going on a long taiga trip, a fair part of which will pass through the swamps, it is naive to assume that you will not be able to get your feet wet. In any case, geologists, prospectors and other field workers, receiving rubber boots and knowing that they will have to work in swamps, usually immediately pierce these shoes so that water flows in and out, so to speak, on its own. If every time, having scooped up water, you stop and pour it out of your boots, then there will be no time to work.

More than one generation of tourists has sported ordinary tourist or similar tall army boots... These are good, durable, and in many ways versatile hiking shoes. The boot, taken one size up, allows you to insert a felt insole and put on a thick sock, and high lacing tightly wraps the ankle. It is necessary that the toe of the shoe does not press on the toes. In order to increase the water-repellent properties of the shoe and the elasticity of the leather, you need to soak it with a mixture of fifty grams of paraffin and two hundred grams of drying oil heated over a low fire, to which you must successively add one hundred grams of rubber glue and one hundred grams of castor oil. It is important, before adding a new ingredient to a warm mass, to thoroughly mix the liquid beforehand to achieve its homogeneity. In hiking conditions, boots can be lubricated with any unsalted fat. In this case, first the boot must be heated near the flame of a primus or a fire (the main thing is not to overheat it, otherwise the skin will warp), and then apply a thin layer of fat. This procedure must be repeated several times, until, when pressing on the skin, fat begins to appear from it. In the absence of grease, you can improve the water resistance of shoes by soaking them in tar. Tar can be easily obtained from birch bark by placing it in a tightly closed container and heating it over low heat until a dark, pungent-smelling liquid forms. This liquid is tar, which is used to lubricate dry and slightly warmed up shoes by the fire.

Several years ago on russian market the so-called trekking shoes appeared, specially designed for travel of varying difficulty - from weekend hikes to climbing Mount Everest. Leaving aside boots for high-altitude and polar expeditions and turn to middle-class footwear, which is perfect for taiga travel.

Good trekking boots are usually made from a single piece of fatty leather or water-repellent nubuck lined with breathable membrane fabrics like Gore-Tex or Cambrelle, which makes the boots durable, waterproof, provides dry foot and water vapor removal from the shoe. The structure of the outsole, made of durable Vibram rubber, perfectly holds the foot on any surface. Asymmetric tongue, high cuff and quick lacing / unlacing system of the shoe fixes the foot well without overtightening blood vessels and ensuring uniform contact of the foot with the shoe.

In shoes for difficult hikes, an intermediate shock-absorbing sole made of ethyl vinyl acetate, polyurethane, nylon and various shock-absorbing inserts are necessarily provided, which protects the foot from unnecessary shock loads during long transitions and reduces the risk of foot twisting. The reinforced heel and toe protect the foot from impacts, and the anatomical insole, supporting the arch of the foot, reduces fatigue. The comfort in these boots is guaranteed. Manufacturing firms whose product quality is beyond doubt - Salomon, Garmont, Dolomite, La Sportiva, One Sport.

Sometimes you can see trekking shoes in stores. Most of these shoes are designed for walking and running on rough terrain, recreation and sports in nature, walks in the forest, and not for difficult long taiga expeditions. However, some models (such as Adidas pleva, Eider kwad high), made using almost the same technologies as trekking boots, look very decent and can probably be used on serious hikes. Whatever your hiking shoes, you should first carry them out and only then go on a trip.

It may so happen that during a hike, the boots will become completely unusable or will be lost. Then you have to start making improvised shoes. The simplest sandals can be made from a piece of wood and cloth. To do this, a small piece of fabric, animal skin or tree bark is sewn to the wooden sole with threads, thin branches, tendons.

More comfortable are soft shoes made of leather or animal skins, made in the manner of the one worn by the northern peoples and hunters in the east and north of our country - moccasins, ichigi, olochi. These are high ankle boots without soles and heels, made of kamus - skins from the feet of an elk or other deer.

To remove the camus from the killed animal, circular incisions are made in the upper and lower parts of the joint, and then, tearing off the skin from the leg, they pull it through the hoof. The skin removed in this way after dressing remains tightly sewn up along the lower edge, make an incision at the top for the leg, along the edges of which to pierce holes for the laces. As a sole, you can use an additional piece of hide, hemmed to the bottom of the moccasins. Dry grass or moss will serve as insoles in such shoes.

In any weather (unless it is too hot), it is better to use the wool socks, not cotton. The latter very often get lost in folds, with which it is easy to rub the legs. In rubber or tarpaulin boots, footcloths are wound over the sock.

Clothes and footwear for hiking

Camping equipment should be selected so that you feel comfortable, warm and dry, while things should not duplicate each other. Maximum functionality with minimum quantity and weight is the ideal to strive for. We dress according to the principle of "cabbage": you can take off the excess in the heat, or, conversely, put on something if it gets cold.

For simple hikes, it is quite possible to get by with simple and inexpensive equipment. Clothing requirements increase in proportion to the difficulty of the hike. There is no need to buy "cool" equipment if you are going on an easy hike for the first time in your life. A membrane jacket is good, but for a simple hike, you can get by with a regular, inexpensive windbreaker. "Brand" fleece can be easily replaced with a Chinese one for 300 rubles. Etc. But if you have to hike in serious mountains and snow, then you need to approach the selection of clothes much more carefully, because low-quality equipment can turn into not only discomfort, but also a big problem.

ATTENTION! This is NOT a hiking gear list! Many (almost all) possible positions are listed here, which are taken on different hikes.

clothing

Running pants -in these pants you will have to walk all day on the route. They are needed for almost any trip. It is best to have these pants made of synthetic materials: they are lightweight, dry quickly and can be easily washed. Keep in mind that on a rainy day, the trails will get wet and the bottom of the legs will be very dirty. It will be extremely difficult to wash cotton fabrics by hand on a hike. If there are trousers with detachable trousers (these are the ones that “turn trousers”) - very good. Jeans are NOT suitable as running pants: they weigh a lot, wet ones cannot be dried.

Raincoat (raincoat, rain cover) - a must have if your windbreaker gets wet. When going on any hikes, both easy and difficult, you need to think about protection from the rain. The argument “I thought it wouldn’t rain, and so I didn’t take a raincoat” sounds very childish, although our instructors occasionally hear this. Almost EVERY list of equipment has an item "raincoat" (a rare exception - countries with a pronounced tropical climate, where it never rains in a certain season). Better to let the raincoat lie in your backpack for the whole trip than it won't end up in a downpour. If you are pleased with the prospect of walking through and through wet in a piercing wind - in this case, you can not take a raincoat :) Raincoats are:

Thin polyethylene multi-colored - in which grandmothers usually sell flowers near the metro. We do not take such raincoats on a hike, because colored polyethylene will remain on the very first bushes or tear when you put on a backpack;

Dense polyethylene - you can take it, but there is a drawback: polyethylene raincoats “do not breathe” and you cannot walk in them for a long time, you will get wet anyway, because sweat;

Made from special fabric - sold in equipment stores, are inexpensive, breathable (you don't sweat under it) and withstand heavy rain;

Sneakers or sneakers - we take them on light NOT mountain hikes or as spare shoes for parking, simple radial exits, for civilization and the road. Sneakers should be comfortable, well-worn, and light in weight. Desirable without nets on the side and on top: nets break very easily against the roots. But holey sneakers are suitable for rafting - so that water pours out of them faster.

Rubber boots - we do not take almost any trip. Although on the hike itself, many times it may seem that rubber boots would be very useful here - remember how much they weigh, and add this to the weight of the backpack. And if you scoop up water in a boot, it will not dry out until the end of the hike. In addition, rubber boots are not intended for walking in the mountains, they are heavy, uncomfortable, and slip even on a wet forest path (slipping into the mud, even if with dry feet, is little joy). Rubber boots are needed for the minimum number of trips, and the coordinator will tell you about this separately.

Galoshes - light rubber, without holes, “gardener's slippers”. They are very useful as spare shoes in parking lots when you need to walk on wet grass or moss. Crocs will not work, because with holes.

Rubber slippers-flip flops ("coral") - take on trips abroad, where there is a lot of sea and sun. The rest can be easily replaced with Velcro sandals.

Shoe covers - these are rubber galoshes with a top made of dense fabric, completely cover the boot along with the sole and the leg to the knee. Shoe covers are useful to take on hiking-climbing and winter hiking. They do not allow shoes to get wet, protect from snow and rain.

EXAMPLE of shoe covers:

Gaiters or "lanterns" - these are “pipes” made of dense fabric, they cover the leg and only the upper part of the boot. Lighter than shoe covers, but do not give 100% protection from getting wet if you step into a deep puddle. Leggings are taken on serious mountain hikes, they help keep shoes dry when walking on wet grass, mud, snow.

EXAMPLE of gaiters:

Wish you good training!

Tell your friends!

No one really knows exactly why tourism is such a popular pastime. Maybe it's nature that attracts us or is it a desire to explore the world around us? This is most likely a combination of several factors.

When it comes to hiking, all you really need is a pair of quality boots and open space. Boots will be discussed in our rating. We have prepared for you the best examples of various hiking boots.

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The perfect combination of durability and lightweight construction Targhee II Provides extra protection and cushioning where needed and retains resilience elsewhere. Waterproof, breathable shoes weigh just over 450 grams (each shoe), which is currently a good indicator. Breathable waterproof membrane KEEN.DRThe Y in Targhee II keeps your feet dry, while the 4mm outsole provides excellent traction and the shape of the boot prevents your ankles from spraining.

Shoes won't slow you down on adventures. The nubuck outer layer will be a nice and nice touch to the overall impression of the shoe.

Price on keenfootwear.com - $ 135

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These shoes are designed for outdoor activities and extreme travel. The GORE-TEX membrane miraculously provides excellent ventilation and prevents moisture from entering the boot. Pad and insole in Capra Mid Sport are impregnated with a special antibacterial composition, so you do not need to worry about the spread of bacteria and the appearance of unpleasant odors on long and tiring hikes.

The outsole provides high reliability and better traction. The shape of the shoe and the midsole stabilize the foot and prevent the ankle from accidental sprains and injuries, regardless of the surface relief.

Price on the website merrell.com - $ 190

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Footwear Breeze 1.0 from the firm Vasque, which came out back in 2004, made a lot of noise. She was wildly popular with hikers. This year Vasque has updated this line with the release of Breeze 2.0 GTX, which has become even lighter and stronger; it provides great ventilation and meets all the needs of the modern traveler.

Breeze 2.0 GTX - these are stylish shoes, in which you can go on long hikes of easy to medium difficulty without hesitation, including mountain routes. You can feel comfortable in these shoes for a long time.

The shoe has a durable sole Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Contactproviding excellent grip. The boots are made of materials that provide excellent ventilation due to the membrane structure. Outside, the boots are made of waterproof nubuck. The use of EVA foam made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the boots (1104g per pair).

Price on vasque.com - $ 170

For any traveler, footwear is the main piece of equipment, on which, if not everything, then almost everything depends. The winter period imposes additional requirements on shoes, without which, the upcoming hike can be ruined and completed ahead of schedule. In winter, the legs experience very serious additional loads, which can be significantly reduced by choosing the right winter shoes.

In addition to the quality of the shoes themselves, it is necessary to understand and correctly assess the conditions in which the hike or transition will take place. Any trail passing through a winter forest will require from a tourist not only warm and well-made shoes. The key will be the combination of warmth with waterproofness and weight of such shoes. On the other hand, mountainous terrain and rugged terrain are less tied to the waterproofness of the shoe, but they place increased demands on its strength and protection of the feet from sharp corners and fragments of rock and stones.

Hike in the winter forest

Depending on the duration of the hike, forest footwear can be selected from different options wading insulated boots, or more serious hunting shoes, with additional insulation. It is clear that even a very active walk of up to one day requires relatively warm shoes, which can be reinforced with rubberized inserts for moisture resistance. When choosing shoes for hiking in the forest for 1-2 days, you should be much more careful when choosing shoes. The main requirement, in addition to heat and moisture resistance, in this case, will also be versatility and the ability to quickly dry. As for quick drying, this, of course, is an option if you fall into a deep swamp, but here, apart from a good fire, there is little that will help you dry out. Otherwise, sturdy boots, ideally rubberized leather, with fleece inserts or footcloths, are ideal.

For a longer stay in the winter forest, simply matching one pair of boots will not work. The equipment will need to include additionally, warm and soft boots or, in severe frosts, felt boots. Such shoes will allow you to relax your feet after going to the parking lot and avoid unnecessary swelling and chafing. Of the key players in the boot market specializing in footwear for such conditions, one can single out Meindl and, to a lesser extent, Salomon... In terms of budget options, any sturdy marsh boots with additional insulation. Moreover, such boots are often more practical in our forests, which, even in severe frosts, are replete with erosion and non-freezing swamps.

Shoes for the winter highlands

Footwear for mountain trekking varies greatly depending on the route. For a more or less serious route, trekking boots are no longer suitable, but climbing boots will still be superfluous. Especially due to being overweight. Heavy trekking boots will differ from very light models with a denser and more inflexible sole, often with a rear attachment for crampons. In addition, such shoes will be reinforced with thicker upper materials and insulation of the inner layer. Such shoes will mainly be useful for mountain tourists who make frequent outings, without a long stay in parking lots and do not include technically too difficult mountain climbing in their route. Among the most recommended brands of such shoes, the already mentioned Salomon and Asolo.

Multilayer outsole, welts narrower both front and back, steel bindings, these are already the signs of the most serious equipment for mountaineering. Shoes of this class will allow you to plan the most difficult routes without worrying about the safety of your legs. As a rule, such boots have very serious insulation and systems from snow penetration. Also, the outer casing of the boots assumes sufficient ventilation to keep the foot from damp. Such shoes are poorly designed for movement on flat terrain and are not suitable for hiking on a rough route. As in other shoes, it is worth paying special attention to socks, which should be hygroscopic throughout the route and keep the foot dry. LA SPORTIVA and Salmon in this class, shoes are far ahead of their competitors, although they are quite expensive.

Crossed winter route

In these transitions, which involve a different changing landscape, boots for light trekking have proven themselves the most. This shoe has not yet completely lost its use on horizontal surfaces in its evolution, so it will be a good choice in this case. At the same time, having already a serious tracking class, it will provide not only warmth to the legs and protection on various slopes, but also protect the legs from impacts and bruises, rigidly fixing the ankle, which will not allow the leg to dislocate. Here, the same Salomon is already out of competition, the variety of light shoes which will satisfy any request.

Any of the hiking options in the winter requires a very careful study of both the route and equipment. The same fully applies to footwear, the choice of which will determine half of the success of the hike and its quality.