How to choose the right shoes for winter hiking

In autumn and winter, to face the rain, mud and even snow or ice, you must be well equipped! Follow our advice on the essential points to be at ease on all types of terrains, all of the time:

1- Confirm the waterproofing of your shoes

Whether your shoe is warm or not, it will be of no use if you do not make sure it's waterproof. At Quechua the waterproof test is done on movement : the submerged shoe goes under 3 levels of waterproof flexure, which are as follows: 2000 flexures (around 2 hours of walking), 4000 flexures (around 4 hours of walking) and 8000 flexures (around 8 hours of walking). You can find this information in the technical characteristics of the products description and you will have a good idea of what your shoe can bear!

If the waterproofing of your shoe has faded over time, do not hesitate to revive them with a re-waterproofing spray.

And if you have good hiking shoes but they are not waterproof, you can use gaiters. They will cover and protect you from moisture from above (rain).

2 – adapt the heat for your effort

Warning: your heating needs will be different if you are moving or stopped; choose your shoes and socks depending on the intensity of your activity.

A shoe too warm when walking will make sure you sweat and have sticky feet, do not opt for a shoe too warm for a high altitude walk as you will be cold once you have stopped. Furthermore, having sticky feet increases the risk of blisters !

Regarding the socks, a pair of wool socks will help you gain comfort and warmth. During strenuous exercise, it is preferable to have warm, breathable socks that wick away perspiration, preventing you from having wet feet. (And if you take an extra pair in your bag, you will be sure to have your feet dry all day!)

3 – make sure of the fit at your heel

The heel is important to keep your feet from touching the ground, but not only this!

If the sole is too smooth, then you will most likely fall over when walking on ice or hard snow. It is therefore the size of the spikes and the composition of the sole what’s important for choosing your winter shoes. A more pronounced crampon (about 5 mm) will give the base a better grip. A flexible component will be more adherent than a rigid component! Quechua shoes are specially developed for snowy grounds and are equipped with Snow Contact heel technology. Their components and their design are optimised to offer maximum grip and traction.

If your soles are too smooth you can equip them with crampons which position on the shoe a little like snow chains on a tire!

A pair of poles will also allow you to have a better balance.

You are now well equipped to enjoy the calm of the trails at the end of the year!