Scaling to new heights: How to choose the perfect hiking shoes

Your comfort is everything, and it all starts with your shoes! 🥾

When it comes to hiking or climbing, your footwear needs to provide protection from the terrain and weather, as well as comfort and durability for heavy use. Popular materials include leather and rubber, while hard Vibram-type soles, waterproof casing with reinforced friction points, and an ankle-wrapping collar offer extra stability with every step. Depending on the conditions, shoes are divided into dry ground and winter field shoes, each with subcategories. Pro-tip: for maximum comfort, choose shoes that are at least half a size larger than your everyday shoes.

What about winter boots? ❄️

These boots are all about insulation and ruggedness and are categorized into four types: B0, B1, B2, and B3.

• B0 boots have a soft sole and are unsuitable for crampons and hard snow.
• B1 boots have a slightly stiffer sole and can accommodate laced flexible crampons but may be uncomfortable in hard snow.
• B2 boots have a stiff and reinforced heel for semi-fast crampons and are suitable for easy climbing.
• B3 boots can technically accept crampons and are used for difficult climbing and extreme conditions but may not be comfortable on dry ground due to their stiffness.

How do you choose rock climbing shoes? 🧗

Rock climbing shoes are designed specifically for climbing and are lightweight with a narrow, form-fitting shape that hugs the foot tightly. The sole is made of smooth rubber that "sticks" to the rock, providing better traction and control. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with more asymmetrical styles being more specialized.

Pro-tip: Rock climbing shoes should be worn at least half a size smaller than your regular shoes. If you're a beginner, choose hard-soled shoes instead of asymmetrical shapes for greater comfort while your foot is still adjusting to the activity.