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Welcome to our Stories, a special blog, where our friends write about their experiences and adventures in the Monterosa area. If you would like to visit Champoluc, Gressoney, Alagna or other villages in the Aosta Valley, trek or ski in the Monterosa, discover Sardinia or other places we offer, contact us!

How to choose the perfect trekking boot

How to choose the perfect trekking boot
Posted: May 13, 2019
Categories: News
Comments: 0
Many of our guests ask us how to choose the perfect pair of shoes for their trek. So we thought it would be a good idea to share some insight about shoe fitting, different types of hiking boots and when to opt for which kind. In the end you want to maximize the comfort and stability on the trail and minimize the weight. 

The question 

It is all about HOW and WHERE you trek. The how is about you, your feet, walk and how much you have to carry on your walk. The where is about the trail, the ground, the gradient, distance and the weather conditions.

The shop 

Before you can choose the right shoe you need to choose the right shop. If you already know what to buy you can go ahead with an online buy. The less you know the more competent staff you’ll need. The staff should be able to help you answer both the questions how and where and hence maximize comfort and stability and minimize the weight.

The time 

Choosing the right shoes should take time. A good start is to go for a brand you’ve worn before, the fit tend to be similar among different models and over time. However, if this is your first time a hiking boot, it is wise to try on different brands. Spend some time in the store. Stroll through the department, walk up and down the stairs if they are such. Try to find a decline surface in the shop.

The fit 

So know when you got this far it’s time for the actual fitting. Any hiking shoe should fit comfortably around your foot, be tight nowhere and offer room to wiggle your toes. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping, this means that the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk.

The type 

We don’t like making life more difficult than necessary. So this time we’ve made three different categories of footwear for your walks in the mountains:

Hiking shoes 

A low cut model with flexible midsole is perfect for day trips and walks with light packing. Some trekkers even choose a trail running shoe for easier tours.

Hiking boot 

These are available in both low and high models and are suitable for day trips or weekend trips with backpack and for treks on uneven ground. A high boot gives you more ankle support. A boot will also protect your toes during the descent.

Backpacking boot 

These are made, for you, to be able to carry heavier packing during a several days hiking in the mountains. Most have a high abrasion above the ankle that provides excellent support. Backpacking boots are characterized by long service life and support, with a harder midsole than lighter hiking shoes. These are suitable for both on and off-trail. When you go on your multi-day backpacking trip, there are chances when you encounter snow. With crampon-compatible backpacking boots, you are prepared to tackle such.

Mountaineering boots 

These are used for ice climbing, mixed, rock an ice climbing, and crevasse traverse. The mountaineering boot is torsionally rigid and crampon compatible.


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