HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR MOUNTAINEERING SHOES?

If the ice axe is the symbol of mountaineering, it is the shoes that will take you further. In the past, the first adventurers escaped into the great spaces simply with shoes. Today, technical progress offers us models adapted to the specific terrain and climatic conditions of the high mountains. The choice of a mountaineering shoe should be determined by your desire, your use, and your budget. Let's take a look at its different characteristics.

---

The different types of mountaineering

Before choosing your mountaineering shoes, you should take time to identify your practice. Mountaineering is a vast field, including summer hiking in our beautiful mountains as well as climbing the highest peaks through almost inaccessible sides. In some cases, certain technical aspects of the shoe will be essential, while in others, they may be a compromise.

For a summer outing, unfolding your foot is essential. We turn our choice towards mountaineering shoes with relatively soft soles for maximum comfort. Less heavy, they are more pleasant and allow a more natural gait. The trails are full of snow at this time of year up in the mountains. Anti-moisture protection is therefore a must. However, when it comes to thermal insulation, you can be satisfied with the minimum. It is also possible to replace the thermal sole of a "winter" shoe with a more traditional and therefore breathable sole for your summer outings. When crossing firn, it is important to consider the type of crampons to use. This partly depends on the shape of the sole: with straps, semi-auto, or automatic.

For high and mid-mountain expeditions, sub-zero temperatures quickly assault your extremities. A Gore-Tex membrane ensures outstanding waterproofing for going out, whatever the weather. Breathable and waterproof, this membrane has revolutionized outdoor sports.

For mountaineering footwear, we're still looking for comfort, but with a compromise on a stiffer sole that can be fitted with crampons for climbing glaciers and traversing more technical passages.

---

Waterproofing/breathability: the compromise

Walking in wet snow, crossing streams, rain, and harsh weather conditions: to keep dry feet, mountaineering shoes are waterproof. Although it is possible to apply a waterproofing product to your new shoes, it is ideal to opt for a model that has already been treated. This will ensure better waterproofing.

However, waterproof does not mean watertight. If water cannot seep in from the outside, the moisture inside must be drained away. Otherwise, your foot will feel like it's in a plastic bag and will accumulate steam/mist inside. Poor ventilation can cause blisters, fungus, chafing, not to mention the feeling of cold. It is recommended in all cases, even with very breathable mountaineering shoes, to carry a spare pair of socks with you.

---

Thermal conditions

When you are about to venture to the highest peaks, it is better not to get cold feet!

The thermicity of a mountaineering shoe can help you decide between two models that interest you. Generally, manufacturers will state theoretical temperatures for which they are designed. Nevertheless, each person has their own sensitivity, some being more chilly than others!

One can complete one's gear with warm socks, more or less thick depending on the technicality of the fabric. There are insoles designed to keep the feet warm, thanks to insulating functions. In very cold weather conditions (below -15°C), overboots will help to retain maximum warmth.

---

The rigidity of mountaineering shoes

A sign of quality and resistance to wear and tear, is the rigidity of the sole and the shoe as a whole, as it helps with the climb. For smooth routes, stiff soles are less comfortable. However, they provide better grip for climbing rocks and hard surfaces.

Different types of soles

• Automatic
• Semi-automatic
• Classic soles

---

What sizes for mountaineering boots?

The right mountaineering boot size depends on the weather! For summer outings, opt for a shoe size half a size larger than your usual size. If venturing out in sub-zero temperatures, choose a size larger for thick socks.

It is always possible to change the insole. Either to adjust the size or to enhance warmth (insulating sole vs. insole). Leave space for toes to accommodate swelling during long hikes, avoiding blisters.

Comfort, flexibility, thermicity: finding mountaineering shoes that fit requires research and trials. The mountaineering departments offer a wide choice for all needs, from ski-mountaineering to ice climbing.