How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots?

With the arrival of fine weather, we get an irresistible urge to stretch our legs. Whether you're the type to climb peaks or stroll on wooded trails near home, one thing is certain: to fully enjoy your nature outings, you'd better be well-shod. And we're not just talking about style! A good pair of hiking boots is the secret to combining pleasure, comfort... and avoiding blisters.

But how to find your way through the jungle of models offered? After comparing dozens of models and scouring reviews from enthusiasts, one thing is clear: to find the best hiking boots, you can trust Glisshop, the outdoor equipment specialist.

Here's our selection according to your hiker profile.

1. For occasional walkers: comfort and lightness above all

Do you go for walks every other weekend, or on vacation, on marked and relatively flat trails? No need to invest in ultra-technical hiking boots. What you need is lightness, flexibility, and minimal cushioning.

We recommend:

Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX: Light, breathable, with good grip on dry or wet terrain. Perfect for small day hikes.

Merrell Moab 3 GTX: A very popular model for its versatility and immediate comfort, like hiking slippers.

Asolo Cerium GV: Comfortable, stylish and well-designed, these shoes are ideal for occasional walkers who want to start hiking with confidence.

Our Tip: Choose low or mid-cut shoes for greater flexibility, especially if you stay on trails without too much elevation gain.

2. For regular hikers: durability and support

If you often go on adventures, even in the rain, on more technical trails or multi-day hikes, you need a more robust shoe, with good ankle support and a sole that holds the road, even when it's muddy.

We recommend:

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid: A classic. Excellent build quality, optimal support, perfect waterproofing.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX: An excellent choice for demanding terrain. Good grip, reliable support, Gore-Tex waterproofing, all in a shoe that is both technical and comfortable.

Salewa MTN Trainer 2 Mid GTX: Solid, waterproof and well-gripped, this mid-height shoe is designed for rough terrain. Good foot protection, precise ankle support and efficient Vibram sole even on wet ground. A safe choice for demanding hikers.

Our Tip: Consider taking a half size larger to anticipate feet that swell at the end of the day.

3. For expert walkers or mountain adventurers: technical features and protection

Do you hike in high mountains, go trekking, or tackle rough terrain? You need very technical shoes, designed to absorb shocks, protect you from the cold, and ensure your stability even with a loaded backpack.

We recommend:

Hanwag Tatra II GTX: A very reliable long-distance hiking shoe, with robust leather, excellent waterproofing and impeccable support even on challenging terrain. Ideal for long walks with load carrying.

Meindl Vakuum GTX: Robust, comfortable and designed for challenging treks, this high-top nubuck leather shoe features a Gore‑Tex membrane for reliable waterproofing. Its Vibram Multigriff sole offers excellent grip, and the rock guard effectively protects the foot on rough terrain. A true guarantee of stability for long hikes and load carrying

Asolo Fugitive GTX: Very good support, good waterproofing, ideal for challenging treks.

Our Tip: This type of shoe requires a short adaptation period. Wear them first on short outings to "break them in" before a big adventure.

In summary

Choosing your hiking boots well is above all knowing your usage. At Glisshop, you'll find a wide selection of models adapted to all profiles, whether you're a Sunday stroller or an inveterate trekker. And if you have doubts, their team of enthusiasts is always ready to advise you!

We collaborated with Glisshop to bring you this selection of tested and approved shoes.

Happy hiking!