Shoes for hiking in the mountains over winter - which ones to choose?
Hiking mountain trails in winter brings with it many difficulties, such as icy conditions, the need to pave the way in deep snow and low temperatures. This is why it is so important to choose the right footwear adapted to the difficult weather conditions. Wearing unsuitable footwear during a mountain hike can significantly affect your comfort and safety, which in turn can result in a lack of satisfaction from the hike and increase the risk of injury or frostbite.
Not sure what criteria to consider when choosing winter boots for walking in the mountains? From the following article you will find out: what to look for when choosing winter boots for the mountains, how to choose winter boots under the crampons and micro crampons, whether to buy boots with membrane or without, and which snow boots to choose.
Good winter boots - so what kind?
Choosing the right footwear is a key part of planning a mountain trek that has a direct impact on safety and comfort throughout the route. Appropriate footwear:
- will protect your feet from injury,
- will protect your feet from the cold,
- minimises the risk of abrasions,
- will provide better grip on a variety of surfaces.
In this guide, we will focus on several topics. Amongst other things, we will describe: what features a good winter boot, especially trekking boots for winter, should have. However, we will not be discussing high-mountain models which, unlike winter trekking boots, are heavier, tougher and designed mainly for mountaineering or climbing rather than long hikes.
Height of the upper
When choosing winter boots for the mountains, it's a good idea to make sure they have a high upper to limit snow getting into the boot from the top. In addition, it is a good idea to secure the boots and legs gaiters, which have a protective function and prevent snow, mud or stones from getting inside your boots. If you put the stompers on shoes with a low upper, there is a risk of a gap through which snow can get inside the shoe.
Fit for the foot
When choosing shoes, it is important to choose the right ones for the shape of your foot, as the right fit will ensure you are comfortable when walking. Before buying, it is a good idea to try on several models and compare them with each other to choose the ones that fit your foot best. When trying on mountain boots, it is worth remembering a few important rules:
- It is advisable to measure shoes with mountain socks, which are thicker than normal socks.
- It is best to measure shoes in the evening when the foot is slightly larger, as feet swell when walking.
- It is worth making sure that the insole of the shoe is about 1 cm longer than the length of the foot.
- The laces should be tightened to the maximum up to the height of the first hook, and above that they can be loosened slightly.
Membrane
A membrane is an extra layer of material used in footwear that consists of a large number of small holes. These are larger than the water vapour molecules, but smaller than the water particles themselves. The use of a membrane in footwear means that vapour from inside the shoes can escape freely, while inhibiting the shoes from getting wet from the outside. Unlike non-breathable shoes such as wellingtons, the membrane layer allows the shoe to remain both waterproof and breathable. We will describe the benefits of a membrane in footwear in more detail later in this guide.
How to choose winter boots for crampons and micro crampons?
Winter boots for the mountains, even those at the higher end of the price spectrum, will not guarantee sufficient grip on icy and steep trails where snow and ice are not uncommon. In such situations, it is worth considering the purchase of crampons or crampons, which provide grip and thus make it easier to navigate the trails safely.
Versatility of micro crampons
The micro crampons work well on easy trails. They are versatile and fit most types of shoes. However, it's worth choosing the right size so that the crampons don't slip out of your shoes, but are also not too tight. Classic models are available in several sizes, so you can choose the right size.
Compatibility with crampons
Winter trekking boots designed to be worn in high alpine conditions should be compatible with crampons. It is a good idea to ensure that the footwear has a sufficiently stiff sole and that the sole is the correct size and shape. Using crampons on shoes that are too soft can lead to excessive flexing of the link and result in breakage.
Cancers are divided into three basic types:
- cage (strip),
- semi-automatic,
- automatic.
Trekking boots suitable for semi-automatic crampons have a distinctive rim at the heel which serves to attach the crampon. In the absence of a rim, the following can be used basket crampons to the boots, provided the boots are equipped with a suitably stiff sole. On the other hand, when the rim is located at both the back and the front, the boots are compatible with automatic crampons.
Winter boots with or without a membrane?
Winter boots for the mountains should be equipped with a membrane because, together with the impregnated upper material, it creates effective protection against water particles. The advantages of a membrane in boots are:
- Protection against moisture — the membrane keeps the inside of the shoe dry, preventing feet from getting wet in rain, snow or wading in puddles.
- Thermal comfort — thanks to reduced moisture permeability, boots equipped with a membrane provide better thermal insulation in colder conditions.
- Breathability — the membrane ensures that the shoes are breathable by allowing water vapour to flow freely to the outside of the shoe. As a result, feet are better ventilated and sweating is less noticeable.
A popular option is the Gore-Tex membrane, but there are other options available on the market such as: Omni-Tech, Hydraguard, Dintex, Climaprotect or Supratex. In winter, shoes with a membrane should be particularly well cared for and frequently treated. Waterproofing your boots has a positive effect on the performance of the membrane - improving its waterproofing without losing breathability.
Winter boots for the mountains - with or without insulation?
Non-insulated shoes are versatile and suitable for year-round use. They can be worn in both summer and winter, so you don't have to change footwear depending on the season. If you plan to hike mainly on popular Polish mountain trails, uninsulated trekking boots in combination with warm socks may be suitable for most hikes.
However, it may be that a thick sock alone is not enough. Additional insulation is therefore a solution to consider when choosing winter boots for the mountains. In this case, it is worth paying attention to whether the boots are equipped with a good insulating layer that not only keeps you warm, but also ensures proper wicking to the outside. The amount of insulation should be adapted to the prevailing conditions. In Polish conditions, 100-200g of insulation should be sufficient.
Snow boots for mountain hiking
Snow boots are footwear that are great for classic winter hiking. They are characterised by a high upper that can reach up to mid-calf. Snow boots that are fully waterproof are the best choice. For this reason, look out for models equipped with a membrane. A good choice is an upper made of leather and covered at the bottom with a waterproof material such as rubber.
Range of winter boots for the mountains at Militaria.pl
We hope that the information presented above will help you to choose the right winter boots for the mountains. The models available on the market may be equipped with modern technology, but the use of a membrane and a high upper in the boots is fundamental. The fit of the boots to the shape and size of your foot is also important.
Militaria. pl offers a wide selection of trekking boots and snow boots from renowned manufacturers. Winter boots are designed for a variety of weather and terrain conditions. Explore the range of winter boots at Militaria.co.uk and find a model to suit your needs.
