Mountain footwear is distinguished from hiking footwear; although they are often confused, each practice requires its own specialized equipment. Mountain footwear, designed for more extreme conditions, stands out for its superior waterproof and thermal properties as well as having better protection on the sides and toe to protect the foot in more aggressive environments. It is prepared to withstand icy and snowy environments, and is compatible with crampons. Mountaineering is a technical sport that demands high-quality materials.
"The adventure begins with a good pair of boots."
Categories of mountain footwear
We can group them into two large groups.
High mountain boots: designed for mountaineering and technical ascents. Highly resistant, waterproof, thermally insulated and compatible with ice and snow crampons.
Expedition boots: designed for long expeditions in extreme conditions. Maximum protection against the cold, extreme insulation, compatible with gaiters, and use of advanced technologies to keep feet dry and as warm as possible.
The stiffness of the sole
The choice of sole stiffness depends on the type of mountaineering activity you undertake. Stiffer soles provide more support and stability on difficult terrain, while more flexible soles offer greater comfort on less demanding hikes. The shank plays an essential role in the structure and stiffness of the boot, ensuring support and durability.
The shank is an internal reinforcement piece located between the sole and the insole of the boot. Its main function is to provide longitudinal rigidity and support to the arch of the foot. Shanks are made of various materials, such as steel, fiberglass, carbon or reinforced plastics, and contribute significantly to the rigidity and durability of the boot.
"Stifler soles offer greater support and stability on difficult terrain"
Evaluate the primary terrain of your activities; rougher and more technical terrain requires stiffer soles to prevent foot fatigue and pain during long hikes. Make sure the boots have the right stiffness and design for compatibility with crampons needed. The choice of sole stiffness depends on the type of mountaineering activity; stiffer soles offer greater support and stability on difficult terrain, while more flexible soles provide comfort on less demanding hikes, with the essential shank ensuring support and durability.
For example:
On moderate terrain and mixed trails, boots with semi-rigid soles provide a good balance between flexibility and support, ideal for multi-day trekking in mountains such as the Pyrenees.
For technical rock or ice climbing, boots with extremely stiff soles are required to allow excellent energy transfer and stability on vertical surfaces. An example would be climbing on Mont Blanc, where conditions can vary from hard ice to steep rock.
On alpine expeditions that include glacier traverses and ascents of technically demanding peaks such as Aconcagua in the Andes, boots with stiff soles are essential to withstand the use of automatic crampons and provide the necessary stability on mixed snow and rock terrain.
Choosing crampons
- Compatibility: Make sure the crampons are compatible with the type of boot you are using. Check if your boot has the necessary slots for automatic or semi-automatic crampons.
- Activity: Consider the type of activity you will be doing. More technical crampons are necessary for technical ascents and ice climbing, while strap-on crampons are sufficient for glacier hiking and general mountaineering.
- Fit: Choose crampons that fit your boot well without being loose or too tight. A good fit is essential for safety and performance.
- Material: Steel crampons are more durable and suitable for technical and rocky terrain, while aluminum crampons are lighter and suitable for non-technical snow and ice.
Thermal insulation
You will usually find the temperature ranges for use in the technical descriptions of the boots. Today, all boots include a breathable waterproof membrane, but the thermal insulation varies. Some boots use materials such as wool, felt, polyester or Primaloft, which are known for their ability to retain heat by trapping warm air near the foot.
On boots designed for extremely cold conditions, the boot collar is often fitted with insulating materials and is adjustable to seal in warmth around the ankle.
The level of thermal insulation required will depend on the type of activity and the environment in which the boot will be used.