Top 10 Tips for Choosing Hiking Shoes

The goal when hiking is to have fun! You still need to wear them well... Come on, it's a gift: we give you the 10 best tips for choosing your hiking shoes. Improve your comfort during your outdoor adventures. Also discover how Muule deciphers the impact of hiking shoe brands to allow you to travel within the rules!

Hiking is life. A passion shared by many adventurers around the world, a unique way to discover natural beauty while engaging in physical activity. To fully enjoy these experiences, it is essential to choose your shoes correctly.
hiking. The wrong pair can turn a pleasant trip into a test of strength that you don't want to experience. This detailed article
offers ten essential tips to help you select the ideal women's hiking shoes or men's hiking shoes , ensuring comfort, safety and durability for all your adventures.

3. I select suitable materials and substances

The choice of materials greatly influences the durability and performance of shoes. Leather, for example, offers robustness and water resistance.
but may require an adjustment period and is generally heavier.
Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, are lightweight and dry quickly, but may wear out more quickly. For wet conditions, opt for
shoes with waterproof and breathable membranes, such as Gore-Tex hiking shoes, which protect against water while allowing your feet to breathe.

4. I check the type of sole

The sole plays a crucial role in providing traction and stability. Opt for sturdy outsoles with deep lugs for better grip on wet or unstable terrain. Quite a few of our models at Muule are hiking shoe models with a Vibram sole . The midsole should provide a good balance of cushioning and support, often made of EVA or polyurethane foam, to absorb shock while stabilizing the foot.

5. I take into account the support of my ankle

Ankle support is crucial, especially on uneven terrain or if you have a heavy backpack. High-top shoes help prevent sprains by stabilizing the ankle. For gentler terrain or day hikes, low-top hiking shoes may be sufficient, offering more lightness and flexibility. Beyond ankle support, there are also models for hikers looking for hiking shoes for women or men with sensitive feet.

6. I take into account the weight of the shoes

The weight of shoes can impact your endurance and comfort during long hikes. Lighter models minimize the
fatigue but may offer less protection. It is important to find a balance between weight and the functionality needed, depending on the nature of your adventures. Do not hesitate to call our team of outdoor advisors to ask your questions, we will be happy to advise you!

7. I rely on good protection and durability

Reinforcements in sensitive areas like the toes and heel are important for optimal protection against impacts. It is always more comfortable to walk with a good rock guard on the front of the shoe. Durability is also crucial, especially if you plan on hiking frequently or in rainy or snowy weather conditions. Basically, make sure that the materials and construction of the shoe can withstand wear and tear.

8. I choose between Ventilation and Waterproofing

Moisture management is key to preventing blisters. Well-ventilated shoes are ideal for warm climates, while for
wet environments or water crossings, waterproof footwear is preferable. Some membranes that we offer at Muule allow you to combine these two characteristics, offering both breathability and protection against water.

10. I learn about sustainability and eco-responsible hiking shoe brands

In addition to the technical criteria for choosing hiking shoes, it is increasingly important to take into account their environmental impact. Sustainability does not only concern the longevity of the product, but also the manufacturing material. Choosing brands that are committed to eco-responsible practices or brands that have eco-responsible labels can help reduce your ecological footprint while supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.

Many hiking shoe brands strive to minimize
their impact on the environment by using recycled materials and adopting manufacturing processes that reduce water consumption and
of energy. For example,Merrell , an outdoor brand present at Muule, offers a range of shoes using recycled materials for the laces, lining and sole.

Choosing brands that are committed to sustainability not only allows you to benefit from quality, environmentally friendly products but also to support initiatives that have a positive impact on the planet. As consumers, opting for greener brands or at least those with an environmental conscience is a step towards preserving our playgrounds!

The Muule Barometer: measuring the impact of hiking shoe brands

In an effort to promote transparency and encourage sustainable practices in the footwear industry, Muule has introduced an innovative tool
known as the Muule Barometer . This tool is designed to evaluate and rank hiking shoe brands based on their environmental and social impact. This initiative aims to inform consumers about companies' sustainable practices and encourage them to adopt production methods that are more respectful of the environment and human rights.

Impact on consumers and brands

The Muule Barometer helps consumers make informed choices when purchasing hiking shoes. By providing a transparent assessment of brand practices, Muule allows hikers to choose products that match not only their performance and comfort needs but also their ethical and environmental values.

For brands, the Barometer serves as motivation to continually improve their practices. Competition for higher rankings can encourage companies to innovate and invest in sustainable technologies, improve working conditions, and adopt greener policies.

Here are a few :

MERRELL : Known for its comfortable-out-of-the-box hiking shoes, Merrell perfectly combines comfort, durability and waterproof technology in its models.

SCARPA : with a strong reputation in the world of mountaineering and hiking, Scarpa
manufactures sturdy shoes that excel in durability and
performance on difficult terrain.

LOWA : A German brand with a long-standing reputation for quality. His
shoes are renowned for their comfort and support, even on treks
the most demanding.

MILLET : One of the references in hiking shoes which offers durable and
well designed whatever your level of hiking

MEINDL : One of the “dinosaurs” of the sector capable of providing you with models
of the most robust hiking shoes on the market. The budget is however
a little higher

VEJA : The eco-responsible brand has launched its hiking shoe model, the FITZROY
in 2023 with flying colors. The model is technically well designed and respects urban design for fans of the Parisian brand!

TREZETA : The Italian brand develops products to wear every day as well as when shipping to the other side of the world.
Trezeta takes advantage of its research and development center as well as its expertise to constantly offer products that are as innovative as they are comfortable.

ASOLO : the brand embodies the
durability thanks to careful manufacturing, ensuring a long life. For all levels and activities, from treks to expeditions, Asolo offers options for every adventurer.

HAGLOFS : Technically exemplary in textiles, the brand has done a lot to develop a range of lightweight and waterproof hiking shoes. The design of the latest models is
very attractive and the brand is investing more and more to reduce its environmental and social impacts. Haglofs remains one of the most popular brands
committed present on Muule.fr

Remember: each brand has its particularities and it is important to choose a shoe adapted to your foot and your activities. And once again our
team is on deck! We are available by phone or even at the Lyon warehouse to help you find the shoes that best meet your expectations in terms of comfort, functionality and protection.

Article written by Martin de Muule on May 14, 2024.