Mountaineering is a very demanding sport discipline. Mountains often offer varied terrains, and climbers must be able to navigate a wide range of conditions. Mountaineering outings can last from a few hours to several days. To practice this activity, one must equip themselves with quality mountaineering gear and technical equipment. To fully enjoy your ascent, the choice of your shoes is crucial. A poor purchase could turn out to be very painful and even dangerous. There are many products on the market, making it increasingly complicated to find a pair of mountaineering shoes suited to your practice. That's why we provide you with tips on how to choose them well.

How to recognize a mountaineering shoe:

A mountaineering shoe is similar to a hiking shoe. However, many details will allow you to recognize them. A mountaineering shoe is often bulkier, and the upper is generally taller. Some models can extend up to halfway up the shin.
Secondly, a specific characteristic of mountaineering shoes is the rigidity of their sole; it is very difficult to bend. This type of sole ensures the protection of mountaineers on terrains where a fall could be fatal. Mountaineering shoes are also equipped with lugs, called edges, at the front or back, which allow for the attachment of crampons.
Moreover, a mountaineering shoe is often thicker, as this activity is associated with progression in often extreme weather conditions. The thickness of the shoe varies depending on the degree of thermal insulation, but also its waterproofing to provide you with protection suited to your outings. You will also find in our selection of high mountain shoes models suited for all uses, from beginner to expert.
Finally, the last characteristic that differentiates a mountaineering shoe from a hiking shoe is the toe cap, which is located at the front. It covers the toe of the shoe to protect you from falling rocks or repeated impacts with the rock.
After reviewing the specifics of a mountaineering shoe, we will look at its technical characteristics, so you can subsequently choose mountaineering shoes perfectly suited to your needs. Also, remember to visit our textile equipment for mountaineering to complete your mountain protection.

EXPERT PRODUCT ADVICE:

It is essential to choose a shoe suited to your practice, but it is also very important to choose the right size. To help you, we provide you with some tips. First, you should try mountaineering shoes with special mountaineering socks. Secondly, your toes should not touch the end of the shoe. To check this, we suggest a trick. You should stand on an inclined surface, and if your foot slides and hits the end, it means the shoe is too big. Finally, they must be compatible with crampons.

To give you an idea, you should generally take 1 size larger than your usual shoe size for city shoes.

Nathanaël - product expert for mountaineering

About Nathanaël: “Sport takes up a lot of space in my life. I practice climbing, mountaineering, paragliding, trail running, and ski touring. A whole day without enjoying the nature around me? Don't even mention it, it's inconceivable.”

What are the different types of rigidity?

Depending on the models, the rigidity of the sole varies. It is important to choose your mountaineering shoe based on this technical characteristic, as the different types of soles have specific uses. For enthusiasts who wish to explore other practices, do not hesitate to buy climbing and après-ski shoes to diversify your equipment.
It is therefore possible to distinguish 2 types of rigidity: semi-rigid soles and rigid soles.

First, we have shoes equipped with a semi-rigid sole. They are recognizable by their small sizes. They offer absolute comfort and great freedom of movement due to their slight flexibility. This type of shoe is recommended for progressing on difficult terrains, ridges, or snowfields. However, it is advisable to avoid engaging in routes involving glacial climbing as the sole is not rigid enough for this type of practice.

Semi-rigid soles only offer compatibility with strap-on or semi-automatic crampons as they are equipped with a heel lug only at the back of the shoe. It is also important to note that mountaineering shoes with semi-rigid soles are suitable for only 3 seasons (spring, summer, autumn).

Now, we will focus on mountaineering shoes equipped with a rigid sole. With this type of sole, you can practice mountaineering on very difficult terrains, ice waterfalls, or snowy routes while being optimally protected. However, with this type of shoe, the fluidity of movement is reduced, and thus comfort as well. Nevertheless, new technologies aim to address this drawback. Rigid shoes are composed of lugs at the front and back, making them compatible with automatic crampons.

The rigidity of mountaineering shoes is one of the key characteristics to consider when choosing this type of equipment. However, when selecting a pair of mountaineering shoes, one should not only rely on its rigidity. We will therefore continue with another important element.


OUR SELECTION OF SEMI-RIGID AND RIGID MOUNTAINEERING SHOES:

  • Scarpa Phantom 6000 high-cut mountaineering shoes - men - Rigid mountaineering shoes
  • La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX mountaineering shoes - Rigid mountaineering shoes
  • La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX - women - Semi-rigid mountaineering shoes



What are the different types of mountaineering shoes?

In the range of rigid mountaineering shoes, there are two types of shoes: single and double models.
First, there are single mountaineering shoes. They are constructed from a single block. This design significantly reduces the weight of the shoe, but it also allows for better balance. This type of shoe is ideal for the most rugged terrains, as they are lightweight and offer optimal freedom of movement. If you wish to push your specialization, explore our selection of mountaineering shoes to find the most high-performing models.

However, they are not recommended for long ascents or expeditions. Indeed, once wet or damp, it is extremely difficult to dry them quickly.

Secondly, we have double mountaineering shoes. In contrast, these are composed of 2 parts: the shoe and the detachable inner boot. This technology allows you to be much better insulated, to stay dry at all times, and thus it will be possible for you to climb peaks in extreme conditions. For more choices, find our selection of mountaineering shoes for your next ascents.
However, they have drawbacks. Indeed, they are much heavier and bulkier. These weaknesses lead to a lack of fluidity and reduce freedom of movement. However, technological advancements allow double shoes to become lighter and offer more fluid and precise movements.
We have just analyzed the different characteristics of a mountaineering shoe. However, it is essential to consider other elements such as your level or experience in the field of mountaineering.

OUR SELECTION OF SIMPLE AND DOUBLE MOUNTAINEERING SHOES:
  • Salewa Rapace GTX mountaineering shoes - women - Simple mountaineering shoes
  • Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX mountaineering shoes - men - Simple mountaineering shoes
  • La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube mountaineering shoes - men - Double mountaineering shoes

DID YOU KNOW?

To ensure the waterproofness of your mountaineering shoes, we recommend adding high gaiters or overboots.
These will significantly improve water resistance, but they also provide much better thermal insulation. Designed with completely waterproof, windproof, and highly resistant materials. These accessories are essential for your outings during the winter period. To meet your needs, discover our climbing and mountaineering accessories shop.

How to choose your mountaineering shoes based on your level and experience?

Mountaineering is a sport that requires a lot of training and knowledge. One must never forget that the mountain is queen, and a simple mistake can be fatal. It is therefore crucial to adapt your equipment to your level, experience, and the terrains. To find all the mountaineering equipment you need, consult the specialized categories.

For a beginner mountaineer, the choice of shoes is very important for your safety. We recommend a pair of semi-rigid shoes. They will be suitable for introductory outings on mixed terrains. These are models that will offer you good foot support and optimal protection. Additionally, it is possible to add crampons. The weight of semi-rigid shoes prevents you from tiring too quickly during long routes and also allows you to maintain great precision in your movements.

If you are an experienced mountaineer, you are embarking on committed ascents. For this, you need to choose suitable mountaineering shoes. The semi-rigid model will no longer be suitable for your practice. It is preferable that you equip yourself with fully rigid shoes. These will offer you excellent support and optimal protection. Moreover, their insulating power will allow you to be comfortable over long distances without feeling cold. Finally, thanks to their lugs at the front and back, it is possible to attach compatible crampons for this type of ascent.

Finally, if you are an expert mountaineer, you are considering climbing the highest peaks around you. You should then opt for double rigid shoes. Indeed, these offer you very good support, unmatched protection. But above all, their insulating power will allow you to progress in extreme conditions. This type of shoe also offers quick drying so that you remain comfortable throughout the journey.

TO REMEMBER:

· RIGIDITY IS AN IMPORTANT CRITERION; YOUR SELECTION WILL DEPEND ON YOUR PRACTICES.

· THE CHOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHOES, SIMPLE OR DOUBLE, IS CRUCIAL FOR YOUR COMFORT.

· THE CHOICE OF YOUR SHOES DEPENDS ON YOUR LEVEL.