How to choose your hiking boots for winter?
We all know it, in Canada it is not a little snow that prevents us from practicing our favorite outdoor sports. Winter hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and winter scenery. However, you have to make sure you stay warm.
Did you know that when the body is cold, it protects vital organs first? When the body enters a colder area, blood vessels in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, will constrict.
It is therefore justified to equip yourself according to Canadian colds for your next hike! Let us guide you in your shoe selection.
Why have specific shoes for winter hiking?
If you already own hiking boots, you probably don’t see the point of having another pair. In fact, your regular hiking shoes are probably not suitable for winter hiking.
If you are a fan of hiking, or if you want to incorporate this sport into your daily life, you need hiking boots or shoes for winter. Especially if you do it often. It is above all a matter of comfort and safety.
Characteristics for shoe selection
Boot/Shoe Height
There is nothing more unpleasant than hiking with icy or wet feet. To avoid this kind of inconvenience, opt for hiking boots. They will prevent snow from entering through the opening.
Another advantage of hiking boots is the support they provide at the ankle. You will enjoy better comfort and avoid potential injuries. As the snow often hides obstacles on the ground, the risk of a twisted ankle is high.
Our recommendations:
On the other hand, hiking boots are often heavier. If a good foot rollover is good for you, maybe opt for a mid-high shoe.
Our recommendations:
Impermeability
To walk in the snow, it is essential to have waterproof boots or shoes. There are several methods of waterproofing textiles. Grisport offers a variety of boots and shoes that are made of Spotex and Sympatex lining. This textile technology makes the shoes highly breathable in addition to having durable waterproof protection.
Some of our boots even feature our Gritex technology. This membrane structure resists rain and snow and protects against the cold. It therefore provides additional protection against bad weather.
Our recommendations:
Thermal insulation
Obviously, thermal insulation must be a basic criterion in your selection. As mentioned earlier, your feet are the first part of your body to lose heat. Thermal insulation aims to avoid the movement of heat between two environments as much as possible, in order to optimize energy expenditure. In other words, it is the ability of your shoes to maintain the heat released by your feet.
Our recommendations:
The grip
For comfort and safety, the grip of your hiking boots or shoes is very important. At Grisport, the vast majority of our products include Vibram soles. They have deep lugs which are more effective in difficult conditions. It is therefore ideal for winter conditions.
