There’s a massive range of footwear people use when heading to the hills, from lightweight running trainers right through to fully rigid ‘B3’ winter boots. Choosing the right footwear is crucial for comfort, performance, and safety in the mountains. This document aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice for any trip, considering what to wear, when to wear it, and why.
Before diving into specific boot types, let’s explore the key characteristics that differentiate them:
This refers to the rigidity of the sole. Stiffer soles are vital for saving the small muscles in your feet from overworking when standing on small edges during scrambling or mountaineering. This rigidity also allows for effective ‘edging’ – using the side of your boot for grip – on soft terrain such as snow or grassy slopes. Think of it as a stable platform that reduces strain and enhances precision.
The height of a boot’s cuff around your ankle directly correlates with the level of support it offers. Higher cuffs help stabilize the ankle joint, preventing excessive movement and reducing muscle fatigue, especially on uneven terrain. However, experienced individuals with strong ankles might find high support restrictive to their natural range of motion. It’s a balance between protection and freedom of movement.
In the realm of hillwalking and mountaineering, every gram counts. Weight on your feet is the most energy-sapping location for extra mass due to the mechanics of walking. Therefore, a lighter boot invariably leads to less fatigue over long distances. This benefit, however, often involves a trade-off against the boot’s overall robustness and durability.
For expeditions or day trips that necessitate carrying different types of footwear (e.g., approach shoes for the initial hike and climbing boots for the ascent), packability becomes a significant factor. How easily can the boot or shoe be stowed inside or strapped onto your backpack without taking up excessive space or adding unnecessary bulk?
This is a critical consideration in the often damp and unpredictable conditions of the hills. However, achieving complete waterproofing often comes at the cost of breathability. A waterproof membrane can trap heat and sweat inside the boot, leading to discomfort and increasing the risk of blisters and sores. The key is to match the level of waterproofing to the expected terrain and weather conditions.
Particularly important in winter or at high altitudes, insulation is crucial for preventing cold injuries like frostbite to your toes and feet. Consider the level of warmth your footwear provides in relation to the anticipated temperatures and duration of your trip.
Never underestimate the importance of socks! A different sock can significantly alter the warmth, fit, and even the perceived level of waterproofing of your footwear. Choosing an appropriate sock that works well in conjunction with your boots or shoes is paramount for comfort and performance. When purchasing new footwear, always try it on with the same or similar socks that you intend to use in the field.
To standardize the assessment of a boot’s stiffness and suitability for use with crampons in snowy conditions, a rating system is employed:
Let’s explore the different categories of footwear commonly used in the hills:
These are the mountain-specific variations of athletic footwear. Characterized by their lightweight construction, they come in a vast array of options tailored for specific activities like running on boggy terrain or scrambling over rocky surfaces. The sheer variety allows you to select something that perfectly matches your needs and foot shape.
Pros:
Cons:
Use:
These boots are constructed from soft, flexible fabrics and often feature a slightly higher ankle cuff for added protection. Similar to fell shoes, a wide range of styles and features are available.
Pros:
Cons:
Use: Rocky mountainous terrain and tracks, exercise caution on steep grass where they can be less effective.
These are the classic hillwalking boots, typically made from durable leather and designed for longevity. Many users rely on the same pair for years, testament to their robustness.
Pros:
Cons:
Use: Walking over moorland and damp mountainous terrain, long-distance rough treks where the majority of the time is spent on softer surfaces, off-path walking.
This category encompasses a broad spectrum of modern boots engineered for more technical mountaineering and scrambling. Support and stiffness levels can vary significantly, with some models excelling in summer conditions while others are better suited for cooler temperatures.
Pros:
Cons:
Use: Versatile for year-round use but particularly well-suited for spring and autumn conditions. Mountain leaders often prefer this type of footwear for its adaptability across varied terrain.
Designed for the most demanding cold, wet, and steep environments, these boots offer maximum support and warmth. They are essential for winter climbing and expeditions in extremely cold conditions.
Pros:
Cons:
Use: Climbing and mountaineering in snowy and icy conditions.
Beyond the main categories, other footwear plays a role in specific mountain activities:
This might seem obvious, but the fact is that everyone’s feet are unique. Manufacturers strive to create well-fitting footwear using an ‘average’ foot shape called a ‘last’. Different lasts are used for different types of footwear (e.g., rock shoes vs. trainers), and individual manufacturers often have distinct last shapes. Finding a brand and last that suits your foot shape and sticking with their range can significantly improve comfort and performance.
The tread pattern and the type of rubber used in the sole profoundly impact grip on various surfaces. Harder rubbers tend to perform better on soft, wet ground and are more durable, while softer rubbers offer superior grip on rock and hard surfaces but wear out more quickly. The stiffness of the sole also contributes significantly to the overall stiffness of the boot.
Like technical clothing, footwear needs to balance breathability (allowing heat and sweat to escape) with the ability to keep water out, ensuring your feet remain dry. The materials used in the upper, any applied waxing or proofing treatments, and the boot’s lining all contribute to its weatherproofing capabilities. Thicker, more robust materials generally offer better weather protection and durability but often come with increased weight.
If you plan on venturing into the mountains during winter, the ability to attach crampons (or microspikes) to your footwear is essential.
(Aside: Take microspikes for lower-angled walks or when there’s ice or a light dusting of snow. Opt for crampons for mountaineering, climbing, or walking when there’s a significant build-up of snow. When in doubt, it’s safer to carry crampons.)
Crampons are rated as C1, C2, or C3, and they require a compatible boot to function safely and effectively.
To illustrate the principles discussed, here are some examples of footwear choices for specific mountain adventures:
A mid-height approach shoe such as the La Sportiva TX4 MID Evo. These offer excellent grip on the rocky terrain, a sufficiently high ankle to keep debris out, and a lightweight feel to minimize fatigue on long days navigating the Skye Cuillin Guides recommended routes.
Similar to the Cuillin Ridge, a mid-height approach shoe is ideal. The combination of good rocky tracks for access and descent, coupled with the rocky nature of the Liathach traverse itself, prioritizes grip over extensive waterproofing.
A traditional boot or stiffened Mountaineering Boot (B2) like the Scarpa Ribelle HD light would be a wise choice. The trails around An Teallach can be boggy, and the traverse is long, so supportive footwear with good waterproofing is beneficial. On a dry day, a lighter boot similar to those used on Liathach or Skye might suffice.
Light walking boots, such as the Scarpa Marmalade Trek, are well-suited for this well-maintained path that allows you to explore this scenic area.
A Fully Ridged Winter Mountaineering B3 boot, such as the La Sportiva Nepal Extremes, will provide the necessary support and confidence on this challenging terrain, although experienced climbers might manage in suitable B2 boots.
Fully Ridged Winter Mountaineering B3 boots, like the Scarpa Phantom Tech HD, are essential for the technical demands and cold conditions of this climb.
Traditional boots or stiffened Mountaineering Boots are generally preferred for the boggy and rough terrain encountered while leading groups. However, during extended dry periods, a lighter boot option might be suitable for those holding relevant Mountain Leader Courses qualifications and experience.
Thank you for reading,
Ollie
Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI) and Lead Guide @ Climb Torridon