Find the right kind of shoes...

1. The toes

Your toes should have room on top, to the sides and in front. Test the shoes out in the shop by walking down a slope and standing on the tips of your toes. Your toes should not touch anything even then. A rubber cap protects against rubbing.

2. The sole

Outdoor shoes need a sole with a deep-cut profile so that they grip. Cushioning and hardness depend on the use: hiking shoes are flexible and well cushioned, whereas trekking and alpine boots are hard.

3. Weather protection welt

The raised rubber welt protects the bottom part of the shoe against moisture and abrasion through stones or scree.

4. Laces

The laces are used to adjust the fit. Make sure you have enough room to lace the shoe tighter or looser as required. In the case of strong boots, you improve the hold if you adjust the laces after being on the road for a few minutes. Heel: make sure the heel fits properly. It must not have too much play upwards or to the sides, otherwise you may develop blisters or pressure points. Also, the foot may twist more quickly in some circumstances. Strong boots with a firm heel need to be broken in. Room: the right room has an enormous influence on comfort. If the shoe is too narrow, it presses and cuts off the circulation, so that the foot goes to sleep. If it is too roomy, it does not hold and slides around. Upper: the upper has two jobs. On the one hand, it should support the foot and on the other, it prevents the penetration of water and dirt. The steeper the terrain and the more stones there are, the stronger and higher the upper needs to be. A half shoe (multi-function shoe) is adequate on paved, flat paths.

The best shoe is no good at all if it does not fit. This is the best way to check the fit.

• Take your time when trying on: Go to the shop in the afternoon or evening, because your feet swell in the course of the day.
• Have your feet measured: they do get bigger over the years.
• Socks: put on the trekking socks you intend to wear before trying on the shoes. Important: cotton socks are not suitable.
• Walk round the shop in the shoes. They have to warm up and soften slightly so that you can assess the fit.
• Make sure that the heel fits snugly. The toes, on the other hand, must have room all round – including when walking downhill. Otherwise, the shoe should fit well all over. However, if there is any doubt, it is better to buy shoes that are slightly too wide (half a size bigger) and wear thicker socks.
• Choose the shoe that is the most comfortable.

Multi-function shoe

Use: day-long walks on easy, paved paths on flat terrain, trips and daily use. Shoe type: low-cut models (half shoes) with a very well cushioned sole that is not particularly strong and grips well. The upper is leather or synthetic. For use in all weathers, they should have a waterproof, breathable lining.

Light walking boots

Use: day-long walks in hilly country, including away from paved paths, trips and everyday use. Shoe type: from the point of view of construction and upper, light walking boots are comparable with multi-function shoes, but they have an ankle-length upper and therefore offer more support in open country. The sole is also a little stronger in some circumstances.

Walking boots

Use: day-long walks also suitable for stony terrain without paths. Shoe type: because of the stronger, higher upper, walking boots provide better support than the ankle-length light walking boots. The sole is also stronger, so that stones and roots do not penetrate so quickly. The upper is usually leather.

Trekking boots

Use: walking in the mountains, without crossing glaciers or trekking expeditions, as well as off paved paths. Shoe type: model with very strong, stable upper, which supports the foot away from paths and with a full rucksack. The sole is very strong, with less cushioning to ensure safer footing.

Care for your trekking boots as follows: Remove any dirt with clean water and leave your boots to dry – but never next to a radiator or in direct sunlight, because wet leather burns quickly and splits. Treat the dry leather with a wax. Nubuk leather loses its soft surface and becomes darker and smooth, so the shoe lasts longer. Finally, spray the upper with an impregnating spray so that the water rolls off better.