Feet and joints are sometimes exposed to high loads during a hiking tour - especially if you are also carrying luggage. Therefore, hiking boots should “absorb” these forces by cushioning the impact. Look for good cushioning in the heel area, a hard midfoot, and a flexible toe. Higher shoes also provide better protection against twisting in uneven terrain. The ankle should be stabilized as much as possible but still enjoy enough freedom of movement.
The care of trekking shoes is also important
If you want to use high-quality trekking shoes, such as Lowa hiking boots or Mammut hiking boots, for as long as possible, you should not do without proper care. After every hike, remove coarse dirt with a brush and rinse the shoes briefly with cold water so that dirt cannot settle in the first place. This can especially dry out materials like leather, making them porous over time. Then spray the material with a care spray – it absorbs much better on damp upper material than on dry ground. If the leather feels very dry and brittle after a hike, leather wax from a specialist shop will help. But in any case, clean the shoes beforehand with clear water and store them in a dry place protected from the sun. From time to time, for hygienic reasons, it is also necessary to clean the inside areas of the shoes. The best way to do this is to use a little mild wool detergent and clear water. Then allow the shoes to dry thoroughly before using them again.
