How To Choose Outdoor Shoes

How you use the shoes is the alpha and omega of the right choice. The vast majority of properties depend on the method of use:

• One-day trips, usually from spring to autumn – occasional hikes or walks, shoes that you would normally use, for example, trainers for running will be fine. They don't even have to be waterproof, because you can dry them at home. Low trekking shoes made of synthetic materials are also suitable, which offer slightly better durability, but at the same time they are light and breathable. A thin sole is enough here.
• Multi-day trips in the low mountains – medium and high trekking boots, think about the crossings of the Czech and Slovak mountains. The need for durability is higher here, so leather shoes/ boots are preferable, although you have to take into account that these will be heavier.
• Alpine tourism – on trips to the high mountains you have to reckon with the worst conditions. Whether you walk on boulders, sand or snow, you will definitely need very durable shoes. Therefore, choose from high boots, ideally made of nubuck leather and with a proper sole with deep ridges for better grip.

The most important thing for outdoor shoes is that they fit tightly to your foot. Loose shoes could cause you discomfort during long trips, such as swollen ankles or blisters, because your foot would "float" in all directions. Of course, this does not apply to sandals, because the movement of the foot usually does not affect the size. Don't be afraid to choose sandals a little bigger than your foot so that it doesn't slip on the ground. Sandals are also generally more suitable for shorter trips.

Na At Alza.cz, you can easily sort your shoes according to EU, UK and US sizes. They are also sorted according to the Mondo point scale, which makes online shoe shopping even easier. It states the exact size of the inner space of the shoe in millimeters, so you can choose shoes that will fit you perfectly. At the same time, we have prepared a specialized article for you: How to choose the right shoe size.

Last but not least, as elsewhere, we offer a 14-day period for returning shoes that do not fit you.

It is very important to take into account the material of the shoe, as it will greatly affect your comfort, external durability and other properties. Pay particular attention to the material of the upper part/ body of the shoe, because it determines how breathable the shoe is and how long it will last. For this part of the shoe you will most often encounter the following materials.

• Leather – one of the most durable materials ever. Leather outdoor shoes are often more resistant to water and do not break as easily as others. However, the disadvantage of leather shoes is poor breathability, and therefore it is necessary to dry these shoes after each trip.
• Nubuck leather, suede – if you need particularly durable shoes, it will be appropriate to look for shoes made of nubuck leather or suede. In both cases, it is a specially treated skin that is much firmer, but at the same time more prone to contamination. From shoes made of these materials, you can expect maximum foot protection for the most demanding mountain terrain, but regular cleaning is important.
• Synthetic material, textile – the main advantage of outdoor shoes made of synthetics or textiles is excellent breathability and low weight. However, they are not as durable as leather shoes. Therefore, count on the use of protective spray if you want your shoes to last longer.
• Leather + textile – often the best option is a combination of leather and textile. Shoes made from a combination of these materials are usually lighter than leather shoes, but at the same time slightly more durable than textile shoes. If choosing these, consider that they will have a slightly shorter lifespan than leather shoes but they are usually cheaper.
  

The lining and insole in the shoe primarily serves for comfort. It removes moisture from the foot, adds durability to the whole shoe and also contributes to cushioning. In terms of materials, you will most often encounter textiles or nylon, which will ensure the greatest comfort and, in combination with the leather upper part of the shoe, also sufficient resistance for more demanding trips. However, the most durable shoes also have a leather lining.

Another very important part of durable shoes is the membrane. Shoes with a membrane are more waterproof (they let sweat out, but they don't let water in), or they also offer better thermal insulation, which some will certainly appreciate. However due to the extra layer, it is also a bit less breathable. If you choose from shoes with a membrane, you will come across the following types, for example:

• Gore-Tex Extended Comfort – a membrane that is great for basic waterproofness. It is not particularly expensive, it offers excellent breathability, but it lacks thermal insulation.
• KEEN.DRY – shoes with a KEEN.DRY membrane are characterized by excellent waterproofness, but at the same time allow free passage of sweat and moisture out of the shoe in the form of steam molecules. However, you will not find thermal insulation here either.
• Omni-Tech – a three-layer membrane with a water column of up to 10,000 mm, which copes with any adverse weather. Like the previous membranes, the Omni-Tech has a microporous membrane that allows water to drain from the shoe without external moisture getting inside. With proper care, these properties will remain permanent.
• OutDry – a technology in which parts of a shoe are firmly joined together by lamination instead of regular stitching. This creates a shoe completely without seams and the absolute minimum of moisture and cold penetrates the shoe. You probably have the question of breathability, but this is solved thanks to the upper layer of the shoe, which is very breathable in shoes with an OutDry membrane. This will keep your feet dry and warm, which are very important factors when it comes to comfort.

The sole is the only part of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the terrain. This rubber part of the shoe is usually directly adapted to the shoe so that the walk is as comfortable as possible. Probably the largest manufacturer of rubber soles is the company Vibram. The thickness of the sole also plays a role in the selection process. In general, the thicker it is, the more the shoe is suitable for more demanding terrain.

A very important part is also the midsole. Thanks to this layer between the upper and the sole, the shoes are much more comfortable. The function of this part of the shoe is primarily to absorb shocks and ensure the overall stability of the foot. Most shoes here also have specific damping systems.

When choosing outdoor shoes, it is also good to think about what else you might require from the shoes. The most important features include:

• Waterproof shoes – waterproof shoes are able to keep water and moisture out of the inside of the shoe. So this feature is one of the most basic things you should look for in shoes so that you’re prepared for unexpected rain and storms. The protective layer must be renewed with a protective spray.
• Water resistance – another level of protection against water. Waterproof shoes should be able to withstand water pressure to a certain extent, so you can wade through a river or stream in such shoes for a short time. If you are looking for shoes for longer, demanding trips, this feature is essential. Here, too, regular protective spray treatment is required.
• Quilting – quilting has a major impact on the water resistance of the shoe. As a rule, the more seams the shoe has, the more water can get into it and it is also more prone to damage.
• Lacing – especially for longer hikes, you need the shoe to fit perfectly on your foot. For shoes in more demanding terrain, you will therefore find metal eyelets and hooks, thanks to which the laces will bind better and last longer.