The different types of HANWAG boots

"I'm going to buy a new pair of hiking boots." That may sound easier said than done. So how do you choose the right pair of boots? You may find yourself faced with a multitude of choices at AlpinStore. There are lightweight hiking boots, lightweight trekking boots and different models with cut heights ranging from low to high.

We won't delve into the technical details of hiking boots here (although we could as experts on the subject!). Instead, we'd like to shed some light on the main types of hiking boots and explain the distinction between hiking boots and hiking shoes.

The fact that manufacturers use a varied vocabulary can sometimes be confusing. One brand may call its products "hiking boots", while another opts for "trekking shoes". One store may call its products "trekking boots", while another describes them as "light mountain boots".

In short, if you're wondering how to choose hiking boots, this is precisely where footwear categories can come in handy.




How to choose a pair of hiking boots - Category A to D

Hanwag has classified its hiking and mountain boots into categories ranging from A to D. Some models may fall on the border of two categories, or even encompass two. This is why there may be annotations for two categories in some cases.

The main feature of this classification is the shoe's torsional rigidity and its flexibility in length and width. The scale ranges from high flexibility (category A) to high rigidity(category D).

A more flexible sole allows the foot to roll more easily, making walking more comfortable. Conversely, a stiffer sole offers greater stability and support, ensuring a solid grip on rocky terrain or root-strewn trails.

Footwear designed for outdoor activities is influenced by various factors, such as the height of the front part of the shoe. In addition, personal characteristics such as foot safety, individual physiology and overall weight play a crucial role in the right choice.

To help you, we've divided our hiking boots into 6 categories:

  • Travel
  • Hiking
  • Light trekking
  • Trek
  • Rocky
  • Alpine





Special case: Category C Mountain boots

When you consider how to choose your pair of hiking boots and examine the structure of the scale, you'll find that the higher the category, the higher the boot. However, category C is an exception to this rule. Some models in this category have a low cut. Why is this? Because shoes designed for approach climbing are intended both for walking to the climbing point and for the climbing itself, as in the case of via ferrata.

When climbing, freedom of ankle movement is more important than protection against ankle twisting. That's why some via ferrata models feature a low-cut design for greater ankle mobility.

Category C shoes also feature a very rigid sole to meet the precision requirements of rock climbing. This is why they differ from the low-cut models in categories A and A/B, as the latter generally feature soft soles for optimum comfort when walking.

It's also worth noting that C-category shoes often offer a closer fit to the foot. This is important to ensure maximum precision when rock climbing.

What are lightweight hiking boots?

When it comes to choosing hiking boots, more and more hikers are looking for lightweight models. This preference is perfectly understandable. After all, every step we take requires us to lift our feet, and every extra gram requires more energy, compared to adding weight to our rucksack.

This is why most people consider weight to be the most important criterion for hiking boots. This reasoning seems perfectly logical at first glance. Lightweight shoes mean light and easy hiking, don't they?

However, there's more to consider when choosing a pair of hiking boots. After all, a pair of classic trekking boots with a leather upper (category A/B) can weigh more than a pair of mountain boots (category C). There are several reasons for this: the upper of some mountain boots may incorporate a proportion of synthetic materials (which are lighter than leather). In addition, their stiffer soles are generally thinner (and offer less cushioning).

This means that weight is just one of many factors to consider when deciding which shoes are best suited to your needs.

Which shoe is right for me?

Now you understand how the different shoe categories are structured, and you have a clear picture of the various types of footwear available. Naturally, there are a whole host of factors to consider when looking for the perfect pair of shoes:
  • Shoeupper height: at what level should it stop?
  • Specific features: for example, do you need a stone guard?
  • Weight: although weight is not the only criterion.
  • Environment of use: in particular, the type of terrain plays an essential role.
  • Personal factors: foot stability and shape.
  • Weight of your backpack: the heavier it is, the more robust your shoes will need to be.
  • Expected weather conditions: as well as the climate your shoes will have to cope with.
  • Aesthetics: after all, this too is important.
  • Fit: this is probably the most crucial factor to consider. The best shoe in the world will only be perfect if it fits your foot perfectly.
Did we forget something? Of course, price also comes into play and you need to consider value for money when buying your shoes. At Hanwag, all our shoes are made from the finest materials and using the most advanced manufacturing techniques.

To sum up all our advice on hiking boot categories to choose the perfect pair: when in doubt, opt for the higher category. Wearing shoes that don't suit you can lead to excessive fatigue and even injury to ligaments or tendons. It can also be a wise choice in terms of safety, for example, if you risk twisting your ankle with a heavy backpack. It's better to be over-equipped and have a margin of safety for your adventure.

Noé NIVAULT, Buyer at AlpinStore
Practice: hiking, cycling, running, crossfit

Because of the expertise Hanwag offers, I find this categorization extremely practical and reliable!
It really helps you find your way around, so you can really meet your needs.