Mountain boots

The equipment of the mountaineer should include the correct footwear, created specially for overcoming a big way taking into account the mountainous landscape. To this end, specialized mountain boots have been created that are able to withstand considerable loads, ensure safety, keep warm and protect from moisture.

Mountain boots have certain types, they are determined by the complexity of the hike, especially the height, which the traveler plans to climb and, accordingly, the air temperature.

• Pleasure (or tourist). Such models are designed to rise to a small height. The main task of such shoes is ventilation. Quality shoes are equipped with a special sole Vibram. Such products are also appropriate to use as casual shoes, provided that they fit into your style of clothing.
• Heavy Tracking Shoes (travel moderate degree of difficulty). These boots occupy an intermediate position between models for amateur tourists and professional climbers. They are equipped with heel piping, providing additional stability, the already mentioned sole Vibram, membrane Gore-tex, excluding moisture inside the shoe.
• Models for technical mountaineering (designed for challenging ascents). These models are very durable; they must have lower leg grousers and a stiff sole. If necessary, you can choose more insulated shoes for winter.
• Boots for high altitude mountaineering (produced specifically for climbing to heights above 5 kilometers). Their characteristic feature is double-layer: the upper layer protects against snow, while the lower layer retains body heat. These shoes also have underbust welts, outsole Vibram.

Specialized mountain boots have special technological details:

• Membrane firmware, which are designed to prevent the penetration of moisture inside the shoe. At the same time, steam from sweat is actively removed during active walking.
• Specialized outsole that provides the best grip on an icy, rocky or wet surface. The intermediate sole from nylon and polyurethane foam helps to increase depreciation when jumping. In addition, a special heel cusp (anti-shock) also softens shock loads.
• When attaching cats, the built-in metal plates up to 2 mm thick increase rigidity.
• Insoles that come with mountain boots, if necessary, can be changed to more functional ones - fabric ones that have a rubber bottom. Rubber provides immobility insoles, and textiles serve much longer paper analog.
• Fittings are blocks that facilitate even tightening of the laces, making it easier, and stoppers between the top and bottom of the lacing.
• Protection of the bottom. Shoes with her are not very aesthetic, but, nevertheless, it is extremely useful (increases the life of the shoes and their waterproof properties).

The most popular material in the production of mountain boots - is genuine leather. It is given special properties - increased strength, water resistance, and also a "breathing" structure. The advantage of this material is that over time it takes on the anatomical shape of the foot.

Another wear resistant material - nubuck. However, it is softer and thinner than skin. Suede is usually used for the production of hiking and trekking boots.

For the manufacture of shoes for climbing trips also used synthetic textiles. It provides a lighter weight products, stylish design, and often unites at first glance incompatible properties. This, for example, Fly-tec - elastic material with excellent ventilation properties, treated on both sides with a water-repellent compound. Schoeller Keprotec - also waterproof lightweight, but extremely durable fabric. Schoeller Dynamic - textiles, combining polyamide and lycra.

There are a number of leading companies in the manufacture of footwear for mountaineering trips. They introduce the latest technological developments into production, and in addition always provide an extended warranty on their products.

German brand Lowa, leading its history from the distant 1923, is popular all over the world, shoes were tested in the most extreme conditions by travelers, members of expeditions. Mountain boots of a trade mark differ in a unique block which as if adapts to a foot, without deforming a leg. The company for the first time in the world began to produce vulcanized sole.

Brand shoes Asolo embodies the results of innovative technologies that are constantly being improved. The company owns the development of the system ASOFLEXlater AFS. Mountain boots Asolodesigned for professional athletes, climbers, durable and lightweight, are presented in a large number of models.

Company Meindl It also produces high-quality footwear that fully meets the needs of the modern market. For example, the warmed model of mountain boots became famous. Cumbre, but Alien 1.0 received the title of the best shoes of 2011. Innovative brand development - self-molded shoes: under the influence of the heat of the human body, shoes take the shape of a foot, filling all voids.

Mountain boots for the Bundeswehr (created specifically for the armed forces of Germany), the company produces Haix. This shoe is made from the highest quality calf leather, while the sole is made from vulcanized rubber. The protector does not leave a mark on the surfaces even with very strong impacts. Thanks to membrane technology GORETEX feet always remain dry. The quick lace system will save time when rushing. The injury risk of the shoes is almost reduced to zero - even when performing risky maneuvers, the leg does not turn up. In this shoe it is easy to cinch and squat.

BOREAL - a famous brand that produces sports shoes designed for professional climbers and tourists. All products BOREAL made of high quality raw materials, have a minimum number of seams. Long-term research has led to the creation of many patented developments.

First of all, you should decide on the complexity of your hike, depending on it, select sports shoes (and the design, colors, material - are secondary). After all, you simply can not climb on icy and rocky surfaces in light trekking products. Likewise, heavy brutal boots are not suitable for amateur tourists.

The most important element of mountain boots is the sole. Do proven manufacturers have it Vibramthat is already a guarantee of quality, because expensive shoes will not be put on dubious shoes.

Also pay attention to the insole, because the convenience of shoes largely depends on it. Ideally, it should have antifungal and anti-allergic treatment.

Rate lacing: it provides foot stability, protects muscles from overwork and injury.

We also note that mountain shoes are not recommended to buy through an online store, since these shoes require careful fitting.Products should sit on the foot optimally comfortable, otherwise you will not avoid the appearance of calluses and blisters. The size of the shoes should be a little larger than yours (let there be a gap between the heel and the back part about the thickness of your finger), because when you descend your fingers will inevitably rest on the toe of the shoe and there may be pain in tight shoes.

Be sure to measure this shoes on the sock. There are special socks for mountain travel. Made of synthetic material (cotton is not suitable because it absorbs moisture, increasing the risk of corns), they have thickening in the necessary places.

Shoes of different companies have different heights and widths. When fitting, make sure that the heel rests against the heel, but does not detach from the sole. Shoes should fit tightly to the leg, but not squeeze it in some places.

It is especially important to keep expensive mountain boots in a functional condition. There are simple rules of care for them, the main thing is to follow them regularly.

• Do not dry these shoes on an open fire (for example, on a fire), as well as under the scorching rays of the sun. Natural drying at a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius and 65% humidity (using a newspaper, a fan, on a peg) will be optimal. Do not forget to pull out the insoles.
• Treat mountaineering shoes with a special tool at least once a year, and immediately before the hike, use impregnation to restore the waterproofness of the shoes.
• If your model is walking, then after walking around the city, wipe your shoes to get rid of the icing agents.
• Shoes with a membrane must be lubricated with specialized products for this type of shoe.

Mountain boots have a high shaft made of durable textiles, which reliably protects against ingress of snow inside. The sole is equipped with special tools that help to climb the snowy mountain slope. In addition, the shoes have a stylish design - contrasting colors blend harmoniously with a jacket, helmet and backpack.