HOW OFTEN AND HOW INTENSIVELY SHOULD YOU HIKE?
We have classified our products in terms of performance and functionality to suit 3 levels of mountain hiking:
- Occasional: about ten hikes a year, lasting about 3 to 4 hours, less than 10 km and less than 700 m ascent.
- Regular: about twenty outings a year. 4 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km, 700 to 1,200 m ascent per outing.
- Intensive: more than 20 outings per year. More than 6 hours, over 20 km, 1,200 to 2,000 m ascent per outing.
OUTSOLE: OUTDOOR CONTACT
New high-performance outsole with our exclusive new rubber compound developed by our experts. More grip, more resistance. The sole design is engineered for greater grip using 3D simulations, then laboratory-tested to assess the coefficient of adhesion on different surfaces and conditions.
Waterproof test
In the laboratory, the shoe is placed in water up to halfway up the shaft on a mechanical arm that flexes the shoe to simulate a number of steps. Thanks to this test, we can determine a time and a number of km that the shoe can cover while remaining dry.
Then we validate in the field and in the rain that the shoe keeps its promises in use.
PROLONG WATERPROOFING
To keep your feet dry, we recommend using a waterproof gaiter or mini-gaiter to protect the tops of your shoes and prevent water, stones and sand from penetrating.
We recommend waterproofing your shoes twice a year with a waterproofing agent (search for "waterproofing" on Decathlon), which will help reactivate their initial water repellency and prevent stains on the outside.
Product design: our expertise
Our worldwide design center Quechua is based in Passy, at the foot of Mont-Blanc in Haute Savoie. This location makes it a real meeting place for our teams (designers, product managers, engineers...) and outdoor sports enthusiasts. A great asset for designing your mountain hiking products, and providing you with all our expertise.
Which size to choose?
Some Decathlon stores are equipped with a test course.
1. Try on both shoes, standing up, with the socks you use for hiking.
2. Tighten the laces, taking care to distribute the tightening evenly.
3. Check two points:
- The heel does not lift off the front of the shoe when walking uphill.
- The foot does not slip and the toes do not touch the front when walking downhill.
4. Try on several sizes and models.
Use them progressively to make them fit your foot.
BUYING ADVICE/HOW TO TRY ON YOUR SHOES?
Some Decathlon stores are equipped with a test course.
1. Try on both shoes, standing up, with the socks you use for hiking.
2. Tighten the laces, taking care to distribute the tightening evenly.
3. Check two points:
- the heel does not lift off the front of the shoe when walking uphill.
- the foot does not slip and the toes do not touch the front when walking downhill.
4. Try on several sizes and models.
Wear them gradually to get them to fit.
HOW TO AVOID BLISTERS?
Blisters generally appear when our skin is weakened by friction. To reduce the risk of blisters appearing, we advise you to:
- Choose a shoe in your size.
- Wear appropriate socks.
- Tie your shoes properly.
- Do not hesitate to readjust the tightness of your laces during practice, especially before starting a climb or descent.
- Wear your shoes for a short outing when first using them.
WHICH SOCKS?
A waterproof shoe will be less breathable than a non-waterproof shoe. Socks such as the MH500, MH520 and MH900 in medium shank are therefore preferable to help wick away perspiration and limit overheating.
OPTIMIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR SHOES: REPLACE YOUR INSOLES.
The original insole in your shoes is designed to fit as many feet as possible. A change of insole can provide:
1. Better support: some insoles are preformed or reinforced to better support the arch of the foot. 2. Greater comfort: insoles can also provide warmth and/or cushioning.
3. Longer life: get back the support and comfort of your shoes by replacing the insole every season.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SHOES
- Allow to air dry.
- Remove dried mud with a stiff brush.
- For stains, clean with a brush and lukewarm water
- Allow to dry
- Spray the stem with a waterproofing spray to restore water repellency.
