Grippy soles on natural trails
The design of the sole has been the subject of extensive research in our laboratories. We have chosen a specific rubber formulation to optimize grip and adherence. As needs vary, we systematically seek the best compromise for use on soft natural trails (like forest paths) and mineral trails (like coastal paths).
Designed for use on footpaths
Our hiking boots are designed for use on natural trails. In fact, we select and test the sole and upper components of our shoes to ensure they are ideally suited to hiking on soft trails (such as earthy forest paths) or mineral trails (such as rocky coastal paths). Use on roads (asphalt) may accelerate wear and cause discomfort. They are not suitable for mountain hiking.
Where does our leather come from?
We use a leather called "nubuck". It has a fluffy, silky feel.
The leather for this shoe is of bovine origin. We do not kill any animal to obtain this leather: we only use waste from the agri-food industry.
How to care for your leather shoes
After your hikes, we recommend :
- Leave to dry away from a source of heat
- On well-dried leather, brush vigorously with a hard brush to remove mud and dirt
- Use a crepe or nubuck brush to remove stains
- If stains remain, clean with a brush and a little lukewarm water
- Leave to dry
- Brush again with a hard brush
- Spray with waterproofing : this will give shine to the leather and liveliness to the color.
Waterproof test
Tested in the laboratory and in use, membrane-equipped footwear ensures optimum waterproofing and breathability. First immersed in water under air pressure, we check for the absence of bubbles on the shoe's surface. The shoes are then half-submerged and placed on a mechanical arm simulating walking, to check that the inside of the shoe remains perfectly dry.
3 levels of waterproofing
In the waterproofness test, we test three levels of waterproofness:
- 2000 flexes, approx. 2 hours' hiking
- 4000 flexes, approx. 4 hours' hiking
- 8000 flexes, approx. 8 hours' hiking
The NH500 Mid WP women's shoes have been tested for 8000 flexes in the laboratory. They are therefore waterproof for 8 hours of hiking. Of course, once the shoes have dried out, they regain their original waterproof properties.
How can you prolong the waterproofing of your shoes?
We recommend using a water-repellent spray several times a year to restore the original water repellency and combat external stains.
Tested for optimum strength
Laboratory tests are also carried out to validate the following elements: eyelet and strap pull-off, gluing, toxicology, UV resistance, abrasion of sole and upper components, accelerated ageing. These tests enable us to improve the quality of our products and prevent premature wear of our hiking boots.
