The frequency and intensity of hiking
Our products are ranked according to three levels of experience.
1. Occasional use: Ten hikes per year that last for about 3–4 hours each, covering less than 10 km and less than 700 m in elevation gain.
2. Regular: 20 outings lasting 4-6 hours each, 10 to 20 km, 700 to 1,200 m in elevation gain
3. Intensive: more than 20 outings lasting more than six hours each, more than 20 km, 1,200 to 2,000 m of elevation gain.
What size should you choose?
We advise you to try on several sizes and styles of boots to find the pair most suited to you. You can take a size above your usual one to prevent your toes from bumping into the front of the boots when going downhill, provided the foot is properly supported to avoid friction.
how to try on your boots?
1. Try on both boots, while standing up, with the socks you would wear for hiking.
2. Tighten the laces, distributing the tension evenly.
3. Check two aspects:
- that your heel doesn’t lift up before the boot when walking on an incline
- that your foot doesn’t slip; and also that your toes don’t hit the front on the downhill.
The technical nature of the Outdoor Contact sole
The increased grip and resistance of this high-performance sole are due to an exclusive rubber blend. The design of the sole is what strengthens the grip. Our laboratory tests evaluate the grip coefficient on various surfaces/conditions, our field tests in the mountains confirm it.
What’s the difference between traction and grip?
Traction optimises propulsion, prevents the boots from slipping backwards and stabilises them. It depends on the number and shape of the boots’ crampons.
Grip prevents the boots from slipping and skidding on smooth ground or in demanding conditions.
How to prolong the waterproofness?
We advise you to re-waterproof your boots twice a year, using a waterproofing product (available on our website/in Decathlon stores) to continue to protect them from water. You can use waterproof gaiters to prevent water from getting into the top of the boots.
How to care for your boots
1. Leave your boots to air dry.
2. Remove dry mud with a stiff brush.
3. Clean stains with a brush and some warm water and leave to dry.
4. Use a re-waterproofing spray to restore water-repellency on the upper.
replace your insoles
The original insole in your boots is designed to accommodate most feet. A change of insole can offer:
- better support (preformed or reinforced soles)
- more comfort (warmth and/or cushioning)
- a longer boot lifespan.
How can you avoid blisters?
We have some tips for preventing blisters when hiking. Discover all our tips here:
https://www.decathlon.com/blogs/sports-advice/8-tips-from-our-expert-hikers-to-avoid-blisters
Waterproofing test
We carry out tests in the laboratory. The boots are immersed in water to mid-height on a mechanical arm that flexes to simulate a certain number of steps. With this test we can determine the time and number of kilometres that the boots can walk while staying dry. Then we confirm these capacities out in the field and under the rain, with usage tests.
