Hiking Clearance

Low, mid or high hiking boots

The height of the shaft is chosen based on the terrain and the load of the bag. A low shoe, light and flexible, is suitable for well-marked paths and day hikes with a small bag. A mid-high shoe with a sock collar, like the adidas Terrex Free Hiker, protects the ankle from stones while maintaining flexibility, and a high shaft supports the ankle on rocky terrain and when the bag gets heavier during hikes. The sole matters too: deep, spaced lugs help shed mud, and a sticky rubber, like the Traxion from the Anylander, grips well on wet rock. Try on the shoes at the end of the day when your feet are swollen, with your hiking socks.

Hiking clearance items

The hiking clearance is organised by type:

• Hiking shoes.
• Textiles, jackets, fleeces, trousers and shorts.
• Luggage, backpacks.
• Equipment, poles, water bottles and accessories.

Gore-Tex membrane or ventilated shoes: which waterproofing

A waterproof membrane, like the Gore-Tex of the Terrex Free Hiker GTX or the waterproof version of the Trezeta Fitzroy, prevents water from entering while allowing some sweat vapor to escape: this is a good choice for dew, mud and light showers. In the height of summer, it can be warmer. A shoe without a membrane and with a ventilated upper, like the adidas Terrex Boat Climacool, designed to let water out and dry quickly, is suitable for dry paths, fords and coastal areas. The Gore-Tex membrane was developed in the United States, by the Gore family, in the late 1960s. A water-repellent treatment of the upper, regularly renewed, extends its effectiveness.

Other sports on clearance

The clearance extends to other sports: football, running, lifestyle, bikes, moto, handball, basketball, equestrian, camping, on the clearance page.

Layering jacket, parka and fleece according to the weather

When hiking, dress in layers that can be added or removed throughout the day. The fleece, like those from adidas Terrex or Trespass, retains warmth even when wet and dries quickly. The waterproof jacket is judged by its taped seams and breathability: the Regatta Pack-It folds into its own pocket to stay at the bottom of the bag, while the Dare 2B Arising protects during long rainy days. The parka Didriksons, a Swedish brand founded in 1913 in Grundsund on the west coast, offers more coverage for winter outings. On sunny days, the convertible Regatta Travel Light trousers become shorts by unzipping the legs.

Frequently asked questions

How to prevent blisters while hiking?

Blisters are caused by friction and moisture: break in new shoes on shorter walks, wear seamless hiking socks, and tighten the lacing before descents. At the first warm-up, stop to apply a second-skin plaster.

What hikes can I do around Paris?

The Fontainebleau forest, with its blue-marked paths between the rocks, and the Chevreuse valley, at the end of the RER B, offer loops for day hikes without a car. The long-distance hiking trails, marked in white and red, also run throughout Île-de-France.

What size of backpack for a day hike?

A bag of twenty to thirty litres is enough to carry water, snacks, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, a first aid kit and a map. Beyond seven or eight kilos, the load quickly tires the shoulders on long ascents.

What socks should I wear for hiking?

Hiking socks, like the Monnet, reinforced at the heel and toe, cushion impacts and wick away moisture. Merino wool limits odours over several days, synthetic fibres dry faster, and cotton, which retains water, promotes blisters.

How to care for hiking shoes?

Brush off the mud after each outing, then let them air dry, away from a radiator that can crack leather and peel off soles. A suitable waterproofing treatment for leather or fabric, applied regularly, restores the water-repellent effect of the upper.