Resistant soles for country trails
This sole’s design is the result of long-term research carried out in our labs. We favoured a specific rubber formula which optimises grip and resistance. Since requirements differ for every person, we systematically seek the best compromise for hiking on off-road trails with loose ground, such as forest trails.
Designed for use on natural paths
Our hiking shoes are designed for use on off-road trails. We choose the components of the sole and upper of our boots and test them to ensure that they are ideally suited to walking on loose trails (e.g. unpaved forest paths) or rocky trails (e.g. rocky coastal paths). Road use (tarmac) may lead to premature wear on your shoes and cause discomfort. They are not suitable for mountain hiking.
Waterproofing test
The footwear is laboratory and field tested equipped with membrane to ensure optimal waterproofing and breathability. To start, the footwear is immersed in water with pressurised air inside to check that no bubbles form on the surface of the boot. Next, shoes are fitted to a mechanical arm that simulates walking and half immersed in water so we can test that the inside remains perfectly dry.
3 levels of waterproofing
In the impermeability test, we test 3 levels of waterproofing:
- 2000 flexes, about 2 hours of hiking
- 4000 flexes, about 4 hours of hiking
- 8000 flexes, about 8 hours of hiking
The NH150 WP shoes were tested for 2000 flexes in the laboratory. This means they will stay waterproof for a 2-hour hike.
Of course, as soon as the shoes are dry, they become waterproof again.
How to maintain the waterproofing of your boots?
We advise that you use a waterproofing spray several times per year, to restore the original water-repellency and to prevent staining.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests were conducted to test the following elements: tearing of the eyelets and straps, stitching, toxicology, UV resistance, abrasion of the sole and the components of the upper, accelerated ageing.These tests allow us to improve the quality of our products and prevent premature wear of our hiking shoes.
How to choose the size of my walking shoes
Try on both boots, while standing, with the socks worn for hiking. Try on several models or sizes if necessary. Check two comfort points:
- the heel seating
- the front of the foot on a downward slope
Avoid any pressure points when fitting. Feel free to walk around the store. Gradually wear in your shoes over the course of a few hikes so that they conform to your feet.
The shoe/sock combination plays an important role
There are multiple factors which may cause blisters when you are walking: rubbing, a crease in the sock, moisture, a shoe size that is too small or too big, etc. It is therefore important to choose the right size and to have socks made of the right material for your walking shoes.
How to choose the size of my walking socks
You need to choose the correct sock size for your feet to avoid any extra folds forming on the sock: these folds may form because the sock is too big and therefore there is too much material around your foot, or because the sock so small and is pulled towards the inside of your foot.
How to choose the material of my walking socks
Moisture must be effectively managed when walking: we sweat, it’s bound to happen. If your shoe is breathable, it will wick away moisture from your perspiration. It is therefore as important to choose a light and breathable sock. If your shoes are relatively waterproof, you will not make the same choice to protect you from the rain’s moisture: choose a sock which will absorb your sweat, and direct it as far as possible away from your foot.
What socks fit the NH150 WP shoe?
These boots are slightly breathable, but not enough to evacuate all humidity created by your sweat. We advise you to choose NH100 Mid socks: they contain moisture-absorbing cotton and have a reverse terry-knit construction under the sock that wicks moisture away from your foot. They are also high enough to protect your ankle from the shoe. It is an excellent combination to reduce the chance of blisters.
Guarantee
Our hiking shoes are guaranteed for 2 years.
Our commitment? To offer you long-lasting products that you can use on all your country walks and strolls. Because the products we like the most are those with a story behind them that lives on!
