Hiking boots

Hiking Boots – a Stable Step on Every Trail

Footwear is the most important part of your mountain kit. It carries your entire weight and your backpack for hours, protects your ankles on uneven ground and decides whether your feet will hurt after the hike. Good hiking boots combine grip, support and comfort, chosen for the terrain and the season.

In this category you will find men's and women's hiking boots and hiking shoes, barefoot shoes, hunting and military boots, as well as hiking sandals. The brands are Alpina (Slovenia), which we exclusively import to Bulgaria, Garsport (Italy), Hannah (Czech Republic), Kilpi (Czech Republic), Alpine Pro (Czech Republic) and Teva (USA).

Types of Hiking Footwear

• Hiking shoes: light and flexible, for well-maintained trails, day hikes and everyday wear.
• Low and mid hiking boots: more support and a sturdier sole, for hikes with a light pack on varied terrain.
• High hiking boots: ankle support and stability with a heavy pack, on rocky ground and on multi-day treks.
• Winter hiking boots: insulated, with an outsole for cold and snow.
• Hiking sandals: for hot days, river crossings and rest at camp.
• Barefoot shoes: a thin, flexible sole with no raised heel that lets your foot work naturally. For everyday wear, walks and well-maintained trails.
• Hunting and military boots: high and sturdy, with a grippy outsole and often a waterproof membrane, for long walking and standing on rough terrain, in forests and fields.

How to Choose Hiking Boots

• Terrain: soft forest trails only need hiking shoes, while rocky and steep sections in Rila and Pirin call for a higher boot with a stiff sole.
• Membrane: a waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry in rain, dew and mud.
• Outsole: deep lugs grip wet rock and mud. Many Alpina models feature Vibram outsoles.
• Weight: the heavier the person or the backpack they carry, the higher and more stable the boot should be.
• Size: with hiking socks on, your toes should not touch the front on descents and should be able to move freely.

Which Footwear for Which Hike or Activity

Subcategories and Accessories

Browse our winter hiking boots, summer hiking shoes, three-season hiking boots, barefoot shoes, hunting and military boots and hiking sandals. Complete them with hiking socks and waterproofing sprays.

Why Choose Extreme Sport

We have been equipping hikers for over 22 years and are the exclusive importer of Alpina for Bulgaria. Try the boots on at our store at 42 Dondukov Blvd in Sofia, where we will help you with sizing, or order online with free delivery to an office or parcel locker over 50 EUR and 30 days for returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size hiking boots should I choose?
Try them on with the hiking socks you will wear, ideally at the end of the day. They are usually bought half a size larger so your toes do not hit the front on descents. But do not go too big, or your foot will move inside the boot.

Do new boots need breaking in?
Yes. Wear them a few times around town or on short walks before a long hike. This way you will spot any pressure points in time. If the boot presses in a particular spot, take it to a cobbler who can stretch it on a last.

How do I care for hiking boots?
After a hike, clean off the mud, take out the insoles and dry them at room temperature, never on a radiator. They also dry slowly and safely with shoe dryers, which have an antibacterial function too. Reproof the uppers regularly with a spray such as Nikwax – for fabric and leather or for nubuck and suede, depending on the material of your boots – to keep them water-repellent.

Should I choose high or low hiking boots?
High boots give ankle support with a heavy pack and on rocky ground. Low ones are lighter and comfortable on well-maintained trails. If in doubt, a mid-height boot is a good compromise.