Alpine footwear is made to last, with insulation, comfort and stability at the forefront of its design. From purpose-built Alpine expedition boots to insulated hut slippers for the coldest nights, our alpine footwear range will keep your feet warm, dry and ready for your next mountain adventure.

FAQs

What should I look for in an alpine boot?

When heading on an alpine tour, it’s important to have heavy-duty, durable boots you can rely on. Sturdy metal or lightweight shanks in the sole of any adventure shoe will support the small bones and muscles in your feet, protecting them from strenuous mountain activities.  Sturdy shanks within hiking boots also allow you to wear heavier packs, providing an extra line of support from twisting and straining. Alpine hiking boots should also have a Gore-Tex or waterproof membrane, keeping your feet dry and free from any possible moisture. Some alpine mountaineering boots have inbuilt gaiters, a technical and lightweight addition. Durable rubber rims and reinforced toe areas are vital for any technical hiking boot, providing durable and water-tight impact areas. Scarpa and Salomon have created some of the best lightweight alpine touring boots, with durable leather or synthetic uppers and Vibram soles, we stock these trusted alpine expedition brands at all our Paddy Pallin stores. 

What socks are best for alpine mountaineering?

Selecting longer socks that reach the top of your alpine boot is best, as many backcountry boots are rigid and sturdy, which can create rubbing in surprising places. Cushioned ski and Mountaineering socks made of merino wool are recommended as they wick moisture away from the foot, are naturally antimicrobial and dry relatively fast. A great way to keep your feet free of blisters is pairing a sock liner with a heavier-weight cushioned mountaineering sock. For alpine ski touring, ski socks with extra targeted padding on the shin are a great way to reduce pressure points. 

How do I know what crampons I need?

Crampons are designed to penetrate the harsh ice environments of glaciers, frozen waterfalls and frozen slopes. Low-profile crampons or micro spikes are great for frozen ground tundra or flatter icey areas. Aggressively spiked crampons from brands including Salewa and Black Diamond are for technical mountaineering expeditions, where vertical climbing on ice walls, frozen waterfalls and glaciers is necessary. Assess the crampon bindings, as some fit specific shoe types such as ski or technical mountaineering boots.

What alpine footwear options do I have that aren’t heavy-duty boots?

When travelling through the mountains, sunny days or side trips are in order, where you need versatility in your shoes. Adventure footwear comes in all shapes and sizes, meaning you don’t always have to throw on heavy-duty boots for everything. Adventure sandals from brands including Teva and Merrel are sturdy and durable hiking sandals for any terrain. Slipping on adventure sandals when heading on a day trip, when you stroll around the campsite or on approach, sandals offer versatility for your feet. Another expedition gear addition is hut boots, insulated booties with minimal rigidity that offer a heavenly rest for tired feet. Hut boots have extra soft cushioning under the foot and can keep your feet warm in extreme conditions. 

When should I use a snowshoe?

Snowshoes should be used when alpine touring and ski touring for easier mobility over snow. The newest developments in snowshoe technology have created extremely lightweight and durable pieces of gear that make snow walking a breeze. Designed with angled rails and aggressive ridges to secure your position in the snow, some snowshoes allow you to lift your heel, saving energy whilst on your alpine tour. Pulling out your snowshoe on a deep snow journey is a lifesaver, and can be used on medium gradients when skiing or vertical accents are required.

Are leather hiking boots heavy?

Absolutely not! Some of the lightest and most durable expedition boots are leather. Fabric technological advancements from brands like Scarpa and Salomon mean leather hiking boots are a practical option for expedition boots and adventure shoes. Our leather trekking boots can also have a waterproof membrane, meaning your feet will stay dry and warm. Treated with Durable Water Repellent, leather and synthetics don’t wet out, remaining light and dry for your entire journey.

What Alpine footwear brands does Paddy Pallin stock?

At Paddy Pallin, we stock a wide range of heavy-duty expedition boots, adventure sandals and lightweight trail shoes. Brands including Scarpa and Salomon have a wide range of durable alpine footwear, and we also stock Merrell, Teva, The North Face and Rab.