Women's Warm Waterproof Hiking Shoes - SH520 X-WARM MID

We have selected warm and insulating materials for this shoe, providing good protection against snow and cold. We have tested it in the laboratory and in the field with our user representatives. We checked the temperature up to which it stays comfortable when you're stationary and when you're walking, as this varies a lot: -4°c when static and -16°C when moving. We also took into account how temperature is felt differently by men and women.

Your shoes have been designed with a membrane to ensure optimal water-resistance. A membrane is a very fine component (between 5 and 25 micrometres) affixed to the inside of a fabric that will prevent water from entering while letting moisture escape. While you stay warm in your shoes, your feet will also stay dry. The sole insulates from the cold coming from contact with snow.

Thermal comfort is a balance between the warmth of the boots and its ability to let the foot breathe. Too much heat or not enough breathability means that damp accumulates and cold can set in. We have designed your shoes with your regular and at times intense activity in mind, with a membrane which prevents water ingress and lets damp out.

We made sure that your shoes are waterproof by conducting laboratory tests to simulate walking with the boots half submerged in water. We also conducted field tests to measure wear and ageing. During the waterproofing test, we test 3 levels of waterproofing: 2000 flexes (approx. 4 km walk), 4000 flexes (approx. 8 km walk) and 8000 flexes (approx. 16 km walk). This model of shoe has been tested with up to 8,000 flexes, which is equivalent to 16km of walking.

The traction of the boots depends on the number and shape of the studs. The grip is dependent on the materials of the sole and the tread pattern, like the tyres of your car. Traction optimises propulsion, prevents the boot from slipping backwards when going uphill and stabilises the boot. Grip prevents the boot from slipping and skidding on smooth ground or in demanding conditions (rain, snow, ice) by giving the sole grip.

The SNOWCONTACT soles are designed using a specific component and stud pattern (5 mm) to provide the best possible grip and traction. SNOWCONTACT soles are more effective than traditional soles on snow. When walking on ice, the only way to ensure optimum safety is to add anti-slip grips to your boots.

The support provided by your shoe is essential for your comfort when walking. Indeed, good support optimises your steps on hilly terrain (ascent and descent), prevents your foot from sliding in the shoe and reduces the occurrence of blisters. There is less loss in the transmission of your energy to the shoe and therefore less fatigue. This is especially important when you are snowshoeing.

We designed these shoes for hiking on snow, with or without snowshoes. The upper of the shoe (mid-height type) combined with gaiters (external or integrated in the trousers), provides good protection against snow getting in. Waterproof and warm, their support and rigidity are more suitable for walking with snowshoes.

Our engineers conduct laboratory tests to ensure that the product fully complies with your satisfaction in use. Our verifications include the following elements: tearing eyelets and straps, gluing, toxicology, UV resistance, abrasion resistance of outsole and upper components, accelerated ageing.

To be well equipped in winter, we recommend that you follow these guidelines : Warmth:warmth provided by a warm pair of socks (ideally containing a suitable percentage of wool) Breathability: Choose the sock according to the intensity of the hike and make sure you wear a breathable model to minimise moisture. Boot height: adapt the height of the sock to the height of the upper and preferably choose high models if you want more protection.

A fabric's water repellent property is its capacity to make water run off its surface without seeping in. This prevents the fabric from soaking up water and keeps it lightweight, warm and breathable. The water repellent property is achieved by treating the fabric's exterior. This treatment needs to be renewed during the lifetime of the garment. Products (spray or liquid) for this purpose are available in our stores.

We designed these shoes as one of the elements of the perfect set for your cold-weather hikes: the SH500 outfit. Equipped with your trousers, your SH500 fleece, SH520 shoes and your SH500 snowshoes, you will be able to enjoy your snow excursions whatever the weather, or almost. In any case, there's no need to wait for ideal conditions or to take everything with you in your rucksack, but you can travel light and well-equipped!

This product is guaranteed for 2 years from the date shown on the sales receipt. A product covered by the warranty will be exchanged free of charge. The warranty covers product defects, excluding those resulting from normal wear and tear and improper use.

A product's environmental impact is calculated over its entire life cycle using various indicators. A score from A to E is produced to help you make a responsible choice. This rating is used to easily identify the products with the best environmental performance. This is done by making a comparison between products of the same family (e.g. backpacks). Decathlon is a voluntary supporter of this environmentally-friendly labelling approach.