Women's warm waterproof snow hiking shoes - SH500 Mid

Based on the field and laboratory tests carried out to measure the perception of cold with a panel of users, we gauge the thermal insulation of our shoes when stationary (static -3°C) and when moving (dynamic -11°C). As a result, you now have an accurate measure of the temperature at which you are protected with these shoes. The comfort temperature ratings for your shoes is shown. We take into consideration the differences in feeling between 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 outer sole and the mid-sole insulate from the cold 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 boots with your activity in mind, be it occasional or regular, with a membrane which prevents water ingress and lets damp out.

We made sure that your boots 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: 2,000 flexes (approx. 4 km walk), 4,000 flexes (approx. 8 km walk) and 8,000 flexes (approx. 16 km walk). This model of boot has been tested for up to 4000 flexes, which is equivalent to 8 km 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.

Equipped with SNOWCONTACT soles, your shoes are designed for maximum grip comfort for hiking and traction on snow. The location and height of the crampons (3 mm) are spaced strategically for optimal grip when hiking on snow. The surface and layout of the studs are designed to perfectly grip the layer of hard snow and evacuate excess water to avoid slipping.

SNOWCONTACT soles are made with a specific component and stud pattern that is designed to ensure 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.

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

To gear up in the winter, we recommend you follow the following principles :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. As a result, the fabric does not soak up water & stays light, breathable & warm. 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.

Shoes can become heavy while they’re being worn in the wet (condensation and perspiration)If your boots are very wet, we advise you to remove the insole, fill the upper with balls of newspaper and change them regularly. The paper will pump out moisture and speed up drying.Never place your shoes too close to a heat source but leave them in a warm, dry and ventilated place.

Because we are aware that we must act to preserve our playground, Quechua is committed to limiting the environmental impact of its products.Today, this product is not eco-designed, but we work every day to make it more responsible: eco-design, reparability and durability at the heart of our development process.

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.