Footwear

• What should I consider when purchasing footwear?
• Do all Jack Wolfskin shoes feature the same fit?
• Are the shoes available in larger sizes?
• Where do I find the product number or product name and the age of my Jack Wolfskin product?
• Do Jack Wolfskin’s shoes contain chromium VI?
• How should I dry my shoes when I am on the road?
• Taking care of your hiking boots? why it is worthwhile waterproofing and waxing them
• Hiking boots: what is the right size for you?

• What should I consider when purchasing footwear?

  The most important thing of all is that the shoes fit! Taking time to try them on in the shop is therefore particularly important in order to get an idea of whether they are the right fit or not. If they are too tight, the shoes will leave you with pressure points, whereas if your feet have too much space inside the shoe, you may get blisters.

  Generally speaking: the foot must fit firmly in the shoe (especially on the heel) but not tightly. The toes should not touch the front of the shoe, even when you are walking downhill. Furthermore, they should not be compressed either by the sides or by the top of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely.

  Another important consideration is the activities for which the shoes are going to be used. If you will be primarily hiking on paved, flat terrain, you probably won’t need extremely rigid and comparatively heavy mountain boots. By the same token, it is tiring and dangerous to hike on alpine terrain in a shoe that is too light or flexible. Experienced and fit hikers with strong feet can use a lighter and more flexible shoe than beginners, whose feet require more support and rigidity.

  We recommend that you try on shoes in the late afternoon, as this is the time that the feet are more swollen (when compared with the early morning when you first get up). This provides a more realistic resemblance to walking conditions.

• Do all Jack Wolfskin shoes feature the same fit?

  No. The lasts determine the fit of the shoe and we also offer various emphases for different areas of use (alpine, trekking, hiking, etc.).
  Should the shoe feature a closer fit for trail running (Active Trail), or is it a hiking shoe where the foot needs more space?
  Such basic features are determined during the construction of the last.
  Lasts for women’s shoes are also generally slimmer than those that are used for men’s shoes. Our shoes for children and young people are available in two different fits: regular and slim.

• Are the shoes available in larger sizes?

  Yes. Our standard shoes for women are available up to size 43 (UK 9).
  Men's shoes are available up to size 48 (UK 13). The most popular models for men even go up to size 50 (UK 15).

• Where do I find the product number or product name and the age of my Jack Wolfskin product?

  There is a narrow label bearing a seven-digit product number behind the care label. Directly below the product number, there is a combination of several numbers and letters – the first two figures of this combination are the year of production. This information helps our customer service to process enquiries.

  The respective product name of our apparel does not appear on the products. The label which features the article number is usually located at the side seam or in one of the jacket pockets.

  On some of our products from the equipment range, there is also a product name directly below the Jack Wolfskin logo.

  The size label is located inside the shoe (usually on the inside of the tongue).

  info: on the invoice and in the shopping cart, you will find the 5 or 7-digit article number, which follows the colour code (usually 4-digits) separated by a hyphen and then a 3-digit size code.

• Do Jack Wolfskin’s shoes contain chromium VI?

  No. Neither our shoes made from synthetic materials nor our leather shoes contain chromium VI. For our leather shoes, we use standard tanned leather. Chromium is used in the normal standard tanning process, but this is then washed out again in a complex rinsing process. By law, no more chromium VI may be detected in the leather after this point. As such, the level must not exceed 3 ppm (parts per million) for leather.

• How should I dry my shoes when I am on the road?

  Perspiration is a big problem with you are on a long hike. A leather lining is able to absorb large quantities of moisture, only releasing it gradually. Modern synthetic fibres and sole linings wick moisture away from the feet. As such, all footwear, whether it is lined with leather or synthetic fibres, must be well-aired every night so that any moisture can evaporate. Open up the shoe widely, remove the insole and allow to ventilate seperately.

  The shoe should be well impregnated to protect as wet and moisture from the outside. Shoes without a weatherproof membrane can also get completely soaked from time to time. In such cases, the tried-and-tested method of stuffing the shoes with scrunched-up newspaper can work wonders.
  Do not dry shoes by a campfire or stove flame because the heat may affect the material. It is important to re-impregate the shoes as soon as they are completely dry.

• Taking care of your hiking boots? why it is worthwhile waterproofing and waxing them

  Do you (and your boots) defy all conditions on and off the beaten track? Great, but you should look to waterproof and wax your hiking boots regularly so that they can stay that way. Then dirt and water will not be able to penetrate the material, and you’ll be able to enjoy wearing your boots for longer. How come? Waterproofing hiking boots not only makes them waterproof, it will keep the dirt off. That is the reason why it is just as important to waterproof hiking boots before you wear them for the first time.

  Leather footwear will stay especially supple when treated with wax. Creases and cracks won’t be a concern, and the shoes will retain their sturdiness. By contrast, for hiking boots made of synthetic materials, it suffices to clean and waterproof them regularly.

  Don’t forget the insoles in your hiking boots. They absorb sweat and should therefore be washed on a regular basis, or better still, replaced.

  Waterproofing shoes correctly

  If you intend to waterproof your hiking boots, you should begin by cleaning them thoroughly:

  • Firstly, remove any surface dirt with a shoe brush.
  • Get rid of any gravel and dirt that has settled in the tread of the sole.
  • Remove the laces and fully clean the boots with lukewarm water and a sponge/cloth.
  • Leave the boots to dry naturally, preferably overnight, to make sure that the material is not still dampCheck once again that the chosen waterproofing product is the right one for the hiking boot material. Then spray or rub in the contents on the material Remember: it is better to apply several thin layers rather than a single thick layer, in order to avoid unsightly marks.

  Taking care of leather hiking boots

  It is particularly important to take good care of leather hiking boots. If the leather dries out, the shoe material is likely to become brittle and crack. This can be prevented by applying a thin layer of wax to the cleaned leather after each longer trip. This will stop cracks appearing in the leather over time.

  Waterproofing hiking boots with a waterproof membrane

  Shoes which are lined with a waterproof membrane require special care. Depending on the material of the uppers, waterproofing sprays and shoe wax can be used, but please note: Do NOT use care products that contain oil. It can impair the breathability of the membrane.

• Hiking boots: what is the right size for you?

  Whether or not you can fully enjoy hiking in the great outdoors often depends on your chosen footwear. After all, no matter how breathtaking the view from the summit, if you’re freezing or if you’ve got blisters on your feet, then your mood will go downhill and nothing will brighten your spirits. Indeed, lots of people are really unsure about what to ask for when buying new hiking boots and ask themselves: Would I be better getting a size larger or smaller?
  The answer is ... when buying hiking boots, you should generally go for a size larger than you normally wear. Normally, you can buy one size up in hiking boots because your feet normally swell during the course of a day. Consequently, you should always try on new hiking boots either late afternoon or in the evening. Take a pair of hiking socks along with you when trying on new hiking boots, in order to ensure they fit comfortably.
  Also make sure that there is roughly 1.5 cm room between your toes and the tip of the shoe. If the space is less, you may find that your toes hit the tip of the shoe as you go downhill. Furthermore, your new hiking boots should sit snugly around midfoot, in order that your feet have a firm grip – your feet will not slip and slide around on your next trail.

  What model is best for your activity?

  When all is said and done, it is not only the size and fit that play a key role ... take your planned activity and the type of terrain into consideration.

  • Will you be going out for a leisurely stroll in the woods? Then choose a lightweight, waterproof hiking boot with a flexible sole.
  • Will you be going on a hiking holiday in a mountainous region? Then choose a sturdy hiking boot with a mid-high shaft and a somewhat firmer sole with a good grip.
  • Do you intend to go on more challenging hiking trips off the beaten track or on unsteady ground? Then choose a firm hiking boot with a reinforced sole and, ideally, few seams. This will reduce the risk of getting a blister.

  What exactly do you have in mind? If you wish to know more about what boots you would need for a mountain trip involving challenging climbs, treks lasting several days or for cycling: Our footwear guide gives comprehensive tips on what best to choose depending on your intended activity.