THREE OF THE BEST AFFORDABLE BOOTS
With many walking boots now priced at £160 or more, Daniel Graham tests three pairs that cost £130 or less
ALTIPLANO PRIME TEXAPORE MID W Jack Wolfskin, £130 0800 965 37546, www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk
A high-cut boot with a comprehensive tread, the mid-weight Altiplano Prime is a great option for trekking in Britain – from the lowland paths of the Cotswolds and East Anglia to the rugged mountaintops of the Scottish Highlands. A cushioned hiking sole complements the highly breathable and fast-drying Circuliner lining, maximising comfort, while the suede leather provides strong
durability. A series of metal hooks and eyelets span the length of the boot, meaning the laces can be tied firmly around your ankle, increasing support and reducing the chances of injury. Like many modern day hiking boots, the Altiplano Primes can be worn straight from the shop, though it is advisable to start with a few short walks before heading out for a long day in the hills. VERDICT Comfortable from the off, this is a hardy boot great for long days out.
WANDERER WP Keen, £119.99 00800 44 55 44 55, www.keenfootwear.com
Attractive and traditional-looking, these
mid-height boots are comfortable from the moment they are put on, particularly for a wide foot. The soft
ankle cuff provides both support and flexibility, while the metatomical footbed design cradles your arch and, along with the dual compound rubber sole, reduces impact on the bottom of your foot. Made from waterproof leather and
suede, with the addition of a waterproofing membrane, wet weather will be kept at bay, while the hydrophobic close mesh material that lines the inner boot allows for breathability (in particularly hot weather, the padded interior may induce a little sweating). The Wanderers are mid-range boots in many senses – price, height, weight and durability – yet their impressive comfort pushes them above other boots. VERDICT Flexible and well padded, an impressive boot for most British walks.
BORA GTX Scarpa, £110 0191 296 0212, www.scarpa.co.uk
Lightweight, flexible and relatively inexpensive, the Bora GTX is a great boot for newcomers to the trail. Secure around the ankle and roomy around the toes, you will feel at home straight away, especially on short walks in the countryside. A water-resistant suede and Cordura upper combines with a
GoreTex lining to allow your feet to breathe while remaining dry from downpours, and the Energy L outsole gifts good traction and durability for when the way become muddy and wet. Weighing a little over a kilogram per pair, this mid cut boot is ideal for gentle trails, though may also function as summer footwear on slightly tougher terrains. To keep you boots in good condition, Scarpa recommend that you use their HS12 proofing, rubbing the cream into nicks and scuffs whenever they appear. VERDICT Light and unfussy, the perfect entry level boot for undemanding trails.