THE BEST BOOTS
From tough leather hiking boots and lightweight boots built for speed, there’s a style out there for you, whether you’re an ambler, rambler, trekker or speed-hiker
Walking boots tried and tested.
Targhee III Mid WP, Keen, £114.99, keenfootwear.com
I wore these straight from the box on a two-week summer walk in the Swiss Alps. They were extremely comfortable and, in spite of the challenging landscape, the Keen All-Terrain rubber outsole
gripped well on wet paths, scree slopes and grassy hills. Fortunately for walkers with broad feet, the Targhee III is available in standard and wide fittings and comes in both men’s and women’s versions. The insole is designed to provide strong arch support and soften the impact of the trail. The boot is lightweight, too, at 489.9g. The Keen.Dry breathable membrane means vapour can leave the boot and air can move freely between the material – welcome in hot weather. But waterproofing and durability were less impressive. During wet weather, water seeped in at the top of the foot and after two weeks of hard walking, the boots had begun to show signs of wear and tear, most notably around the toe-bend.
The Targhee III is a great boot for fair-weather walking in the UK and it comes at a relatively affordable price. But for winter walking and rough or wet terrain, a tougher boot might be preferable. DG
Verdict: Comfortable and affordable, but waterproofing is imperfect and durability could be better.
Fellmaster Ridge GTX, Berghaus, £150, berghaus.com
The Fellmaster Ridge is an all-rounder – a good quality, mid-priced boot that will keep your feet dry and comfortable in most UK environments. Initially feeling a little boxy, the boots soon settle in and after one or two strolls it feels as if you’ve owned them for years; the super-soft insole helps.
The upper is made from Nubuck leather to provide durability and support. Its natural water-repellency can be topped up with a spray-on treatment available from outdoor shops. If moisture makes it through the uppers, the boots are lined with Gore-Tex, making them 100% waterproof and breathable. Considering the size and high-performing ankle support, the Fellmaster Ridge feels pretty light, a real advantage when moving quickly up and down uneven slopes.
The boot is quite high; if you feel rubbing around the ankle, drop the laces down one eyelet or lace them backwards (without crossing over on the final eyelet) before tying. Available in grey and brown colourways for men and brown for women. DG
Verdict: Waterproof, lightweight and supportive.
Fremington, Altberg, £184.99, altberg.co.uk
Altberg’s best-selling walking boot has remained virtually unchanged since the Yorkshire bootmaker’s conception in 1989.
As with most traditional boots, the Fremington is extremely durable and its high-quality leather uppers and breathable membrane make it completely watertight. The hard-wearing Vibram sole has good tread and rigidity, making it ideal for walking in Britain’s hills.
Boots with a rigid construction and full leather uppers like this have a reputation for taking time to wear in, but after slight stiffness in the first couple of walks, I was surprised by the overriding feeling of comfort. I’ve since worn them on many walks, long and short, and the fit feels feel cosier and more comfortable with each outing. The padded ankle cuff reduces rubbing and Altberg’s five width
fittings offer extra wiggle room, should you need it. The Fremington is sold as a “lightweight two-to-three-season leather walking boot”, but I would recommend it for British winters, too. Available in a broad range of sizes and widths for women and men. DG Verdict: Hardy, watertight and surprisingly comfortable.
Roclite G 345 GTX, Inov8, £155, inov-8.com
Cumbria-based Inov-8’s heritage as a maker of trail-running shoes shows in these lightweight boots. They are pleasingly low-profile, with minimal padding and breathable mesh uppers to keep feet cool. Waterproofing relies on a Gore-Tex membrane; once soaked, expect a little damp inside the boot. In summer, that may not bother you because on the move these boots are outstanding thanks to
super grippy 6mm lugs. Men’s and women’s versions available. JP
Verdict: Grippy, breathable and light for fast hikes.
Peakfreak X2 Mid OutDry, Columbia, £115, columbiasportswear.co.uk
These super lightweight boots feature a solid tread that provides excellent grip on rough terrain. The insole offers a nice level of padding and the ankles feel well supported without having the bulk of a heavier, more traditional boot. However, it’s in the wet that these boots outperform many other textile boots. They were impressively waterproof on wet grass and in heavy rain. My only problem was the fit, which is wide. Men’s and women’s versions available. CM
Verdict: Excellent for hill walks in spring and summer.
Ducan Mid GTX, Mammut, £160, mammut.com/uk/
These sporty boots are comfortable and lightweight all-rounders. Despite the substantial outsole and chunky toecap, they feel nimble and responsive on the trail. Uppers are made of a tough mesh with a nicely judged few millimetres of padding for comfort. The lugs may be less chunky than some, but the Vibram Flextron outsole
grips well. The waterproofing is very effective, partly thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane. Men’s and women’s version available. JP
Verdict: Highly versatile, for all kinds of walks.
Relment – Pelmo for men, Skechers, £79, skechers.com
At well under £100, these boots are among the most affordable on the market. The ‘relaxed’ fit is designed to be roomy. Memory Foam insoles deliver a soft ride, even a little bouncy. With suede uppers, plenty of padding and a chunky toe bumper, don’t expect them to feel dynamic and responsive. But your feet do feel well
protected, and the rubber outsole provides plenty of grip. JP
Verdict: Good value boots for occasional ramblers, over short to medium distances.