3-4 SEASON BOOTS

For more extreme terrain, you’ll need better ankle support, deeper lugs and a generally more robust boot. Here are some heavy-duty contenders.

Mammut Alto Guide High GTX £190

A low-priced boot for its B1-rated stiffness and 3-4 season performance that is made with an upper comprising of a mix of synthetic material and leather with lots of stitching and a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. A full rubber rand encloses the boot for extra durability. The toe flex is slightly soft and it does not feel quite as precise as some more climbing-orientated designs, making this better for walking on level snow rather than anything too steep. Great as a general mountain walking boot, but pay more and performance improves.

Weight 1850g (size 46) Sizes 6½-13 (men’s); 4-8½ (women’s) + price; rubber rand; aggressive outsole; stiffness - better for walking in snow rather than climbing Trail tested Dec16 4.4/5 Best Value

Meindl Air Revolution 4.1 £235

With the same price tag as December 2015, the Air Revolution 4.1 is worth a closer look if you suffer from sweaty feet, as its construction is said to offer 25% more breathability than standard Gore-Tex-lined boots. The outsole is a Vibram unit with very deep and widely spaced lugs. It’s not quite as stiff as some 3-4 season boots, but you get a more spacious toe and more comfort for walking on rock, scree and snow, however for more technical climbing, its flex and less precise feel are potential drawbacks.

Weight 1866g (pair, size 11) Sizes 6-12 (men’s); 3½-9 (womens) + increased upper breathability; rubber rand; aggressive outsole - perhaps less durable than full leather upper; slightly less stiff Trail tested Dec15 4.4/5

AKU Superalp GTX £200

This is a tough all-round 3-4 season boot based around a nubuck leather upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof lining and a full rubber rand. The ankle cuff is a good height for support on uneven ground and the sole has a reasonable set of lugs and a heel breast. The slightly softer toe flex makes this good for walking below the snow but it is less ideal for negotiating snow slopes and some boots have deeper lugs for even better grip on softer terrain.

Weight 1980g (pair, size 11) Sizes 3-13 (men’s) leather upper with minimal stitching, rubber rand, waterproof lining - very slightly less supportive boot than others; no women’sspecific option Trail tested Dec16 4.4/5

Salewa Raven 2 GTX £240

The tri-colour shelf appeal is supported by functionality, thanks to the use of abrasionresistant microfibre, suede leather and a GoreTex waterproof lining with a full rubber rand. There is slightly less ankle support here, as the ankle cuff is lower than others and certainly more flexible. The Vibram sole has deep, well-spaced lugs, a big heel breast and good B2 stiffness. The result is a boot that is both excellent for winter walking with crampons and ideal for scrambling, as it allows a more precise foot placement.

Weight 1842g (pair, size 11) Sizes 6-12 (men’s); 3-9 (women’s) + full rubber rand; precise toe for scrambling; outsole lugs; great rolling action - some uppers may be more durable; slightly less ankle support Trail tested Jan 17 4.6/5

Zamberlan 960 Guide GTX £210

A robust 3-4 season boot with its nabuck leather upper having minimal stitching and a rubber rand for durability, while Gore-Tex provides the waterproof lining. There is good support from the ankle cuff for uneven terrain and the Vibram sole has deep, well-spaced lugs and heel breast. The slightly softer flex at the toe means you have to work a little harder when using the toes to edge on snow or rock, but it is still stiffer than some, making it a good compromise for general 3-4 season use.

Weight 1894g (pair, size 11) Sizes 7-15 (men’s); 6½12 (women’s) + minimal stitching on leather upper; aggressive outsole; waterproof lining - slightly soft toe flex; not most precise feel for mountaineering Trail tested Dec 16 4.4/5

Scarpa SL Activ £245

This sets the standard for the 3-4 season category. The full leather upper has hardly any stitching so there is nothing to fray, and you also get a full rubber rand for maximum protection. The V-Flex design ankle cuff allows forward flex without reducing lateral support. The sole is stiff with deep, well-spaced lugs and is ideal for rockier ground, as well as edging and kicking steps on snow, or while wearing crampons. The toe flex makes walking on the level reasonably comfortable. There is no waterproof lining and rather remarkably, no women-specific fit.

Weight 2110g (pair, size 46) Sizes 8-16 (men’s) + minimal stitching on leather upper; rubber rand, aggressive outsole, stiffness - not the lightest, not the lowest price; no waterproof lining; no women’s option Trail tested Dec 16 4.6/5 Best in Test