ANATOM Q2 CLASSIC/Q2 ULTRALIGHT £140

Is this low-priced leather boot the best alternative to shoes in the mountains – or is it worth paying more?

■ Materia● Full grain leather, waterproof tri.aria lining

■ So●e Vibram Grivola

■ Me■’s 41-47 (Q2 Classic)

■ Wome■’s 37-42 (Q2 Ultralight) ■ Weight 1546g (size 46)

IT'S GOOD

For the price the Anatom Q2 has become a benchmark product, as it offers most of what hillwalkers need. This prized package includes a relatively stitch-free leather upper, with no mesh, which means durability is great. The toe box is well stiffened, and the ankle cuff provides enough support to protect the foot when stepping through rivers, crossing moorland bogs or rubbing your feet against rocks during scrambles or scree crossings.

Underfoot there’s a nice deep set of well-spaced lugs, as well as a substantial heel breast, so this sole really does bite into softer ground better than shoes or boots with more shallow lugs.

Importantly the sole is also well stiffened, so you can securely stand on jagged rocks without the boot flexing too much. But the sole still has enough flex to make walking on easier paths comfortable.

In terms of fit, these fitted well. Overall it was a relief to get these on in place of the bendier shoes I was wearing.

HOWEVER

At this price you can’t expect perfection, and some higher-priced boots do offer better performance. While the Q2 fitted me and performed well on rocky scrambles, other boots have a closer and neater fit that allows far more precise placement.

Some pricier boots also have a more controlled flex from toe to heel, so you get comfort for level paths but with a little more stiffness and support when scrambling. The boot tended to buckle and bend more than is ideal for scrambling, so while scrambles were still possible they would be easier in some pricier boots. The upper seems very durable, but the rands on higher priced boots would be more so.

VERDICT

Superb performance for the price when used on a wide range of terrain – but spend more and you’ll get a lighter, more precise feel and fit.