Danner Mountain 600 £153

If an old-school leather hiking boot had an illegitimate child with a lightweight trail running sneaker, the Danner Mountain 600 would be born.

This hybrid style, combining a traditional full-grain leather upper with a cushioned trainerlike midsole, looks striking. Danner calls it ‘performance heritage’, which is its way of saying the boot combines retro styling with modern tech – and it works excellently. The springy-feeling midsole (which is made from a rubberised EVA) is the pièce de résistance, delivering top-notch rebound, cushioning and support in a really responsive, agile unit.

But the other features hit the spot too. The high-quality leather upper and Danner Dry membrane keep out the rain, the Vibram Fuga outsole grips well over mixed terrain, and the simple lacing (with two cleats to finish) ensures a snug fit around the minimalist tongue and ankle cuff. Comfort is very impressive, particularly for a leather boot, and there’s no doubt these are good for daily use.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY Ankle support is slim to none, there’s no heel breast for braking, and the overall design is far from the most rugged or technical. The outsole lugs could be deeper and the leather used is relatively soft and supple, which some may find too flimsy.

■ MEN’S SIZES 6.5-12.5

■ WOMEN’S SIZES 3.5-8

■ WEIGHT PER BOOT 525g (men’s size 8)

Verdict

A full-grain leather boot with a plush, springy midsole – but it’ll be too ‘lifestyle-y’ for some.

“Combines retro style with modern tech excellently”