LA SPORTIVA TRANGO TECH LEATHER GTX £255
This boot is one of the best we’ve tested in many years. The Trango Tech is protective and supportive, yet surprisingly comfortable. It features a single-piece nubuck leather upper with minimal stitching, high-ankled cut, soft tongue, and rubber protection at the heel and toe. Waterproofing is via a Gore-Tex lining and a rubber Vibram outsole provides slip-free traction with a front climbing zone for edging. VERDICT A fully-featured, durable, leather boot that’s ideal for big mountain days. As far as an all-round hiking boot goes, you’ll struggle to find anything better.
ZAMBERLAN 996 VIOZ GTX £220
With their traditional looks and Gore-Tex lined, full-grain leather uppers, these boots are built for the long haul, just like all boots used to be. They’re reliably waterproof, extremely durable and reassuringly stable, inspiring confidence over the rockiest terrain. Downsides? They take a little while to break in and aren’t the lightest. VERDICT So-called ‘fast and light’ hikers might find these boots too heavy and stiff, but others will appreciate their superb build quality – which also means they’ll undoubtedly outlast flimsier rivals.
ALTBERG DALESWAY VEGAN BOOT £195
The ethical and environmental benefits of a plant-based lifestyle have meant that veganism has gained huge traction in recent years – but the outdoor industry seems to be lagging behind. There is Altberg’s Dalesway though: a vegan-friendly hillwalking boot with uppers made from lorica, a man-made microporous alternative to leather. Sturdy and waterproof, they’re also available in five widths.
VERDICT Choices are fairly limited if you’re looking for high-quality, vegan-friendly hillwalking boots, but Altberg’s Dalesway is one of the most well-made and robust options out there.
ADIDAS TERREX EASTRAIL MID GTX £100
Budget boots usually come with a few compromises, but I can honestly say that these lightweight hikers aren’t just great value: these are great boots, full-stop. You get reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing, running shoe cushioning and solid build quality. I’ve worn them regularly over the past 6 months, yomping all over Snowdonia. They’ve performed brilliantly and still look like new. VERDICT A stylish, comfortable, lightweight and waterproof mid-cut hiker at a great price. Why pay more?
USED BY Matt Jones, Trail contributor USED FOR 6 months
DANNER MOUNTAIN 600 £200
The Mountain 600’s hybrid style, combining a traditional full-grain leather upper with a cushioned trainer-like midsole, looks striking. The springy-feeling midsole is the pièce de résistance, delivering top-notch rebound, cushioning and support in a really responsive, agile unit. You also get a leather upper, Danner Dry membrane and a Vibram Fuga outsole. VERDICT A full-grain leather boot with a plush, springy midsole.
ALTBERG TETHERA £245
Built from one piece of 2.6mm thick Anfibio leather with minimal stitching, the Altberg Tethera is extremely durable and weather-resistant. You get a Sympatex waterproof lining, 360˚ rubber rand, deeply-lugged Vibram outsole and lots of stiffness. The bellows tongue is excellent, with a very high flood level, and the ankle cuff provides good cushioning. VERDICT Our pick for dry feet. A top quality leather boot that’s extremely durable and waterproof – but it’s very heavy and stiff.
KEEN NXIS EVO MID £145
KEEN boots have a great reputation for comfort, but they’re perhaps not the nimblest of footwear. The NXIS Evo is different though. New for 2022, this lightweight hiker offers stability and cushioning with added flexibility. Visually, the most striking feature is a split toe design that provides enhanced splay and flex without sacrificing the brand’s signature protective toe bumper.
VERDICT Though it shares many of the distinctive traits of a KEEN boot, this is something of a new departure for the brand that will undoubtedly appeal to ‘fast and light’ hikers.
HANWAG BLUERIDGE £170
The Blueridge’s upper is a mix of Perwanger leather and polyamide fabric, the Terragrip outsole features 15% recycled rubber and a 4mm-deep tread, and waterproofing is via Hanwag’s PFC-free Eco-shell. But the real star of the show is the humongous, stretchy, padded tongue, which hugs the shape of the foot wonderfully for a close-knit, bespoke fit to your shape. VERDICT A lightweight and flexible, yet protective, boot with a comfy fit.
INOV8 ROCFLY G390 £175
For hiking on trails and long distances, I’m a big fan of comfort. The G390s are super lightweight, have trainerlevel comfort and bounce, paired with a low ankle, and are perfect for summer adventures on non-technical terrain. They aren’t waterproof, which some may prefer for breathability in summer. The sole is grippy, with graphene technology to avoid the age-old issue of a compromise in durability for comfort. VERDICT Trainer-level comfort built for the hills. USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED FOR 3 months
SALEWA RAPACE GTX £240
This all-rounder is stiff enough to take a C2 crampon yet on-foot doesn’t feel a million miles away from a standard 3-season boot, with good cushioning (courtesy of a Bilight TPU midsole), flexible ankle cuff and comfy fit. You also get a waterproofbreathable Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, a full rubber rand for protection against rock and scree, and a hard-wearing nubuck and fabric upper. VERDICT A lightweight B2-rated boot with a technical design, lightweight construction and comfy design. Some key features are weighted towards winter, but it can be worn all year.
AKU TENGU LITE GTX £215
This is a boot that imbues you with confidence over scrambly ground thanks to just enough lateral and heel-to-toe stiffness, but still feels comfy and cushioned enough for big mileage days. It’s a great balance. You also get a Gore-Tex liner, practical Vibram Curcuma outsole, and an upper made from suede and AKU’s air8000 fabric. VERDICT A well-made, technical, waterproof hiking boot with a comfy sock-like ankle cuff.
BERGHAUS SUPALITE II GTX £155
A one-piece leather construction with minimal stitching and a Gore-Tex liner ensure the Supalite II is very waterproof, but without the rigidity of a heavy leather boot. Instead it’s light and comfortable, thanks to the soft, supple leather and the ankle cuff’s memory foam padding. Underfoot you get a Vibram sole unit with deep, well-spaced lugs for excellent grip. VERDICT A lightweight full-leather boot that hits the sweet spot between weight and reliability – and all at a competitive price.
LA SPORTIVA ULTRA RAPTOR II MID GTX £155
Based on the legendary Ultra Raptor mountain running shoe, this is a lightweight but structured and supportive mid-cut boot, perfect for moving fast on technical terrain. The soft, tacky outsole also provides outstanding grip on wet and greasy rock. Just bear in mind that the precision fit might not suit those who are broader of hoof (but do try the wide version for size).
VERDICT A lightweight boot that still provides enough protection and support to be reassuringly stable on technical terrain. As ever, try before you buy, since the fit won’t suit everyone. BERGHAUS HILLWALKER II GTX £130
While other leather boots are stiff and clunky, requiring significant breaking-in, this pair is comfy from the get-go. These boots are lighter, softer and more forgiving, with comfy memory foam at the heel and tongue and a cushioned EVA midsole underfoot. You also get an Opti-Stud outsole and a Gore-Tex liner, all at an affordable price. VERDICT A well-priced, lightweight leather boot that delivers excellent comfort. MEINDL TONALE LADY GTX £225
These boots feel sturdy and robust, with technical features and confidence-giving all-round support, yet light and comfy enough for regular use without pinch-points or rubbing – it’s the best of both worlds. You get a full wraparound rubber rand, Gore-Tex membrane, gusseted tongue, EVA foam midsole, Vibram outsole, and uppers made from suede leather and mesh.
VERDICT Best buy for big mountain days. A fully-featured boot that strikes a good balance between weight and sturdiness.