Traveller’s guide to: Walking boots

Boots come graded most commonly as 3, 3/4 and 4 season. 4 season boots have a very stiff sole and are designed to take a crampon so are no good unless you’re stepping up to winter mountaineering. 3/4 can be a good option if you think you might want to take your walking above the snowline – as they will often take a crampon in an emergency. But for everyday walking, on a multitude of terrain (but not snow), year-round, you can’t go far wrong with 3 season footwear. They will offer your feet and ankles enough support for backpacking trips (when your pack will be heavier), protection from loose stones and rocks when walking on trickier ground, but be light enough to be suitable for lower level trails too.

Weight
As usual for travellers this is key. Going light is great, but do check the other features of the boot to make sure you’re not getting a lower weight at the expense of less-comfortable cushioning for your foot, good lugs for grip, or support for your ankles.

Fabric
This can be leather or synthetic. It’s worth bearing in mind that a boot with less panels and stitching should, in theory, last longer, although it may often mean a heavier weight. Synthetic fabric also looks a bit more modern though and may be your preference.

Outsole
Turn the boot over and look the lugs – deeper ones will take longer to wear and grip better on muddy surfaces. Some boots will also have a heel breast to help you grip better going downhill.

Cushioning
In order to make the boots lighter, there is sometimes less cushioning underfoot. Check how much there is by putting the boot on and walking on uneven terrain and stamping your feet – you’ll quickly feel the difference between those with a lot of cushioning and those without. Some people don’t need much, others prefer more, so choose what’s right for you. If you plan on doing a lot of walking over multiple days then more cushioning is preferable.

Toe
A stiffer toe box will offer better protection from knocks (push down on it to check how firm it is). Also look for a rubber rand (the bit that covers the upper with the sole), the larger it is, the better protection and durability it offers.

THE TEST: Made from a combo of mesh and suede panels, the Expeditor has the look of a multi-activity shoe. And it does have that feel too, with a fairly bendy sole making it better on lower level tracks than rough off-piste walking. Though at the lower end of the price range, it does boast a waterproof lining and at 945g (pair, women’s UK size 5.5) – the third lightest here – they’re a good weight too.

There’s a decent amount of cushioning, but you can still feel rocks and stones as you trek over them. The toe box is less solid than some but a small rubber rand and a suede panel does help give some protection. Suede also helps at the heel too, holding the foot in place. Underfoot there’s a nice selection of lugs – good on muddy surfaces – as well as a heel breast. If you’re looking for some ankle support and an upgrade from walking shoes then these are a step in the right direction.

THE VERDICT: A well-priced boot that doesn’t feel too hardcore and a great option for those doing mainly lower level hikes on trails.

IN BRIEF
Features: ★★★★✩
Design: ★★★★✩
Comfort: ★★★★✩
Versatility: ★★★★✩
Value: ★★★★✩
Overall: ★★★★✩

www.berghaus.com

THE TEST: Known for higher priced, quality footwear, Mammut now offer this budget-friendly boot. The catch? They’re only available from Go Outdoors, but with a discount card you can get these for £99. At 841g (pair, women’s UK size 5.5) they’re the lightest here and a great option for those needing to lighten their luggage. However, as with the Berghaus model, they have a bendy sole – less versatile if you want them to take you onto rougher, higher ground.

The outsole features a good set of lugs for grip, though there isn’t as pronounced a heel breast as with others. A rubber rand helps reinforce the toe box and the heel offers some support for the ankle. There’s a good amount of cushioning, but you can definitely feel rocky ground through these. Externally they’re made from suede and mesh panels and feature a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofness.

THE VERDICT: A budget option if you want a little more support than a shoe but for more versatility you may prefer a stiffer sole.

IN BRIEF
Features: ★★★★✩
Design: ★★★★✩
Comfort: ★★★★✩
Versatility: ★★★★✩
Value: ★★★★✩
Overall: ★★★★✩

Exclusively from www.gooutdoors.co.uk