Three-season walking boots are probably the most versatile walking footwear offering, suiting most people for most types of weather on most UK terrain which is why we've picked our 10 favourites from the boots that we've tested and reviewed over the past year.
We've used these boots in locations as varied as the Cairngorms, Iceland, Alaska, the Utah desert and Arctic Sweden to name but a few so you can be sure that our pick is based on many miles of walking on varied terrain and in a range of climates.
Hanwag Tatra Narrow GTX walking boots
£190
BEST FOR
Demanding hikes and 'odd' foot shapes
With protection where it counts (a toe-bumper on the outside and Gore Tex lining inside), a beefy Vibram sole unit, and top-quality Nubuck leather the Tatra provides everything your foot needs for demanding hikes – whether load carrying or not – on variable terrain. There is a choice of widths too, with even an ominous sounding 'Bunion' fit.
General performance is high on the Tatra with excellent build quality and finishing detail, and the rockered Vibram sole encourages a natural-feeling stride. The clever lacing system might be fancy but it works well.
VERDICT
Everything a classic hiking boot should be; comfortable, durable, well made, and above all a great fit
Scarpa Delta GTX Activ walking boot
£200
BEST FOR
Leather boot purists and rugged trails
Many walkers are sold on all-leather walking boots, and the Delta GTX Activ is a prime example of the genre. Scarpa itself makes many mentions of the ‘out the box’ comfort and level of support it affords for the eager user too. If you're a leather purist who regularly walks on rugged terrain and want footwear for all but technical winter ground, this would be a top buy.
At 760g per boot the Delta sidesteps the 'heavy' stereotype of leather boots and it’s apparent how light and nimble the Delta feels the first time you try it on, and on every walk after.
Their construction is a very smooth and attractive calf leather, and they come with a Gore-Tex lining within. We’ve been fortunate to have used this boot in various forms since 2011 and we’ve found it to be infallible on the weather-protection front. Combine that with the range of foam inserts, the soft-yet-supporting ankle cuff and tongue, and the superbly judged form of the ‘BD’ last used by Scarpa and you’ve got a real winner of a boot on your hands (or, ideally, feet).
VERDICT
A supreme three-season boot. Top ratings for performance and comfort and should be a serious consideration for any mountain walker in the market for new footwear
Asolo Tribe GV walking boot
£175
BEST FOR
Technical scrambles below the snowline
The Asolo Tribe GV is marketed as being a year-round hiking boot, and is a great choice for technical terrain below the snowline, its 2.4mm leather upper combining with a waterproof breathable membrane and an aggressive sole.
The GTX is comfy straight out of the box, with impressive cushioning. In use it offers precise toe placement and feels nimble thanks to its decent weight of 720g per boot. We were extremely impressed by the technical Vibram sole too, with its good toe climbing zone, nice deep lugs for grip and a sizeable heel brake.
VERDICT
Superb comfort, efficiently designed, and impressively technical boots for all manner of mountain adventures.
Berghaus Explorer Trek Plus GTX walking boot
£130
BEST FOR
Lightweight British walking on a budget
The Berghaus Explorer Trek Plus GTX boot (phew) claims to be Britain’s ‘most popular waterproof fabric fell walking boot’, and is ‘recommended kit’ for teenage Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, offering a durable lightweight performance at a great price.
That low weight is superb, at just 560g per boot. In use it feels every bit as feathery as that implies, with more of a feeling of a high-cut approach shoe rather than a low-cut walking boot. The amount of foot protection sacrificed to achieve that low weight is surprisingly little.
VERDICT
Three-season performance that will please almost everyone in a lightweight and affordable package
Ecco Biom Terrain walking boots
£170
BEST FOR
All-day comfort on easier walking trails
This is the best walking boot from Ecco, a giant Danish firm in the general footwear market. With a yak leather construction and Gore-Tex lining it’s billed as tough, durable and comfortable. There’s no arguing with the smooth and unobtrusive nature of the action when roaming hillside paths, while the roominess is best suited to those with a broader rather than a narrower shape of foot. Certain colour schemes are bit lurid, but we were impressed not only by the luxurious level of cushioning from the inner sole but the strong protection at the heel and toe.
VERDICT
Lightweight, extremely comfy, well weather-proofed and with enough technical performance for most
Mammut Trovat Guide High GTX walking boots
£195
BEST FOR
Demanding all-year leisure hikers
The Trovat is a year-round all-leather boot which can take you from the valley to the scree slopes and onto the ice fields and back again.
The weight of 780g per boot is fairly standard given its quality leather build and Gore-Tex membrane, the extremely protective all-round rand, a level of stiffness that can carry a B1 rated crampon, good levels of padding and foam inserts… the list goes on.
VERDICT
A quality boot balancing year-round performance with high comfort, durability and weather proofing
Zamberlan 960 Guide GTX RR walking boots
£210
BEST FOR
Backpacking over rough, rugged trails
At 840g per boot, this is at the meatier end of 3-season footwear. However, they are aimed at backpacking and off-trail scree slopes and brush. The construction is of 2.8mm Italian nubuck leather, with a Gore-Tex lining for impressive water protection. The rand around three-quarters of the boot make this one of the most rugged footwear options around. That said, it has a precise feeling of control, which was unexpected in a package of this weight.
Aesthetically it looks great, and the capable Vibram Star Trek sole is a real boon too.
VERDICT
A durable pair of eye-catching boots. If your foot shape matches Zamberlan’s new last, then you’re in for a real treat.
Salomon Mens Quest Prime GTX walking boot
£130
BEST FOR
All-terrain backpacking adventures
With adventure-hungry all-terrain backpackers clearly in its sights, Salomon’s Quest Prime combines Gore-Tex waterproofing with tough all-round foot protection, a light-footed weight of just 570g per boot, and confidence-inspiring mid-height ankle support.
With no blister-inducing breaking-in needed, the Quest Prime is cushioned and supportive from the first step, with no lift in the foam heel cup, and plenty of room in the toe box. With its stability and light weight, the Quest Prime will have you skipping across the rocky landscape.
VERDICT
Well supported all-terrain hiking and backpacking boot, with comfort, performance and light weight justifying a higher price.
Jack Wolfskin Impulse Texapore walking boot
£130
BEST FOR
Hot hiking adventures over moderate terrain
Once you get past the mouthful of a name there’s plenty in the Impulse Texapore 02+ Mid boot to catch the eye. It carries a waterproof, breathable membrane; the Vibram sole has defined lugs for good grip on the trail and it weighs an appealing 690g per boot. Trekkers who prefer textile footwear to a full leather alternative will love the Impulse.
From a comfort point of view the Impulse boot is moderately impressive but the breathability is the biggest appeal, despite its Texapore 02+ waterproof lining.
VERDICT
If you’re looking for a breathable boot with enough grip and protection to tackle trails worldwide, this is it
Alt-Berg Yan Tan walking boots
£200
BEST FOR
Hot, dry hikes in all-day comfort
British manufacturer Alt-Berg is known for its variety of fitting options, with the Yan Tan offering a nubuck leather/fabric mix construction with a focus on breathability rather than waterproofing.
These are a supple, light (650g per boot) and extremely comfortable choice of footwear with the A-Forme last creating a nicely supportive feeling that effectively prevents any undue aches or pains. The toe-covering rand is robust and effective and although the Vibram Tsavo sole isn’t the most technical, it’s still a solid choice for hillwalkers and mountain folk looking to explore the Great British outdoors.
VERDICT
The ineffective waterproofing aside, the consequent breathability is very welcome on the hottest days
