Haglofs Roc Icon Mid GT | £155
BEST FOR Eco-conscious hikers and scramblers
The Roc Icon is a high impact product with a host of cutting-edge features and the latest outdoor footwear technologies. Fit is snug but with a decent sized toe box, and asymmetric lacing right down to the toe. Trail feel is excellent yet the boot's build is strong and stable, with a rubber reinforced toe and heel.
A Gore-tex lining keeps water out of the boot while still allowing your feet to breathe and the dual density midsole is comfortable over the course of a long day in the hills with no sensation of rocks coming through the competent Vibram Approach sole despite the close-to-the-ground contact.
VERDICT A bit pricey but a dependable, versatile and well put together lightweight approach boot.
Berghaus Explorer Trek Plus GTX | £130
BEST FOR Those who want a reliable trail boot
This huge seller offers value, reliable performance, waterproof protection and grip on mid level trails and hikes. The optistud sole in particular sticks to the trails like jam to a warm scone. Aimed at those looking for a waterproof boot for fell walking in the dales and hikers on long distance paths with reasonable conditions underfoot, the Explorer Trek Plus GTX has all the features you’ll need at a decent price and the Ortholite insole provides great all day cushioning. A UK ramblers classic.
VERDICT For an all day boot to use on everyday rambles and trails the Trek Plus could well be exactly what you’re looking for.
Scarpa Marmolada Trek | £200
BEST FOR Adventurous and ambitious hill walkers
This is a lightweight but serious hill boot designed for long distance walking, scrambling or snow-free ascents, or even via ferrata. The Vibram Mulaz S sole is stiff and sticky enough for some easy 'rock work' but sensitive enough to provide the feel you want when things become airy. The OutDry 'sock fit' liner is waterproof and thermo regulating, so ideal for both long summer days and wetter conditions.
Out of the box, the Marmolada is very comfortable with a neutral, true to size wide-ish fit best suited to those with broader feet. The low volume helps the boot feel precise over technical ground and holds your foot nicely over the sole.
VERDICT The Marmolada Trek is an ideal 3 season hill walking boot, with the ability to take on challenging ground.
Salomon Quest Prime GTX | £130
BEST FOR Ambitious hikers partial to multi-day adventures
At around 490g in a size 5.5, the Quest Prime GTX W is one of the more feathery boots in Salomon’s hiking line-up but an on-trail performance heavyweight. The Gore-tex membrane ensures waterproof protection, the toe and heel caps protect the boot from off-road wear and tear, and the abrasion resistant liner, high-cut ankle profile, and mud guard around the base all keep your feet protected so you can go further in the mountains.
The GTX is also supremely comfortable and stable on the trail, with excellent cushioning and a secure fit, even when hucking a pack.
VERDICT A technical yet sporty hiking boot, with excellent foot protection, stability and comfort for long, tough hikes.
Aku Alterra GTX | £180
BEST FOR Summer hill walks over lighter terrain
The Aku Alterra GTX has a great fit and performs well on the hills and trails. Features include a deep lugged Vibram Megagrip sole, a Gore-tex waterproof liner sock, stretch fit tongue and simple but well designed lacing system that offers even distribution over the forefoot. The Elica mid-sole is designed to spread the load evenly over the foot in an effort to eliminate hot spots.
Pitched at the trekking market the Alterra GTX certainly fulfils that role, and will serve you well in snow-free UK hills on reasonable ground. It’s definitely not for rocky peaks though.
VERDICT A well made boot which does its job well, but is best left at home if you’re venturing into rocks, ice or steeps.
Mammut Ayako High GTX | £160
BEST FOR Scrambling precision in rocky terrain
Made for serious moves in serious terrain, the Ayako High GTX is stiff and precise, with a climbing-style 3 zone long lacing system, a BaseFit system to hold your heel firmly in place and extra stability coming from the reinforced Heel Support. Overall stability is provided by the TPU Motion Control System that prevents the foot from rolling out and the front of the boot is protected by an extensive rubber toe cap. Finally, the Climbing Zone rubber at the front of the light and grippy Vibram Mulaz outsole feels solid and reliable – all of which combines to help you keep moving onwards and upwards with confidence.
VERDICT At 541g (UK Size 5), the Ayako High GTX is a lightweight mobile mountain boot that's also easy on the wallet.
La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX | £185
BEST FOR Technical backpacking and trekking
La Sportiva have taken the performance, style and technology from the mountaineering-specific Trango range and poured it into this robust yet lightweight trekking boot. The result is a top quality, light boot with a host of high-end technical features for adventures off-the-beaten track.
The seamless TPU upper is light, comfortable and protective and the soft, flexible ankle cuff means no stiffness or rubbing in this area. Long lacing helps deliver a precise fit and comfort is enhanced by the dual-density EVA midsole that makes the boot lighter and more cushioned.
On the trail the Trango offers support without stiffness which is exactly how you need a trekking boot to perform. Ideal for long approaches combined with more demanding terrain, the Trango TRK GTX flexes perfectly to allow for a natural stride yet retains enough lateral rigidity to provide support in technical terrain. The Vibram Mulaz sole provides good levels of grip and if you find yourself facing a spot of scrambling, the smooth ‘climbing zone’ rubber under the toe will give you confidence to have a go.
VERDICT At 595g and £185, the Trango TRK GTX is a lightweight, capable and good-looking boot that won’t cost the earth.
