Walking Boots

Brandecosse Volpe Hiking Boot | Review

A well crafted boot with lots of traits and aspects that winter hillwalkers will appreciate

Sometimes the kind of hiking I do requires lightweight boots that I can skip along in while being able to rely on a touch of ankle support. Other hikes might require something a little more rigid but still light enough for high mileage. Then there are the hikes where my priority is having footwear that I can count on for getting over tricky terrain and through merciless bog or undergrowth – footwear like the Brandecosse Volpe.

This is a real classic type of hiking boot, one that’s made in the traditional style. I’ve been out testing it in Scotland – coincidentally where the brand is based – here’s how I got on with it.

Will Renwick using the Brandecosse Volpe in the Highlands. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

Construction and Performance

I first came across Brandecosse a couple of years ago when I tested out their Capriolo, a pair of boots that I rated (and still rate) very highly. The craftsmanship was clear and the boots had the kind of performance I look for. The Volpe displays the same attention to detail and has the same timeless look, but it’s a heck of a lot burlier. It’s got a fairly high ankle, a high platform full of multi-density foam, a thick 2.8mm Nubuck leather upper – which feels totally bombproof – a large rubber rand and then a Sympatex waterproof lining. I rate Sympatex’s membranes highly because not only do they perform well in terms of waterproofness and breathability but they’re also good from a sustainability point of view. Sympatex is made from 100% recyclable materials and is free from harmful perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), reducing environmental pollution. Additionally, its durable design minimises resource consumption and waste by extending the lifespan of products, supporting a more sustainable approach to outdoor footwear.

The sole features a Vibram Winkler Evo sole. This uses Vibram’s classic Megagrip rubber compound combined with big lugs and a heel brake, forming a tractor-wheel like tread. I found this makes the Brandecosse Volpe a very strong performer on muddy or loose ground, with the heel brake adding reliability on steep descents. I’ve used a lot of boots with Vibram’s Megagrip compound and I find it to be one of the most versatile performers. It tends to be pretty hard wearing too. Once it does eventually start to wear out, it’s possible to have the outsole fully replaced – a local cobbler should be able to do this, or you can go to one of UK Vibram’s specialists.

There are scrambling friendly aspects. The toe, for instance, is shaped so you have a clear line of sight right down to its tip and the sole is stiff enough to support edging up rocks. They’d be just about compatible with C1 crampons but there’s a bit too much flex for C2 types.

Pros: Sturdy, well crafted, durable, protective, good waterproof membrane
Cons: Some might find them a little too heavy

The quality in detail goes right to the design of the lacing eyelets. These are all made from stainless steel and three sets contain tiny ball bearing that create a very smooth pull in. I found that I could get an even and easy to tweak fit from heel to toe in these. You get two pairs of laces with these too, by the way: one red pair and a subtler brown pair too.

Feel

I found that the very subtle flex to the Volpe made it comfortable for covering a decent amount of mileage in. I could see myself being happy to take on big winter hill days in these, for sure. There’s a pretty pronounced roll off too, and I found that this really supported a natural stride movement.

I tried the Volpe in a size 10, my usual size, and I really liked the fit. In fact, they fitted like a glove for me. I actually found that they were good to go right out of the box, though I’m not too fussy about breaking boots in. I think some people might find them a touch too stiff over the first few walks, but they’ll loosen up.

Verdict

Overall this is a boot for people who like something sturdy, protective and reliable. It’s not light, but it’s not supposed to be – you want to look into a different category of boots if that’s what you’re after. It’s the kind of boot that I can see as being the perfect tool for the job if you’re planning some winter hillwalking or if you live somewhere where the trails turn into a Somme-like quagmire when winter rolls around. The craftsmanship is excellent and there’s definitely a built-to-last feel. As always though, with boots like these it’s important to clean and reproof them as often as you can. Check out my how to clean your boots for my advice there.