Walking Boots

Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid Boots | Review

A robust and dependable boot that's surprisingly light feeling considering its build

These are the second hiking boots I’ve tested from Haglöfs over the years. Once upon a time, it was the Skuta Proof mid boots that were my go-to hillwalking boots. Outside of intense winter conditions, they did the job for almost every kind of hike I found myself on.

These, however, are the Incline GTX mid boots – the more robust cousin to the Skutas. They’re less cushioned, but with a much tougher and more durable build, and a higher price point too.

I’ve spent the past few months putting the Inclines through a mix of UK and Irish terrains, including soggy woodland paths and steep, rocky mountain trails. Here’s the lowdown on how I got on with them.

The Top Line

These are a solid pair of hiking boots if you’re looking for something somewhere in between an alpine boot and a lightweight synthetic boot. They’re tough, durable, and surprisingly light feeling, with a dependable grip out on the trail. And while they’re not the plushest in terms of cushioning, there are still a lot of features I think the average long-distance hiker will really like.

Buy the women’s Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid Boots: £210 at Haglofs.com

Pros: tough and durable, surprisingly light feeling, dependable grip, ideal for trekking
Cons: not very cushioned, long break-in period, not the most breathable

Who Will Like the Haglöfs Incline Boots

The Incline GTX Mid is ideal for:

Serious trekkers and backpackers doing multi-day mountain hikes.
Spring, autumn and winter hikers who need very good waterproofing and support.
Alpine enthusiasts who require C-1 crampons.
Hikers who value durability: this boot is meant to last, not to be replaced after a season.

Even under heavy rain, I didn’t find them too heavy. The suede leather will need reconditioning every once in a while to maintain this level of water repellency. Photos: Dave MacFarlane.

Who Should Not Buy Them

Less ideal for:

Ultralight backpackers and hikers – probably too heavy and rigid.
Hot-weather hikers who prioritise ventilation over waterproofing.
Casual day-hikers who want very soft, cushy, running-shoe-like comfort.
Those needing C2/C3 crampon compatibility for proper winter mountaineering.
Walkers with very wide feet, unless they try before buying.

Materials and Construction

The upper here is made from 1.6-1.8mm water-repellent split-suede leather, sourced from an LWG-audited tannery, which gives it a premium feel and durability. The Leather Working Group, in case you didn’t know, assess the responsible practices of leather manufacturers. In this instance the leather is gold-rated, the highest certification that’s awarded. Not bad, not bad at all.

Another standout feature is the 4-layer GORE-TEX Sierra XT membrane, which ensures the boot is both fully waterproof and insulated – keeping your feet dry and reasonably warm in cold conditions. Having said that, on particularly cold walking days, I’d recommend pairing the boots with some properly insulated hiking socks.

The mid-cut ankle cuff adds stability around the ankle, while on the inside, the midsole is a semi-rigid EVA foam, designed to offer a balance of cushioning and support over long distances.

I’d say that this balance leans more towards protection and durability than cushioning, and is best suited to long-distance hiking with a heavy pack. For day hikes, it feels a bit overkill, but for multi-day walking, when I’m prioritising versatility across terrain over short-term comforts, I’d happily reach for these.

Finally, underfoot, the boot uses a Vibram XS-Trek EVO rubber outsole, which, in my experience, delivers very good grip on a variety of surfaces. For extra protection, the toe and heel are rubber-reinforced, helping resist abrasion when scrambling or bashing through rough terrain.

jazz using the boots through a stormy spell in the Lake District.

Fit

I’m a UK size 6 with fairly narrow feet and, for me, the fit out of the box was snug but not tight. If you prefer roomy toebox boots, you may want to size carefully, but for me the fit was just right. They feel very secure too, especially around the heel and ankle.

They do require a break-in period; the leather starts off a bit stiff, and the semi-rigid midsole takes a few outings to soften. After around 10 miles or so of mixed terrain, though, they began to feel noticeably more comfortable.

On paper, they aren’t very lightweight. But on trail, they have a surprisingly light feel to them. They’re very sturdy too, and feel more substantial than most synthetic hikers I’ve tested over the years. The suede leather upper gives them a traditional, durable feel, and the construction looks deliberate and well thought through – nothing sloppy and no cheap-feeling materials.

Buy the women’s Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid Boots: £210 at Haglofs.com

Performance

Once broken in, these boots hit a sweet spot between support and all-day wearability. From my experience, the cushioning isn’t plush but it’s firm and stable, especially when the trail gets uneven. I particularly appreciate how they handle side-hilling or loose rock; the midsole and ankle cuff give you enough rigidity that your foot doesn’t twist or over-flex when the ground gets awkward.

Another thing I enjoyed is the sense of protection. The reinforced toe and heel have saved my toes more than once when moving through boulder fields or rooty forest paths. They block out sharp edges or rocks pressing up through the sole nicely, even when carrying a heavy pack.

The Gore-tex membrane has performed extremely well. I’ve worn these boots through bogs, soaking wet grass, and several long, rainy days, and I’ve yet to have water creep in. The suede resists water nicely once conditioned, so they don’t immediately soak up moisture and get too heavy.

The breathability is what you’d expect from a leather-and-GTX boot: perfectly fine in cool weather, but too warm on hot days. They’re not the boots I’d grab for midsummer heatwaves, but in spring, autumn, winter, and wet conditions, I’d happily use them.

As for the grip and stability, the Vibram outsole is versatile and dependable. I’ve found the grip to be reliable on wet (but not slimy) rock, slabby granite, mud, and compact dirt. They aren’t mountaineering boots, but the tread is aggressive enough to feel secure in tough terrain. On steep descents, I appreciated how naturally my foot rolled forward and how little slippage I felt inside the boot.

Disclaimer: I haven’t yet tested these boots while wearing crampons so I can’t comment on that front, but will update this review later on down the line once I get the chance.

Verdict

The Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid boots are ideal for hikers who want durability, support, and protection. If you’re looking for something ultra-cushioned and a little luxurious, I’d look elsewhere, but if you’re after something in between a traditional leather boot and a modern lightweight hiker, I think you’ll appreciate what the Incline has to offer.

They’re not ultralight, and they do require a break-in period, but once settled, they deliver dependable performance for the majority of terrains and forecasts here in the UK. If you value reliability and longevity, and don’t mind a little extra weight, I think these boots are a good long-term companion for the trail.

Buy the women’s Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid Boots: £210 at Haglofs.com

Buy the men’s Haglöfs Incline GTX Mid Boots: £210 at Haglofs.com