Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid

Best lightweight hiking boot: Our pick for those who want a lightweight waterproof boot.

Price: £155
Weight: 365g (UK5)
Best for: trail hiking, summer backpacking, casual wear
What we liked: very light and breathable, good grip, lots of comfort
What we didn’t like: lacking the durability of some competitors

A brand new offering from French brand Salomon and one that’s really impressed us in our tests. When we first tried the X Ultra Edge on, the arch support and overall comfort was noticeable right away and, after weeks of hiking, we haven’t been disappointed.

The outsole used here is aggressive – much like an outsole you’d find on some of Salomon’s trail running shoes – and walking down muddy slopes in these felt a breeze. They also felt very light and agile, almost encouraging you to move quickly. The fit is quite snug around the mid foot, but we found the toe box was perfect – not too narrow, nor too wide.

What we would’ve liked to have seen on these is a bit more protection to the upper as there’s not too much there to shield the mesh and the waterproof liner underneath. But the absence of any tough materials here is what keeps these light. As such, these are a good pair of boots for when fleet-footedness is a priority and solid durability isn’t so important.

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s version / Gore-tex waterproof liner / Contragrip outsole / textile synthetic upper / TPU reinforcements / 49% recycled materials used in the upper / rubber outsole.

Read our full Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge review.

Buy the Salomon X Ultra Edge 360: £155 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

 

Arc’teryx Acrux LT GTX

Best scrambling and alpine climbing boot: This gets our pick as the best option for those looking for something for technical ascents.

Price: £300
Weight: 650g
Best for: Scrambling, alpine climbing
What we liked: excellent for rocky terrain, very durable build
What we didn’t like: expensive, not much cushioning

This is part of Arc’teryx’s highly technical line of Acrux boots. Within the collection, there’s a winter boot and a classic three-season option, while this one, the Acrux LT, sits kind of in the middle of the two. It’s sleek, streamlined and made for three-season alpine use – so think rocky scrambly traverses and scree slope ascents.

It has a notably stiff sole (thanks to its carbon plate) and that makes this suitable for pairing with a C2 crampon, but there’s still a touch of flex to make this comfortable enough for a bit of mileage. It’s not made to be a boot you’d want to trek all day in, however. 

The uppers are made from an ultralight woven polyester fabric that looks and feels a lot like Cordura or even Kevlar – the stuff they make bulletproof vests from. That should say enough about the durability of this thing. 

The sole has aggressive lugs and a pattern that, from our experience, promotes both uphill and downhill traction. There’s also a Gore-tex membrane for full waterproof and breathable protection. It’s worth noting that this boot is built on a close-fitting last with a narrow toe, which is what makes the Acrux LT feel so agile and precise. However, it might not suit those with wider feet, especially if you prefer a roomier toe box. It’s a boot built for scrambling and climbing and not for long, easy hikes.

Full Specifications

Sizes: 4.5-12.5 / B2 rated / 3d-moulded TPU toe cap / SuperFabric synthetic upper / compressed EVA midsole / Gore-tex membrane / full-length carbon plate with PU foam core.

Selected for our Outdoor 100 2023/24. Read our full Arc’teryx Acrux LT review.

Buy the Arc’teryx Acrux LT: £280 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

 

Lowa Trek Evo GTX Mid

Best vegan-friendly walking boot: This came out tops as the best option for those who want a boot that uses only synthetic materials.

Price: £160
Weight: 920g
Best for: trail hikes, country walks, light treks
What we liked: sustainable design thinking, light and supportive, vegan-friendly
What we didn’t like: expensive

This is one of just a few products to make it into our exclusive Greener Gear Guide. Why? Well, it’s not a totally carbon-neutral product, but we thought Lowa deserved commendation for focussing on making sure this can be resoled. This also doesn’t use any leather or glues derived from animals. In fact, it’s fully vegan-friendly. 

During our tests with this in the Lake District, we were impressed by its traction, cushioning and support. We also liked the lacing system, which gives a nice dialed-in fit. 

It makes a great three-season all rounder for hiking, hillwalking and backpacking. It comes in at a decent weight – not superlight but light enough – and it’s still sturdy and robust enough to take into the mountains with a heavy pack. All in all, it’s a very versatile boot with a modern design that works well for mixed terrain.

While you do see quite a lot of mountaineering boots that can be re-soled, you don’t see many in the lightweight category, so it’s refreshing to see Lowa take this approach here. Far too many boots go to landfill simply due to the tread wearing out early. 

Full Specifications

Sizes: 3 1/2 to 9 (UK) / Upper: fabric, synthetic / Waterproof liner: Gore-tex / Outsole: Vibram Rock Track Sense / Midsole: PU / Two-zone lacing system / Fully resoleable.

Selected for our Green Gear Guide – take a closer look at the Lowa Trek Evo GTX Mid

Buy the Lowa Trek EVO Mid: £160 at Sportshoes.com

 

Haglöfs Skuta Mid Eco Proof

Best budget hiking boot: This has been our favourite good value option for some time now. It’s a great boot.

Price: £110
Weight: 950g
Best for: hiking and hillwalking
What we liked: comfortable, eco-friendly
What we didn’t like: can be hot

As we’ve come to expect from Swedish brand Haglöfs, the Skuta Mid Proof Eco has been built with sustainability in mind. This has been done by avoiding the use of any nasty chemicals in its creation. What we’re specifically referring to are those PFCs or perfluorinated compounds, which have been proven to be environmentally hazardous.

Eco friendliness aside, we think that this is a nice-looking boot, successfully blending that traditional leather look with a modern style to create something that looks high-tech without being over the top or ‘out there’. It’s generously cushioned and fairly flexible midsole features both EVA foam and a shock absorbing gel so you can expect comfort over distances. All-in-all, a great boot at a decent price as well.

Full Specifications

Sizes 6.5-12.5 (UK) / waterproof, fluorocarbon free Proof Eco membrane / Gel rearfoot cushioning / moulded EVA midsole / premium eco-friendly leather / Asics high abrasion resistance rubber

Selected for the Outdoor 100 2019/20 – take a closer look at the Haglofs Skuta Mid Proof Eco here.

Buy the Haglöfs Skuta Mid: £110 at Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Hanwag Makra Trek Gore-tex

Price: £240
Weight: 1270g 
Best for: alpine trekking
What we liked: durable, sturdy, well-made
What we didn’t like: expensive, narrow at back heel

This is a pretty serious hiking boot, one that’s got all the right attributes for tough trekking. With its slightly stiff sole, solid toe, high ankle and robust materials, it’s something that we found to be excellent over rocky ground. So, if you’ve got an alpine trek planned, the Makra Trek is a good option to consider.

We found it was comfortable right out of the box and the materials all held up very well over two-month testing period. OK, it’s not cheap, but it’s a well-made boot that will last well.

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / also available in a wider StaightFit Extra version / Vibram Litebase sole / Gore-tex membrane / PU midsole / removable insole / two-zone lacing system.

Read our full Hanwag Makra Trek Gore-tex review.

Buy the Hanwag Makra Trek GTX: £240 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

 

Keen Targhee IV

Price: £140
Weight: 577g
Best for: people who like a relaxed fit at the toes / three-season hiking and backpacking.
What we liked: roomy fit, comfortable padding, good value
What we didn’t like: toe might be wide for some people, lacked grip on wet rock.

The Targhee has been a real mainstay in the Keen collection and it’s one of their hugely popular offerings, probably owing to its good value and very comfortable fit. 

We found this new iteration had the same fit and feel as previous iterations, most notably with its roomy and relaxed toe box. The main update is in the way Keen attach the sole to the upper. With previous Targhees the two parts of the shoe were glued together but now they’re fused, and in a way that creates a much stronger bind that supposedly won’t ever delaminate. For us, it’s so far so good. No issues there. 

Its outsole has reasonable bite and there’s a good bit of cushioning and ankle support. From our experience, it’s not a boot for super technical terrain but it makes for a good versatile option that you can wear for country walks and that you can also call upon for more demanding trips too – things like hikes along national trails or weekend wild camping escapes in summer. 

If you like a narrow and precise toe, look elsewhere. If you like a bit of room at the toes, then you should like the way these fit. 

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / also available in a low cut walking shoe version / half sizes available / PFC-free DWR / Keen.DRy waterproof membrane / Nubuck leather and synthetic mesh upper / 4mm lugs / 100% recycled PET laces.

Selected for our Outdoor 100. Read our full Keen Targhee IV review.

Buy the Keen Targhee IV: £140 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

 

 

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX

Price: £100
Weight: 453g
Best for: Trail walking
What we liked: efficient roll, breathable upper, lots of cushioning
What we didn’t like: upper lost its shape when wet

If you’re familiar with Hoka’s running shoes, you’ll know that the French brand is all about plush cushioning and comfort. With their hiking boots, things are no different. Case in point: the Anacapa Mid GTX.

This is a boot designed to appeal to hikers and hillwalkers who want long-distance comfort. They’re certainly not for lovers of minimalist footwear, that’s for sure. But, alongside that cushioning, we also have found that they do provide all of the other details that you want from a hiking boot. There’s a waterproof and breathable Gore-tex membrane, for instance, and a nice stable ankle that provides a good level of support on uneven terrain. The outsole, which is made by Vibram, has a decent tread to it and it’ll grip well on gravelly tracks. There’s grip on muddy surfaces too, though it does have its limitations on really steep and sloppy slopes. 

We noticed that this has quite a pronounced rocker – the curvature from hell to toe – with a 6mm drop that creates a fulcrum effect, like a rocking chair. This takes some getting used to, but eventually we did come to realise that it makes for a nice efficiency roll from initial impact to toe-off. 

Full Specifications

Sizes: 6.5-13.5 (men’s), 3.5 – 9.5 (women’s) / nubuck leather upper / Gore-tex waterproof membrane / recycled polyester laces / PFC-free DWR / compression moulded EVA midsole / Vibram Megagrip outsole / 5mm lugs.

Selected for our Outdoor 100 22/23. Read our full Hoka Anacapa review.

Buy the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX: £100 at Alpinetrek.co.uk

 

Hanwag Banks GTX

Price: £235
Weight: 720g
Best for: Hiking and hillwalking
What we liked: comfortable, durable
What we didn’t like: our pair frayed at the toe after two years

Hanwag’s popular Banks boot, originally released 16 years ago, received an update a couple of years ago with new materials and a slightly modernised design and fit, and it’s been a big hit with our testers ever since. It’s still as stable, durable and comfortable as ever, so it’s made for managing a day wading through sticky peat on top of Kinder Scout or for navigating the bogs of Rannoch Moor.

It also comes in a number of different variations to cater for different foot shapes. The standard model has Hanwag’s StraightFit last which gives a nice amount of space around the toes to let them sit naturally, then there’s the new SF Extra version which offers a wider fit around the ball of the foot. There are ladies specific variations of both of these models, plus a narrow fit option as well.

If you want something reliable enough and comfortable enough for a big day hike, or maybe even a national trail, the Banks GTX would be a very safe bet. We tested these out over a long period and we were impressed by their durability and comfort. We’d recommend just making sure you look after these by cleaning and waxing them as often as possible to ensure that the leather remains flexible and water resistant.

Full Specifications

Huge range of sizes and fits / slightly larger forefoot for enhanced walking comfort / reinforced PU foam wedge / robust cast metal lace hooks / inside stitch-and-turn seams for abrasion resistance / Gore-tex lining.

Read our full Hanwag Banks GTX review.

Buy the Hanwag Banks GTX: £235 at Ellis-brigham.co.uk

 

Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Price: £145
Weight: 1524g
Best for: Hillwalking and trekking
What we liked: comfortable, good flex but still supportive
What we didn’t like: a touch too flexible at the toe

The Salomon Quest, in its various iterations over the years, has been one of the best-selling boots in the UK – and with good reason. It’s a superbly comfortable boot that performs well on those days with big mileage.

The first thing to notice is how high the ankle is. It goes well above the ankle and up to the shin and this makes these boots very stable on rocky ground – the chances of going over on your ankle in them is slim. The sole has a nice bit of flex to it and plenty of cushioning and the lacing system draws in well around the foot to give you a lot of control over the fit. The outsole is reasonably aggressive and there’s a cut out at the heel for particularly impressive traction on the downhill.

That high cut ankle, the Gore-Tex lining and chunky leather and fabric uppers make the Quest fairly warm boots. There’s plenty of panelling and stitching too, which makes us question its likely long-term durability a little. But other than that, there’s not much to fault.

Full Specifications

Sizes men’s UK 6.5-13.5, women’s UK 3.5-7.5 / upper: Nubuck leather/textile / Gore-tex membrane / Ortholite insole / Contragrip outsole / protective mudguard / protective toecap / gusseted tongue / EVA foam midsole / drop: 12mm.

For more, check out our full Salomon Quest 4 GTX review.

Buy the Salomon Quest 4 GTX: £145 at Decathlon.co.uk

 

Altberg Dalesway

Price: £220
Weight: 630g
Best for: three-season hiking, hillwalking, scrambling
What we liked: vegan-friendly, Yorkshire-made, resoleable, durable and sturdy
What we didn’t like: padded ankle cuff could be more water resistant, no recycling efforts

Altberg make a broad selection of boots for hiking, hunting and for the military, and they have a very strong reputation within the UK for their craftsmanship. The Dalesway sit within their hiking range and are their fully vegan offering, with no animal products used for their fabrics or glues. We tested them out over the course of three days hillwalking in the Lake District and were very impressed with what they had to offer.

From our experience, the Altberg Dalesway performs as a versatile three-season boot which we could see ourselves hiking over mountainous terrain on milder days during the winter in the UK. The semi stiff sole is comfortable over long distances while also performing capable over rocks and roots too. 

We found that they offered plenty of dependable traction on mud while hiking in them on a very sloppy few days in the Lake District. The grip was also good when hiking on dry rock and trails. On wet rock, the Dalesway did offer a touch of traction but, like most boots, there are limitations there. The durability seems good too, and even if they do get damaged; the repairability element is particularly commendable and Altberg also deserve credit for offering an extensive repair service long before repair was ‘cool’.

Full Specifications

Sizes 4-14 UK inc.½ sizes / 5 width fittings / suitable for both men and women / Sympatex ® 4 layer lining / military grade waterproof membrane interlayer / vegan friendly Lorica upper / Triflex ® midsole / Defender hi-traction sole

Read our full Altberg Dalesway review.

Buy the Altberg Dalesway: £220 at Altberg.co.uk

 

 

Danner Mountain 600

Price: £220
Weight: 600g
Best for: three-season hiking
What we liked: well-cushioned, comfortable, good materials
What we didn’t like: lack long-term durability

We’ve hiked extensively in the Mountain 600s. In fact, one of our team even hiked the whole 300-mile Cambrian Way across Wales in them. 

From our experience, we’ve found these extremely comfortable to wear – even for just day-to-day wear. The sole unit feels soft, spongy and shock absorbing and we found there’s a little bit of room to let your toes sit naturally. The tread was great on defined trails and the rubber compound had versatility over a range of different surfaces. The sole also gripped to some muddy slopes too, but it does have some limitations on very steep and muddy slopes. 

From what we’ve seen, we’d say the Danner Mountain 600s are super useful for anyone who lives an outdoorsy lifestyle and tends to like footwear they can do anything in; something they can wear on a big trek, an impromptu trail hike or even just for heading down the pub.

We’d recommend looking after the leather on these as it’s quite supple and can dry out and crack quite quickly if mud is left on it for extended periods. Just brushing off the mud and giving them a quick wipe down post-hike will do the job and ensure these last a decent amount of time.

Full Specifications

Sizes 5 – 14 (UK) / available in men’s and women’s / removable Ortholite sole / Danner.Dry waterproof membrane / Vibram Fuga sole / nylon shank / supplied with two pairs of laces.

Read our full Danner Mountain 600 review.

Buy the Danner Mountain 600: £220 at Ellis-brigham.co.uk

 

What To Look For When Buying Walking Boots

There is a myriad of elements to look at when searching for the best three-season walking boots, and even among this category, there’s a wide range of styles. It all depends on what you’ll be using them for. You’ll find loads of in-depth information in our three-season walking boots buyer’s guide and our lightweight walking boots buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice for you, or read on to discover the basics.

The Type of Hiking You’ll Be Doing

One of the main things to consider when you’re trying to decide what kind of hiking boots to go for is the climate you’ll mainly be hiking in. If you’re venturing to a hot place that tends to be dry, you might not need a waterproof boot and can instead prioritise breathability. Conversely, if you’re heading somewhere wet and cold, you might want a pair that will offer the protection of a waterproof membrane.

Then there’s the type of terrain underfoot. If you’re going to be on very rocky trails then a sturdy sole and a high ankle will be highly beneficial for support but on well-maintained trails you might be better off with a lighter and more nimble boot that might focus mainly on cushioning.

Distance plays a factor too. If you’re travelling far then a light and cushioned shoe with a spacious toe box can be more comfortable than a sturdy and rigid alpine boot, depending on the terrain. Hoka, Inov-8 and Altra are really popular brands for long-distance trail hiking. If you’re looking for footwear for tough mountain terrain, Hanwag, AKU, Scarpa, La Sportiva and Salewa tend to be good brands to turn to.

Ultimately, a lot of hikes can throw up different kinds of trails and different conditions along the way and it’s important to consider all of the aforementioned variables – distance, terrain, conditions – to find something that strikes the right balance for your needs.

Assessing Grip

Here at Outdoors Magic, we can tell when a boot is grippy just by looking at and feeling the outsole. If it has deep lugs with an aggressive tread pattern you can count on it providing decent traction. If it has a heel brake then you’ll know it’ll be handy on downward slopes. If the outsole has a sticky and soft feel to it then it’ll be good on hard ground, whereas if it feels hard then it’ll perform on soft stuff like mud and sand. The Vibram logo tends to be a good signifier of a reliable grip, though their soles aren’t the be all and end all. Michelin and Continental also make good boot soles and the likes of Keen and Merrell have their own proprietary rubber that we’ve found often performs well.

Just remember, while grip matters, it’s not a substitute for being careful and knowing how to place your feet. Your judgment and experience are equally important for safe hiking.

Sole Flexibility

The flexibility of the sole in hiking boots is a crucial factor to consider. It’s like the suspension on a car; it impacts how well your boots adapt to the terrain. Boots with a flexible sole allow your foot to move naturally, reducing fatigue and increasing traction on uneven ground. So, for easier trails, some flexibility can be comfortable. But on rugged terrain or with a heavy backpack, you’ll want a stiffer sole for better support and protection. It’s all about matching the sole’s flexibility to your hiking style and the type of trails you’ll be conquering.

What Materials Are Best For Walking Boots?

When it comes to selecting hiking boots, the material they’re made from plays a significant role in how they perform and how comfortable your feet remain on the trail.

Here at Outdoors Magic, we typically hike in the wet and rugged UK mountains and therefore will often favour leather boots. Leather hiking boots are known for their durability and robustness. They can withstand challenging terrains and provide exceptional ankle support. However, they often require a break-in period for optimal comfort and flexibility. Scarpa, Lowa, Hanwag and British-brand Alt-berg are particularly renowned for the quality of their leather boots.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have synthetic hiking boots. These are lighter and more breathable than leather boots, making them ideal for faster, less demanding hikes. Synthetic boots are often more comfortable right out of the box, requiring minimal break-in time.

The more mesh you see on a hiking boot, the more breathable it’s likely to be and boots with a lot of mesh are therefore a good choice for warm-weather hiking. Their breathability keeps your feet cool, but they may lack the durability needed for rugged terrain and extended use.

Some boots will mix everything – that’s leather, synthetic overlays, mesh panels and more. These can have their advantages but just be wary of their durability. Here at Outdoors Magic, as a rule we tend to be suspicious of boots that are made out of lots of different parts as this means more seams and therefore a greater chance of things coming apart.

A Boot Fitting Guide

Once you’ve decided on end use, it’s time to start looking at fit. For different hiking types, the fitting requirements vary. For day hikes on well-groomed trails, prioritise comfort with a secure fit and room for your toes to breathe. On rugged mountain terrain, it’s a good idea to opt for boots with sturdy ankle support and lacing systems for stability. Multi-day backpacking journeys demand snug yet accommodating boots, considering potential foot swelling. Climbing or technical hikes call for precision and control, so opt for a close, responsive fit. In all scenarios, it’s essential to try on boots in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen and wear the socks you’ll use on the trail.

A lot of boots now come ready to be walked in but we’d say it’s still important to give them a breaking in period – check out our article on how to break in a pair of walking boots if you need some tips there. It’s a good idea to wear them around the house, ideally in the same pair of hiking socks you’ll be wearing on your trip.

Ultimately, well-fitted and comfortable boots not only enhance your hike but also empower you to focus on the adventure itself and not on discomfort.

How to Clean and Reproof a Pair of Walking Boots

Here’s my own guide to keeping your boots in tip top shape. Give it a watch – it’ll make your boots last a lot longer and the process is super easy.