Year-round trekking
These 3-4 season boots can be used on summer hikes and with flexible crampons in winter.
La Sportiva Trango TRK Leather GTX £215
Men’s 37-48, 1440g (pair) Women’s 37-43, 1190g (pair) The TRK brings classic Alpine credentials of the Trango range into the hiking market, with a reduced weight and greater flex through the foot and ankle. The water-resistant Idro-Perwanger leather outer is Gore-Tex lined, while the sole is precise and grippy with an integrated Climbing Zone and all-round foot protection.
Verdict
A comfortable, year-round boot with outstanding grip, protection and precision for more technical walking and scrambling.
Asolo Greenwood GV £200
Men’s 39.5-49, 1352g (pair) Women’s 36.5-43.5, 1352g (pair) These year-round hiking and trail boots are made from a onepiece water-resistant Perwanger leather upper with Gore-Tex lining. The Vibram Megagrip technical sole with self-cleaning lugs is excellent on a wide variety of terrain, in all conditions. Comfortable and supportive, the narrower fit may not suit wider feet.
Verdict
A full leather, all-weather, all-terrain walking boot. Technical, protective and comfortable, they’d suit a narrower foot.
Scarpa SL Active £260
Men’s 41-50, 1612g (pair) Women’s 37-42, 1350g (pair) The 9th generation of this classic rugged walking boot doesn’t disappoint. The durable, sturdy build is surprisingly comfortable to wear, particularly once you’ve done a few miles in them. The tough, 2.8mm, water-resistant full-grain leather is membranefree for great breathability, while the Vibram Biometric Trek sole
offers outstanding support and grip.
Verdict
Classic, full-grain leather walking boots. Take a bit of wearing in, but comfortable, grippy, protective and made to last forever.
Lowa Tibet GTX £270
Men’s 39.5-48.5, 1800g (pair) Women’s 37-42, 1400g (pair) Aptly described by Lowa as a workhorse, this boot is super stable, durable and protective, ideal for multi-day rough terrain walking and when you’re carrying heavy loads. The nubuck leather upper and higher ‘FlexFit’ ankle is really supportive, with just enough bend for comfort. The fit is reasonably roomy.
Verdict
A rugged and robust workhorse of a boot. Tough and supportive, it’s a great choice for multi-day, fully loaded adventures.
Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX £220
Men’s 40-50, 1430g (pair) Women’s 36-43, 1280g (pair) Available in a standard or wide fit, this boot is made for tough terrain and heavy loads. The full grain Hydrobloc leather upper with a Gore-Tex lining is durable and waterproof. A rocker profile sole and flex system on the ankle keeps the gait natural, with a Vibram 3D sole for superb grip and protection.
Verdict
Tough, durable and grippy boot with great support and protection. Available in standard or wide fit to suit a variety of feet.
Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX £220
Men’s 40-48, 1100g (pair) Women’s 36-42.5, 940g (pair) Designed for multi-day trekking over varying, technical terrain, these boots combine relatively low weight with the support, comfort and protection needed for carrying heavy loads on rough ground. With a less ‘mountain’ feel than many 3-4 season boots, they aren't 'B' rated, but will take a very light flexible crampon, and with Vibram’s Megagrip outsole they offer good grip over a range of conditions.
Verdict
A lighter-feeling trekking boot, with the support and comfort needed for longer days with a heavy pack. Less suited to winter conditions.
Alt-Berg Mallerstang £250
Unisex 38-49.5, 1768g (pair)
Alt-Berg’s classic leather 3-4 season mountain walking boot is stiff enough to take a walking crampon and is a great choice for winter hillwalking. The deep tread offers great grip in all conditions and sheds mud well. Available in five different width fittings to ensure a perfect all-round fit.
Verdict
A classic 3-4 season leather boot in a range of width fittings. Supportive, protective and great grip on mud or mountains.
Hanwag Tatra II £235
Men’s 6-13, 1520g (pair) Women’s 3.5-9, 1280g (pair) For those who suffer with sweaty feet, you may prefer a more breathable boot – and the Tatra II comes in Gore-Tex or leather lined. As waterproof as most people will need if looked after properly, the full leather lining is very breathable, making them great for summer and winter – with the added bonus that they'll take a flexible crampon.
Verdict
Great all-year-round choice. This is a sturdy, wellmade boot, with a more breathable liner option, but the full leather adds weight.