Need new boots for your walking adventures? We put seven pairs to the test
BBC Countryfile Magazine favourite
Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex boot, £160
Comfortable, grippy and waterproof, these are a pleasure to walk in. Despite the thick wedge-shaped outsole, the boots feel light and there’s no sensation of bulk. Underfoot cushioning is comfortable but not over the top: this helps you feel some connection with the trail. A highly waterproof Gore-Tex membrane should keep your feet dry even in sopping weather. The chunky 5mm lugs grip effectively in all conditions. Ankle support is very good, giving you confidence on uneven ground. Fluent and precise in motion.
VERDICT
A superb boot light and low-profile enough for easy rambles or fast hikes, but stable and secure enough for tough upland walks with a heavy pack.
Best for hillwalking
Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX, £235
This mountain boot can cope with anything that is thrown at it, but still feels pleasantly lightweight. At a modest 600g per shoe – and yet offering the stoutest of toe and ankle protection through its grippy Vibram outsole and rubber rand – it is your friend on longer hikes in tough, wet terrain. The suede upper and Gore-Tex lining offer dependable waterproofing and breathability.
VERDICT:
Superb boots for long-walk comfort and security.
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid B-Dry Walking Boots, £143.99
If you like your feet to feel well protected on hikes, these mid-priced boots from Montana bootmaker Oboz will interest you. Nubuck leather and tough Cordura fabric uppers swathe your feet, and Oboz’s waterproof B-Dry membrane does a good job of keeping the damp out. I found it hard to get a close fit around the ankle, and some might find them a bit sluggish in motion.
VERDICT:
Well-priced boots that protect your feet, but check fit.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Walking Boots, £200
These striking lightweight boots favour comfort and style over trail feel and protection. A Gore-Tex lining keeps them waterproof, and outsoles are grippy. The thick ‘Boost’ midsole delivers a small but appreciable ‘bounce’ with each footfall. This adds to the light and airy feel of walking in the Free Hiker 2, but also distances you from the ground beneath you.
VERDICT:
For stylish hikers who like a soft, training-shoe feel.
Brand Ecosse Capriolo Boot, £199
Retro good looks and a lack of bulk adds versatility – you could happily wear these to the pub or market. Waterproofing is decent and the tough Vibram outsole is grippy. The low profile is achieved partly by virtually dispensing with the midsole, so the shoe relies on the insole for cushioning instead. But after five miles or so on mixed surfaces, this begins to feel like a hard ride.
VERDICT:
These stylish boots are great for short walks and a capable all-rounder for outdoor activities.
Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry, £125
Lightweight and comfortable, the Peakfreak II Mid feels stable and precise in motion. Excellent waterproofing keeps your feet dry even in heavy rain. Grip from the 4mm lugs was good in most circumstances. The excellent lacing system delivers a very secure fit. The only drawback is that while there is some ankle support, this feels less substantial than most other boots on test.
VERDICT:
Great shoe for year-round walks in moderate conditions, from easy rambles to fast hikes.
Sprayway Iona Mid Women’s HydroDRY boots, £90
I found the Iona comfortable straight from the box, partly thanks to the cushioned foam midsoles. They felt lightweight and responsive. Ankle support was good and they are stable and secure on rockier ground. The outsole grips pretty well in most conditions, and the water-resistant lining kept my feet dry during periods of moderate rain.
VERDICT:
At under £100, these are a brilliant option for beginners or occasional walkers.
For more detailed reviews, go to countryfile.com/country-kit