{"id":23427,"date":"2023-02-06T13:09:21","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T12:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/?post_type=purple_issue&#038;p=23427"},"modified":"2023-02-09T09:39:36","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T08:39:36","slug":"best-boots-for-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/2023\/02\/06\/best-boots-for-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Best boots for 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center sans-serif intro\">Need new boots for your walking adventures? We put seven pairs to the test <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center sans-serif author\">Words: Camilla Brock (CB), Fergus Collins (FC), Joe Pontin (JP) <\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"has-ccp-primary-dark-color has-text-color\"><em><strong>BBC Countryfile Magazine favourite <\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex boot, <\/strong>\u00a3160<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hoka.com\">hoka.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1546\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46.jpg 1546w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-773x1024.jpg 773w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-768x1017.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-1160x1536.jpg 1160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1546px) 100vw, 1546px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Comfortable, grippy and waterproof, these are a pleasure to walk in. Despite the thick wedge-shaped outsole, the boots feel light and there\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\">VERDICT <\/span><\/strong><br><strong>A<\/strong> <strong>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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(JP) <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<h5 class=\"has-ccp-primary-dark-color has-text-color\"><em><strong>Best for hillwalking<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX, <\/strong>\u00a3235<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/scarpa.co.uk\">scarpa.co.uk<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"681\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/8df086b4-4802-40a2-b6f5-04d78dd3bb30.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/8df086b4-4802-40a2-b6f5-04d78dd3bb30.jpg 681w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/8df086b4-4802-40a2-b6f5-04d78dd3bb30-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">This mountain boot can cope with anything that is thrown at it, but still feels pleasantly lightweight. At a modest 600g per shoe \u2013 and yet offering the stoutest of toe and ankle protection through its grippy Vibram outsole and rubber rand \u2013 it is your friend on longer hikes in tough, wet terrain. The suede upper and Gore-Tex lining offer dependable waterproofing and breathability. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\"><strong>VERDICT: <\/strong><br><\/span><strong>Superb<\/strong> <strong>boots for long-walk comfort and security. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(FC) <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Oboz Sawtooth X Mid B-Dry Walking Boots, <\/strong>\u00a3143.99<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/obozfootwear.com\">obozfootwear.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"681\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2779896e-b222-4838-b349-b5053d4ef810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2779896e-b222-4838-b349-b5053d4ef810.jpg 681w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2779896e-b222-4838-b349-b5053d4ef810-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\">VERDICT: <\/span><\/strong><br><strong>Well-priced<\/strong> <strong>boots that protect your feet, but check fit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(JP) <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Walking Boots, <\/strong>\u00a3200<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/adidas.co.uk\">adidas.co.uk<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"681\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/ab42b160-8695-4ac2-85cd-1f4f7e2ea5bb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/ab42b160-8695-4ac2-85cd-1f4f7e2ea5bb.jpg 681w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/ab42b160-8695-4ac2-85cd-1f4f7e2ea5bb-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">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 \u2018Boost\u2019 midsole delivers a small but appreciable \u2018bounce\u2019 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. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\">VERDICT: <\/span><\/strong><br><strong>For stylish hikers who like a soft, training-shoe feel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(JP) <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Brand Ecosse Capriolo Boot, <\/strong>\u00a3199<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/brandecosse.com\">brandecosse.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"681\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/f615ba8b-e042-479f-a4d5-c4f236250d93.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/f615ba8b-e042-479f-a4d5-c4f236250d93.jpg 681w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/f615ba8b-e042-479f-a4d5-c4f236250d93-300x296.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Retro good looks and a lack of bulk adds versatility \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\"><strong>VERDICT: <\/strong><br><\/span><strong>These stylish boots are great for short walks and a capable all-rounder for outdoor activities. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(JP) <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry, <\/strong>\u00a3125<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/columbiasportswear.co.uk\">columbiasportswear.co.uk<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2f0651c4-1e7f-4559-b0c9-9f902c8c32a4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2f0651c4-1e7f-4559-b0c9-9f902c8c32a4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2f0651c4-1e7f-4559-b0c9-9f902c8c32a4-300x288.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">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. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>VERDICT: <\/strong><br><strong>Great shoe for year-round walks in moderate conditions, from easy rambles to fast hikes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(JP) <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<h4 class=\"sans-serif article-subhead\"><strong>Sprayway Iona Mid Women\u2019s HydroDRY boots, <\/strong>\u00a390<\/h4>\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/sprayway.com\">sprayway.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"no-tts wp-block-image article-in-image photo\"><figure class=\"no-tts aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"681\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/9c38a398-f6f8-46f0-8f8c-f70bce141d58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-23426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/9c38a398-f6f8-46f0-8f8c-f70bce141d58.jpg 681w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/9c38a398-f6f8-46f0-8f8c-f70bce141d58-300x296.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">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. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-primary-dark-color\">VERDICT: <\/span><\/strong><br><strong>At<\/strong> <strong>under \u00a3100, these are a brilliant option for beginners or occasional walkers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sans-serif article-byline\">(CB) <\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-f02dfc79-dfa3-4436-8bf0-1e2812988a5e\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>For more detailed reviews,<\/strong> <strong>go to <a href=\"http:\/\/countryfile.com\/country-kit\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"countryfile.com\/country-kit\">countryfile.com\/country-kit<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Need new boots for your walking adventures? We put seven pairs to the test <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":23420,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"100","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"100","purple_seq_number":"1","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"1","purple_source_article":"article_100-1.xml","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"article_100-1.xml","purple_source_issue":"March-2023","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"March-2023","purple_external_id":"March-2023-100-1","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"March-2023-100-1","purple_issue_code":"|0000084066||","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000084066||","purple_android_product":"com.im.countryfile.200","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.countryfile.200","purple_ios_product":"com.im.countryfile.200","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.countryfile.200","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"91da22fd-9e7f-40d1-a93f-fc46e9516d91","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"2023-02-06T12:15:36Z","apple_news_article-theme":"","apple_news_api_id":"60576a5b-ab68-49d0-adea-7566128828da","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2023-02-09T08:39:43Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AYFdqW6toSdCt6nVmEogo2g","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":true,"apple_news_is_preview":true,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_article_theme":"","apple_news_sections":"[]"},"categories":[33],"tags":[14],"apple_news_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"4","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46.jpg",1546,2048,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-226x300.jpg",226,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-768x1017.jpg",768,1017,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-773x1024.jpg",773,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46-1160x1536.jpg",1160,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d7a4cd7e-9e09-456c-83d6-949c359bbb46.jpg",1546,2048,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Need new boots for your walking adventures? We put seven pairs to the test","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23427"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23427"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26165,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23427\/revisions\/26165"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}