Words by Jen and Sim Benson

Sim Benson is an outdoor author and photographer with an environmental science background. He’s a kit expert who’s spent more than 15 years working, testing and reviewing in the outdoor industry. 

Jen Benson is an outdoor adventure photographer and writer, with an MSc in sports and exercise medicine. She’s happiest when she’s outdoors, and passionate about exploring Britain’s wild places on foot.

While some walks – such as those in winter conditions or on high mountains, or involving carrying a heavy pack – demand the structure and rigidity of heavier boots, for the majority of people, the majority of the time, lightweight boots are the ideal companion. 

As with any footwear, when you’re looking for a new pair think about when, where and how you’ll use them. If you’re walking year-round in the UK, a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex is essential to keep your feet dry and cosy. 

While if you’re heading to warmer climes, boots without a waterproof membrane will maximise airflow, keeping your feet cooler and more comfortable. Take a look at the outsole, which provides protection and traction. 

For muddy use, choose a deeper, more widely spaced tread, which grips into soft ground and clears mud effectively. Or if most of your walking is done on surfaced trails and dry, rocky terrain, a shallower tread maximises surface area for grip, stability and comfort. 

Once you’ve decided on the basics, it’s essential that your new boots fit you perfectly. Try on a few pairs, wearing your usual walking socks and paying attention to the fit and comfort throughout the foot and ankle. Your toes shouldn’t hit the front of the boots, even when walking downhill, and your heel shouldn’t noticeably lift at the back. Any prominent seams or pressure points you can feel when you first try on a pair will be magnified many times during the course of a long walk. 

Remember, with lightweight boots you’re looking for comfort straight from the box – they shouldn’t need any breaking in. Once you’ve chosen a pair that fits you and your walking, wear them around the house for a couple of hours to rule out any issues before setting out on an adventure.

 

 

Men's boots

 

Jack Wolfskin Wild Hike Texapore Mid 

£120 jack-wolfskin.co.uk 

477g each UK11. Size range: EU39.5–48

Excellent value, mid-height boots with a nimble, trainer-like feel. Waterproof thanks to a Texapore membrane and well-padded, so they should fi t most feet well. The sole unit is cushioned and protective, with a shallow tread that works best on gravel and rockier trails. PFC-free and made to Fair Wear standards. A great choice for general-purpose use: capable on hikes, comfortable all day, and outdoorsy looks for everyday wear. 

 

Ayacucho Cabrera Mid 

£120 ayacucho-outdoor.com 

595g each UK10.5. Size range: UK4–10.5 

The waterproof upper is soft yet tough and feels instantly comfortable, with a toe bumper and extra heel support. Underfoot the grippy Vibram sole is well cushioned, copes well in most conditions and protects from rocky terrain. The fit is slightly larger than average, and they’re weighty. Good value, trainer-style boots. Available at Cotswold Outdoor.

 

Helly Hansen Ascender Mid Helly Tech 

£180 hellyhansen.com/en_gb 

549g each UK11. Size range: UK6.5–12.5 

The Ascenders have quickly become a favourite due to their trainer-like comfort, high ankle and grippy sole. The deep tread and prominent heel cope well in mud and protect from rocks, without feeling clumpy. They’re supportive and unrestrictive, perfect for both everyday walking and longer or rockier treks. Made using recycled polyester in the upper, with a PFC-free waterproof treatment. True to size, with a higher volume than average. 

 

Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Mid Gore-Tex 

£165 salomon.com/en-gb 

460g each UK11. Size range: UK6.5–13.5 

Super-comfy, light-feeling boots that don’t sacrifice support and stability. The padded upper and ankle are protective, waterproof thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane, and made from at least 50% recycled fabric. The Contagrip sole is best on gravel, but grippy everywhere. Sti­ffer than most boots in this category, they o­ffer excellent underfoot protection and support. Length-wise they fit slightly small. Available at Cotswold Outdoor.

 

Craghoppers Dura Pro 

£130 craghoppers.com 

661g each UK11. Size range: UK3–13 

With a deep rubber rand, lacing to the toe and high ankle, these alpine-style boots are precise and protective, ideal for rockier terrain and heavier packs. They size a little large in length and volume, but the padded inner enables them to be laced comfortably, holding your foot securely. The suede and synthetic upper incorporates a waterproof membrane and Vibram sole that’s grippy in all but the worst mud. Good-value and protective boots.

 

Scarpa Cyrus 2 Mid GTX 

£190 scarpa.co.uk 

517g each EU46. Size range: EU41–48 

An update of the popular Cyrus, these boots o­ffer the comfort of walking shoes with extra ankle support and weather protection. They’re instantly comfortable, with smart styling and enough grip, support and protection for lower-level walks and adventure travel. Quality nubuck and a Gore-Tex membrane keep feet dry. The Scarpa Presa outsoles grip well in all but deep mud, and are resoleable. Available at Cotswold Outdoor.

 

Hanwag Banks LL 

£235 hanwag.com/uk 

794g each UK11. Size range: UK6–14 and SF wider fit 

The leather-lined version of these classic walking boots don’t have a waterproof membrane, so they’re more breathable and supple. The high-quality, ethically sourced nubuck and suede outer is tough and, with good care, will effectively keep your feet dry. The chunky Vibram sole is grippy, protective and resoleable. Not the lightest, but very comfortable and long-lasting, general-purpose hiking boots. Made in Europe. Gore-Tex-lined version available.

 

CRISPI Attiva BP

 £258 crispi-sport.co.uk 

784g each EU46. Size range: EU36–47

 Lightweight for this style, these Italian-made boots look and feel great. The low-profi le Vibram sole is grippy on rock and gravel, protective underfoot and allows for precise foot placement. The lugs also cope surprisingly well in mud. The Gore-Tex-lined nubuck upper is reinforced with a protective rand and comes in a range of colours. Best for rugged terrain and long-distance walks with heavier packs.

 

Women's boots

 

Columbia Peakfreak Rush Mid OutDry 

£125 columbiasportswear.co.uk

377g each UK7. Size range: UK3–10 

With a light, plush feel to the upper and cushioned but smooth underfoot, these versatile mid-height boots are ideal for travel, everyday use and lower-level long-distance walks. The outsole o­ ers excellent grip across a range of conditions, although the tread is on the shallow side for mud. OutDry waterproofi ng keeps your feet dry, while generous padding around the ankles and tops of feet ensures comfort all day.

 

Keen Zionic NXT Waterproof 

£160 keenfootwear.co.uk

 

354g each UK7. Size range: UK2.5–9.5 

These good-looking boots will be equally at home in town and on the trails, and feel supple and agile straight from the box. The soles are bouncy and fl exible, with grip that’s best suited to less technical terrain. The fi t is roomy, and there’s a good amount of padding through the ankles and tops of the feet. The durable, lightweight upper features a waterproof membrane, eco anti-odour treatment and recycled content.

 

Grisport Lynx 

£130 grisport.co.uk

503g each EU40. Size range: EU36–42 

Great-value boots made with premium Italian nubuck leather, o­ffering a supportive, protective and comfortable fit. They look smart, with contrast stitching and a nicely padded ankle cuff­. The sole unit offers a good amount of cushioning and protection from the ground, with a grippy Vibram outsole. Some of the internal seams are a little prominent, so it’s worth trying before you buy if this is likely to cause an issue.

 

Berghaus VC22 Mid Gore-Tex 

£170 berghaus.com 

401g UK7. Size range: UK4–8 

These roomy, lower-cut boots feature an innovative debris gaiter that stops grit or other potentially uncomfortable detritus getting inside. The stretchy cu­ffs also double as extra ankle supports, although they do make getting the boot on a bit of a challenge. There’s great cushioning for the top of the feet and a durable ripstop upper that minimises potential pressure points. The Vibram outsole offers good all-round grip, while Gore-Tex waterproofi ng keeps your feet dry.

 

Inov8 Roclite Mid 

£130 inov8.com 

379g each UK7. Size range: UK4–8.5 and wide fit A generous, roomy toe box, breathable upper and sticky rubber outsole make these mid-height boots a great choice for walking in warmer climes or everyday dry weather adventures in the UK. They’re not overly padded, which aids airfl ow, but the ankle has plenty of comfortable cushioning. The tread is deep and widely spaced, o­ffering excellent traction on a range of surfaces. Great on mud and grass; a waterproof version is available for £150.

 

Lowa Maddox Pro GTX Mid 

£190 lowa.co.uk

400g each UK7. Size range: UK4–8 

Designed for moving fast and light over easier terrain, these mid-height Maddox Pros combine Lowa’s grippy, responsive and cushioned Fast Hiking sole with a lightweight synthetic upper – resulting in agile, versatile boots. They’re comfy straight from the box, with lacing that creates a supportive wraparound fit, shaped around a female-specific last, with hardwearing and protective additions at the toe and heel. A Gore-Tex waterproof lining keeps your feet dry.

 

Arc’teryx Kopec Mid GTX 

£180 arcteryx.com/gb/en

320g each UK7. Size range: UK3.5–8.5 

Smart, supportive and super comfortable, these versatile mids are the ultimate all-rounder. The sleek, stylish design means they’re great for everyday, work and leisure wear. With a hardwearing, waterproof Cordura upper, contoured fi t with plush ankle padding, roomy toe box, cushioned yet responsive midsole, reinforced toe and heel areas, and grippy Vibram outsole, these boots perform well on technical mountain terrain and long days in the hills.

 

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX 

£235 lasportiva.com/gb 

502g each UK7.5. Size range: EU36–42

If you’re looking for lightweight boots that are hardwearing, protective, comfortable and precise enough for long days with a pack on mountainous terrain – look no further. The comfort is outstanding throughout, with a contoured fi t designed around female anatomy. The 3D Flex System allows natural yet supported movement, while the rugged, resoleable Vibram outsole ensures secure traction and e­ ective braking on all types of terrain. They’re also waterproof, with a Gore-Tex membrane.