2017’s best 3-4 season boots

These heavy-duty boots are designed carry heavy loads over rough terrain. Strap on crampons to get over that alpine pass. They’re true workhorses.

Upper
Thick leather uppers with few seams offer support and structural integrity. They may require extra wear-in time, but when cared for properly, the leather will mould to the foot for years of comfort and performance. A lighter grade of leather around the ankle reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Midsole
Most boots have an EVA midsole, with some opting for PU (polyurethane). PU is heavier but more durable, while EVA has greater shock absorbency. All have an anatomical three-quarter or full-length shank, or stabiliser, offering a solid, stiff platform for the foot. A medial post provides stability and prevents twisting. Flexible crampons can be attached.

Lacing
Laces should flow smoothly to provide even tension around the foot. Durable metal eyelets and lugs are the norm.

Ankle height
A high cuff offers greater protection – especially important considering the heavy packs carried and uneven terrain the boots are used on.

Protection
The boot’s upper will be protected with a rubber toe bumper and heel guard. Greater protection is offered by a full rubber rand running around the outside.

Toe box
Stiff to protect toes from knocks and bangs. Allow a thumb-width space between the end of the boot and the longest toe.

Tongue
Padded gusseted tongues (a bellows tongue) prevent water and debris from entering. A lacing stud on the tongue holds it in position.

Boot care
Follow this three-step plan to give your boots a longer life:

Scrub your boots as soon as you get home. Rinse the inside with fresh water and dissolved natural soap to wash away perspiration and body oils
Dry the boots naturally but not in direct sunlight. Don’t put them in front of the fire or in the hot water cupboard
Once dry, warm them up to open the leather’s pores and apply a leather conditioner.

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose your boots…

Lowa Tibet GTX WXL $699
Use High country, heavy duty tramping Upper 2.6mm nubuck leather Construction Extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, I-Lock lace lock, ball bearing lace system, Flex Fit Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, full rand, viscoelastic Balance Insole, PU midsole with SPS support, full length nylon shank, flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Masai Weight 1800g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Ticam II GTX WXL $679
Use High country, heavy duty tramping Upper 2.6mm waxed split leather Construction Extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, high ankle shaft, I-Lock lace lock, ball bearing lace system, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, heel and toe rand, viscoelastic Balance Insole, PU midsole with SPS support, full length nylon shank, flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1600g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Women’s Lavena II GTX $679
Use Alpine, heavy duty tramping Upper 2.2mm nubuck leather Construction Women’s specific, Gore-Tex lining, I-Lock lace lock, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, comfort notch above heel counter, articulated alloy lacing hardware, heel, toe and medial side rand, viscoelastic Balance Insole, PU midsole with SPS support, full length nylon shank, flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Masai Weight 1340g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Camino GTX WXL $619
Use Heavy duty tramping Upper 2.2mm nubuck leather Construction Extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, ball bearing lace system, heel and toe rand, medium flex nylon shank, PU midsole with SPS support, viscoelastic Balance Insole Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1550g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Women’s Mauria GTX WXL $619
Use Heavy duty tramping Upper 2.2mm nubuck leather Construction Women’s specific, extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, ball bearing lace system, heel and toe rand, medium flex nylon shank, PU midsole with SPS support, viscoelastic Balance Insole Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1250g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Ranger GTX WXL $599
Use Heavy duty tramping Upper 2.4mm waxed nubuck leather Construction Extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, ball bearing lace system, full rand, medium flex nylon shank, PU midsole with SPS support, viscoelastic Balance Insole Outsole Vibram Natural Weight 1640g. www.lowa.co.nz

Salewa Rapace GTX $549
Use Alpine, heavy duty tramping Upper 1.6mm nubuck leather Construction 360-degree rubber rand, Gore-Tex lining, crampon step, 3F heel hold system, EBA midsole, nylon shank, customisable footbed, strap-on crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Mulaz Weight 1250g (m); 1070g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Asolo Lagazuoi GV Widefit $529
Use Rugged tramping, hunting Upper 2.4mm water-resistant nubuck leather Construction Wide fit last, Gore-Tex lining, bellows tongue, dual-density microporous PU midsole with Anti-Shock technology, full rubber rand, flexible crampon compatible, made in EU Outsole Vibram Ascent Weight 1560g. office@oms.co.nz

Anatom Q4 Cuillin $499.99
Use Heavy-duty tramping Upper 2.8mm nubuck leather Construction Full rubber rand, waterproof membrane, hydrophobic lining, alloy speed lacing with lock-off system, Bioform Ultralite footbed, cushioned PU midsole, impact brake system in heel, C1 or flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Foura Weight 1660g. www.bivouac.co.nz

Asolo TPS520 GV Widefit $479
Use Tramping Upper 2.6-2.8mm water-resistant one piece full grain leather Construction Wide fit, Gore-Tex Performance lining, board lasted, foam footbed, padded ankle collars, Asoflex nylon supports, TPS EVO dual density PU midsole, flexible crampon compatible, made in EU Outsole Vibram Rubber Weight 1660g (m); 1580g (w). office@oms.co.nz

Vasque Erikkson $449.99
Use Heavy duty tramping over demanding terrain Upper 2.2mm waterproof full grain leather Construction High coverage laser-etched rubber rand, higher cuff height, PU foam and lining package, three-part midsole with EVA, PU and TPU. Gore-Tex lining, low friction lacing with locking ankle hook Outsole Vibram Summit Weight 1456g (m); 1272g (w). www.ampro.co.nz/vasque

Asolo TPS535 Widefit $449
Use Tramping Upper 2.2-2.4mm water-resistant one piece full grain leather Construction Wide fit, Cambrelle lining, board lasted, foam footbed, padded ankle collars, Asoflex nylon supports, TPS EVO dual density PU midsole, flexible crampon compatible, made in EU Outsole Vibram Rubber Weight 1600g (m); 1520g (w). office@oms.co.nz