Image of the September 2017 Wilderness Magazine Cover Read more from the
 September 2017 Issue
Home / Articles / Gear Guides

2017’s best three-season boots

Vasque Breeze III ($349.99). www.ampro.co.nz

Image of Alistair Hall
17 August 201717 Aug '17

Light and supportive, these are perfect for on-track day, weekend and longer trips. They are the go-to boot for most trampers. 

Lacing and hardware
Fabric or metal eyelets are used with one or two metal lugs at the ankle. Fabric eyelets are durable and should last the life of the boot.

Upper
Leather or a combination of leather or suede with synthetic panels. They are soft and supple. Leather lasts longer – often outliving the sole. The material should handle abrasion from rocks and other trail obstacles.

Toe box
This should be stiffened or protected with a rubber cap to protect toes from knocks and dislodged rocks.

Ankle cuff
Boot height is typically to just above the ankle, reducing the chance of water and trail debris entering the boot. Higher cuffs offer ankle support and are softened for comfort at the top.

Midsole
Three-season boots are designed to flex easily and come with an EVA midsole with a medial post to prevent twisting. The shank is not overly stiff and generally only covers a portion of the boot.

Outsole
Sticky rubber compounds offering good grip on most track surfaces and with lugs deep enough to bite into soft ground without clogging.

Waterproofing
Boots in this range will have a waterproof membrane, or lining, to draw moisture away from the foot while preventing water from getting in.

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a boot…

Lowa Renegade GTX WXL $479
Use Light tramping Upper Nubuck leather and Cordura Construction Gore-Tex lining, extra wide fit, monowrap external support skeleton, climate control insole, articulated alloy lace loops and hooks, viscoelastic Balance Insole, PU midsole, full length/width nylon shank Outsole Vibram Evo Weight 1110g (m); 890g (w). www.lowa.co.nz

Salomon Quest Prime GTX $449.99
Use Tramping Upper Waterproof Split suede leather, water resistant textile Construction Seam-sealed Gore-Tex membrane, padded tongue gussets, rubber toe cap, heel cap, OrthoLite footbed, antimicrobial treatment, injected EVA midsole, TPU midsole chassis Outsole High traction Contagrip  Weight 1140g (m); 980g (w). www.snoworld.co.nz

Lowa Innox GTX MID $449
Use Light tramping, adventure racing Upper Synthetic Construction Gore-Tex lining, monowrap external support skeleton, climate control insole, dual density PU midsole, three-quarter-length medium density nylon shank Outsole Lowa NXT Weight 920g (m) 810g (w). www.lowa.co.nz

Anatom Q3 Braeriach $399.99
Use Backpacking Upper 2.6mm Anfibio leather Construction Waterproof membrane, hydrophobic lining, undercut heel for downhill braking, toe bumper, cushioned PU midsole, Bioform Ultralite footbed Outsole Vibram Sorapis Weight 1220g. www.bivouac.co.nz

Vasque St Elias GTX $399.99
Use Tramping Upper 2.3mm waterproof oiled nubuck leather Construction Moulded rubber toe rand, medium fit, TPU shank, dual density EVA footbed, A.S.E. midsole with EVA cushioning pods Outsole Vibram Frontier Weight 1378g (m); 1152g (m). www.ampro.co.nz/vasque

  

Scarpa Terra GTX $379.95
Use Tramping Upper Oiled full grain Montana nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, injection-moulded Hi-Flex PU midsole, speed lacing  Outsole Vibram Energy Weight 1210g (m); 980g (w). www.scarpanz.co.nz

Vasque Breeze III $349.99
Use Day hikes, tramping in warmer climates Upper High-abrasion 2mm waterproof nubuck leather, mesh Construction Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining, toe and heel ventilation ports, tapered toe box, slightly rockered natural gait construction, TPU Exo-plates for lateral stability. Outsole Vibram Contact Grip with Megagrip compound Weight 1198g (m); 976g (w). www.ampro.co.nz/vasque

The North Face Endurus Hike Mid GTX $330
Use Lightweight tramping Upper Synthetic, mesh Construction Gore-Tex membrane, seamless welded-TPU panels, TPU toe cap, FlashDry collar lining, OrthoLite footbed, forefoot-to-midfoot ESS snake plate, soft-density XtraFoam midsole, firmer EVA compound around perimeter. Outsole Vibram XS Trek Weight 870g (m); 788g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

  

Merrell Everbound Mid $349
Use Tramping Upper Full grain suede leather Construction Gore-Tex membrane, metal hook and lacing eyelet, bellows tongue, rubber toe cap, grade 4 thermoplastic insole, blended EVA contoured footbed, odour control, compression moulded EVA midsole, air cushion heel Outsole Vibram TC5+ Weight 1048g (m). www.merrell.co.nz
 

Anatom Women’s Q2 Ultralight $299.99
Use Hiking Upper 2.2mm Italian nubuck leather Construction Anatom Women’s Comfort Last, waterproof membrane, hydrophobic lining, Bioform Ultralite footbed, toe bumper, cushioned PU midsole Outsole Vibram Pillow Weight 930g. www.bivouac.co.nz

  

Anatom Men’s Q2 Classic $299.99
Use Hiking Upper 2.5mm full grain leather Construction Waterproof membrane, hydrophobic lining, undercut heel for downhill braking, Bioform Ultralite footbed, toe bumper, cushioned PU midsole Outsole Vibram Grivola Weight 1550g. www.bivouac.co.nz

Ahnu Sugarpine Boot $279.95
Use Hiking Upper Waterproof mesh, leather and suede Construction Women’s specific fit, shock dispersal plate, Numentum Hike technology, TPU heel clip for neutral positioning, removable dual-density EVA footbed, nylon shank and arch support Outsole Vibram high grip rubber Weight 1316g. www.ahnu.co.nz