These solid, stiff-soled and durable boots provide the necessary support to carry multi-day loads over rough terrain, including, with the aid of crampons, crossing alpine passes.

Upper

Usually thick leather uppers with few seams that 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 Achilles’ tendons.

Tongue

Padded gusseted tongues (a bellows tongue) prevent water and debris from entering. Once tightened, the gussets and tongue should fold together to rest comfortably against the shin. A lacing stud on the tongue holds it in position.

Ankle height

A high cuff supports the ankle under heavy loads and over uneven terrain. 

Protection

A rubber rand that runs around the boot, or just at the toe and heel, will protect the upper material from damage from rock and ice. 

Midsole

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

Toe box

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

Laces

Laces should flow smoothly to provide even tension around the foot. Lacing that runs all the way to the toe is becoming common and provides a more comfortable and flexible fit. Durable metal eyelets and lugs are the norm. 

Outsole

A sticky rubber compound with deep, mud-shedding multi-directional lugs to grip all terrain types and provide purchase for launching your next step. Sharp edges bite into loose and slippery surfaces, making it safer to traverse steep tussock slopes. Flexible crampons can be attached.

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

Lowa Tibet GTX WXL $699 Use Heavy duty tramping Upper 2.6mm nubuck leather Construction Extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, lace lock, ball bearing lace system, Flex Fit Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, full rand, Balance Insole, PU midsole, 5mm full length nylon shank, flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Masai Weight 1800g. www.lowa.co.nz

Asolo Lagazuoi GV Widefit $575 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. www.oms.co.nz

Lowa Ticam GTX WXL $679 Use Heavy duty tramping Upper 2.6mm waxed split leather Construction Extra wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, high ankle shaft, lace lock, ball bearing lace system, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, heel and toe rand, Balance Insole, PU midsole, 5mm full length nylon shank, flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Masai Weight 1600g. www.lowa.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

Lowa Camino GTX WXL $649 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, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, heel and toe rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, PU midsole, Balance Insole Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1550g. www.lowa.co.nz

Salewa Rapace GTX $549 Use Alpine, heavy duty tramping Upper 1.8mm nubuck leather Construction 360-degree rubber rand, Gore-Tex lining, flex collar, crampon step, 3F heel hold system, EVA midsole, nylon and fibreglass shank, customisable footbed, strap-on crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Mulaz Weight 1360g (m); 1100g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Lowa Women’s Lavena GTX $679 Use Alpine, heavy duty tramping Upper 2.2mm nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, lace lock, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, comfort notch above heel counter, X-lacing stalk holds tongue in position, heel, toe and medial side rand, Balance Insole, PU midsole, 5-4mm full length nylon shank, flexible crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Aptrail Weight 1340g. www.lowa.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 Outsole Vibram Rubber Weight 1660g. www.oms.co.nz

Lowa Women’s Mauria GTX WXL $649 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 Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, ball bearing lace system, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, heel and toe rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, PU midsole, Balance Insole Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1250g. www.lowa.co.nz

Vasque Saga GTX $449.99 Use Heavy duty tramping Upper 2mm waterproof nubuck leather and engineered mesh Construction Molded TPU toe, heel and lace yolk, breathable ports, structured collar, dual-density midsole with TPU shank, anatomical dual-density high rebound footbed, Gore-Tex membrane Outsole Vasque with Megagrip compound Weight 1304g (m); 1032g (w). www.ampro.co.nz

Lowa Ranger GTX WXL $619 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, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, full rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, PU midsole, Balance Insole Outsole Vibram Natural Weight 1640g. www.lowa.co.nz

Dachstein Torstein GTX $499.95 Use Hiking Upper Perwanger oiled suede and Nubuck Construction High-cut shaft, Gore-Tex membrane, Lorenzi eFoam full rand, leather collar, 3 Zone lacing, Made in Europe Outsole Vibram LiteWolf sole Weight 1380g. www.outfittersstore.nz

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). www.oms.co.nz