The go-to footwear for most hikers, three-season boots are light but still offer plenty of support underfoot and at the ankle. Use them for all on-trail day, weekend or longer trips.
Upper
Leather or a combination of leather or suede with synthetic material. They are abrasion-resistant, soft and supple, and can usually be worn straight from the box without the need to wear them in.
Lacing and hardware
Fabric or metal eyelets are used with one or two metal lugs at the ankle.
Ankle cuff
Boot height is 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.
Toe box
This should be stiffened or protected with a rubber cap to protect toes from knocks and dislodged rocks.
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 sole.
Outsole
Sticky rubber compounds with mud-shedding lugs offer good grip on all track surfaces.
Lowa Renegade Mid GTX WXL $499
Use On-trail tramping Upper Nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, Monowrap external support skeleton, wide fit, articulated alloy lace loops and hooks, Climate Control Insole, PU midsole with monowrap frame, full length and width nylon shank. Outsole Vibram Evo Weight 1110g. www.lowa.co.nz
Hoka One One Sky Kaha $499
Use Hiking Upper Full-grain,waterproof leather Construction eVent membrane, adjustable lockdown lacing, EVA midsole with a layer of rubberised foam, hi-traction sole with multidirectional lugs. Outsole Vibram Megagrip hi-traction Weight 1016g (m), 852g (w). www.hokaoneone.co.nz
Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX $499
Use Approach, hiking Upper 1.6mm suede Construction Gore-Tex lining, 360-degree rubber rand, three-quarter length nylon shank, injected bilight midsole, 3F heel hold system, climbing-style lacing, flex collar, customisable footbed. Outsole Vibram WTC Weight 1340g (m); 1150g (w). www.bobo.co.nz
Lowa Women’s Renegade Mid GTX WXL $499
Use On-trail tramping Upper Nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, Monowrap external support skeleton, wide fit, articulated alloy lace loops and hooks, Climate Control Insole, PU midsole with monowrap frame, full length and width nylon shank. Outsole Vibram Evo Weight 890g. www.lowa.co.nz
Vasque St Elias FG GTX $399.99
Use Tramping Upper 2.2mm waterproof full-grain leather with nappa leather collar Construction Gore-Tex lining, medium fit, firm ATC midsole with EVA cushioning pods, TPU shank, dual-density EVA footbed, rubber toecap. Outsole Vibram Frontier with XSTrek Compound Weight 1320g (m); 1104g (w). www.ampro.co.nz
Waterproofing
Boots in this range will have a waterproof and breathable membrane or lining such as Gore-Tex or eVent to draw moisture away from the foot while preventing water from getting in.
Salewa Women’s Alpenviolet GTX $399
Use Hiking Upper 1.6-1.8mm suede leather and fabric Construction Women’s last, Gore-Tex lining, gusseted tongue, EVA midsole, rubber toe guard, 3F heel hold system, breathable Ortholite footbed, climbing lacing. Outsole Pomoca Alpen Weight 800g. www.bobo.co.nz
Vasque Breeze III $349.99
Use Day hikes, summer tramps Upper 2mm waterproof nubuck leather with air mesh Construction Gore-Tex lining, toe and heel ventilation ports, tapered toe box, rockered construction, TPU Exo-plates for lateral stability. Outsole Vibram Contact Grip with Megagrip compound Weight 1198g (m); 976g (w). www.ampro.co.nz
Hoka One One Sky Toa $399.95
Use Day hikes Upper Technical synthetic material Construction eVent membrane, rubberised foam midsole for responsive feel, hi-traction sole with multidirectional lugs. Outsole Vibram Megagrip hi-traction Weight 850g (m), 652g (w). www.hokaoneone.co.nz
Salewa Ultra Flex Mid $399
Use Speed hiking Upper Breathable mesh, coated fabric Construction Gore-Tex lining, Salewa 3F heel hold system, flex collar for ankle motion, breathable Ortholite footbed. Outsole Michelin Ultra Train Weight 714g. www.bobo.co.nz
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack MID GTX $320
Use Fast and lightweight hikes Upper TPU-coated woven mesh Construction Gore-Tex lining, TPU quarter weld for structure, reinforced toe cap, TPU Cradle heel stability technology, dual-durometer injection-moulded EVA midsole, TPU shank. Outsole Vibram rubber Weight 1054g (m), 814g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz
