If your tramping takes you on multi-day trips into rough and high places, you need the support of a pair of stiff-soled and durable footwear. Here’s 2021’s line-up of three-to-four season boots and what to look for.
Protection
A rubber rand protects the upper material from abrasion from rocks and ice. At a minimum, the boot should have a rand at the heel and toe, though it’s common for it to run right around the boot.
Ankle height
A high cuff supports the ankle under heavy loads and over uneven terrain.
Lacing
Laces should flow smoothly to provide even tension around the foot. Durable metal eyelets and lugs are the norm.
Fit
Wide-fitting boots have greater volume to accommodate broad feet. Allow a thumb-width of space between the end of the boot and the longest toe.
Upper
Thick leather uppers with few seams offer support and structural integrity. These boots may require extra wear-in time, but when cared for properly,
the leather will mould to the foot for years of comfort and performance.
Tongue
Padded gusseted tongues prevent water and debris from entering the boot. A lacing stud on the tongue holds it in position.
Midsole
These boots will have an EVA or PU (polyurethane) midsole. PU is heavier but more durable, while EVA has greater shock absorbency. The boots will also have a three-quarter or full-length shank, or stabiliser, offering a solid, stiff platform for the foot. A medial post provides stability and prevents twisting.
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 like tussock slopes. Flexible crampons can be attached.
Meindl Himalaya $749
Alpine tramping boot with nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, extra high and thick rubber rand, reduced external stitching, internal polymer toe cap, PU foam midsole, full-length tapered polyamide shank, flexible semi-auto crampon compatible Vibram outsole, reinforced laces, heat-activated memory foam padding. 1780g (m), 1400g (w). www.meindl.co.nz
Meindl Guffert GTX $749
Wide-fit tramping boot with multi-piece nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, rubber rand, internal high-volume toe cap, quadruple stitching on exposed seams, heel hold system, PU foam midsole, heat-activated memory foam padding, full-length medium-flex polyamide shank, flexible crampon compatible Vibram outsole. 1760g (m), 1400g (w). www.meindl.co.nz
LOWA Camino GTX WXL $679
Heavy-duty tramping boot with a 2.2mm nubuck leather upper, wide last, Gore-Tex lining, C4 comfort tongue, lace-to-toe for instep flex, Achilles comfort notch, ball-bearing lace system, heel and toe rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, PU midsole, crampon-compatible and re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1550g. www.lowa.co.nz
LOWA Women’s Mauria GTX WXL $679
Women’s-specific heavy-duty tramping boot with 2.2mm nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, C4 comfort tongue, lace-to-toe for instep flex, Achilles comfort notch, X-lacing stud holds tongue in place, heel and toe rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, PU midsole, crampon-compatible and re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1250g. www.lowa.co.nz
LOWA Ranger GTX WXL $649
Heavy-duty tramping boot with a 2.2mm waxed nubuck leather upper, wide last, Gore-Tex lining, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, ball-bearing lace system, X-lacing stud holds tongue in place, full rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon shank, PU midsole, crampon-compatible and re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1640g. www.lowa.co.nz
LOWA Lady III GTX WXL $649
Women’s-specific heavy-duty tramping boot with 2.2mm nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, C4 comfort tongue, ball-bearing lace system, X-lacing stud holds tongue in place, climate control system, PU midsole, full rand, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, crampon-compatible and re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1390g. www.lowa.co.nz
Meindl Island MFS Active $649
Heavy-duty tramping boot with multi-piece nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, wide rubber rand, internal high-volume toe cap, quadruple stitching on exposed seams, heel hold system, PU foam midsole, heat-activated memory foam padding, full-length medium-flex polyamide shank, flexible crampon compatible Vibram outsole. 1760g (m), 1400g (w). www.meindl.co.nz
Zamberlan Guide GTX RR WL $629.99
Heavy-duty tramping boot with a 2.8mm nubuck leather upper and three-quarter rubber rand, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, anatomical heel pocket, roomy toe box, wide last, dual-density PU midsole and TPU shank, 4mm insole, re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1640g.
www.huntingandfishing.co.nz
Salewa Raven 3 599.90
A heavy-duty tramping boot with a wear-resistant fabric and Suede upper, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, rand with external toe bumper, flex collar, crampon step, 3F heel hold system, TPU midsole, nylon and fibreglass shank, customisable footbed, strap-on semi-automatic crampon compatible Vibram WTC outsole. 1498g (m); 1258g (w). www.bobo.co.nz
Asolo Lagazuoi GV Widefit $590
Wide fit rugged tramping and hunting boot with a 2.4mm water-resistant nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, bellows tongue, dual-density microporous PU midsole with anti-shock technology, full rubber rand, flexible crampon compatible Vibram outsole. 1560g. www.oms.co.nz
Scarpa SL Active $579.99
A 2.7mm full-grain leather backpacking boot with a PU midsole, moisture-managing leather (back half) and ‘37.5’ fabric lining to help manage foot temperature, micro-pulley hardware, internal heel support, crampon compatible Vibram Biometric outsole. 1620g (m), 1350g (w). www.southernapproach.co.nz
LOWA Baldo GTX $559
For moderate on and off-trail tramping and featuring a split leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, climate control insole, X-lacing stud holds tongue in place, open and closed hooks with roller eyelets, PU midsole, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, crampon-compatible and re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1350g. www.lowa.co.nz
LOWA Women’s Badia GTX $559
Women’s-specific boot for moderate on and off-trail tramping. Features a split leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, climate control insole, X-lacing stud holds tongue in place, open and closed hooks with roller eyelets, PU midsole, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, crampon-compatible and re-soleable Vibram outsole. 1100g. www.lowa.co.nz
Salewa Rapace GTX $549.90
An alpine tramping boot with 1.8mm nubuck leather upper, full rubber rand, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, 3F heel hold system for ankle support, Flex collar, TPU midsole, nylon and fibreglass shank climbing lacing, semi-automatic crampon compatible Vibram WTC outsole. 1480g (m) 1230g (w). www.bobo.co.nz
Asolo TPS 520 $519
Wide fit boot with single-piece water-resistant 2.8mm full-grain leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, dual-density PU midsole, foam footbed, padded ankle collars, nylon supports, flexible crampon compatible Vibram outsole. 1660g. www.oms.co.nz
Anatom Q4 Cuillin $499.99
Heavy-duty tramping boot with a 2.8mm nubuck leather upper, waterproof/breathable membrane and Interface One lining to help keep feet dry. Alloy lacing hardware, lace-lock, PU midsole, full rand, C1 or flexible crampon compatible, Vibram outsole. 1660g. www.bivouac.co.nz
Asolo TPS535 Widefit $469
Wide fit tramping boot with single-piece 2.2-2.4mm water-resistant full grain leather upper, Cambrelle lining, board lasted, foam footbed, padded ankle collars, nylon supports, TPS EVO dual-density PU midsole, flexible crampon compatible Vibram outsole. 1600g (m); 1520g (w). www.oms.co.nz
Vasque St Elias FG GTX $399.99
With a 2.2mm waterproof full-grain leather upper and Nappa leather collar. Medium fit with a firm midsole and EVA cushioning pods, moulded rubber toe cap, Vasque-exclusive Vibram Frontier outsole with XSTrek compound. 1320g (m), 1104g (w). e.ampro.co.nz