Lightweight, flexible hiking boots offer comfort and support on formed trails when your pack weight is relatively light.

Upper

Boots will be leather, or a combination of leather or suede with a synthetic material providing abrasion resistance. The boots are soft and supple, and they can usually be worn straight from the box without needing a break-in period.

Midsole

The midsole absorbs the shock and impact of walking over uneven ground. Most midsoles are EVA, a polymer that provides either firm or soft support depending on its density. Soft-flex boots are more comfortable on soft, even ground and when moving fast. Some midsoles are PU (polyurethane), which is firmer and more durable than EVA, and these are better for rocky terrain and with a heavy load.

Outsole

Sticky rubber compounds with mud-shedding lugs offer grip on most track surfaces.

Lacing and hardware

Fabric or metal eyelets with metal lugs at the ankle enable the laces to be pulled tight.

Weight

The heavier a boot, the more durable it is. It’s also more likely that it can be used on rougher terrain and while carrying heavier loads. The weights shown in this feature are for a pair and are averaged over the size range.

Waterproofing

Boots in this range will have a waterproof and breathable membrane (or lining) to draw moisture (i.e. sweat) away from the foot while preventing water from getting in. 

Toe box

This should have a rubber cap to protect toes. Allow a finger’s width between the end of the boot and your longest toe to ensure toes do not get cramped and bruised.

Ankle cuff

Above-the-ankle cuffs reduce the chance of trail debris entering the boot. Higher cuffs offer better ankle support and are softened for comfort. A bellows tongue keeps trail debris out. 

Comfort

Padding is provided in key areas such as the heel, arch, toes and shin to soften the impact of trail walking and absorb pressure from footwear.

Kayland Rocket GTX $649.99

A rugged boot for mixed and difficult terrain. It has a textile and TPU upper, Gore-Tex lining, fabric and metal lacing hardware, protective toe and heel rand, an injected PU double density midsole for stability and a high ankle for support on mixed terrain. 1400g. www.gearshop.co.nz

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX $579.95

Designed for fast-paced, mixed-terrain hiking, this agile mid-cut boot has a double heel design for stability and braking on descent. It has an abrasion-resistant upper, Gore-Tex lining, 3D ankle flex system, a midsole with a 5mm polypropylene stiffener and PU foam, and a resoleable Vibram outsole. 960g (m), 760g (w). www.mountainadventure.co.nz

SCARPA Kailash Trek GTX $549.99

Scarpa’s best-selling hiking boot offers flexibility, support and protection. It has a 1.8mm suede and nylon upper with padded collar and gusset, TPU toe cap, a light PU midsole and stabilising heel tension support, to-the-toe lacing with steel hooks for precise fit and a Gore-Tex lining. 1220g (m), 1070g (w). www.southernapproach.co.nz

Salewa Wildfire NXT Mid GTX $479.90

This speed-hiker approach shoe has a seamless Kevlar-reinforced upper for comfort and durability. There’s an oversized heel for cushioning, a TPU rand and Salewa’s trademark 3F System that wraps the ankle and foot for fit, support and agility. It has a dual-density EVA midsole, PFAS-free Gore-Tex lining and Vibram All-Terrain Megagrip outsole. 780g (m), 750g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

SCARPA Moraine Mid GTX $399.99

This entry-level boot prioritises comfort. It has a nubuck and mesh upper, bluesign-approved Gore-Tex lining, an ActivFit moulded sock liner and ACTIVimpact Technology to absorb ground shock. It uses a medium-density EVA midsole and a TPU shank for stability and anti-torsional control. 1060g (m), 930g (w). www.southernapproach.co.nz

Timberland Motion Maddsen Waterproof Mid $370

This lightweight waterproof hiking boot has a premium Timberland leather upper with ReBOTL fabric that contains 50% recycled PET plastic. There’s a zoned dual-density EVA midsole, fully gusseted tongue, metal lacing hardware and TimberGrip outsole with a dynamic lug configuration. www.timberland.co.nz

Aku Alterra Lite Mid GTX $369.99

A light mid-cut boot for use on formed tracks and moderate terrain. It features a suede leather and woven Air8000 fabric upper backed by a Gore-Tex lining. It uses AKU’s Elica Natural Stride System to ensure fit and improved gait. It has an EVA midsole, a 2mm PU board to prevent twisting and rubber toe and heel caps. 890g. www.gearshop.co.nz

The North Face Offtrail Hike Mid GTX $350

This boot offers stability and protection on technical terrain. It has a durable Cordura ripstop upper, Gore-Tex lining, a ‘Skycore’ rock guard in the sole for added protection and stability, rubber toe cap with TPU overlays, reinforced heel cup, a comfort-padded collar and tongue, EVA midsole and Surface CTRL rubber outsole. 1000g (m), 904g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

The North Face Hedgehog 3 Mid GTX $330 

A hiking boot with a mixed-material upper – leather, synthetic leather, ripstop mesh and spacer mesh. It has a waterproof DryVent membrane, multilayered overlays at toe and forefoot, outdoor-inspired webbing and laces, EVA midsole and Surface CTRL rubber outsole. 928g (m), 828g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof $329

This boot is a 16-year staple of the Merrell range and is now partly constructed with recycled materials. There’s a pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper, bellows tongue, rubber heel and toe cap, removable contoured footbed with reinforced heel cushioning, nylon arch shank, ‘Super Rebound Compound’ for shock absorption, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole. 1000g (m), 820g (w). www.merrell.co.nz

Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Mid $259

This boot promises all-day comfort, stability and traction. It has a suede leather and abrasion-resistant mesh upper with a waterproof/breathable B-Dry 100% recycled lining. It has a durable triple-density ACT EVA midsole for cushioning, a PU toe cap and heel, metal and fabric lacing hardware and a Vibram XS-Trek rubber outsole. 1044g (m), 874g (w). www.kathmandu.co.nz