These 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.

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

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.

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.

Upper
Thick leather uppers with few seams offer support and struc-tural 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.

Tongue
Padded gusseted tongues 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.

Lacing
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 comfortable fit. Durable metal eyelets and lugs are the norm.

Toe box
A stiff toe box protects the foot. Allow a thumb-width space between the end of the boot and the longest toe.

Protection
A rubber rand at the toe and heel, or one that runs around the entire boot, protects the upper material from abrasion from rock and ice.

Salewa Raven 3 GTX $599
Use Alpine, heavy-duty tramping Upper Fabric and suede Construction Rubber rand, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, flex collar, crampon step, 3F heel hold system, Bilight midsole, nylon and fibreglass shank, customisable footbed, strap-on crampon compatible Outsole Vibram WTC Weight 1498g (m); 1258g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Lowa Women’s Mauria GTX WXL $679
Use Heavy duty on and off-trail tramping Upper 2.2mm nubuck leather Construction Women’s-specific, wide fit, board-lasted and re-soleable, Gore-Tex lining, Lowa Flex and lace-to-toe for instep flex, Flex Fit Synchro ankle, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, heel and toe rand, nylon stabiliser, PU midsole Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1250g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Ranger GTX WXL $649
Use Heavy duty on and off-trail tramping Upper 2.2mm waxed nubuck leather Construction Wide fit, board-lasted and re-soleable, Gore-Tex lining, C4 comfort tongue, Achilles comfort notch, ball-bearing lace system, X-lacing stud holds the tongue in position, full rand, nylon stabiliser, PU midsole Outsole Vibram Natural Weight 1640g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Camino GTX WXL $679
Use Heavy duty on and off-trail tramping Upper 2.2mm nubuck leather Construction Wide fit, Gore-Tex lining, board-lasted and re-soleable, 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, nylon stabiliser, PU midsole Outsole Vibram Apptrail Weight 1550g. www.lowa.co.nz

Vasque St Elias FG GTX $399.99
Use Tramping Upper 2.2mm waterproof full-grain leather, Nappa leather collar Construction Medium fit, firm ATC midsole with EVA cushioning pods, moulded rubber toecap, Gore-Tex lining Outsole Vasque exclusive Vibram Frontier with XSTrek compound Weight 1320g (m), 1104g (w). e.ampro.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, EBA midsole, nylon and fibreglass shank, customisable footbed, strap-on crampon compatible Outsole Vibram Mulaz Weight 1480g (m); 1230g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Lowa Women’s Lady Light GTX $589
Use Heavy duty on and off-trail tramping Upper Nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex lining with minimal seams, board-lasted and re-soleable, TPU toe and heel abrasion guards, Achilles comfort notch, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser, PU midsole Outsole Vibram Trac Lite II Weight 1100g. www.lowa.co.nz

Lowa Baldo GTX $559
Use Moderate on and off-trail tramping Upper Split leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, board-lasted and re-soleable, climate control insole, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, open and closed hooks with roller eyelets, PU midsole, nylon stabiliser Outsole Vibram Trac Lite II Weight 1350g (m); 1100g (w). 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

Asolo TPS535 Widefit $469
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

Asolo Fugitive GV Widefit $449
Use Tramping, light hiking Upper 1.6-1.8mm water-resistant suede and high tenacity nylon Construction Wide fit, Gore-Tex Performance lining, Duo Asoflex board lasted, foam footbed, made in EU. Outsole Asolo Syncro Weight 1380g (m); 1120g (w Stynger). www.oms.co.nz

Asolo Lagazuoi GV Widefit $590
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 Women’s Badia GTX $559
Use Moderate on and off-trail tramping Upper Split leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, board-lasted and re-soleable, climate control insole, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, open and closed hooks with roller eyelets, PU midsole, 5-3mm medium flex nylon stabiliser Outsole Vibram Trac Lite II Weight 1100g (m); 1100g (w).

Lowa Baldo GTX $559
Use Moderate on and off-trail tramping Upper Split leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, wide fit, board-lasted and re-soleable, climate control insole, X-lacing stud holds tongue in position, open and closed hooks with roller eyelets, PU midsole, nylon stabiliser Outsole Vibram Trac Lite II Weight 1350g (m); 1100g (w). www.lowa.co.nz