Lightweight three-season hiking boots are your go-to for anything from a day trip to a weekend mission or that much-anticipated Great Walk adventure.

Upper

Boots will be leather, fully synthetic, or a combination of both, with synthetic material providing abrasion resistance. The boots are soft and supple, and can usually be worn straight from the box without needing a break-in period. A full or partial rand – usually a rubber material at the toe and heel – protects the uppers from knocks.

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 when carrying a heavy load.

Outsole

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

Scarpa Ribelle HD $799.99

Built for fast and lightweight trips, via ferratas and tramping with heavy loads. It features suede leather uppers with an HDry waterproof/breathable membrane, a sock-like fit, a full protective rand, a PU and fibreglass insole for stability, a speed lacing system for accurate constriction-free fit and a Vibram rubber outsole. 1380g (m), 1160g (w). www.bivouac.co.nz 

Lowa Maddox Pro GTX $579

This light yet secure boot has durable ripstop nylon uppers, a Monowrap PU frame to support the arch and heel, microfibre toe caps, a lightweight DynaPU fibreglass midsole for support, stability and rebound, a Gore-Tex membrane and a Lowa Fast Hiking outsole. 988g (m), 878g (w). www.lowa.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.bivouac.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, which 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

The North Face Summit Series Fastpack GTX $450

This boot is designed for use on long-distance hikes. It has a unique ankle design with a hook-and-loop closure and a dual-layer midsole consisting of ‘DREAM’ foam cushioning and an EVA chassis for stability. The uppers use Spectra ripstop fabric with synthetic reinforcements and there’s a rubber toe cap, a Gore-Tex membrane and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. 932g. www.thenorthface.co.nz

AKU Rocket Mid DFS GTX $414.99

This fast-hiking boot for difficult trails features a crossed rib structure and is protected by a 3D print layer. It has the AKU Dual Fit System (DFS) for precise lacing and fit, the Elica Natural Stride System for improved gait, a double density EVA midsole and a 2mm PU stability shank. 864g (m), 734g (w). www.gearshop.co.nz

Salewa Pedroc 2 Leather Mid Powertex $399.90

A lightweight and supportive mid-cut speed-hiking shoe with a suede leather upper and a PFAS-free waterproof/breathable Powertex membrane. It has a trail running-influenced fit, an oversized EVA midsole for rebound, Salewa’s 3F system for fit, support and agility, a high-density EVA stability plate and a Pomoca outsole. 900g (m), 720g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

The North Face Offtrail Hike LT Mid GTX $370

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, a rubber toe cap with TPU overlays, a reinforced heel cup, a comfort-padded collar and tongue, an EVA midsole and Surface CTRL rubber outsole. 1000g (m), 904g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Oboz Katabatic RT Mid $369.99

This sturdy fast-hiker combines the protection and stability of a boot with the lightweight feel of a hiking shoe. It has a stitch-free Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane bonded directly to the textile upper, a high-density EVA rock plate that extends from midfoot to forefoot for stability and protection, an Ortholite insole, a TPU-reinforced toe cap, a gaiter hook and a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole. 916g (m), 752g (w). www.kathmandu.co.nz

Hi-Tec Cascade WP $199.99

An affordable heritage-inspired boot with reinforced TPU welding and rubber toe and mud guard for protection against rocks and debris. It has a DRITEC waterproof/breathable membrane, a padded collar and tongue, a high rebound NRG foam midsole, an Ortholite footbed with slow recovery foam for cushioning and a KINE TEC outsole with multi-directional lugs. 1002g (m), 802g (w). www.denstock.co.nz