For big trips involving rough terrain, off-track travel and even alpine passes, you need durable and stable trekking boots.

Fit

A perfect fit takes time to determine, and each brand will be slightly different. Try several models, and don’t determine fit until the boot is laced correctly and you’re standing up. Allow a little space for foot swelling and thicker socks.

Waterproofing

Trekking boots have a waterproof, breathable lining – Gore-Tex or equivalent – that helps keep feet warm and dry.

Ankle height

Tall cuffs provide ankle and lower leg protection, but very tall cuffs might restrict agility. They also add weight and increase a boot’s drying time. Boots with two sets of lace hooks in the cuff are a good mid-point option.

Tongue

This protects the top of the foot from the lacing and keeps debris out of the boot. Tongues should be gusseted to at least three-quarter length and ideally full length for maximum protection from trail debris.

Protection

Boots with a firm toe box will protect toes from rock strike. A rubber rand
(the strip around the edge of the boot upper) provides foot protection, makes the boot more durable and improves traction when scrambling in rocky terrain.

Upper

Leather is the optimal material for long-term durability and comfort. Synthetic boots tend to be lighter and faster drying.

Midsole

For longer trips on rough terrain, stiffer boots are preferred for protection and to prevent foot fatigue. The midsole provides the balance between footbed comfort and a stable and protective platform for the foot. Shanks are usually nylon or fibreglass. They are sandwiched between the midsole and the outsole, and provide stiffness for crampon use, edging and rugged terrain. Some boots include a ‘rock plate’ to protect the foot on uneven ground. 

Outsole

Boot soles will be made from a high-carbon rubber and provide a balance between firmness (for ‘bite’ on slippery slopes), durability, and friction (on wet rock for example). Look for a heel that provides good braking on descents.

Lacing

Laces should be easy to adjust and flow freely through the eyelets, to enable a precise and comfortable fit. Lace locks keep the boots firm in the midfoot and heel and prevent laces from loosening.

Salewa Ortles Ascent Mid $799.90

This mountain boot has a 2–2.2mm suede upper, Gore-Tex lining and a semi-crampon-compatible Vibram Alpine Guide outsole. It has the 3F System for flex, fit and support, a full TPU rand, a fibreglass insole, a dual-density PU midsole with dedicated stiff and cushioned zones, a heel stabiliser, anti-debris stretch gaiter and multi-fit footbed for customisable fit. 1700g (m), 1100g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

LOWA Ranger EVO GTX $699

Designed for multi-day tramps carrying heavy loads, this boot has a 2–2.2mm full-grain nubuck leather upper paired with Gore-Tex lining. It has a two-zone lacing system with independently adjustable forefoot and upper, a C4 anatomically designed tongue with extra padding, asymmetrical upper for ankle flex, full rand, metal lacing hardware, dual-density PU midsole and Vibram Apptrail Divo outsole. 1690g. www.LOWA.co.nz

AKU Super Alp Wide GTX $699.99

This is a technical trekking boot for long-distance tramps with heavy loads. It has a wide construction with extra forefoot space and the Elica Natural Stride System for even weight distribution throughout each stride. There is a 1.6mm suede leather upper, dual lacing zones for customised fit, Gore-Tex lining, dual-density PU midsole, 6–4mm nylon shank for stability and a Vibram Foura outsole. 1548g. www.gearshop.co.nz

AKU Trek Ballistic GTX $699.99

This light and fast technical hunting high-top boot has an elastic gaiter that protects against debris when in dense bush. It has a 1.6mm suede and ballistic nylon upper, Gore-Tex lining, 2–4mm TPU shank for stability, dual density EVA midsole, all-metal lacing hardware and a Vibram Curcuma Mountain outsole. 1190g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Salewa Rapace GTX $649.90

A trekking and mountaineering boot for via ferrata and rocky terrain. It has a 1.8mm nubuck upper, a full rubber rand, Gore-Tex lining and Salewa’s 3F ankle support, flexibility and fit system. It has a stiff nylon and fibreglass insole, a TPU midsole for stability and durability, and a crampon-compatible Vibram WTC outsole. 1480g (m), 1230g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

AKU Trekker Pro II GTX $599

A lightweight trekker with AKU’s Elica Natural Stride System for even weight distribution throughout each stride. It has a 1.6mm suede upper backed with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and breathable Air 8000 lining. There’s a PU midsole and 6–4mm nylon lasting board for stability and support, and a Vibram Curcuma outsole. 1320g (m), 1220g (w). www.gearshop.co.nz

The North Face Verto Alpine Mid GTX $440

Designed for rugged and alpine trips, this boot has majority leather uppers combined with a moulded ankle support. It has a Gore-Tex lining, a full rand with a moulded rubber toe cap and scratch-rubber heel, a combination of metal and ghillie-lace eyelets plus lace-lock, a rigid stability shank for support, a rock guard for extra protection and a high-traction Vibram XS Trek outsole. 1124g (m), 1006g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz