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 Light Mid PTX $659.90

A boot with a nylon upper and protective TPU thread overlay for demanding trails and alpine excursions. It has a built-in elastic and abrasion-resistant gaiter, Salewa’s edging plate with blended midsole stiffness for stability and balanced flex, and Salewa’s 3F system for support, flexibility and fit. 1200g (m), 960g (w). www.bobo.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, full rubber rand, Gore-Tex lining, and Salewa’s 3F ankle support, flexibility and fit system. It has a stiff nylon and fibreglass insole, TPU midsole for stability, support and durability, and a crampon-compatible Vibram WTC outsole. 1480g (m), 1230g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Aku Alterra II GTX $649.99

A multi-day, mixed-terrain tramping boot with a 1.6mm suede upper and toe and heel rands. It has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and breathable Air 8000 lining, all-metal lace hardware, a stretch tongue for precise closure, and even weight distribution across the foot with AKU’s Elica Natural Stride System. There’s a PU and EVA midsole with 6–4mm nylon shank, and Vibram outsole. 1310g (m), 1080g (w). www.gearshop.co.nz

LOWA Randir GTX Mid $649

A boot for tramping and alpine excursions. It has LOWA’s FlexFit that allows the foot to roll forward on uphills, saving energy. The upper is split leather and fabric with lightweight lacing hardware, to-the-toe lacing for a customised fit and heel positioning, and a PU midsole for support with heavy loads. It has a crampon-compatible Vibram Cornerstone outsole with forefoot climbing zone and extra heel grip. 1350g. www.lowa.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, a 6–4mm nylon shank for stability and support and a Vibram Curcuma outsole. 1320g (m), 1220g (w). www.gearshop.co.nz

Garmont Tower Trek GTX $529.99

A boot for multi-day tramping with heavy loads over mixed terrain. It has a 1.6mm suede leather and mesh upper, Gore-Tex lining, heel lock system (to secure the foot), full rubber rand, a FrameFlex footbed for midfoot stability, front flex and comfort, and a Vibram hard compound Apex outsole. 1300g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX $499.99

Scarpa’s best-selling all-season boot offers flexibility, support and protection. It has a 1.8mm suede/nylon upper with padded collar and gusset, Gore-Tex lining, speed lacing system, TPU toe cap, an impact-absorbing PU midsole for stability and a Vibram Tront outsole, exclusive to Scarpa. 1220g (m), 1070g (w). www.southernapproach.co.nz

Scarpa Rush Trek GTX $449.99

A comfortable lightweight boot with long-lasting support and protection. The upper is 1.6–1.8mm suede with an abrasion-resistant laminate. It has a Gore-Tex lining, TPU heel, rubber toe and pressure-spreading lacing system. The grippy Pressa outsole provides progressive impact absorption. 1110g (m), 930g (w). www.southernapproach.co.nz

Oboz Bridger Ridge GTX $359

A boot with a generous-fitting forefoot designed for breathability and flexibility, it has a 1.7mm leather upper with synthetic overlays and toe and heel caps. There’s a Gore-Tex PFAS-free lining, an EVA midsole paired with a full-length TPU chassis for support and stability, a memory foam heel pocket, padded ankle, and Trail Tread rubber outsole with 6mm lugs. 1418g (m), 1156g (w). www.obozfootwear.com