How to buy 3-season boots

Lightweight and perfect for on-track day and weekend trips, these are the go-to boot for most trampers.

Upper
Either entirely leather or a combination of leather or suede and synthetic panels, three-season uppers are soft and supple. Leather uppers will be longer lasting – often outliving the sole. The material should handle abrasion from rocks and other trail obstacles.

Outsole
Sticky rubber compounds with lugs deep enough to bite into soft ground without clogging offer good grip on most track surfaces.

Midsole
Three-season boots are designed to flex easily and come with an EVA midsole with a medial post to prevent twisting. The shank will not be very stiff nor run the full length of the boot.

Lacing and hardware
Fabric or metal eyelets are used with one or two metal lugs at the ankle. Fabric eyelets are durable and should last the life of the boot.

Toe box
This should be stiffened or protected with a rubber rand to protect toes from knocks and dislodged rocks.

Ankle cuff
Boot height is typically to just above the ankle, reducing the chance of water and trail debris entering the boot. Higher cuffs offer ankle support and should be softened for comfort at the top.

Waterproofing
Boots in this range will have a waterproof membrane, or lining, to draw moisture away from the foot while preventing water from getting in.

Now you what to look for, it’s time to choose a boot.

Meindl Air Revolution 3.5 GTX $655
Use Warm weather tramping Upper Suede and mesh Construction Gore-Tex lining, hybrid PU and EVA midsole, Air pumping 3D mesh and perforated foam tongue, orthotic polyamide shank, Digafix multi-zone lacing, full rand. Outsole Meindl Multigrip 3 Weight 1520g (m); 1280g (w).

Meindl Paradiso GTX $585
Use Tramping Upper Sil-nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, MFS Memory Foam system, orthotic polyamide shank, dual layer EVA foam midsole, full rand, flexible heel cuff, Air-Active drysole footbed. Outsole Vibram Weight 1300g (m); 1080g (w).

Meindl Litepeak GTX $550
Use Warm-weather tramping Upper Suede and mesh Construction Variofix Speedwire cradles foot and heel to prevent lifting, full rubber rand, Gore-Tex lining, Air-Active drysole footbed, orthotic polyamide shank. Outsole Multigrip 3 Alpine Light Weight 1200g (m); 960g (w).

Salewa MTN Trainer Mid GTX $489
Use Approach, hiking, tramping Upper 1.6mm suede Construction Gore-Tex lining, adaptive memory foam, 360-degree rubber rand, 3F heel hold system, mid-stiff nylon insole, extended lacing to the toe, customisable footbed Outsole Vibram Alpine Approach Weight 1260g (m), 1060g (w).

Lowa Renegade GTX WXL $479
Use Light tramping Upper Nubuck leather and Cordura Construction Gore-Tex lining, extra wide fit, monowrap external support skeleton, climate control insole, articulated alloy lace loops and hooks, viscoelastic Balance Insole, PU midsole, full length/width nylon shank Outsole Vibram Evo Weight 1110g (m); 890g (w).

Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX $429
Use Hiking, tramping Upper 1.6-1.8mm suede Construction Gore-Tex lining, PU-coated leather rand, 3F heel hold system, extended lacing to the toe, customisable footbed, EVA midsole Outsole Vibram Hike Approach Weight 1100g (m), 960g (w).

Vasque St Elias GTX $399.99
Use Tramping Upper 2.3mm waterproof oiled nubuck leather Construction Gore-Tex lining, medium fit, A.S.E. midsole with EVA cushioning pods, TPU shank, dual density EVA footbed, moulded rubber toe rand. Outsole Vibram Frontier Weight 1378g (m); 1152g (w).

Merrell Phaserbound Waterproof $369
Use Tramping Upper Full grain leather Construction Metal hook and webbing loops for secure lacing, M Select DRY waterproof membrane, M Select odour control, EVA-contoured footbed, external instep and heel stability arm Outsole Vibram TC5+, 5mm lugs Weight 1304g (m/w).

Ahnu Coburn $349.90
Use Day hikes Upper Full-grain waterproof leather Construction eVent waterproof bootie, padded gusseted tongue, metal lacing hardwear, dual density EVA midsole, TPU shank and arch support Outsole Vibram Rubber Weight 952g.

Ahnu Montara $319.95
Use Day hikes Upper Waterproof-oiled leather, mesh panel Construction Women’s specific fit, eVent lining, rubber toe and heel, Numentum Hike centres and guides foot, dual density EVA midsole, TPU shank, Outsole Vibram Rubber Weight 658g.

Vasque Talus Trek $299.99
Use Day hikes, tramping Upper 1.8mm waterproof nubuck leather, polyamide mesh Construction Speed lacing, UltraDry waterproof membrane, medium fit, EVA midsole, TPU shank, Perpetuum last. Outsole Vibram Nuasi Weight 1134g (m); 950g (w).

Asolo Creek WP $299
Use Hiking, walking Upper 1.6-1.8mm water-resistant suede and polyester Construction Waterproof lining with Vibram natural shape last, PU mono density midsole, rubber toe cap, classic lacing system. Outsole Vibram Natural Shape. Weight 790g.

Asolo Women’s Athena WP $299
Use Hiking, walking Upper 1.6-1.8mm water-resistant suede and polyester Construction Waterproof lining with women’s Natural Shape last, PU mono density midsole, rubber toe cap, classic lacing system. Outsole Vibram Natural Shape. Weight 700g.

Merrell Moab FST Mid Waterproof $299
Use Hiking Upper Leather, mesh and TPU print Construction M Select DRY waterproof membrane, traditional lace closure, bellows tongue, mesh lining, Merrell M Select odour control, EVA-contoured footbed, moulded nylon arch shank, air cushion heel. Outsole Vibram MegaGrip, 5mm lugs Weight 852g (m); 738g (w).

Ahnu Sugarpine $279.95
Use Hiking Upper Waterproof mesh, leather and suede Construction Women’s specific fit, shock dispersal plate, Numentum Hike technology, TPU heel clip for neutral positioning, removable dual-density EVA footbed, nylon shank and arch support Outsole Vibram Rubber Weight 658g.

The North Face Litewave Explore Mid WP $260
Use Day hikes Upper Synthetic, dual mesh Construction Waterproof/breathable HydroSeal bootie, welded-TPU midfoot-support overlays, textured toe cap, compression-moulded single-density EVA midsole, nylon midfoot shank. Outsole UltrATAC rubber with deep lugs Weight 788g (m); 674g (w).