Upper 

Boots in this category will be leather or a combination of leather or suede with a synthetic material that offers abrasion resistance. The uppers will be soft and supple, and the boots can usually be worn straight from the box without the need to break them in.

Midsole

The midsole absorbs the shock and impact of walking over uneven ground. Most midsoles are EVA, a polymer designed to provide 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 are better for rocky terrain and while carrying a heavy pack. 

Lacing and hardware

Fabric or metal eyelets are used with metal lugs at the ankle to enable the boots to be pulled tight. 

Outsole

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

Weight

Generally, the heavier a boot the more durable it will be. 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 averaged for sizes.

Toe box

This should be stiffened or protected with a rubber cap to protect toes. Allow a finger’s width of space between the end of the boot and your longest toe to ensure feet do not get cramped and bruised.

Ankle cuff

Boot height is to above-the-ankle, reducing the chance of trail debris entering the boot. Higher cuffs offer better ankle support and are softened for comfort. A bellows tongue also helps reduce the ingress of trail debris. 

Waterproofing

Boots in this range will have a waterproof and breathable membrane to draw moisture (i.e. sweat) away from the foot while preventing water from getting in.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid $299

This versatile all-purpose hiker has a pig-leather suede and breathable mesh upper for out-of-the-box comfort. It features a shock-absorbing Super Rebound Compound, waterproof membrane, recycled laces and webbing, bellows tongue, rubber heel and toe caps, removable contoured footbed, moulded nylon arch shank, shock-absorbing air cushion in heel and Vibram TC5+ outsole. 1000g (m), 820g (w). www.merrell.co.nz

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite MID GTX $399.90

A lightweight boot with the technical ability for alpine hiking and long tramps. It has Salewa’s patented 3F heel hold system and a heel stabiliser that locks your foot in place. It’s made from synthetic fabric and 1.6mm suede leather, and features a Gore-Tex membrane, flex collar, climbing lacing, rubber toe cap, EVA midsole, nylon shank and Pomoca outsole. 1130g (m), 930g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

The North Face VECTIV Exploris Mid FutureLight Leather $350

This boot’s VECTIV technology provides ‘energy return’, and a ‘rocker’ midsole acts to propel walkers through their stride. Features include a soft nubuck leather upper, waterproof FutureLight membrane, mesh collar, OrthoLite footbed (with 5% recycled rubber), single-density 3D TPU support plate and a Surface Control rubber outsole. 794g (m), 692g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz