The Lowa Camino, 1550g, has the look and feel of a premium product and the moment I put them on I felt like I could go and walk all day in comfort. A plush interior and relatively soft leather give the boot an immediate comfort that should require little breaking in. The downside to softer leather is it’s less protective in rough conditions (especially once it’s soaked) and it’s more prone to damage from sharp objects. The leathers are protected by an adequate rand that covers the toe and heel, but the sides are exposed. There are numerous seams to the upper, but none that are likely to abrade prematurely.

The Camino is one of the taller boots reviewed and has a functional ankle hinge (an area of softer leather) that flexes without binding, and a very smooth lacing system – the best of the bunch – which makes the chance of pressure points developing across the top of your foot less likely.

The tread is beefy enough for all conditions, and the sole platform proved suitable on rugged ground with a heavy pack, although I think this boot would excel at bush tramping and light alpine duty due to its softer uppers. It’s also very comfortable for day walks.

A burly sole and medium-aggressive heel give the boot good traction when the going gets slippery and the lugs are spaced to enable it to clear mud reasonably well. I liked the fact that a leather conditioner and comprehensive boot care information were supplied with the boots.

This is a very comfortable and capable boot, beautifully made, that will hold its own over most terrain, leaving you with happy feet at the end of the day.