We recommend for: Weekend and multi-day tramping on easy to moderate tracks.

What we like: Nimble for its high comfort, premium innersole, wide and regular fit

What we don’t like: Sole prone to damage from sharp rocks, not great off-track

1076g (m), 918g (w)

Overview and features: This is a medium-duty three-season hiker. It has nubuck leather uppers with a durable lining, a sole with chunky tread blocks and a forgiving midsole. Rands protect the toe box and heel and there’s a waterproof/breathable lining.

Fit and comfort: Regular and wide fit are available and the boot is well regarded for its easy-to-break-in comfort. The wide fit was perfect for me in my usual size, with a spacious forefoot. A premium innersole supplements defined heel and arch support. They didn’t need breaking-in and I was confident taking them on a multi-day tramp.

Durability: Generous rands protect heel and toe box from rock strikes and abrasion, but the anti-stretch midfoot stitching (mostly cosmetic) frayed quickly in scree and riverbeds. The outsole tread is embedded in a soft midsole and is well protected by deep tread blocks. This design saves weight, and the dense midsole is tough.

In use: I’ve used the Bridger Mid for Te Araroa and off-track tramping. It was suitable for the former and provided comfort and versatility from road walking to Waiau Pass. But when the going got really rough, rocks chewed at the composite sole and frayed some non-structural stitching, and the steeply curved heel lacked bite when descending. Overall, there’s more support than a typical ‘mid’ boot, so it’s suitable for heavier packs and, given the soft midsole, it’s quite nimble.

Value: This leather hiking boot is at the lower end of the price range.

Why buy the Bridger Mid?

It’s a step up in weight and durability from the lightest hiking boots, with almost no break-in required and no clunky feeling. It’s a great boot for easy to moderate trips with heavier loads on a variety of on-track terrain. It’s also an excellent go-to for day walks.