The Riva Peak Mid comes in funky blue and red colours and has a wide last, roomy toe box and supple waterproof leather uppers that are surprisingly thick – 2.2mm in places.

It all adds up to a stylish, sturdy and comfortable boot that is ready to go from the moment you lace it up.

I tested this boot over three months of near daily trail use on sometimes muddy and slippery slopes and at other times skipping over water-slicked rocks or splashing through streams. The first thing to notice is the roomy toe box: toes don’t get squashed and on steep downhills my foot remained in place thanks to the heel cup that locks the heel in place, preventing forward slide or heel rise. The forefoot is protected by a grunty rubber rand to prevent bruising and ensure the longevity of the uppers.

The ankle height is mid-cut and not as high as I’m used to. I found it flexible and with a heavy pack on I may have needed to watch my step more carefully, but there is enough stiffness to prevent an unexpected ankle roll. The foundation for this sturdiness lies with the nylon shank, which keeps torsional twisting to an absolute minimum. This combo makes the boot a versatile offering: it can just as easily be used on day walks as it can on long weekend trips. However, it is the heaviest model tested, coming in at 1304g (w: 1178g).

No water seeped through the eVent lining, despite numerous and prolonged dunkings.

The Vibram outsole has an aggressive pattern and deep lugs that shed mud easily. I found it grippy enough for the terrain encountered, though the compound is very soft and will likely wear more quickly than firmer compounds.

This is an excellent boot for the full range of on-track trips, providing a nice balance between weight, comfort and support.