Hi-Tec Men's Ravine Lite Wp Walking Shoe

Product Information

The ankle is cut quite high for a fast and light boot, measuring about 6 inches from the insole to the top of the collar, and this gives a decent amount of support without feeling too constricting. While this might be one of the more expensive pairs of boots in this round-up, they’re still incredibly good value considering everything they offer. We actually liked these so much that we chose them as the best boots for the whole of 2019. What do they offer? A lot. They’re comfortable over long distances, protective but still breathable, and they boast some impressive eco credentials. The collar, the tongue, and the inner parts of the boot are comfy too, with extra padding for podiatry support. The springy Techlite midsole provides good cushioning and impact absorption. I found the Peakfreaks extremely comfortable straight out of the box, so much so that I enjoyed wearing them out and about post-adventure. I felt extremely light on my feet, testing them out during fast, energetic Munro-bagging trips in Scotland. So, if light and fast is your thing – with the added bonus of reliable waterproofing – Columbia’s Peakfreak Mids are the ideal choice for any of you peak freaks out there. BUY NOW: COLUMBIASPORTSWEAR.CO.UK I really liked the way the boots lace and I found them to be amazingly comfortable. The way the eyelets work give you effectively two different lacing ‘zones’. I personally prefer my boots nice and tight both over the top of my foot and around my ankle, so the lacing system on these boots is ideal for me. The recessed eyelet halfway up allows you to change the tightness of lacing in that area if you want to. I keep mine nice and tight, and found it really came in handy when I took a tumble – and I was very thankful that the good ankle support provided by the boots meant no sprained ankle!

If you decide after your first dozen hikes that this is something that you’re wanting to keep up with, a higher quality pair of hiking boots will be a good next investment. However, much like hiking, you can cross that bridge when you get to it! There is a nylon midsole insert to provide better cushioning and just enough padding around the top of the boot. For hot summer days, it might run a little hot, but still this is a real all-rounder of a boot. BUY NOW: SALOMON.COM One report from a user found the book lost its shape and some of its weatherproofing after a while. You could end up with a more relaxed fit and may benefit from adding a protective coating. There is also no messing around with the design or any extra details. There is some branding on the side and the tongue, but the rest is a pretty clean dark brown leather.

Designed for people who are freaks for the peaks (see what they did there?), Columbia’s Peakfreak Mids – or, to use their full name, the Peakfreak XCRSN II Xcel Mid Outdry – are ultra-lightweight, waterproof and attractive-looking boots. They are primarily designed for fast and light mountain adventures.

Overall, there is a lot to appreciate here if you require a boot that puts performance over style. The all-brown design and simple leather construction aren’t eye-catching but it is practical. You should be able to get out in bad weather for good walks in comfort. If you’re wanting to get into walking and fancy yourself as the next Arthur Wainwright, there’s only one way to find out if you’re cut from the tough stuff – by buying a cheap pair of walking boots and heading out into the hills. The smooth lacing system provides volume adjustment flexibility, and the lacing eyelets are all made from a solid metal which are shaped to capture the laces securely – the middle eyelet even has little gripping teeth.The Hi-Tec Ravine Hiking Boots have the simple specification and design that a lot of regular walkers are after. Made from tough full-grain leather, with a cushioned footbed and CMEVA midsole, gusseted tongue and metal lace eyelets, the Snowdon IIs are designed to ‘keep your feet dry and comfortable on all-day treks’, according to Hi-Gear. We found them surprisingly comfortable, with the leather build proving soft and supple where we wanted it to be, but reassuringly strong and sturdy at the toe and heel, while the rubber outsole had decent traction on some pretty wild mountain terrain. But, most are confident that the walking boots will hold up well enough. Aside from some other comments about getting a size bigger for a wider fit, there doesn’t seem to be much to worry about.