I have noticed that because of the lugs and the spacing, the tread does get a bit clogged up with mud and stones so this needs to be scraped out maybe more than usual, but this is a minor inconvenience really. Upper: Traditional leather uppers have minimal stitching and are renowned for being long-lasting and bombproof. Synthetic uppers have no break-in time, are lighter with enhanced flex and breathability, and can be vegan-friendly. Featuring a Gore-Tex performance comfort lining, they are pretty darn waterproof – and I’ve had these in some pretty foul weather since buying them! Some all-day downpours in the Lakes and Scotland have been endured and beaten by these boots! Mammut’s patented Rolling Concept works with padding around the tongue and ankle and the thermoplastic arch support to ensure all-round support from the first step to the last. Mammut’s Brecon uses a durable 2.2mm high quality, waxed suede leather and is available in sizes 6.5 – 12 and 13.

For cleaning any fabric, including leather and suede, use Granger's Footwear + Gear Cleaner. The best option for maintaining water repellency is Granger's Footwear Repel Plus. However, if you've got full-grain leather boots, its G-Wax is best for conditioning and waterproofing. An alternative is Nikwax's footwear cleaner and all-fabric proofer. How we tested these 3-season hiking boots On the whole I really do like these, they’ve kept my feet dry and supported when it mattered, and I foresee using them as my main boots for a good few more years yet hopefully! My old Karrimors have been demoted to the cupboard but I’ll still keep them for emergency use. Midsole: The midsole provides cushioning and stability. Boots can vary a lot when it comes to these two aspects. Winter boots are stiffer for climbing. Lighter boots are more cushioned and have more flex for speed. Fit: Everyone's feet are shaped differently. Your best bet is to try for size in a shop. Aim for a secure, comfy fit at the heel and space in the toe box for your toes to splay.If you expect your 3-season walking boots to take care of you, you have to take care of them in return. This is vital for boot performance and longevity. Some of our favourite gear care products come from Granger's. Its products are both effective and Bluesign-approved. So whether you’re planning to walk along the South Downs or take in the Yorkshire Dales, the Brecon is ideal. The GORE-TEX® lining will keep your feet dry during the inevitable Spring showers and the aggressive Vibram® MT Traction sole provides optimum grip and traction. I’ll admit they did take a little bit of breaking in, and on first outings they did feel a bit clunky and stiff, and I have encountered the odd blister in them, but that aside for the performance and feature set they are very good indeed.

Outsole: The outsole provides traction via a tread pattern of rubber cleats and lugs. Deep and widely spaced lugs provide won't get clogged with mud. A deep heel breast aids braking power in descents. Hiking boot care We ended up going through the Dartford Tunnel to Lakeside and the Go Outdoors there (at the time this was the nearest one, there is now one in Canterbury) and set about boring her half to death while I debated between 3 pairs of boots I quite liked. I knew I wanted to get a leather boot as these are on the whole more durable and tend to be easier to clean (though only if they are not made of a load of different panels!) Tongue: A padded tongue provides improved comfort. And a gusseted tongue fully attached to the uppers offers better protection from water and debris. After eventually deciding on the Mammuts over the incredibly comfortable Scarpa Terras, I set about not even using them for a while and instead still took my old Karrimors on my Toubkal trip in 2013. However, in September in Snowdonia I took these boots as a bit of a baptism of fire to break them in properly.Waterproofing: A waterproof-breathable membrane liner will help keep your feet dry. This is often Gore-Tex or a brand's proprietary technology. Lacing: A good lacing system runs smoothly and enables precise, bespoke adjustment to your foot shape. Ankle cuff: A higher cuff helps fend off water and debris from entering the boot and provides ankle support. But it may feel heavy and restrictive. Lower cuffs make boots lighter with a more flexible feel. Insole: Bootmakers usually skimp on insoles. Getting a specialist insole is a great way to enhance comfort and stability.