Hi-Tec Men's Ravine Lite Wp Walking Shoe

Product Information

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. Absolutely zilch nasty chemicals have been used in its creation. What we’re specifically referring to are those PFCs or perfluorinated compounds, which have been proven to be environmentally hazardous. Plenty of brands have stopped using these in the water repellent treatment that’s applied to the outer fabrics of their footwear – the DWR that makes water bead off – but not many have taken the extra step of removing all the nasty stuff contained in the waterproof membrane as well. Haglöfs have removed the lot here so kudos to them for doing that. 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. 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

Hi Tec | Walking | Footwear - GO Outdoors Hi Tec | Walking | Footwear - GO Outdoors

For their price they are excellent quality and if you are looking for a good boot for hiking Britain in all weathers I cannot fail to recommend them. It is very difficult to find a boot that is comfortable without rubbing from the outset, full marks to Hi-Tec for this. All in all, we were pretty impressed for the price. We wouldn’t take them out on longer expeditions or in gnarly weather, but they have plenty to offer for such a small price-tag. BUY NOW: GOOUTDOORS.CO.UKThis could sound like just what you need if you need to upgrade to a shoe with style over substance. 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. I do miles and miles per week over all terrains. Dog walks, muddy walks, day rambles and dry rugged mountains home and abroad. The boots I wear get hammered so I am not able to get just any old pair for any price. I was kindly offered a pair of Hi-Tec Ravine Waterproof boots to put to the test, and they are doing a remarkable job. 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!

Best Value Hiking Boots 2023 | Top 10 - Outdoors Magic Best Value Hiking Boots 2023 | Top 10 - Outdoors Magic

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. For once, let’s start with the downsides: with more of a trainer than boot feel, the Peakfreaks don’t offer especially firm protection or stability for the ankle, and the lightweight materials aren’t as tough or rugged as all-leather boots. But, with the Peakfreaks, the numerous positives far outweigh the negatives. Columbia’s Outdry technology is a one-piece membrane that seals the stitching and any other water ingress vulnerabilities. This ensures excellent waterproofing and breathability for these lightweight boots. Meanwhile the Omni Grip outsoles have multi-directional lugs for good grip out on the trail. Selected for our Outdoor 100 2021/22. Read our full Halti Fara Mid 2 Women’s Walking Boot review BUY NOW: HALTI.COM 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 found these to be great ‘on and go boots’, no stiffness or rubbing from the outset. These were to be tested through the Winter too so I was going to give them a good testing that is for sure.

Hi-Gear Snowdon II boots

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. 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.

walking boots for UK hiking - 2023 - Adventure Best budget walking boots for UK hiking - 2023 - Adventure

One of the interesting things about this women’s shoe is how rugged and smart it is. There is the look of a more high-end masculine boot here, but you still have the shape and sizes needed for women’s feet. As long as you are careful with the sizing and remember that they may feel a little heavier at first, the Hi-Tec walking boots should cause too many problems. 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. There is a nylon midsole insert to provide better cushioning and just enough padding around the top of the boot.

The Hi-Tec Ravine Hiking Boots have the simple specification and design that a lot of regular walkers are after. They are not entry level boots for the price, but, for the price I find them comparable and just as great as some brands charge a lot more for. There are also some great comments about the comfort provided, even with that little extra weight. Many find that they can walk for miles in these Hi-Tec hiking boots and that it didn’t take too long to break them in.