Hiking boots
We’ve moved mountains to bring you the word on which footwear won’t let you down when the going gets tough
Words: Mark Mayne Photography: Neil Godwin
01
ROBUST BOOTS THAT YOU CAN RELY ON
JACK WOLFSKIN FORCE STRIKER TEXAPORE
£140, jack-wolfskin.co.uk
Sometimes – usually when you’re suddenly standing in a young swamp – you want solid and slightly clumpy boots on, and these Jack Wolfskin beasts are indeed they. There’s plenty of tech packed in, and in spite of their scale, they’re not overly heavy – a major bonus. A massively padded ankle provides plenty of support, a textile upper and waterproof membrane keep things breathable and a solid toe rand extends all the way back to the instep, adding protection.Finally, a Vibram Megagrip sole provides traction on the worst of surfaces, and there’s a built-in strike plate to protect your forefoot from sharper stones, similar to the better class of trail shoe.