Best walking boots for UK hills and footpaths

In its favour

• The listing names a leather upper, which holds its shape and can be cleaned and reproofed over many seasons.
• Gore-Tex is named in the model name, so the boot has a waterproof breathable liner for wet grass and peat.
• Listed as suitable for all seasons, so it is a realistic single boot for year-round lowland and hill walking.

Good to know

• The listing gives a weight of 1.65 kg without saying whether that is one boot or the pair, so compare in person.
• The listing does not state a B rating or crampon compatibility, so do not plan winter routes on it without checking.

In its favour

• Leather upper and leather lining are both stated, a traditional build that suits reproofing and long service.
• Gore-Tex in the title means a waterproof liner, useful on wet Lakeland and Scottish paths.
• The listing gives Germany as the country of origin, which some buyers prefer for build consistency.

Good to know

• A leather-lined boot is warmer than a fabric one and may feel hot on summer lowland walks.
• The listing does not state the outsole compound or a B rating, so check Meindl's own pages for winter use.

In its favour

• The listing names a Vibram Energy II sole in XS Trek compound, a known outsole for mixed hill ground.
• Gore-Tex Standard ePE is stated and described as PFAS free, a newer membrane generation.
• A nylon insert in the insole is listed, which adds some stiffness under foot on stony paths.

Good to know

• The listed weight of 590 g does not say whether it is per boot, so compare with other boots carefully.
• Listed seasons are spring and summer, so check warmth and stiffness if you walk in winter.

In its favour

• The listing names a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane as a special feature.
• Cushioning is listed as moderate to high with an EVA foam insole, good for long days on hard tracks.
• Lace-up closure with stated shoe adjustability lets you tune fit across the instep.

Good to know

• The listing describes it as low top, which conflicts with its boot name, so check the cut before buying.
• Water resistance is listed as water resistant in one field despite Gore-Tex, so read the maker's page.

In its favour

• Gore-Tex is named in the title, so it is built to keep feet dry on wet British paths.
• Listed as an all-season boot, which suits UK walkers who want one pair through the year.
• A polyurethane insole is listed, a material that keeps its cushioning over long use.

Good to know

• The upper material is listed as synthetic in one field and leather in another, so check the colour you order.
• The listing gives 2 kg without saying whether that is per pair, so weight is hard to compare.

In its favour

• Suede leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane are both listed, a sensible build for wet British weather.
• Listed for autumn and winter, which matches the season when most UK walkers need a waterproof boot.
• A fabric lining is stated, which usually dries faster than a leather lining after a wet day.

Good to know

• The listing does not name the outsole maker or compound, so grip on wet rock is hard to judge.
• The listing does not state a B rating, so it is not a choice for crampons without checking first.

In its favour

• The listing states a medium stiff nylon insole, giving more support on rocky ground than a soft trainer.
• Gore-Tex lining is listed, so it is designed to keep out water from wet grass and shallow bog.
• A synthetic upper usually dries faster than full leather after a wet day on the fells.

Good to know

• Water resistance is listed as water resistant rather than waterproof in one field, so check the maker's details.
• The listing gives 1.6 kg without saying whether that is per pair, so compare weights in a shop.