| RRP: | £235 |
| Weight (per boot): | 491g/1lb 1.3oz |
| Sole: | Scarpa Presa TRK-01 Supergum |
| Sizes: | EU 36 - 42 |
| Upper: | Nubuck leather w/ Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining |
Lowa describes the Randir GTX as a 21st century trekking boot. What that means in practice (and is something we think the Randir GTX absolutely nails) is a combination of old school leather durability and modern comfort.
As a demanding hiking boot we found there's little to fault with the Randir GTX. Granted, it is a bit heavier and less precise than the brilliant AKU Trekker Lite III GTX, but the trade-off is better even better traction and support. The Vibram sole looks like it's cut from a tractor tyre - the lugs are deep aggressive and alongside the big heel brake, we were sure-footed on every surface.
The chunky sole and mostly leather upper means this is a moderately stiff boot that feels incredibly secure. That said, the highly cushioned ankle cuff allows for plenty of ankle movement, and we found it's easy to get the right fit thanks to full length lacing and the X-Lacing feature, which eradicates pressure points.
There is of course a Gore-Tex lining to keep water out, plus a gusseted tongue that extends almost to the top lace hook.
In terms of value, there's not denying it's expensive upfront but we want to stress the long-term value (like you get with most of our picks here). Because the Randir GTX is durable and can be resoled if required, this is a boot that can provide a decade or more or use. Compared to a cheaper, less durable option that costs half or a third but only lasts two or three seasons, suddenly, the Lowa is the better value option.
| RRP: | £245/$295 |
| Weight (per boot): | 560g/1lb 3.7oz |
| Sole: | Vibram Cornerstone |
| Sizes: | UK 3.5 - 9 |
| Upper: | Suede leather and textile w/ Gore-Tex lining |
www.sportsshoes.com
| RRP: | £150 |
| Weight (per boot) | 400g/14oz |
| Sole | Vivobarefoot Firm Ground outsole w/ 2.5mm lugs |
| Sizes | UK 2.5 - 9 |
| Upper | Wild hide leather w/ cotton collar |
The X Ultra 360 Mid GTX is a core style in Salomon’s popular X Ultra series of
trail hiking shoes and mid-cut boots. It’s actually fractionally cheaper and lighter than the closely related X Ultra 360 Edge Mid GTX boot.
Styling and construction are also very similar, though this version incorporates a different textile upper using an alternative fabric with more stitched panels. The colourways are also a bit more traditional than the Edge, and there’s a leather version too if you like an even more classic look and feel.
All models have partly gusseted tongues with waterproof Gore-Tex liners, but this version lacks the Edge’s central lacekeeper tab to prevent the tongue from shifting about.
However, it shares the same Contagrip sole unit, cushioned EVA foam rubber midsole and Advanced Chassis heel counter for increased stability on uneven terrain.
Like the Edge, this boot also incorporates recycled materials, though fractionally more so; specifically, uppers made with 51% recycled PET (polyester) and a midsole made with 8% recycled electrical cable sheaths.
Overall, it’s a well-balanced all-rounder, with good sustainability credentials too. You can expect great out-of-the-box comfort, with a flexible and forgiving feel, yet a sole unit that is tough and grippy enough for mountain use. As lightweight mid-cut hikers go, it’s a solid choice.
| RRP: | £150 |
| Construction: | Synthetic textile (uppers made with 51% recycled PET and midsole made with 8% recycled electrical cable sheaths) |
| Waterproofing: | Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner |
| Outsole: | Contagrip |
| Sizes: | UK 6.5-13.5 (men's), UK 3.5-9.5 (women's) inc. half sizes |
| Weight (per shoe): | 393g (men’s UK 9), 345g (women’s UK 6) |