If you live in the British Isles, you quickly learn not to expect much from Mother Nature at the best of times, especially when grey winters involve regular schleps to the station in a sleety quagmire. Even if you’re bound for an even chillier locale for snowsports season, you’ll definitely want some study leather on your feet when things get slippery underfoot. Because you don’t want to risk trashing your box-fresh Nikes, do you? Exactly. Tap through for our pick of the best hiking boots that will keep you warm and dry through to spring.
Merrell MTL Astrum hiking boots
Merrell Merrell
Michigan-based Merrel has extensive experience in designing footwear to tackle the most inclement conditions and uneven terrain. These Astrum boots are intelligently designed to keep the worst of the weather out and warmth in, while the tough Vibram soles will ensure you a solid footing at all times, whether you’re scaling peaks or just negotiating frosty pavements on your morning commute.
Acrux TR GTX Boot Men's
Arc'Teryx
This considered edit of the best boots around wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Arc’teryx – a brand famed for its technical, yet uber stylish kit to mountaineers, skiers and ramblers. They’re crafted from patented SuperFabric® which is microplated to produce an exceptionally hard-wearing, flexible and lightweight boot. In addition, the Vibram® Megagrip soles are suited to both dry and wet terrain, making them your go-to, wherever you’re headed.
Hannen Tall Boot
Ugg
Aussie brand Ugg is so much more than just sheepskin slippers and house booties. These Hannen boots – inspired by classic military styles – sport a waterproof leather construction, sealed water-tight seams and a cloud-soft UGGpure™ wool and to keep you feeling snug, whatever the weather. The interchangeable laces also allow you to switch up your look easily.
Filson Danner Grouse Bottomland Boot
Filson x Danner Filson
Founded in Seattle in 1897, Filson is a firm favourite with the Men’s Health style team. For these Grouse Bottomland boots, it’s teamed up with another of the US’s great style exports, Danner, which has a history in boot manufacture stretching back to 1932. With these, you have all the brawn and built of Danner with the function and woodsy design details of Filson, including breathable GORE-TEX liners and shock-absorbing Vibram Sierra soles. The oil-finished camo and full-grain leather upper that will make you stand out for all the right reasons.
Salomon Snowcross Adv Ltd Mesh, Rubber And Neoprene Boots
Salomon
These boots from leading snowsports label Salomon take their cue from the brand’s signature Speedcross shoes and boast all the technical advantages you would expect from a thoroughly modern brand. Contragrip rubber soles keep you well-grounded, Ortholite cushioning provides support and the waterproof mesh upper will make sure your feet stay dry, whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
The North Face Back-to Berkley Boots
The North Face
The North Face is one of the most trusted brands among active, outdoor men, so you can trust them to make a robust pair of clodhoppers. These Back-to-Berkley boots have a waterproof but breathable upper for and are thoroughly insulated with recycled PrimaLoft® to keep the cold at bay. In addition, the cool blue colourway makes them equally suited for town or country wear.
Sorrell Caribou Wool-Lined Full-Grain Leather Boots
Sorrell
When it comes to footwear suited to alpine regions, Sorel is hard to beat – there’s a reason why the brand is favoured by powderhounds the world over. These Caribou boots will see you through the worst snow flurries and straight into the après ski. The Aerotrack soles will ensure you keep a steady footing on icy pavements, while the shearling lining will ensure your toes don’t feel the chill.
