The question In 2008, archaeologists found a 5,500-year-old walking boot, buried under a pile of sheep dung, in a cave in Armenia. The shoe - a modern size five - was made from cowhide, laced with leather cord. Footwear has changed a bit since then. But when Mountain Warehouse sells 825 styles and brands wang on about 'Gore-Tex' and 'Vibram soles', it's tricky to know which to choose.
The basics The experts conducted a survey in May 2025: they asked 2,508 members of a Which? panel to assess 29 brands of walking boot. (Because no two feet are the same, testers rated by brand, rather than by individual models.) The average prices they paid ranged from £196 (Altberg) to £59 (Karrimor).
The method Participants rated the footwear for durability, comfort, flexibility, breathability, shock absorption, grip, fit, value for money, and - of course - water resistance. (Soggy socks begone!) The whizzes at Which? also vetted brands based on warranties and return policies.
The thing to remember Which? is a not-for-profit organisation, so all the money it makes goes back into making life simpler, fairer and safer for consumers.
BEST SPECIALIST: Altberg
Altberg Tethera hiking boots
£279.99
Survey score (78 testers) 92 per cent
Average price paid £196
What works? Basically everything. This Yorkshire brand got five stars for comfort, durability, water resistance, grip, fit and flexibility. Plus, the repair service is first-class: if you ever wear out your boots, Altberg will fix them for around half the cost of a new pair.
What's the catch? The price.
BEST ALL-ROUND: Scarpa
Scarpa Cyrus 2 Mid GTX WMN
£190
Survey score (182 testers) 83 per cent
Average price paid £153
What works? Lots. Testers thought Scarpa shoes were supportive, long-lasting and a good fit for most foot shapes. Plus they got five stars for comfort, fit, grip and water resistance.
What's the catch? They're cheaper than Altbergs, but still a bit of a splurge. Also, the warranty policy is only two years.
BEST BUDGET: Peter Storm
Peter Storm Snowdon II walking boots
£80
Survey score (70 testers) 78 per cent
Average price paid £63
What works? The price, obviously; these are around a third cheaper than specialist brands. And they scored well on comfort, grip and fit.
What's the catch? They're more strolling shoes, tbh. These scored less well on flexibility and breathability, so may not fare fantastically on longer hikes.