2023 winner
Berghaus VC22 GTX shoes
£140
(Image courtesy of Berghaus)
Our verdict
Despite its Germanic-sounding name, Berghaus is very much a British company, with its roots firmly planted in the northeast of England. Decades of producing outdoor equipment for UK consumers means the company seems to knows everything there is to know about our needs, whether we are mountain climbers, hill walkers, campers or dog walkers. And the trick is finding some common ground between as many of the different categories as possible.
No, you wouldn't wear these shoes if you were scaling the north face of the Eiger; however, you would wear them on a long walk to the top of Ben Nevis or around a Cumbrian lake. You'd also be happy to wear them on a walk from your tent to the nearest pub. However you use them, the VC22 provides you with straight-out-of-the-box comfort and can be worn all year round.
And with GoreTex lining, Vibram soles and an Ortholite footbed, you know reliability and performance is guaranteed, whatever your activity.
Commended
Craghoppers Adflex
£150
(Image courtesy of Craghoppers)
Our verdict
The Adflex boot debuted in the Craghoppers range in 2022, adding an ultralight but sturdy option to its relatively new footwear range. One of the key features we like is the anti-fatigue lacing system, which helps reduce pressure on the top of the foot, allowing blood to flow more freely.
Commended
Vasque Breeze
£140
(Image courtesy of Vasque)
Our verdict
The Breeze has been one of Vasque's most popular hiking boots for the last two decades, but it's recently had a makeover, now boasting loads of eco-credentials, a using recycled materials from the sole up. It's also the first Vasque range to debut VasqueDry waterproofing technology, derived from 25% recycled materials. Look out for the new Midnight Navy colour for men and Rum Raisin for women – both rather fetching
