DANNER PANORAMA LOW (M)
£150; danner.com
This shoe is clearly designed for hikes over challenging terrain. The waterproofing proved effective in our tests, keeping rain and puddle water out well, but the bellows on the tongue finish slightly lower than some other shoes, so beware of deepish puddles. The suede upper looks great, but suede does need more care than synthetic fibres.
Underfoot, the outsole proved adept on hard-packed ground, rock and dry mud, but the spaced-out pattern of the wide lugs meant they weren't so great in wet, muddy conditions. The lacing system isn't the best at helping you get a perfect, secure fit. It's something I've also noticed with this American brand's Mountain 600 boots (which I love otherwise). When tying them up, it's a challenge to keep the laces taut throughout the lacing system, which can become frustrating.
The midsole is pretty stiff. That's handy if you need support on particularly uneven terrain, but may be overkill if you're hiking on well-maintained tracks. This men's shoe is available in both wide and regular fits.
VERDICT: A robust and supportive good-looking shoe, but grip and lacing aren't the best.
LA SPORTIVA TX HIKE GTX (M/F)
£159.95; lasportiva.com
Aside from the low-cut ankle, this shoe feels very much like a hiking boot, but that's not surprising given the expertise and heritage of Italian shoemaker La Sportiva. As you'd expect from a shoe using Gore-Tex, protection against the elements is no bother, with rain and puddle water failing to penetrate in our testing.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Special 2023 من BBC Countryfile Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Special 2023 من BBC Countryfile Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
FARMERS ARE THE ORIGINAL FIRST RESPONDERS
Across the country, a secret army is at work, coming to the rescue at times of crisis and springing into action when their communities are in danger.
Nicola Chester
Building more affordable homes is vital for the survival of rural communities
Hush... it's spring!
The colours and scents of spring are exhilarating after a long, gloomy winter, but to fully appreciate the power of the season, shut your eyes and listen, urges Ajay Tegala
In hope of a bright future for our national parks
At experts came the height of the Second World War, a group of remarkable together for the first time.
Wild London walks
From vast parks and ancient woods to overgrown graveyards and flower-banked canals, England's capital is filled with green surprises. Discover them on foot with six sensational London walks
The truth about dogs
As arookie dog owner, Cotswolds writer James Fair was overwhelmed with advice and dire warnings about how to care for his puppy. But how many of the often-repeated truths about canines are really myths?
TOP 10 ROMANTIC RUINS
For a thrilling encounter with history, fall in love with a crumbling castle or tumbledown church this spring, swoons Dixe Wills
THE GREAT SOLAR DEBATE
If developers have their way, miles of Oxfordshire farmland will soon be covered with solar panels. Many local people are opposed but how vital is this sustainable energy for our countryside? Andrew Griffiths investigates
DISCOVER 100 miles of heaven
Looking for an adventure? An intoxicating mix of rolling downland, sleepy hamlets and wave-hewn cliffs makes the South Downs Way one of Britain's loveliest walks. Dixe Wills reveals the highlights of six days on the trail
THE COMEBACK KITE
Once virtually extinct in Britain, a magnificent bird of prey now thrives in British skies. What went so right? Nicola Chester profiles the red kite