FairSoleHiking boots buying guide: cut, stiffness and waterproofing
Nesim Yılmaz · 19.10.2026
British trails are often muddy and wet, so for most UK walkers a waterproof mid-cut boot is the safe default. For dry summer paths a lighter shoe is more comfortable.
Cut
- Low: light and cool, ideal for good paths and warm weather.
- Mid: more ankle support and protection from stones, bog and puddles.
- High: for heavy packs and rough mountain terrain.
Stiffness ratings
Many UK retailers use B-ratings to show how stiff a boot is and whether it takes crampons.
| Rating | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| B0 | walking and hillwalking | Merrell Moab, Salomon X Ultra |
| B1 | winter hillwalking, flexible crampons | Scarpa SL Active, Lowa Renegade (stiffer models) |
| B2–B3 | mountaineering, rigid crampons | stiff alpine boots |
Membrane or not
Gore-Tex keeps you dry in bogs and drizzle but runs warm in summer. If you walk mostly in dry heat, an airy non-membrane shoe can be more comfortable.
Fit
Try boots on in the afternoon with walking socks. Your toes shouldn't hit the front when walking downhill. Stiff leather boots need a few short walks to break in.
Good times to buy
Outdoor footwear drops in late summer (August–September) and after winter. When a model gets a new colourway, the old colour often falls 20–30%.
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