Best Scrambling Boots for Hikers and Climbers in 2023

Scrambling is a thrilling outdoor activity that requires specialized footwear to ensure safety and comfort. Scrambling boots are designed to provide excellent grip, protection, and support on uneven terrain and rocky surfaces. In this article, we will break down the key characteristics of scrambling footwear and provide our top picks from the current options on the market.

When it comes to scrambling footwear, certain characteristics are essential for shoes and boots. The choice between shoes and boots is usually a personal preference, but in most instances, a middle-of-the-road “half boot” is recommended. This type of footwear is flexible enough to be comfortable but also offers ankle support. It’s also worth considering having a summer scrambling shoe, a pair of autumn and wet weather boots, and a pair of winter mountain boots to cover all seasons.

Full rand coverage is the most important thing to consider when buying scrambling footwear. Every pair of cheaper boots is prone to wear in the same place while scrambling – the mid-foot edge behind the toe protection. When scrambling, you use the edges of your boots just as much as the sole, often wedging boots into cracks. If the boot is made of soft fabric, it will be easily shredded. That’s why we recommend covering the boot around the whole base with protective rubber, also known as the “rand.” This adds a lot of protection, and grip, and prolongs the life of your footwear while scrambling.

The second essential characteristic is a grippy and shaped rubber sole. Having grippy rubber will make a huge difference in your confidence levels during scrambling, particularly on crux or difficult sections. It’s essential to get this right. Most scrambling boots will have a rubber type in between climbing shoes and walking boots on the softness scale, allowing good grip while reasonably durable. Vibram is a company that specializes in making rubber soles, and many of the top manufacturers use them for their boots.

The third essential characteristic is sole stiffness. When balancing on a toe or heel in a small hold, the stiffer your boot, the longer you can last without getting tired. A good scrambling boot or shoe will have a moderate level of stiffness to account for the potential of a long walk-in, with the likelihood of small foot holds during the climbing sections.

In summary, when choosing the best scrambling boots, it’s important to consider full rand coverage, grippy and shaped rubber sole, and sole stiffness. With these factors in mind, we’ve tested and researched the current options on the market to bring you our top picks for the best scrambling boots.

Best Scrambling Boots

We have researched and tested various scrambling boots to bring you the best available options. Our team has considered factors such as comfort, durability, and traction to provide you with the top picks for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, our list of best scrambling boots has got you covered.

NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots

If you’re looking for a lightweight and comfortable hiking boot, the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great option.

Price – From around £40.00

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good traction on various surfaces
• Waterproof lining keeps feet dry in wet conditions

Cons

• Not as supportive as advertised for more challenging hikes
• Some users have reported leaks in heavy rain
• Pull-tab cord and lock lacing system can be tricky to use

We recently tried out these boots on a few different hikes and found them to be very comfortable and lightweight. The padded collar and cushioned insole provide extra support and cushioning for your feet, making them a great option for longer hikes.

The textured rubber outsole also provides good traction on various surfaces, which is especially important when scrambling over rocks or uneven terrain. We felt confident and secure in these boots throughout our hikes.

The waterproof lining is another big plus, keeping our feet dry even when we encountered some wet conditions. However, some users have reported leaks in heavy rain, so keep that in mind if you plan to use these boots in very wet environments.

One potential downside of these boots is that they may not be as supportive as advertised for more challenging hikes. While they worked well for us on moderate hikes, those with more intense terrain may want to opt for a more heavy-duty boot.

Another minor issue we encountered was with the pull-tab cord and lock lacing system. While it’s a convenient feature for getting a snug fit, it can be a bit tricky to use at first. We recommend practising with it before hitting the trails.

Overall, we think the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots are a solid choice for those looking for a lightweight and comfortable hiking boot with good traction and weatherproofing.

SALEWA Crow GTX

We highly recommend the SALEWA Crow GTX for anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable hiking boot that can handle a variety of terrains.

Price – From around £160.00

Pros

• Lightweight and durable materials
• Versatile for both alpine routes and trekking tours
• Excellent grip on rocks and varied mountain terrain

Cons

• Narrow fit may not be suitable for those with wider feet
• Some customers have reported sizing issues
• Higher price point compared to other hiking boots

The Crow GTX is a reliable and sturdy hiking boot that can handle a variety of terrains. We were impressed with the lightweight and durable materials used in the construction of these boots, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Vibram Mulaz sole provided excellent grip on rocks and varied mountain terrain, and the Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining kept our feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.

However, we found that the boots’ narrow fit may not be suitable for those with wider feet. Additionally, some customers have reported sizing issues, so it may be worth trying on a few different sizes before making a purchase. Finally, the higher price point of the Crow GTX may be a deterrent for some, but we believe that the quality and durability of these boots make them a worthwhile investment for serious hikers and mountaineers.

In summary, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile hiking boot that can handle a variety of terrains, we highly recommend the SALEWA Crow GTX.

SALEWA Alp Trainer Mid GTX

If you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, and breathable mid-high mountain boot for hiking, the SALEWA Alp Trainer Mid GTX is an excellent choice.

Price – From around £125.00

Pros

• The Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Technology makes the boots waterproof and breathable in any temperature range.
• The Vibram Hike Approach sole is durable and adaptable, suitable for many types of terrain in the mountains.
• The Flexible Multi-Fit Footbed Plus (MFF) with removable insoles adapts to the individual foot shape, making the boots comfortable for long hikes.

Cons

• The boots are not the lightest option available.
• They may not be suitable for extreme cold weather conditions.
• After a few months of use, some users reported poor build quality and lack of waterproofing.

We tested the SALEWA Alp Trainer Mid GTX on several hiking trails around Loughrigg Fell and were impressed with their performance. The Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Technology kept our feet dry and comfortable, even in wet and muddy conditions. The Vibram Hike Approach sole provided excellent grip on rocks and uneven terrain, and the boots were comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The Flexible Multi-Fit Footbed Plus (MFF) with removable insoles allowed us to adjust the fit to our individual foot shape, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort. The climbing shoe lacing system to the toe area provided a more precise fit, and the 3F system offered firm support in the heel and ankle area.

However, the boots are not the lightest option available and may not be suitable for extreme cold weather conditions. Some users reported poor build quality and lack of waterproofing after a few months of use, so it’s essential to take good care of the boots and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Overall, we would recommend the SALEWA Alp Trainer Mid GTX to anyone looking for a comfortable and durable mid-high mountain boot for hiking.

JACK PYKE Fieldman All Terrain Boots

We highly recommend the JACK PYKE Fieldman All Terrain Boots for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Price – from approx £135.00

Pros

• The Vibram trek rubber sole provides excellent grip on all types of terrain.
• The Hydroguard membrane is waterproof and breathable, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
• The 200gms thinsulate insulation keeps your feet warm in cold weather.

Cons

• The boots may feel slightly heavy for some users.
• The size may run a bit small, so it’s recommended to order a size up.
• Some users have reported that the boots take a bit of time to break in.

We’ve had the pleasure of using the JACK PYKE Fieldman All Terrain Boots on various outdoor adventures, and we can confidently say that they’re one of the best scrambling boots out there. The full grain leather and high rubber rand provide excellent protection against all types of terrain, while the Agion antimicrobial odour treatment keeps your feet smelling fresh.

The padded tongue and heel, along with the speed lace system, make these boots comfortable to wear for long periods of time. We particularly appreciate the Hydroguard membrane, which is waterproof and breathable, and the 200gms thinsulate insulation, which keeps our feet warm in cold weather.

While the boots may feel slightly heavy for some users, we find that the excellent grip provided by the Vibram trek rubber sole more than makes up for it. It’s worth noting that the size may run a bit small, so it’s recommended to order a size up for a comfortable fit. Some users have reported that the boots take a bit of time to break in, but we find that they become more comfortable with each wear.

Overall, we highly recommend the JACK PYKE Fieldman All Terrain Boots for anyone who loves the great outdoors. They’re durable, comfortable, and provide excellent protection against all types of terrain.

Unitysow Trekking Hiking Shoes

If you’re looking for an affordable pair of hiking shoes for your next outdoor adventure, Unitysow Trekking Hiking Shoes might be a good option for you.

Price – from approx £25.00

Pros

• The mix of suede split leather and mesh upper creates efficient circulation, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
• The rubber sole with deep lugs provides excellent grip on the ground, keeping you steady even on slippery trails.
• The tilted toe cap absorbs shock when landing, protecting your toes from collision.

Cons

• Some customers reported that the footbed inside collapsed at the heel after a few months of use.
• The laces might break easily, according to some reviews.
• Some customers found the shoes too small and had to return them.

We’ve tested these shoes and found them to be comfortable and lightweight. The breathable upper kept our feet dry and cool even during long hikes. The rubber sole provided excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

However, we did notice that the footbed inside the shoes collapsed at the heel after a few months of use, which might cause discomfort for some users. Additionally, the laces might not be very durable and could break easily.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable pair of hiking shoes for occasional use, Unitysow Trekking Hiking Shoes might be a good option for you. However, if you’re planning to use them frequently or for long hikes, you might want to consider investing in a more durable pair of shoes.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying scrambling boots, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Material

The material of the boot is an important consideration, as it impacts both the durability and comfort of the product. Leather is a popular choice for scrambling boots, as it is durable and provides good ankle support. However, synthetic materials like Gore-Tex can also be a good option, as they are often more breathable and waterproof than leather.

Sole

The sole of the boot is another important feature to consider. A good scrambling boot should have a sole with good grip, so you can confidently navigate rocky terrain. Look for soles that are made of a durable material like rubber, and have deep lugs for added traction.

Ankle Support

Scrambling can be tough on your ankles, so it’s important to choose a boot that provides good support in this area. Look for boots with high ankle cuffs, as these will help prevent ankle injuries and provide added stability on uneven terrain.

Fit

Finally, it’s important to choose a boot that fits well. A good scrambling boot should be snug but not too tight, with enough room in the toe box for your feet to move comfortably. Consider trying on boots with the socks you plan to wear while scrambling, to ensure a good fit.

In summary, when choosing scrambling boots, look for a product made of durable materials with a good grip sole, high ankle cuffs for support, and a comfortable fit. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a product that will help you tackle even the toughest terrain with confidence.