Our walking boots take a serious beating. They are often rubbing against sharp slate and abrasive granite as we re-walk each of our 310 routes to check and update the directions. The boots have to cope with going out into wet conditions day after day, often without a chance to fully dry out.

We've tested several different brands of leather walking boots to destruction and these are our findings so far:

• Northwest Territory Inuvik boots (mens) - the longest-lasting of the leather walking boots we've tried so far. Approaching 2 years and still going (for us this is a world record).
• Northwest Territory Peak boots (womens) - also very solid.
• Hi-Tec Eurotrek boots - reliable and affordable.
• Hi-Tec Altitude IV boots - under assessment at the moment, initial impressions are good.
• Zamberlan Ultra Lite boots - well-made and very comfortable but not very grippy on slippery surfaces. Still under assessment for their longevity.
• Trespass Walker boots - prone to the outer layer peeling.
• Peter Storm Rivelin boots - came apart after 9 months.

For each one there's a more detailed review (click on the link).

In case you're wondering what happens to them afterwards...

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•