Gear Reviews: Scarpa Crux Approach Shoe

In a nutshell

They're light enough to sling in your pack (around 800g, depending on your size) and provide you with good grip (good enough for Scotland's wet and wild scrambling routes), low profile kevlar-protected toebox so you can wedge yourself between rocks and a stiff sole unit to provide you with enough support for a good day's trekking.    Their R.R.P is £100 (which is about average for a reasonable pair of approach shoes).

Do buy if... 

You love to scramble/ low grade climb and want something that'll also do you for dry hikes.  It's features are ideal for those of us who have to walk through wet grass (suede upper adds extra protection rather than just the usual holey polyester) which also adds durability, if at the cost of a little more weight.

Don't buy if....

You want a hard-core climbing shoe or a waterproof walking shoe.  This isn't either of those things.

The Pro's

• As always with Scarpa, number one perk is the fit.
• Sole Unit - stiff enough to carry a weight and be comfy, grippy enough for slippery rock.
• Toe Box - Low Profile and well-protected (ideal for small gaps)
• Material - Suede, for better durability and better protection
• No GTX - Contrary to what certain waterproof liner manufacturers will tell you, no lining = better breathability, hey it's not waterproof but that can be a good thing.

The Cons

• They don't have the best climb-rating if you're planning to do more extensive climbing and need super-good grip.  I'd recommend getting an actual climbing shoe, and a lightweight (waterproof if needed) boot/shoe to get you there.

The spiel...

The Scarpa Men's Crux is a top performing approach shoe with green credentials. The Crux takes technologies that have been developed in Scarpa's trekking and climbing range and combines them to make a tough well protected approach shoe that provides enough support for easy climbing but is comfy enough for the approach walk. It's not just the colour that's green, they're made using a high percentage of recycled materials throughout their construction.

Features

• Fabrics: Suede/29% recycled polyester mesh upper
• Good EVA midsole
• Solid Vibram Vertical approach sole
• Forefoot webbing reinforced with Kevlar - secures forefoot for climbing precision
• WEIGHT: 394g - size 42

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The Best Of...Walking Sandals, Gear Reviews

Walking Sandals To be considered for this category the sandal needed to be robust, grippy, supportive and durable, as light as possible and at a reasonable price tag, I ask a lot from my hiking sandals as I use them in water, sand and on rock and so hybrid sandals/shoes were not discounted since they offer greater protection and, in general, more versatility.  Gold Award went to Inov-8 for their Recolite since it's comfy, ultralight, and ideal for water crossings and dries super quick, the price tag is healthy at £60/£55.  Silver went to Source Vagabond for their solid reef/walking sandal since it provides the best fit out of all the open sandals.  It's got a very rugged and durable sole unit, and outperforms most on the market, a not unreasonable £60. Bronze award goes to Teva's Itunda, it's not the lightest on the market but offers great traction, good support and is their first real dip into the water-shoe market, offering their usual solid toe-protection, and perform really well on wet rock, they aren't the cheapest but certainly outperform the other solid reef-shoes in their class. 

Top 20* Finalists

Aigle: Clumb
Materials: synthetic straps for padding Sole
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: EVA

Support: EVA cushioning
Weight: 680g
Sole: Vibram sole
Price: £50
Brasher: Mayan
Materials: Full grain leather
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Memory foam

Support: EVA midsole

Weight: 740g
Sole: Brasher rubber

Price: £65

ECCO: Yucatan II*16th Place
Materials: WP Nubuck/ oiled nubuck + textile lining
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: ECCO Anatomical Wave Footbed antimicrobial
Support: PU midsole + arch support + Receptor technology
Weight: 710g
Sole: rugged rubber
Price: £65
ECCO: Bryce
Materials: Synthetic nubuck + stretch fit textile lining
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: dual density, Aglon treated TPE
Support: EVA midsole featuring Receptor® technology
Weight: 670g
Sole: Rugged grippy rubber
Price: £65
Hi-Tec: Owaka
Materials: Neoprene lined + WR Nubuck leather
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Comfort footbed
Support: EVA midsole + external shank
Weight:
Sole: MDT carbon rubber + flex plate
Price:
Hi-Tec: V-Lite Diablo* 18th Place
Materials: Compression Fit synthetic and stretch neoprene upper
Adjustment: Stretch cord lacing with locking toggle + removable heel strap
Footbed: Comfort
Support: EVA midsole + external ESS Shank
Weight: 720g
Sole: MDT carbon rubber
Toe protection: Molded rubber toe cap
Price: £40
Inov-8 Recolite 190/ 180* Gold Award
Materials: Synthetic webbing/ nylon
Adjustment: Stretch cord lacing system with locking toggle
Footbed: Anatomical
Support: MET cradle webbing, MetaFlex to follow flex,
Weight: 190g/ 180g (slip variety)
Sole: Enduarance Rubber Compound
Toe Protection: Molded rubber toe cap
Price: £60/£55
Karrimor: Aruba* 17th Place
Materials: Upper synthetic webbing straps, neoprene padding
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: Shaved phylon
Support: Phylon mid-sole support
Weight: 744g
Sole: Sole Karrimor Islands, phylon mid-sole lug pattern
Price: £30
Keen: Arroyo II* 11th Place
Materials: Nylon hydrophobic mesh + WP Leather + webbing
Adjustment: Secure foot lace capture system
Footbed: Removable metatomical Footbed
Support: Torsion stability ESS shank + S3 Heel support structure
Weight: 388g
Sole: Non-marking Keen rubber
Toe Protection: Patented toe box
Price: £74.99
Keen: Hydro Guide
Materials: Hydrophobic mesh AEGIS Microbe Shield treated lining
Adjustment: Multi point adjustable strap system
Footbed: Drainable rubber
Support: EVA midsole
Weight: 368g
Sole: Aqua Stop non-marking water traction outsole
Toe Protection: Keen patented toe box
Price: £69.99
Keen: Newport H2
Materials: Hydrophobic mesh + polyester webbing Aegis microshield treated
Adjustment: Quickdraw elastic cord
Footbed: Metatomical low durometer EVA molded footbed with Microban
Support: Compression molded EVA midsole, metatomical strap design
Weight: 394g
Sole: Keen multidirectional lugs for increased traction
Toe Protection: Keen patented toe box
Price:
Keen: Laguna* 7th Place
Materials: Hydrophobic mesh + WP leather Aegis treated
Adjustment: Secure fit strap design (pull cord)
Footbed: Metatomical low durometer EVA molded footbed + suede
Support: Compression molded EVA midsole
Weight: 349g
Sole: Keen multidirectional lugs for increased traction
Toe Protection: Keen patented toe box
Price:
Merrell: Chameleon 2 Kahuna
Materials: Neoprene lined + WR leather
Adjustment:
Footbed: Antimicrobial
Support: Footframe and air cushion midsole
Weight: 450g
Sole: Vibram + flex plate
Price: £60
Merrell: Waterpro Rogue
Materials: Synthetic leather + webbing + Neoprene
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: EVA Footbed treated with Aegis® Antimicrobial solution
Support: Molded nylon arch shank, air cushion heel EVA midsole
Weight: 624g
Sole: Vibram Waterpro TC5+ rubber
Price: £65
Merrell: Waterpro Animas* 14th Place
Materials: Synthetic Leather + Neoprene Spandex lining
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: Air cushion,
Support: External lateral and medial stability posts + solid EVA midsole
Weight: 500g
Sole: Vibram Waterpro TC5+ rubber+ flex plate and 3.5mm lug depth
Price: £60
Merrell: Saugatuck* 15th Place
Materials: Full grain leather upper
Adjustment: Cord and lock lacing system + ankle grip
Footbed: Textured EVA footbed treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution
Support: Molded EVA Footframe + Nylon arch shank
Weight: 765g
Sole: Vibram® Chameleon Speed Hiker Sole/TC5+ Rubber 4mm lug depth
Toe protection: Abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £70
Merrell: Chameleon3 Maze* 8th Place
Materials: Nubuck leather, Synthetic leather and mesh upper w/ neoprene stretch collar
Adjustment: Elastic cord and lock lacing system
Footbed: Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed Aegis® Antimicrobial solution
Support: Air cushion heel, In-Board™ Compression Molded EVA Footframe
Weight: 850g
Sole: Vibram® Chameleon / TC5+ Rubber 4mm lug depth
Toe protection: Abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £80
New Balance 820
Materials: Synthetic
Adjustment: Quick draw lace system
Footbed: C-cap treated
Support: Compression-molded EVA for superior midsole cushioning and flexibility.
Weight:304g
Sole: Vibram Outsole
Toe Protection: basic
Price: £50
Patagonia Izaak* 5th Place
Materials: quick-drying synthetic upper neoprene/spandex lining
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Patagonia Air Cushion Plus
Support: molded 6.6 lateral and medial posts, compression-molded EVA footframe / nylon plate
Weight: 425g
Sole: Non-marking Vibram® Izaak Idrogrip rubber outsole with 4mm outsole
Toe Protection: rubber toe guard
Price: £60
Salomon Epic Cabrio* 6th Place
Materials: Nubuck and synthetic upper lined in neoprene
Adjustment: Adjustable heel strap, tightening with drawcord and tanka.
Footbed: treated leather midsole and upper
Support: Injected EVA mid-sole
Weight: 341g
Sole: Contagrip™ sole
Toe Protection: Abrasion-resistant rubber
Price: £65
Source Vagabond: Gobi * Silver Award
Materials: synthetic
Adjustment: webbing X-Strap® patent 3 (6 point anchoring system)
Footbed: Anti-Microbial Compound integrated permanently
Support: soft pad cushioning for comfort (x-strap)
Weight: 314g
Sole: A.R.T2™  rubber compound sticky sole even in wet conditions,  3x abrasion resistance of competitors
Price: £60
Teva: Itunda* Bronze Award
Materials: monofilament mesh / neoprene synthetic leather
Adjustment: 2
Footbed: Drainframe
Support: Spider rubber + EVA midsole antishock
Weight: 650g
Sole: Spider rubber
Toe Protection: Spider rubber abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £75
Teva: Open-Toachi Leather 19th Place
Materials: Waterproof Leather (there is a synthetic version) neoprene padding
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: zinc-impregnated Microban
Support: EVA/ rubber
Weight: 538g
Sole: Spider rubber
Price: £60
Teva: Terra-Fi 3 12th Place
Materials: Synthetic strapping / spider rubber
Adjustment: 4
Footbed: Spider rubber Microban treated
Support: blended polyurethane/EVA unit
Weight: 450g
Sole: Spider rubber
Price: £60
Teva: Tanza 9th Place
Materials: Synthetic strapping/ spider rubber
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: Spider rubber Microban treated
Support: blended polyurethane/ EVA unit
Weight: 430g
Sole: Spider rubber
Price: £55
Teva Omnium Leather: 13th Place
Materials: WP full-grain leather
Adjustment: Elastic pull-lace + 2
Footbed: Spider rubber Microban treated
Support: blended polyurethane/ EVA unit
Weight: 740g
Sole: Spider rubber
Toe Protection: Spider rubber abrasion resistant toe cap
Price: £85
The North Face El Hermano
Materials: WR synthetic nubuck + SBR lining
Adjustment: 3 (removable heel strap)
Footbed: Moulded EVA footbed with AgION antimicrobial protection
Support: Moulded EVA X-frame design strapping
Weight: 552g
Sole: Exclusive HydroTrak, water channelling, sticky rubber outsole
Price: £40
The North Face El Porto Convertible10th Place
Materials: Synthetic straps. neoprene padding
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: antimicrobial footbed
Support: EVA cushioning
Weight: 570g
Sole: Hydro Track water-shedding sole
Price: £35
Timberland Hypertrail
Materials: Full grain leather
Adjustment: Quick lace system
Footbed: basic
Support: Timberland® Agile IQ stability plate with high torsional rigidity
Weight: 410g
Sole: Vibram
Toe protection: Climbing-grade toe guard
Price: £75
Timberland Mountain Athletic
Materials: Rubber / synthetic leather/ mesh
Adjustment: 3
Footbed: EVA footbed has a subtle texture for underfoot comfort
Support: Independent Suspension Network™ technology
Weight:
Sole: Green Rubber sole (recycled 42%) with increased traction
Price: £50
Vibram FiveFingers KSO
Materials: Abrasion resistant polyamide + mesh
Adjustment: Single Hypalon strap
Footbed: Antimicrobial microfibre
Support: Rubber
Weight: 161g
Sole: Vibram TC-1
Toe Protection: Enclosed
Price: £90
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek* 6th Place
Materials: Abrasion resistant kangaroo leather
Adjustment: Single Hypalon strap
Footbed: Antimicrobial microfibre
SupportEVA midsole
Weight: 161g
Sole: Vibram TC-1 + EVA4mm improved traction
Toe Protection: Enclosed
Price: £99* This would have received Silver had it been more reasonably priced

Gear Review: Garmont Tower GTX

Gear Review: Garmont Tower GTX 10/10
A beautifully designed, beautiful-looking hybrid, born to rock the mountains with an aggressive Vibram sole unit (tri-density) and enough rigidity to handle front-point crampons and some serious rock/snow/ice.  It's nice to have an all-rounder that multi-tasks rather than forking out for a plastic full-on mountaineer then having to get the light synthetic 3/4 season boot to bumble about the lower alpines with.  They are pretty damn light (1.6kg) for a full-on 4 season with a Frameflex Fiberglass plate and shock absorption thrown in for good measure.  The fibreglass frame is 3/4 length, so not full rigidity which provides enough flex for descents and secure foot placement for alpine climbing.  The fabrics are excellent too, Gore-Tex lining and Schoeller soft shell (their Grundware, low stretch upper) providing excellent breathability, lightness but also durability and abrasion-resistance.   Guides have fallen in love with this boot, and so have I! The suede/ synthetic mix provides the perfect balance of 'hardcore' and 'lightweight'.  It suits Via Ferratas, alpine climbing,  or those looking for multi-purpose mountain boots that'll pass on climbs, and offer crampon security.  The sole unit is also narrow enough to jam into rocks with good side edges to provide excellent grip when needed.  The midsole offers good stability and the plate kicks in to full use when carrying a heavy load.  There's also a 360 rubber rand and softened PU inserts for comfort whilst using crampons.  They rock in at £209 which is slightly cheaper than the Scarpa Charmoz GTX which is the boot of choice for most guides in the UK.  To be honest I'd still plump for the Charmoz, because they're lighter (by 200g) and more simplistic in design.   The advantage of the Towers has to be their durability though, the rand/ suede runs higher up the boot so provides more protection.  The crampon edge on the back of the boot seems more secure than the Charmoz too, but that's just preference I think.  The Schoeller / GTX mix with the Towers is intriguing though and definitely should be more breathable than the Charmoz's in theory but the increase of leather/ suede/ rubber on them has surely got to cramp down that breathability. Any they both rock my world! As boots go, they can't get much better!
SPEC: (upper)
• 1,8 mm suede leather and polyamide for better abrasion resistance and lightness
• 360° climbing rubber rand for better abrasion resistance
• Soft collar for more comfort
• Ankle support for additional protection
• Gore-Tex® Sierra lining for waterproofSPEC: (sole)• Frame Flex Fiberglass insole for crampon rigidity
• Tri-density micro porous rubber for better compression resistance
- medium density to ensure comfort
- firm density to ensure stability
- very firm density for better climbing performance
• PU inserts at heel and toe softened- crampon security and shock absorbing
• Teton Vibram® Outsole
Weight: 
820 g (1/2 pair size 8 UK)
665 g (1/2 pair size 5 UK)

Gear Review: Brasher Kanaga GTX

Kanaga GTX 9/10

What a surpise this boot is! It's simple, it's traditional, it's what you'd expect from Brasher, but it has hidden depth.  I'm attracted by the price (£155) and the durable oiled nubuck leather which works wonders in snowy conditions, it's still got the memory foam to provide the usual 'out the box' fit that you so often find with Brasher boots.  It has a durable leather lined cuff...and voila! a full rubber rand AND a slight ridge to stop your B1 crampons slipping around.. by George they've cracked it, a nice 4 season boot (Vibram 4 sole unit) without the rigidity of a B2 boot so it has rigidity but not the heaviness of the Aso.  It looks lovely, it looks casual - I can wear it to the pub without feeling a fool.  It's gore-tex lined and with minimal stitching this time too so increased durability and waterproofness.  True, it's not a full mountaineering boot but it's PERFECT for British plodding, giving you that bit of comfort flex for bog-trotting and easier winter terrain. 

Negatives: Still the stitching, B1 boot not full rigidity if you require it, look elsewhere! But for the price who dares grumble!

SPEC: 

• Price £155
• Upper 2.2-2.4mm oiled nubuck leather;
• Gore-Tex waterproof lining
• Sole Vibram Foura
• Sizes 40-47 (men’s); 36-42 (women’s)
• Crampon compatability B1
• Weight 1840g (pair, size 46)

Gear Review: Brasher Aso GTX

Brasher Aso GTX 5/10
This is Brasher's first winter boot and you can tell.  The mix of synthetics on the upper have kept the cost down to an incredible £140 which has then been grafted onto an aggressive Vibram New Ice sole unit (B1 for a C1/C2) with a fibre glass insole board for rigidity.  So it's supposedly ideal for snow and ice use but, although has toe box protection does not have the full rubber side protection that I'd like, and obviously it hasn't got the same durability as leather, but, even though it's double-stitched, it doesn't have the same durability as other synthetics on the market, after use with crampons these boots began to fray.  They don't have the best heel-toe motion either, and are pretty clumpy (if you're looking for a wide fit though, these boots are a possibiity). The high-abrasion resistant collar is good and the rigidity is there, but Brasher need to work on their upper and provide a better ridge to support crampon use.  Not a bad effort, but it's not a sexy boot either- aesthetically it says "Hills" but underfoot it says "Mountain", it's got a personality crisis, and I'm not buying...yet.

SPEC:

• Weight: 2000gms (based on size 9)
• Colour: Dark Granite/Deep Red
• Lining: GORE-TEX footwear. High abrasion resistant Lycra collar and memory foam laminate
• Insole: Glass fibre setting insole board
• Features - for Brasher Aso GTX (Mens)
• Upper: 2 tone 1200D non-wicking abrasion resistant fabric with 2.2mm suede support structure. Moulded toe box. Tri-Fit™ Mountain technology.
• Sole: Vibram® 'Ice New' C1/C2 crampon compatible mountain sole with shock absorbing PU midsole. Lining GORE-TEX® footwear. High abrasion resistant Lycra® collar and memory foam laminate.
• Insole: Glass fibre stiff setting insole board.

Gear Review: Mammut Mountain Trail GTX XT

Mammut Mountain Trail GTX XT 10/10

I tested this boot back in the day that it was Raichle (which has been taken over by Mammut).  (The Mountain Trail GTX (9.5/10) is Nubuck leather which is why it loses that .5 because it's harder to maintain and not quite as durable as full grain leather however the XT is full-grained smooth leather and has added toe-abrasion.  It's a basic design of upper which adds to the durability though and has a heck of a mountain of support for your ankle, enough to grade this as a true 3 season boot. It offers plenty of protection on rocky terrain with a bomb-proof toe-box but the best bit about these boots is the sole unit.  It's aggressive and the lugs are deep providing plenty of grip on muddy and 'movable' terrain, like scree and snow, like that I found in Scotland when testing these out.  It has more cushioning than Haglofs Solid Lite's and therefore provide a comfier fit.  For the price (£160) they're hard to beat, and they're exactly the same weight as my Kayland Contact 1000's (synthetics) which just goes to show that synthetics aren't always lighter. They're also strap-on crampon compatible. 

SPEC:

• Board lasted
• Motion Control®
• Rubber toe cap
• Mammut® SD Footbed
• Memo Foam
• Rolling Concept
• Strap-on crampons compatible
• anatomically shaped heel cap
• reinforced interior
• Premium quality foam cushioning
• Damping and climate control.
• Flexible ribs and deep tread guarantee safety and abrasion resistance.
• 100% guaranteed waterproof premium quality high-fitting, sealed, insert socks made of PTFC (PolyTetraFluorCarbone).
• calf sports leather can be waxed, brushed or left untreated.
• Extremely robust, durable intermediate sole wedge of PU (Polyurethane) foam with excellent cushioning properties.
• Improved support of the arch of the foot is guaranteed by the use of an inherently stable TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) insert.

Gear Review: Haglofs Solid Lite GTX

Haglofs Solid Lite GTX 8.5/10
I saw the price tag of these and thought 'woargh' are they worth it? And the answer is...no, well sort of.  I mean they're great but they're not THAT great...okay they are... They're light (1750g UK 8) and comfortable for a leather boot, they've got the heat-reactive insole to provide a comfy fit. They have a solid toe box and are therefore good for rocky work as well as having decent lugs and a rugged, stiff sole unit, they lose the marks for the price (£190).  They trump the Brasher Supalite's for the sole unit and support, they trump the Meindl Burma for lightweightness, and beat the Scarpa Infinity for durability, but if you've got that kind of cash floating around then these boots are a worthy investment.  They're relatively stitch-free which makes them longer-lasting too, plus if the leather is waxed and you bung on a pair of thick socks, they perform well in snow.  They also have a bit of a ridge at the back so are compatible with some crampons (they're classed as a B1 mountain boot).  They're much more versatile than the Brasher's but come in £60 more, personally I'd plump up the cash for these boots, if I had it.  I mean these have got Kevlar thread, a damn good EVA midsole, and a better sole unit (4 season Vibram) for increase grip for god's sake!  These are hard-core, making the Supalite's look like 'wooses'. 

TECH:

• Award-winning, light and versatile boot for advanced hiking in demanding terrain
•  EVA midsole with PU heel wedge for low weight and comfort
• Rubber reinforced toe for good protection
• Triple seam with Kevlar thread at the stress points
• Memory foam around ankles for best comfort and heel grip
• Lace locking system for easy individual lacing
• Flex-points provide comfortable uphill and downhill walking
• Polygiene anti-odor treated footbed
• Upper: 2.0 to 2.2 mm water repellent nubuck or full-grain leather
• Lining: Gore-Tex® Performance comfort
• Footbed: SOLE anatomic custom shape
• Sole: Vibram Four season
• Weight: 680 g (Size 38)

Gear Review: Brasher Supalite II GTX

Brasher Supalite II GTX SRP £130 4/10

These are the lightest waterproof leather boots on the market, 'everyone' seems to want them, I don't.  The leather is soft so they provide an 'out the box' fit too soft to really provide much support to your fit, so this boot is, in my book, just for the easy trail walker. In which case I'd suggest going for something lighter still, like the Inov8 Roclite GTX or plump for a comfortable trail shoe.  It has a shock-absorbant midsole, which again provides that 'comfy' feel, but which, after long wear, doesn't do much.  The sole unit is 'anti-clog' Brasher's own, which therefore means the lugs aren't big enough to provide much grip, especially on wet rock as there's only a little 'ankle lock' to stop you slipping, a vibram sole on this boot would have made it better, it would have been heavier, but a lot more supportive.  For £30 extra I'd get the Meindl Burma GTX any day, a proper leather boot.  The reason I say this is not just because they have a Vibram sole unit with better ankle support, and my support underfoot, it is also because the leather is tougher, and more weather resistant- the Supalite's soft leather is  reknowned for absorbing water, and taking AGES to dry out and won't last anywhere near as long as traditional leather.  This boot has a placebo effect, it feels comfy, supportive, light but after a hard slog, in wet conditions they aren't.  Probably after 5 miles around Chatsworth in the summer, they'd be fine, but then so would your old trainers. 

Weighing only 1122grams,this is the lightest,waterfroof,breathable leather walking boot we know-ideal for rough paths and long days out. GORE-TEX® lined for performance and comfort.


SPEC:

• Full grain leather upper
• Supalite sole unit with REVA which is a high density midsole offering long-lasting energy return and shock absorption, reducing foot fatigue on hard or uneven terrain.
• Leather lining with Microspike. GORE-TEX® footwear lining provides comfort and protection from the elements whilst retaining breathability.
• Injected 3D nylon fibre glass insole
• Careful consideration during design and construction has eliminated unnecessary weight to offer lightweight footwear yet still giving support and protection.

Gear Review: Inov8 Mudclaw 270

Inov8 Mudclaw 270 9.5/10
Inov8's fell and cross country racing shoe is super-light and VERY effective on wet rock, grass, mud and loose ground, like scree, that's because the sole is built upon the shape of your muscles, tendons etc in your feet, they've thought about it and tested it A LOT so check out their website.  I met all of the above last time I went bog-hopping in Yorkshire Dales, and Lakes, oh and I'm taking them to the Peaks this weekend, which is going to be really wet, because I'm camping...they're a bargain at £70 RRP.
The aggressive outsole performs great saving your legs by providing much needed grip especially when climbing (or descending) steep muddy terrain.  Downside is that the rubber studs are so aggressive if there is a little road-running it feels a bit strange (but not painful) and they don't wear down much on tarmac, which is good to see.  The upper is super-breathable and dries dead quick, which is useful considering their ideal usage.  If it's really wet I bung on a pair of sealskinz socks to be waterproof and warm, or a running gaiter to give added protection from flying mud/rock etc.  Now the major blip with these shoes is they are not asymetric, which means that they don't fit a large portion of the British population (not providing that 'trainer fit' allowing your feet to splay), they also cut very low at the ankle like most of the innov8 because of the bio-mechanics of the shoe, which you generally find funny to start off with but get used to as you run. Check to see if your ankle bone edge dips low or not, if it does, these shoes will rub on it. 

SPECS:
Extremely durable and aggressively outsoled fell/hill/mountain or orienteering shoe. Synthetic upper has dual layer mesh for comfort and protection. Ideal for ascending, descending and contouring on steep wet mixed terrain, especially grass and mud.

Gear Review: Kayland Contact 1000 eVent Boot

Kayland Contact 1000 eVent Boot 9/10
Kayland site requires flash and new Adobe so I cannot access it....www.kayland.com

This is a 3 season boot, with a 3 season rugged Vibram sole on them, which is nice and provides better-than-average traction, but I still struggled in very wet conditions with these on (Snowdon rock).  The lugs in the sole unit do tend to trap a fair amount of debris (like most vibram soles that provide reasonable grip).  They're not the lightest 3 season boot on the market (mine weight 1.5kg) but they do provide lots of support so you can't complain.  The eVent is extremely breathable (no surprises) which means that I have not developed a single blister through wearing them (your feet breath therefore are dry), in hot weather they perform fantastically well so are ideal for canyoning.  They fit me very well but that's a personal thing, the tongue is a little annoying in hot weather though as it irritates along the top line, but that's a minor quirk.  Excellent solid boots but have a 'pants' insole, like most boots so I've swapped them with my Superfeet which offer a little more shock absorbtion and A LOT more support, especially good for long-distance walking (I've bunked for the green ones).  The tongue and boot is padded enough for long usage.

Synthetic boots are ideal for snowy conditions since leather boots absorb moisture and then freeze unless well-oiled, they also have lasted supremely well crossing sand which goes 'against the grain' (ha ha) of thought that leather lasts better.  I've had these three years and they're still going strong.  They are crampon-compatible (non-technical, snow shoes) see the manufacturers guidelines.  They are not a 4 season boot since they aren't warm- good socks are needed! 
The lacing system is great- with a far-back placed hooks to really produce a good fit around the ankle, and the laces have not needed to be replaced yet so that's a plus. 
Specs:

• Contact Lacing System, anatomically asymmetric in design
• Enchanced Rocker
• Integrated Absorbing Drive System (I.A.D.S) Pro Roll insole
• Mountain Asymmetric 2 last
• Level 5 of Rigidity
• eVent® lining
• I.A.D.S Pro midsole Vibram® Fourà sole
• Weight 750g