The outsole has additional stiffening elements in front of the heel section which provided extra torsional stability in what is a fairly pliable shoe.

Super grippy Vibram MegaGrip compound with Impact Brake System and differentiated lugs that enhance traction uphill and provide a sure grip downhill. Pulling on a pair of boots is a natural first step for a trip to the hills, but sometimes a lighter shoe suits the conditions better and will probably tire you out less. Stand on the A4 paper with your heel pressed firmly against the wall and your foot pointed forward with the edge of your big toe aligned with the edge of the paper.

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It’s the lightest in the test, and uses a close mesh fabric in the uppers, with a plastic overlay round the bottom half of the shoe. The mesh contains recycled material. La Sportiva’s TX5 GORE-TEX gives a perfect blend of approach shoe grip and hiking boot protection. Derived from their iconic Trango series, the high-cut ankle cuff is supportive and protective, enhanced by the 3D Flex system for optimal freedom of movement. Stable and comfortable, it’s ideal if you’re carrying heavier loads on those mountain paths. Featuring waterproof GORE-TEX up top and Vibram Megagrip rubber underfoot, the TX5 GTX achieves sure-footed performance in both the wet and dry. The protective cuff design is derived from La Sportiva’s Trango Family of boots and enhances the 3D flex system whilst providing support and protection for your ankle.

Although the Mescalito has no membrane, the suede uppers did repel some splashing and coped with a shower or two. The eyelets are made of leather with a nylon reinforcement on the inside. The Vibram MegaGrip sole construction is stiff. The front flex point is where it should be: Centered under the forefoot. The sole is extremely torsional stiff and the shoes can be resoled. In the shoe you will find a breathable and waterproof membrane from Gore-Tex. In particular, the transition from the Gore-Tex material to the padding around the ankles is very nicely made. The laces run through eyelets from rope that also pulls the heel counter forwards. Shoe entry This test will tell you if the shape of the internal heel cup matches your heel to ensure it holds you securely, especially when ascending steep ground. We are trying to eliminate the dreaded heel blister.Follow our mate, Zoe as she heads up to Scotland in La Sportiva’s Mid-cut, approach boot and gives her thoughts. The comfort of the Scarpa shoes was very good. The forefoot is quite broad and medium volume. Although the toe area down narrow, it didn’t feel to be pinching my feet. After a day on the hill, despite its technical capabilities, the comfort was maintained. The forefoot is quite broad and is medium volume, but the toe section narrows at the edges, which felt a little pinched for my feet. There was also a slight discomfort from time to time at the flex point at the base of the toes. The uppers are soft and pliable and there’s a low rubber toe box bumper, along with rubberised protection at the heel cup area. The top two lace holes are linked to part-covered cords which cinch in the instep area of the foot when the lacing is tightened. The uppers are split-suede leather with stiffened toe box and heel cup. The ankle cuff has a good amount of padding, as does the tongue, adding to the comfort of the shoe on the hill. The lacing goes right to the toe area, enabling the Climbing Guide Tennie to be tensioned correctly around the foot.