Hiking is pretty damn fantastic, isn’t it? But it can be an expensive hobby. To do it safely and in comfort you need to invest in the right kit, including a waterproof jacket, mid layer, walking trousers, base layers and a rucksack. And of course, you also need a pair of reliable boots.
Miss one out or pick poorly and you could end up damp, cold or incredibly uncomfortable (particularly if your footwear isn’t up to the task).
It’s easy to fall into a battle between picking kit that’s affordable and picking kit that’s going to deliver mile after mile, week after week.
Enter Regatta’s new Vibram-soled hiking footwear, which form a key part of the brand’s autumn/winter range.
They’re built with reliable technology and accessible price points, giving you the tools you need to explore the great outdoors without breaking the bank.
The range includes two styles for both men and women, the Blake and the Regen. The Regen is the more technical option with a durable, synthetic upper while the Blake is the more traditional outdoor option that uses a fully covered faux leather upper design.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what they’ve got to offer…
6 reasons you’ll love Regatta’s new boots
1. You get a tried-and-tested Vibram outsole
Vibram are market leaders when it comes to outsole technology, so when you see that yellow logo on a pair of hiking boots you can trust that you’re going to get a decent level of performance and durability.
On the Regen you’ll find a deep, angled sole grip that’s designed to deliver stability on looser terrain and bite into steep rocky paths and trails.
Meanwhile, the Blake has a wider grip and toe area primed for all-day hiking across hills and valleys.
2. They won’t blow a hole in your bank balance
The price of hiking boots has crept ever upward over the last decade, with many options now exceeding the £200 mark. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Regatta’s new boot range.
The Blake boots cost £120 (though are on sale right now for £84), while the Regen boots will set you back £140 (or £98 at the current sale price).
That’s very good value for Vibram-soled hiking boots and represents both an attractive option for seasoned hikers and a great entry point for anyone that’s new to hiking.
3. They’re incredibly lightweight
When you first make the switch to fully fledged hiking boots, they can feel cumbersome and heavy, so finding a lightweight pair can really help with the transition. It also helps make hiking easier and leave you feeling nimbler.
Both boots feel incredibly lightweight in the hand. The Blake weighs just 547g in my size (UK11), while the Regen comes in at 509g in the same size.
The result is that if you don’t look down, you can easily forget you’re even wearing a pair of fully-fledged hiking boots.
4. Comfort is at their core
While both the Regen and Blake very much look like hiking boots, on your feet they feel like walking shoes.
That’s because not only are they lightweight, but they’ve also got an incredible amount of flex. While that’s not ideal if you’re planning to take on graded scrambling routes, it’s a big benefit for comfort.
Both boots also feature Regatta’s Tecfoam technology, which is designed to deliver increased energy absorption that enhances the cushioning on every step. It’s also built to offer greater endurance and comfort, as the foam stays thicker for longer.
The Regen takes things one step further, with an XLT midsole providing strike cushioning to help reduce the impact on your feet.
Plus, the inner boot liner of both the Blake and Regen are also almost entirely seamless, reducing the risk of irritation.
5. Loads of great features
As with any good boots, both the Blake and Regen come with a solid set of features.
You get locking lace hooks to help you achieve a personalised, perfect fit, plus pull tabs on the heel (and on the Regen’s tongue) to help get them on and off without covering your hands in mud.
6. They’re built to keep you protected
Both boots come with Regatta’s own internal waterproof, breathable and windproof Isotex membrane.
Plus, the Regen features a reinforced rubber toe and heel for protection against roots and rocky ground, while the Blake makes use of a protective rand that runs much of the way around the boot.
On sale!
Regattaregatta.com
On sale!
Regattaregatta.com