Contour Pathfinder Boot First Look

Contour Pathfinder Boots First Look

Price: £59.99

Weight: 1604 grammes (pair size 43)

Features: Suede/Cordura uppers, rubber soles, laces, eyelets, no waterproof lining

We seem to have run through the Contour story about ten times on the site already, but now we've got a pair in our hot sticky paws. For the full background, see the links to previous stories at the bottom of this page, but in a nutshell, these are budget-priced boots that promise excellent quality by using the patterns - 'knives' - from discontinued Scarpa boots, manufacturing in Roumania and using rubber, but non-Vibram soles.

We went for the £60-odd Pathfinders, which are an unlined Cordura/suede 'fabric' boot clearly based on the Scarpa Lite Trek, which has just been superceded by a new model, the Peak Gore-Tex.

First impressions are positive. The boot feels well made with good quality uppers and a sturdy sole. There's a good combination of lateral stability and lengthways flex, about right for a three-season boot. One obvious cost-saving details is that the lace eyelets are more basic than the slick 'Minispeed' eyelets used on Scarpa models, so there isn't quite that smooth-running feel when you tighten the laces. Only time will tell if they're prone to rusting.

Fit is based on a British-specific last and very similar - not surprisingly - to classic Scarpa, which means highish volume and medium broad forefoot. They were instantly comfortable on a five-mile moor-top walk, fitting the rather British OM test foot well, so if Scarpas or Brasher fit you, these probably will too.

Own brand sole feels grippy and cushioned on hard ground

Lateral stability is good, with a confident feel on uneven ground and the own brand Contour rubber sole gave good grip on rocks and was comfortable on flat, hard ground with a nice cushioned feel. In fact the rubber used feels slightly softer to the hand than the Vibram equivalent, so it may possibly wear faster with rocky, abrasive walking, but really only sustained walking on rocky ground will tell whether that's the case or not.

We haven't used them in wet conditions yet, but without a waterproof / breathable lining, we aren't expecting much in the way of serious water resistance. The pay off is that they should be more breathable, making them a good option for warm, summer walking and travel use.

If you do want a fabric boot with a waterproof breathable membrane, the Explorer at £79.95 is the same boot, but erm, with a membrane.

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