Salomon X Adventure 7

Price: £90

These aren't the perfect three-season boot, not quite, but they're certainly not far off. In almost a year of dedicated abuse, including the trek up to Everest Base Camp they've waltzed effortlessly through everything that's been thrown at them from gentle lowland perumbulation, through scrambling to backpacking through the Khumbu.

First impressions were that the sturdy, stable feel of the boot was disproportionate to its light weight and lowish cut ankles. The laces slip through streamlined cleats with the sort of precision you expect from German cars and the twin plastic fins of the Sensifit system anchor your foot inside the luxuriously padded interior. They break in fast, like most modern boots and are as comfortable now as when I first wore them.

Grip from the Contragrip sole is excellent in both wet and dry conditions and the last is stiff enough laterally for scrambling use. I also found them stable enough for backpacking with a medium sack across rough mountain terrain (ie: the Himalayas). They aren't quite perfect however. The waterproof, breathable Climadry liner keeps the water out, but in very hot conditions, breathability can't cope with perspiring trekking feet with the result that they get soft and wet.

My only other criticism is a tiddler; the plastic of the Sensifit fins creaks against the nubuck leather when you flex your toes, or indeed walk and of course, there are countries where creaking is still considered tabboo. But for 90 quid these are a very splendid thing, really Monsieur Salomon, you spoil us with your X-Adventure boots.

Verdict: If your feet fit - broad and British at the front, narrow at the heel - you can't go wrong, as long as you're not planning to walk extensively in very hot places or to use crampons.

Performance: 4.5

Value: 5

Where's the Salomon web inferno then?

Pushed for time: Salomon's X-Adventure 7s are tough, sturdy and surprisingly stable for a light boot, great grip and comfort. The only weak point is a tendency to get sweaty when it's hot.

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