Over the years, Italian brand Zamberlan have developed a reputation for making superbly durable and comfortable outdoor footwear. Masterminded by shoemaker Guiseppe Zamberlan, also known as “Bepi”, the company began life in the Dolomites and have been making quality boots since the year 1929. The Fell Lite, we’re glad to say, is just the latest in a long line of impressive releases for a brand that never seems to put a foot wrong (badum tish!).
A lightweight hiking boot designed for hill walks rather than alpine ascents. This is one of the best-looking bits of footwear in the Outdoor 100 – a full leather hiking boot, featuring a soft leather upper and a sole that’s nicely in proportion to the rest of the shoe. It’s not the most technical or technologically-advanced boot we’ve selected for the guide, but it still packs a punch tech-wise and is more than waterproof and breathable enough for most of the conditions you’re likely to encounter in the UK. The Gore-Tex lining here keeps your feet dry even when the heavens open and the rain’s falling at Biblical-level proportions.
“Strong as an ox, comfortable as a slipper, and as stylish as a Milanese catwalk.”
Of course, all the waterproofing in the world is no good if the boot’s grip is second-rate. Fortunately, the Fell Lite comes with a seriously grippy Vibram sole that’ll keep you well-planted underfoot even when things get slippy. The lugs are well-sized and when our test team tried these on wet peak district paths, they were generally impressed with the grip.
The metal fittings on the boot is indicative of its strength and durability, while the lightweight midsole and sole means you’ll never feel weighed down by them on long, tiring, hikes. There’s nothing more demoralising, after all, than feeling like you’re dragging your heavy feet across the landscape rather than bouncing along purposefully.