Palladium x Finisterre Pallatrooper Hiker WP+ boot
RRP £170
- Buy now from Palladiumboots.co.uk
- Buy now from Finisterre.com
First impressions
Chunky. The big black recycled rubber rand and outsole is probably the dominant feature of an unusual pair of hiking boots, the result of a ‘collab’ between French boot maker Palladium and style-conscious UK outdoor brand Finisterre, which is known for its eco-campaigns.
Sure enough the Pallatrooper Hiker features an interesting combination of relatively earth-friendly materials. The tongue and uppers in the forefoot are made of recycled polyurethane ‘leather’ and waxed organic canvas covers the ankle. A waterproof ‘bootie’ lining is made from recycled materials.
Finish is impressive and the Pallatrooper Hiker seems very robust and likely to last an age.
Are they waterproof?
That big rubber rand around the boot is of course superbly waterproof. But canvas covers the ankle, and canvas is never going to hold back moisture forever. Nevertheless, the Sympatex waterproof lining works pretty well.
Do they grip well?
Huge knobbly lugs provide very good grip, even in mud and snow. The rand sweeps around the whole boot and offers substantial protection from bumps and scrapes and puddles.
Will they fit me?
Best for regular to wide feet. There are no half sizes, but despite going down a half-size, I found these boots roomy. If you have slim feet, you will want to tighten the laces – but you may find this hampered by the unusual positioning of the tongue. It sits outside the uppers – so as you tighten the laces beyond a certain point, the tongue gets concertinaed and creased beneath them.
How do they feel?
Materials are robust and substantial, so your feet feel very well protected. The merino wool lining on insole provides some pleasant warmth.
But all that rubber in particular makes these strikingly heavy boots. The bulky outsoles are unwieldy. You never really forget you're wearing them. I certainly would not walk to walk far in the Pallatrooper Hiker.
Will suit…
Slow and easy outdoor activities when weather is cold or wet: short walks, mooching in markets, birdwatching and so on.
Facts at a glance...
- Uppers: Organic canvas, polyurethane ‘leather’
- Outsole: Recycled rubber
- Insole: Merino-wool lined EVA foam
- Waterproofing: Sympatex membrane
- Fitting: Regular to wide
- Weight: My size 11 boots weighed in at xxx.
- Buy now from Palladiumboots.co.uk
- Buy now from Finisterre.com
Also consider...
The Original Muck Boot Company Apex Lace-up boot
These chunky rubber boots have a similar vibe to the Pallatrooper boots above. These too may be heavy, but with striking looks, waterproof neoprene and rubber uppers, grippy outsole and good midsole cushioning for comfort, they are well suited to short splashy walks on bog or moorland, or people working in wet conditions.
Vivobarefoot Tracker FG walking boot
By way of a complete contrast with the two options above, Vivobarefoot's footwear is pared right back, stripping away much of the support and protection that we usually cosset our feet with. The midsole is lightweight and minimal, with plenty of 'trail feel', keeping you in touch with the ground. Uppers are made of high-quality leather, beneath which a waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry. The theory is that we have healthier feet as a result. Read our full length review for more details. Read more in our detailed review.
