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Gear review: Teva Arrowhead Riva Mid WP boots

Recommended Price: £155
Weight: 555g per boot (size 11)

Teva are best known for their sports sandals, so I was interested to get the chance to test out these leather boots over the spring. Teva say the Arrowhead Rivas are ‘built tough and technical for the most rugged terrain’, so I was suprised when I first tried them out to find that they are both very lightweight and extremely flexible for leather boots. I put Teva’s claims to the test by wearing them on long multi-day trips to both Knoydart and the Fisherfield Forest – taking in some of the toughest going Scotland has to offer.

The boots are of leather construction, with a seam on the instep side, a rubber rand at the front and reinforced by an additional leather panel around the heel. The soles are Vibram but don’t have the deepest treads; no doubt this helps to keep the weight down, and I’ve found the grip to be very good on all surfaces except steep wet grass. They are lined with eVent; I’ve never previously worn boots with eVent liners but have found them very breathable even in very warm conditions, and they still seem to be fully waterproof after a period of pretty intense use. I always find that membranes in boots leak eventually but these have already lasted longer than most. Although the uppers are extremely flexible, the nylon shank gives some torsional rigidity which has helped them to feel secure on very rough ground where I’ve been very happy to have these on my feet. Nevertheless, people whose ankles aren’t strengthened to very rugged terrain may feel more confident with a boot that provides more support.

On very long walks it’s great to have the least possible weight on your feet, and I’ve found the Arrowhead Teva’s to be top class in terms of comfort; they required no breaking in and after even the longest days I’ve been very happy to continue wearing them. The price seems fairly high for boots that at first glance feel quite bendy and thus insubstantial, but I’ve actually been very impressed by how the Teva’s have coped with tough conditions and with durability to date – though obviously they won’t outlast heavier, stiffer boots.

Pros: Very comfortable and lightweight for leather boots, eVent waterproof liners have performed well
Cons: Not as supportive or durable as heavier, stiffer leather boots

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