How irritating – I appear to have expensive taste. Of all the hiking shoes I’ve tried, since I’ve worked at Adventure Travel not just for this test, the Meindl Portland XCR’s are my favourites.

The sole unit’s made from Meindl’s own technology called Contragrip Trail and although the tread doesn’t look that deep, I felt safe doing everything from scrambling up and down scree hills in Morocco to walking in the Peak District climbs over loose rocks. Up there on my list of important things from hiking shoe is that it’s waterproof, and this one is: it uses a Gore-Tex XCR lining. Hence the name of the shoe. Looks-wise, if you’re looking to attract attention, this isn’t the shoe for you. I’m not, so happy with its quietly cool looks. In fact, the thing that will catch your attention most is the shoe’s heel system, which is cupped for added protection. If you don’t like low it looks, don’t worry – as with all shoes, once you’ve worn them for a while it’ll fade.

A great light yet tough hiking shoe.