Three Things To Know:
£234.99 at time of writing, but you are paying for high quality and durability
Not so breathable in summer but ideal for spring, autumn and winter
Surprisingly lightweight at 640 grams per boot (UK size 5)
Our Rating:
Comfort and Fit
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Durability and Materials
Weight and Flexibility
Grip and Traction
Check availability at Altberg.
Altberg was founded in Yorkshire in 1989, and is one of the UK’s last bootmakers, crafting boots in Richmond, London and Italy.
It’s Malham women’s hiking boot is a more traditional boot, made from leather and built on Altberg’s AForme, with a slightly wider forefoot and narrow heel, with many of the characteristics taken from running shoe designs.
The Malham boots are a three season shoe, and while I liked the design, support and fit, they’re not too breathable on hot summer walks.
Comfort and Fit
I was genuinely excited to try these boots, and they didn’t disappoint. They were comfortable straight out of the box – no painful break–in period needed. In fact, the more I’ve worn them, the more comfortable they’ve become, really moulding to my feet over time.
What I love is the A–Forme last that Altberg uses – it’s got a narrower heel and a wider forefoot, which worked perfectly for me. My feet and ankles felt well supported and secure, but I still had enough wiggle room to move naturally, which made a big difference on longer, uneven trails.
The ankle support is spot on – it’s firm enough to feel stable, but still soft and flexible, which keeps the boots feeling natural and easy to walk in, even across tricky terrain.
One of the best things about Altberg is the sizing. They offer half sizes and different width options, which is a total game–changer if, like me, you’ve ever struggled to find boots that actually fit well. They even offer a full bespoke fitting service, which is pretty rare these days.
One thing I did notice is when I took these boots out on a particularly hot day, my feet overheated. They excelled at keeping my feet dry and warm on colder days, but for the height of summer I would recommend a more breathable boot.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
One of the standout features of the Altberg Malham boots for me has been their waterproofing. I’ve worn them through wet grass, muddy trails, and more than a few unavoidable puddles, and they’ve kept my feet completely dry every time. The combination of the full–grain Nida Hydro leather and the military grade Sympatex waterproof lining does a brilliant job of keeping the water out without making the boots feel heavy or stiff.
What really impressed me is how the leather seems to naturally repel water. Even when walking through boggy ground or in light rain, water tends to bead up and roll off the surface. Of course, as with all leather boots, they do need a bit of regular care – I’ve been using a wax to help maintain their water resistance, which has kept them in great shape.
One thing to note is that while the boots are excellent at keeping water out, they do take a little longer to dry if they get properly soaked, which is pretty standard for leather. But despite that, they’ve never felt heavy or soggy underfoot.
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with how waterproof these boots are, especially for UK hillwalking where wet conditions are almost guaranteed. They’ve given me the confidence to stomp through streams and wet fields without worrying about my feet getting cold and damp.
Durability and Materials
One of the things I’ve really come to appreciate about the Altberg Malham boots is how solid and durable they feel. They’re made with full–grain Nida Hydro leather, which not only looks great but has also proven to be seriously tough. After plenty of miles across rocky paths, muddy trails, and some pretty rough terrain, they’ve held up brilliantly with barely a scratch to show for it.
The build quality is honestly excellent – you can tell these are handcrafted boots. The stitching is strong and precise, and nothing feels flimsy or cheaply put together. The soles are made with Vibram Masai outsoles, which I’ve found to be super hard–wearing and provide great grip even after lots of use. They haven’t worn down quickly like some other boots I’ve had in the past, and I always like a boot made with a single piece of leather, which reduces the possibility of weakness around seams.
What’s also really reassuring is that the Malham boots are fully resoleable, which means you can easily extend their life rather than having to buy a whole new pair when the soles eventually wear out. That’s not only great from a value perspective, but also a big win for sustainability.
The leather does require some regular care – cleaning and occasional waxing – but I actually enjoy looking after them because I know it’s helping to preserve the boots for the long haul. All in all, the Malham boots feel like a real investment: tough, reliable and built to go the distance.
Weight and Flexibility
When I first picked up the Malham's, I was genuinely surprised by how light they feel for a full–leather boot – about 640 grams per boot in a UK5. Despite being leather–built, they carry their weight far better than many heavier leather boots I’ve tried, and once you start walking, you barely notice it. What really impressed me was the flexibility. Thanks to the Tri‑Flex midsole, the boots bend naturally underfoot, exactly where your foot would flex, while still giving firm torsional support. There’s a slight rocker in the toe that makes every step feel smoother and more effortless. All in all, the Malham's strike a great balance: they feel substantial and robust, yet stay flexible and easy to hike in, from rolling hills to all–day trails.
Grip and Traction
When it comes to grip, the Altberg Malham boots have seriously impressed me. The Vibram Masai sole is super reliable – it’s chunky and well–lugged, which gave me solid traction on everything from muddy woodland trails to loose gravel and rocky paths. I’ve worn these boots in wet, slippery conditions and I felt really confident in each step, even when descending on steeper, uneven ground.
One thing I really noticed is how the soles strike a great balance – they’re sturdy enough to bite into soft ground like mud and wet grass, but they’re not so aggressive that you feel uncomfortable walking on harder, flatter surfaces like compact trails or occasional road sections.
The lugs haven’t worn down quickly either, which is something I’ve had issues with in cheaper boots. After plenty of miles, they’re still gripping just as well as when they were new.
Overall, the grip and traction on these boots make them feel really dependable for UK–style hiking: think mixed terrain, wet weather and rolling hills. I probably wouldn’t use them for highly technical mountain scrambles, but for countryside trails, coastal walks and most hill walks, they’ve performed brilliantly.
Value for Money
At £234.99 these are moving towards the top end of the price spectrum, however, the Altberg Malham women’s boots are built to last, and with proper care these boots should see you through many, many years.
Sustainability
These shoes are built to last, which reduces waste, and the Sympatex waterproof membrane is PTFE/PFC free, biodegradable and made from recycled materials. The full grain leather is less eco–friendly than synthetic alternatives.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a traditional, durable and very comfortable boot for more challenging walks and you’re happy to pay a bit more for longevity, then these are a great option.
Find more in our guide to the best walking boots.
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