A traditional leather upper, constructed with minimal stitching, will last for many years if well cared for. Conversely, an upper that is made of lots of synthetic fabric, mesh, and thin strips of suede leather, is unlikely to be as durable. This is due to the increased volume of stitching creating more fault lines, points of stress, and wear. What is midsole flex? Regarding fabric boots: I'm not keen on them for Munro-bagging. Remember, this is Scotland we're talking about. You are are almost guaranteed to come across water and/or mud underfoot on most Munro outings (anyone ever sunk into a peat hag in fabric boots?) As others have pointed out, mud + mesh => erosion of 'waterproof' membranes. Even if the weather's dry, access to many Munros requires river crossings with no bridge, for which a leather boot with a reasonable ankle height is handy. And a robust sole is almost essential for some of the rough ground you get in the Scottish hills (eg interminable boulder fields), and certainly so in winter.

Cool - my one hesitiation around leather is that I'm under the impression it's quite heavy and sweaty! Am I wrong in thinking that, is it not really that bad compared to the sort of thing I've got? Having worked in retail for quite a long time and having spent most my life walking in everything from trainers to B3 mountaineering boots bottom line is comfort is the most important thing. Best boots in the world that dont fit will still cause you pain.Even though their sale price is twice the sale price I paid 6 months ago for the Latitude boots, if they perform as well as the years old Skarpa Terras I still wear outside my property, they are worth paying double the sale price. Indeed,

I'm not sold on boots that are a mixture of mesh, suede, fabric etc on the outer. I find leather is a bit easier to clean as there's no mesh and little places for mud and dirt to get ingrained and with less stitching there's not so many places for that to wear and come apart but a good pair of boots should be well made to last anyway. I know my brother who is more experienced than me at walking and getting out in Munroes and mountains doesn't like such boots but I think he has had some particularly bad experiences which have skewed his opinion. You may like the mesh for additional breathability and there are many like that with Goretex that do keep moisture out very well. To reduce the weight and price of footwear, the ankle cuff may be cut quite low in some boots. But be aware that a lower ankle cuff is more likely to allow water, mud, and debris to enter the boot. It will also provide less ankle support to the foot, which means you'll have to work harder over uneven ground. What is a hiking boot's upper? If I were you, I would go to Tiso/Cotswold and get my boots fitted. Their staff knows a lot more and won't sell you something that is rubbish. You can also get 10-15% at these shops quite easily with a right card, too.

I generally like trainers for walking but if it's wet a boot with gaiters (waterproof trouser if actually raining) are the best way to stay dry if out for a long walk. My reason for doing so would be that the NF (North Face) ones are even more lightweight. But I'm just not 100% sure whether the NF ones are also suitable for that level of hillwalking? Thinking mainly of grip and ankle support? I'm not entirely clued up on gear and what the different styles of shoes/boots are designed/capable of, but figured I'd get some experienced voices on here As to the boots you have linked they will do the job but they won't be very good. Some things for you to consider: