The North Ridge Women’s Traverse Mid Walking Boots are an exclusive leather boot made for Go Outdoors, aimed at walkers who want more support and durability than a lightweight trainer-style shoe can offer. They sit in the mid-range price bracket for women’s walking boots, positioned as a solid upgrade from entry-level models without straying into premium technical alpine territory.
Built in Italy with a 2 mm oiled leather upper, a waterproof and breathable membrane and a Vibram outsole, they are clearly designed with longevity and mixed UK conditions in mind. A shock-absorbing EVA midsole rounds out the spec, promising day-long comfort on trails and hill paths.
With an owner rating of 4.0 out of 5 from just over twenty reviews, feedback is generally positive. There are enough reviews to give a fair picture: most users like the comfort and grip, with a few niggles that are worth being aware of if you have very specific fit or weight preferences.
The North Ridge Women’s Traverse Mid Walking Boots are best suited to walkers who spend regular time on UK paths, moorland and lower-level hills, and who want a supportive boot that can cope with mud, rain and rocky tracks. The mid-cut design offers ankle support without feeling as tall and restrictive as a full high-cut mountain boot, making them a good match for weekend walkers and long-distance path enthusiasts.
They will appeal if you prefer traditional leather over modern synthetic fabrics. The 2 mm oiled Italian leather upper should mould to your feet over time and stands up well to abrasion, so they are a sensible choice for dog walkers, D of E participants and anyone tackling regular countryside or national park routes.
In terms of budget, they sit in the mid-range for walking boots. That makes them a realistic upgrade for someone moving on from basic starter boots, but they remain more affordable than top-end technical models from big-name alpine brands. They are particularly suitable for keen hobbyists who want reliable kit but are not chasing ultra-lightweight backing gear.
If you mainly walk on paved paths, or you want an ultra-light shoe for fast and light hiking, these may feel a little overbuilt. Conversely, if you are heading into serious winter mountaineering or need crampon compatibility, you will likely want something stiffer and more specialised than the Traverse Mid.
The standout strength here is the construction. Italian-made boots with a 2 mm oiled leather upper at this price point are attractive, especially for walkers who value durability and a secure feel. Leather of this thickness tends to offer better protection from knocks and scrapes than many synthetic uppers, and it can be reproofed and cared for over time.
The integrated waterproof and breathable membrane is a major plus for typical British conditions. Combined with leather, it means the boots are well suited to wet grass, muddy tracks and sudden downpours, keeping feet dry for longer days out without resorting to heavy winter footwear.
Underfoot, the EVA midsole should provide decent cushioning and shock absorption, which is important if you are covering miles on mixed terrain or carrying a daypack. The Vibram rubber outsole is another strong point: Vibram has a well-earned reputation for reliable traction, and that translates into more confidence on loose, rocky or muddy surfaces.
The overall feature set is simple but purposeful, which many walkers will appreciate. There is no clutter of gimmicky features; instead, you get a supportive mid-height boot with a robust sole and quality upper, which is exactly what most hillwalkers are looking for.
The use of 2 mm leather and a sturdy Vibram sole inevitably means these boots are not the lightest option on the market. If you are used to lightweight trail shoes or minimalist boots, the Traverse Mid may feel a little heavy or warm, especially in the height of summer or on very long mileage days.
The mid-cut leather construction, combined with a waterproof membrane, offers protection but can limit breathability compared with some modern synthetic or mesh-heavy designs. Walkers who run hot or who mostly walk in warmer, drier conditions might find them a touch warm and would need to pay attention to sock choice and rest stops to keep feet comfortable.
With a relatively straightforward spec, you also miss out on some of the added refinements found on higher-end boots, such as advanced lacing systems, reinforced toe caps with rubber rands all the way round, or multiple density midsoles for fine-tuned support. For most hillwalkers these are nice-to-haves rather than essentials, but gear enthusiasts may notice the difference.
Lastly, while the rating of 4.0 out of 5 is encouraging, it is not flawless, and a handful of users may encounter fit-related issues such as width or heel hold. As with any walking boot, a proper try-on with walking socks and potential insoles is important before you commit.
In day-to-day walking, the North Ridge Women’s Traverse Mid boots should feel secure and confidence-inspiring. The mid-cut profile gives your ankles a reassuring hug on uneven ground, which is particularly helpful on rooty woodland paths, rocky steps and loose gravel tracks. The leather upper initially feels firm but should soften and conform to your foot shape with a few outings, giving a more personalised fit over time.
The waterproof and breathable membrane means puddles, wet grass and light stream crossings are less of a worry. As long as you keep the leather cleaned and treated, you can expect good water resistance across typical UK seasons. The trade-off is that in warm weather, the boots can feel cosy, so breathable socks and perhaps thinner weights in summer are wise.
Underfoot, the combination of EVA midsole and Vibram outsole offers a good balance of cushioning and stability. You are unlikely to feel every small stone through the sole, which is great for longer days and for those prone to sore feet. The outsole lugs should give confident traction on damp rock and muddy descents, reducing the need to tiptoe when conditions deteriorate.
On the flip side, the robust construction means they are not the most compact or lightweight boots to carry in a rucksack. They are intended to be worn rather than stashed as a spare, so if you need something you can pack away, a lighter shoe might be more appropriate. For everyday dog walks, weekend hikes and low-level hill days, though, they slot into a routine very naturally.
Performance-wise, the Traverse Mid is built around three pillars: durability, weather protection and grip. The 2 mm oiled Italian leather upper is designed to take regular abuse from mud, bracken and rocky paths without falling apart, and it can be reproofed with wax or cream to extend its life. This gives the boots a longer usable lifespan than some lightweight mesh alternatives, especially if you walk in rough country.
The internal waterproof and breathable membrane is a key feature in our climate. It adds a reliable barrier against rain and surface water, working alongside the leather to keep your feet dry in most realistic hiking scenarios. Breathability will not match very airy trail shoes, but for mixed weather and cooler months it strikes a decent compromise between warmth and moisture control.
The midsole and outsole package is tuned for comfort and control. EVA is a proven cushioning material, used to soak up impact and reduce fatigue over the course of a long walk. The Vibram rubber outsole brings a grippy, durable tread pattern that bites well into soil and handles wet slabs and gravel paths far more securely than generic rubber soles.
Beyond the headline features, the overall design appears deliberately straightforward: a supportive mid-cut, classic lace-up closure and no unnecessary complications. That keeps the boot intuitive to use and simple to maintain. For the typical British hillwalker, this uncluttered feature set often proves more valuable in the long run than a long list of rarely used add-ons.
In a crowded walking boot category, the Traverse Mid stands out less for flashy technology and more for solid fundamentals: quality leather, a known outsole brand and sensible, all-round performance aimed at everyday adventure rather than extreme expeditions.
Considering the specification, the North Ridge Women’s Traverse Mid Walking Boots offer respectable value for money. Italian-made leather footwear with a Vibram outsole and waterproof membrane usually commands a premium, yet these sit in a mid-range price bracket rather than at the very top of the market. That makes them an appealing proposition for walkers who want to step up in quality without paying flagship-brand prices.
The 4.0 out of 5 average rating indicates that most owners feel they are getting good performance for what they have spent. Some niggles around weight, warmth or fit are to be expected at any price point, but there is nothing here to suggest widespread disappointment or major design flaws.
Where these boots really pay off is if you look after them. Regular cleaning and reproofing of the leather can significantly extend their lifespan, spreading the cost over many seasons of walking. For anyone logging consistent mileage in the British outdoors, that long-term durability means the effective cost per walk can work out very favourably compared with repeatedly replacing cheaper, less robust options.
If you are on a tight budget or you only head out for the occasional gentle stroll, a simpler, cheaper boot might make more sense. But for regular hill and countryside users who value durability and decent all-round performance, the Traverse Mid justifies its price well.
The North Ridge Women’s Traverse Mid Walking Boots are a solid, no-nonsense choice for regular UK walkers who prefer the feel and longevity of leather. With Italian construction, a 2 mm oiled leather upper, waterproof membrane and Vibram outsole, they focus on doing the basics very well: keeping your feet supported, dry and confident underfoot across varied terrain.
They are not the lightest or most breathable option, and they lack some of the more advanced refinements found on top-tier mountain boots. If you prioritise minimal weight, ultra-breathability or extreme technical performance, you will want to look elsewhere. But if your priority is a tough, supportive, mid-priced boot that will handle everything from muddy dog walks to weekend hill days, the Traverse Mid fits the brief very nicely.
Taken as a whole, this is a dependable boot with a sensible spec and fair price. For many walkers, it will quietly become a go-to companion for years of paths, peaks and puddles.
