Vans takes on Adidas Terrex with weatherproof-yet-stylish boot range

Vans UltraRange EXO MTE-3 boots deliver skater style with an adventure twist

Vans UltraRange EXO MTE-3 hiking boots on some fake snow in a magical looking landscape with a wolf in the background
(Image credit: Vans)

If you're looking for a hiking boot that also delivers in the style stakes, your options are somewhat limited. Vans UltraRange EXO hopes to change all that. Taking on the likes of Adidas Terrex in the 'boots you can wear in the countryside without looking like a tit in town' category, these mix many of the features you'll find in today's best hiking boots with a skater style edge. They've also been announced via a Narnia-style shoot that we're absolutely obsessed with. There simply aren't enough wolves or owls in your average press material, in our opinion. 

Back to the boots. The third iteration of the UltraRange – er – range, as indicated by that MTE-3 suffix, these promise to be your best friend when winter really sets in. There's reliable waterproofing courtesy of Gore-Tex, the technology powering many of today's best waterproof jackets, to keep your feet dry whether you're navigating muddy, waterlogged trails or simply tackling a downpour on the way to work. 

Working alongside the waterproofing is a 3M Thinsulate layer. This lightweight, breathable insulation has a high warmth-to-thickness ratio, meaning it'll keep your toes toasty in all weather conditions, without adding bulk. 

Vans UltraRange EXO MTE-3 hiking boots on some fake snow in a magical looking landscape

(Image credit: Vans)

Finally, Vans has (rightly) ascertained that its regular waffle outsole isn't going to cut it on slippery countryside tracks. The Vans UltraRange MTE-3 boots sport an All-Trac outsole with lugs for grip. This rubber compound was developed by Vans specifically for its MTE footwear, with the aim of keeping its wearers stable and upright on any terrain and in any season.

Vans UltraRange EXO MTE-3 hiking boots on some fake snow in a magical looking landscape

(Image credit: Vans)

We haven't had a chance to test these out, but the advantage you've got over something like the Adidas Terrex range is that high cut for proper ankle support. So while the Terrex range is more for light-to-medium trails, these could potentially work for something more hardcore – although if you want a dedicated boot for a multi-day trek, we'd still be inclined to a specialised outdoor brand such as Jack Wolfskin, Hanwag, Arc'teryx and the like. If the slightly skater-ish styling appeals, and you're after a versatile city-to-countryside hiker that'll provide a whole lot more winter-friendly protection than your standard Vans, these look like a great option.

The UltraRange EXO Hi Gore-Tex MTE-3 are available to buy now, in four colourways. Head to Vans for more info.

Ruth Hamilton

Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).