Review: Northwest Territory Inuvik Walking Boots

We were a bit sceptical when we bought Northwest Territory boots as we hadn't heard of the brand before and it sounded a bit like it was trying too hard to sound "outdoorsy". But since they were discounted on Amazon at the time, we thought we'd give them a go.

As well as the usual walk testing in Cornwall several times a week, these were first put through their paces walking every day for eight weeks in New Zealand on some extremely tough terrain. We were a bit nervous taking them with us as they weren't a brand we'd tried before. That isn't a worry we'd have again: they have been absolutely brilliant.

Despite the endless beating they've been given, these have been the longest-lasting leather boots I've had so far. Even after nearly two years of constant use, the waterproofing is still mostly there. The only bit that isn't is where I've literally worn away some of the heel stitching from the friction of my feet occasionally rubbing past each other when manoeuvring on rough ground. The soles are also starting to wear down from constant use. It's been a pleasant surprise for walking boots to last so well that when they eventually fail that it will be by wearing away!

Since we were impressed, we looked up a bit more about Northwest Territory. Despite the American sound to the name, they are made in the UK in Northamptonshire and are rooted in the Northern England walking heritage that also give birth to Wainright and The Ramblers.

Northwest Territory have a few different leather boots in the mens' range. Inuvik seem reasonably similar to their Creston boots and also comparable in style to Hitec Eurotrek. The NW Territory Pelly and Rayrock boots are a bit higher on the ankle - a little more like a para-boot. All seem fairly comparable in price.