Inov-8 make big claims of their roclite 400 GTX, billing them the world's lightest leather Goretex-lined walking boots, a boot 'that sets the gold standard that all others are measured by.' They are certainly amazingly light, almost unfeasibly so. A waterproof walking boot that weighs less than most trainers – it's an intriguing idea. As someone who twists his ankles a lot I'm usually found wearing boots when in the hills, generally of the solid traditional sort. Would the roclites (spelled with the lower case r) herald a step change in my hill footwear, a long overdue lightweight revolution?

The answer is yes, no and maybe.

I received these boots just before November's cold snap, and for the next couple of months they got used for such extreme activities as snowy country rambles and skating to the shops. At first it was simply that I felt more comfortable and less ridiculous wearing these than clumping down supermarket aisles in mountaineering boots. But I soon noticed that on the full gamut of suburban snow surfaces from hard-packed ice rink to ankle-deep slush, the roclites grip better than most summer boots.

I've since worn them on boggy fells, all day coastal walks, scrambling ground and even the odd short trail run, and they do it all. They are so light and supple it's possible to forget you're wearing them. This is a high accolade indeed given that most boots I try are anything but forgettable, and for all the wrong reasons - clunky, heavy, unyielding, blister-inducing. Compared to the worst offenders roclites have a slipper-like comfort; but this does seem to be gained at the expense of a measure of support. Perhaps this is a price worth paying?

"...A waterproof walking boot that weighs less than most trainers – it's an intriguing idea..."

Uppers

The supple nubuck uppers of the roclite 400s have been very slightly stiffened on both the lateral and medial sides of the foot with a soft external webbing arrangement. This reduces torsional flex, providing some (not much) support to tired feet. Because the support is equal (i.e. not biased towards pronation or supination) Inov-8 describe these boots as neutral. Actually I would say that most of the structure or stiffness in these boots comes from the sole.

Compared to most hill-worthy boots the ankle cuff is on the low side, and so flexible that it provides only marginal support. It helps keep gravel and water on the outside, and that's two points in its favour compared with a low-cut trainer, but other than that what's it for? It's not going to stop me rolling an ankle. In use the Roclite 400s feel more like shoes with a little token added height than genuine boots. They have a fell shoe's lightness and softness after all. There's really only a minimal protective rand too, but this is partly compensated for with a rigidity at the very front of the toe box that I appreciate as someone who stubs his toes a lot.

Sole

The sole gives good lateral sturdiness combined with a fairly pronounced forefoot flex, which is kept in check a bit with Inov-8's 'Fascia Band', a replication of the fascia ligament apparently. This is designed to aid propulsion and reduce fatigue. It's great for a natural, unrestrictive walking action, but when scrambling the flexibility at the toe is not conducive to reliable edgeing on small holds. The chunky studded sole comes in a fairly soft sticky rubber which gives reliable friction when smearing on dry rock (I can't vouch for wet), while on slimy grass and slippy mud the Roclites grip as well as anything I've tried.

"...It helps keep gravel and water on the outside, and that's two points in its favour compared with a low-cut trainer, but other than that what's it for?..."

Underfoot cushioning could best be described as medium – plenty to soak up a bit of pounding on tarmac or hard tracks, but not too much for off-road use. The sole's yielding softness gives a good feel for the ground underfoot; you know when you're walking on sharp scree for instance, but not in a bad way.

Inov-8 roclite 400 GTX

• UK RRP: £125
• Colour: forest / black
• Upper: nubuck and Goretex lining
• Sole: soft rubber studs, medium cushioning, lateral stiffness combined with forefoot flex
• Sizes: 3.5-12 in half sizes, plus 13
• Weight: 900g pair size 11

For more info see Inov-8 website.

Fit

There's plenty of room at the heel and in the mid foot, and then the boot tapers quite sharply at the toe. This doesn't suit me personally as it's almost the opposite of my broad-toed, narrow-heeled foot shape - but they will doubtless be close-fitting perfection for some people. The heel cup is relatively broad and subtle, which again does not suit me ideally. The lacing doesn't extend far down the foot, so it's not possible to cinch these boots tight for a close fit at the front. On my feet at least this results in quite a baggy mid-to-front-end feel. Scramblers may find this a disadvantage, and it's one reason why I'd be unlikely to spend much time clambering around on rocks in the roclites, despite their name.

All that said, in my experience the lightness and suppleness of these boots go a long way to mitigating any imperfections in fit, and I can wear them all day even though they and my feet are ill suited. There aren't many boots I can say that about.

Conclusion

It should go without saying (hell, I will anyway) that these boots won't go far in winter since their soles are too soft for kicking an edge into neve, and they certainly aren't designed to take a crampon. ASDA in the snow, yes; Carn Aosda, no. Outside the winter months they have their limitations too. For very tough days at any time of year - backpacking on rough ground with a heavy load say, or hard scrambling - I'm personally happier paying a weight penalty for more supportive footwear, boots with a stiffer sole and a higher, more robust ankle cuff. Even if my feet survived the heavy abuse of days like that, I'm not sure how long the roclites would. I can't help thinking that their superb lightness must surely have a payoff in terms of durability. Only further use and abuse will tell.

Except for these hard core exceptions however, roclites are serious contenders. These boots are great for general low level country rambles, and much better able to keep water and mud on the outside than a trail shoe. They are well suited to summer hillwalking too, and I don't just mean quick trips up the South Downs. Try the Yorkshire Three Peaks on for size, or a scramble around the Snowdon Horseshoe, or a week-long hike along the easy gravel tracks of the West Highland Way. If you've ever found yourself pondering the pros and cons of boots versus fell shoes then the Inov-8 roclite 400 GTX may just prove an ideal compromise.