It feels like faint praise to say “there’s nothing wrong with this one”. The Erera boot carried me for miles along muddy South Downs paths and icky clay shorelines, and did a couple of mountain walks too. It’s a mid-cut, so it prioritises speed and lightness over support, and its generous fit will please those with wider feet (narrower feet may slide around a little). Grip is good, lacing is firm and the ankle cuff offers good protection, plus it has Gore-Tex to keep you dry. It’s the perfect mid-range boot in many ways – except perhaps excitement. It lacks the precision of a Meindl, the comfort of a Hi-Tec and the fun of a Merrell, and for me it somehow misses that instant click that comes when you find a boot that really loves you back. But for an all-rounder that will take you anywhere with few or no complaints, give this a try. It will score highly in all departments; I just wish I could love it more.
SPECIFICATION
RRP: £135
Sizes: 7-13
Weight: 1218g (pair)
Waterproof/breathable lining: Gore-Tex
Outsole: Vibram Women’s version: Yes
Contact: 01250 873863, www.aku.it
VERDICT
A perfect all-rounder boot at a very fair price; somehow it lacks a bit of zing, though.