Anyone who’s taken the trip to Sapa – aka northern Vietnam’s mountaintop city in the clouds – will know that it’s a walking-heavy kind of getaway. Stretching out among the misty landscapes is a kaleidoscope of vibrant, diverse terrain to conquer on foot – cascading rice terraces, traditional villages and, should you dare, Fansipan; the highest peak in all of Indochina. One thing was for certain ahead of my trip: I needed a pair of walking boots. So what better shoe to pack than Timberland’s iconic Euro Hikers?
You’ll know these boots before you see them, with their characteristic curves, sharp leather outer and deep green panels. I went for the brown colourway (amusingly dubbed “Beef & Broccoli” by the brand), which nods to ‘90s outdoor heritage design. They have a refined, vintage aesthetic, created from Leather Working Group-certified leather and a ReBOTL™ lining made from at least 50 per cent recycled plastic, giving them solid sustainability credentials right out of the box.
My first real test for the boots was the trek through San Sà Hồ to the Love Waterfall near Sapa. The path here is a mix of forest trails, wooden steps, and soggy, moss-covered stone paths snaking through lush canopy. I hadn’t had time to wear them prior to leaving and so came prepared for them to rub, plasters stashed in my sling bag just in case. I didn’t need them at all – the boots didn’t irritate one bit. They were also outrageously comfortable; I have another pair of seriously heavy duty walking boots that are great, but on the heavy side to wear. Not so here – they were lightweight and well cushioned, allowing me to skip across steps and through puddles with light-footed ease, with no seepage at all.