“It has been five years in the making – and we genuinely believe this is the missing piece in the Alpkit puzzle.” So explains Simon Mackereth, manager of the brand’s store in Keswick, as we hike out from the high street shop towards nearby Latrigg in resplendent spring sunshine. From backpacking tents and gravel bikes to waterproof jackets and camping stoves, Alpkit has been selling a huge range of outdoors clothing and equipment for over two decades. But until now, the much-loved brand has never sold Alpkit footwear.
Main image: Putting the new Alpkit footwear range to the test in Keswick | Credit: James Forrest
“We’re incredibly excited about this new range of hiking boots and approach shoes – the competitive price point should help many, many people to enjoy the great outdoors, and that’s what Alpkit is all about”, adds Simon. We pause next to a perfectly positioned bench, with bird’s-eye views across Keswick and the north-western fells.
The whole landscape is glistening on this bluebird day. Cat Bells’ sweeping ridge soars deliciously and curvaceously to our right; Walla Crag and Great Wood seem to hold Keswick in a protective embrace to our left; and between them both the lake stretches out sumptuously towards the jaws of Borrowdale. I can’t help but thinking this is exactly the kind of experience Alpkit is hoping to inspire through its new footwear collection.
Launching in May 2026, Alpkit is entering the footwear market for the first time, completing what it describes as its “head-to-toe system” of outdoor equipment. The collection follows five years of development and represents a notable expansion for the British brand, which has mostly built its reputation on clothing and technical gear – all at a refreshingly sensible price point.
Footwear has long been identified internally as the missing piece of the puzzle for Alpkit and the new range is intended to cover a broad spectrum of outdoor use, from mountaineering and scrambling to everyday hillwalking. Built around the idea that “adventure starts at your feet”, the collection aims to simplify what can often be an overly complex category, with a focus on comfort, performance and usability.
The range comprises seven models. At the top end, the Montee (£249.99) is a B2-rated mountaineering boot designed for crampon use and technical routes, while the stiff and technical Alta Rocca (£199.99) targets rocky, demanding terrain. More general hillwalking options include the classic brown leather Pilot (£159.99) and the 3-season Atlas (£139.99), a waterproof boot designed for multi-day hiking. Lighter options include the Latitude walking shoe (£119.99), alongside the El Chorro (£99.99) approach shoe and the Tierra (£109.99), a hybrid design described as suitable for “50% trail, 50% ride, 50% trainer” use.
Development has taken place in collaboration with specialist manufacturers in northern Italy, with multiple prototypes tested and refined across varied terrain. Nick Smith, managing director of Alpkit, said the brand “took our time to do it properly”, adding that the goal was to help users find the “right boot” without unnecessary complexity.
The range will be available online and in Alpkit stores, where bespoke fitting services will be offered. All models are backed by a 28-day comfort guarantee, meaning customers can return their boots if they’re not right for their feet.
