The Altberg Ladies Tethera boots are awarded Lucy Wallace’s Best in Test. Find out why.
I’ll be honest, I have mixed feelings making the Altberg Ladies Tethera boots my Best in Test. They are heavier than the other boots in this test, more expensive, and not as comfortable out of the box.
Lucy Wallace’s Best in Test
If like me you do high mileage in rough, boggy, mountainous terrain, they will pay you back for the hard miles with dry, happy feet for years to come. I cannot rate them highly enough!- durable
- comfortable
- rugged
- beautifully made
- old-fashioned design
- relatively heavy
- overkill for some users
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: no US delivery | £279.99 (available from Altberg) Weight: 1571g/pair (size 8.5) Materials: 2.4mm-2.6mm Anfibio leather, Vibram outsole Features: five width fittings, minimal stitching for maximum waterproofness Waterproof: Sympatex membrane Sizes: UK3-8.5 (EU35-43) Men’s version: yes www.altberg.co.uk |
They will need lifelong care and love in order to continue to perform. They don’t, and will never look cool! However, I absolutely adore them, and here’s why: Altberg Tethera boots are full grain leather boots hand made in Yorkshire, with a range of five different width fittings to ensure the best fit possible for the user. The uppers are primarily crafted from a single piece of thick leather, to minimise stitching, (a common weakness that can lead to leaks), ensuring that the boots will stay waterproof for longer, with a gusseted tongue, to further minimise water ingress. They have a Sympatex membrane to back up the leather, which is one of the most breathable membranes I’ve used, making it ideal for footwear. The lining of the ankle cuff is also leather – a soft comforting leather that minimises chafing despite a high cuff and helps to prevent water from being sucked into the top of the boot – which can happen with fabric linings in very wet conditions.
The boot is sturdy, stable, and supportive thanks to that high ankle and a midsole that provides a good balance of flex and rigidity. The Vibram Masai outsole is designed for maximum grip on sub-optimal terrain (think mud, wet grass and bog), with self-cleaning lugs that work. The front of the outsole has a flat zone for scrambling on small edges. The boot is protected with a rubber rand which wraps the boot from toe to heel, improving durability and yet more waterproofing.
I’ll admit, these boots aren’t as instantly comfortable as some, but with the right width fitting, I had no problem taking them for a long spin straight away. There’s sufficient cushioning for big days out from the word go, and they soften and conform with time, especially if you treat them right – with the brand’s own Leder Gris boot wax. For me, the ritual of waxing my boots is actually quite enjoyable. If I look after them, they will look after me. They are exceptionally durable, so despite the higher price tag, they represent excellent value for money.
If you want something lightweight, if you mainly stick to paths, or will only be out a few times a year in good weather, these boots are probably not your best bet. However, if like me you do high mileage in rough, boggy, mountainous terrain, they will pay you back for the hard miles with dry, happy feet for years to come. I cannot rate them highly enough!
Testing conditions
Lucy did the bulk of her testing on the hills of Arran, as well as at work on Mountain Training courses in the Lake District. A lot of bog may have featured in these tests! This review was first published in the May 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
