Making strides

Through its comprehensive trekking and outdoor collection, Spanish footwear brand Chiruca is clearly addressing today's needs for comfort, light weight, durability and versatility.

The different lines integrate design and technology, with modern and innovative materials incorporating the latest advances in waterproofing and breathability.

The Atmosfera, a light to medium trekking boot, offers comfort straight from the box. We initially tested them over a two-mile circuit on roads and field paths, before venturing on to the hill, where the Vibram Hiking Man rubber sole gave excellent grip. These durable boots have a Gore-Tex lining, which is not to everyone's taste, but certainly kept our feet dry and comfortable. The hooks are made with anti-oxidant materials to ensure a good hold and keep them rust-free, and the waterproof laces are resistant to stretching and breaking. At £100, the Atmosfera comes in tan nubuck/tan fabric, grey nubuck/grey fabric, and brown nubuck/brown fabric, and in sizes 36-47.

With summer fast approaching, it is nice to be able to get air circulating around one's feet. Chiruca's all-terrain adventure footwear includes an exclusive line of sandals incorporating micro-fibre insoles by Sanitized, the leading health and safety manufacturer, featuring anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial treatment to prevent odours. The Serengueti is a trekking sandal retailing at £35, and comes in a Nubuck leather and mesh upper, and Hypergrip rubber sole, offering excellent grip on varying terrain. Fit and comfort comes via fully adjustable straps with buckle and Velcro fastening. In sand, grey or light grey, sizes range from 38-46.

UK stockist, telephone 01565 650977, website www.chiruca.com.