Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots Review: A Tale of Two Soles

There’s a familiar crossroads every outdoor enthusiast reaches: the quest for the perfect pair of hiking boots. For years, I’ve navigated this terrain, often caught between shelling out a small fortune for a top-tier brand that promises mountain-goat-like agility and taking a punt on a more affordable option that might not survive the first serious downpour. My recent journey led me to test a pair of boots that lives squarely in this budget-friendly territory, a model spoken of in both revered and frustrated tones across walking communities: the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots. I was looking for a dependable workhorse for daily dog walks through dewy fields and weekend treks along muddy woodland trails—a boot that could handle the grit and grind of the British countryside without requiring a second mortgage. The challenge is always finding that sweet spot of durability, comfort, and weather resistance at a price that feels sensible. This review is for anyone standing at that same crossroads, wondering if this popular boot is a hidden gem or a cautionary tale.

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Hiking Boots

A pair of men’s hiking boots is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for protecting your feet, providing stability on uneven ground, and keeping you comfortable over miles of exploration. The right pair prevents blisters, supports your ankles to reduce the risk of twists and sprains, and provides the traction necessary to navigate everything from slippery rocks to boggy paths. They are your direct connection to the trail, and their performance dictates the quality of your entire outdoor experience. Getting it wrong means discomfort, wet feet, and a hike cut short. Getting it right means you can focus on the view, not your feet.

The ideal customer for a product like the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots is someone who engages in light to moderate hiking, daily dog walking on mixed terrain, or needs a sturdy, comfortable shoe for general outdoor use. They are perfect for the weekend warrior exploring local woodlands, forest parks, and gentle hills. However, this type of boot might not be suitable for those tackling serious alpine ascents, multi-day treks with heavy packs, or individuals who spend the majority of their walking time on abrasive surfaces like city pavement. For those more demanding scenarios, a more robust, technically advanced boot with a stiffer sole and guaranteed long-term durability from a specialist brand would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Comfort: This is non-negotiable. Look for a boot that matches your foot shape. Some brands are notoriously narrow, while others are more generous. We found the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots to have a slightly generous fit, which is excellent for those with wider feet or who prefer wearing thick hiking socks. Always consider the break-in period, although many modern boots, including these, are comfortable straight from the box.
• Performance & Traction: The outsole is where the rubber meets the road—or trail. The type of lug pattern and rubber compound determines how well the boot grips on different surfaces. The Dynagrip outsole on the Bodmin IV is designed for traction on natural ground, but as we’ll discuss, its performance and longevity can vary dramatically depending on the terrain.
• Materials & Durability: A boot’s lifespan is dictated by its construction. The Bodmin IV uses a combination of suede and mesh for its upper, which offers a good balance of durability and breathability. The midsole, typically EVA or Phylon foam, provides cushioning. However, watch for weak points noted by users, such as lace eyelets and the sole itself, which can be indicators of overall longevity.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: A waterproof membrane, like Karrimor’s “Weathertite,” is designed to keep water out while letting sweat escape. The effectiveness of these membranes can vary. It’s crucial to assess whether you need full, submersible waterproofing for crossing streams or just water resistance for walking in the rain and through wet grass.

While the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots is an excellent choice for a specific type of user, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Karrimor Bodmin IV: First Impressions and Key Features

The Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots arrive in a no-frills, standard shoebox, which feels appropriate for their utilitarian purpose. Pulling them out, the first thing I noticed was their classic, understated hiking shoe aesthetic—the black suede and mesh upper looks smart and ready for the trail. They have a reassuring heft without feeling excessively heavy, a balance that suggests a degree of sturdiness. The Phylon midsole is visibly thick, promising good cushioning underfoot. Flipping them over, the Dynagrip 037 outsole is deeply lugged and aggressive, looking like it could confidently bite into mud and loose earth. The build quality felt solid on initial inspection, with clean stitching around the suede panels. Trying them on for the first time, the comfort was immediate. There were no awkward pinching spots, and as some users noted, the fit was indeed slightly generous, leaving ample room in the toe box. The standard footbed is basic but functional, though it was clear it could easily be swapped for a custom orthotic, a customisation we found incredibly beneficial during our long-term testing.

Putting the Bodmin IV to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance

A boot’s true character is only revealed on the trail, through miles of walking in varied conditions. Over several months, we put the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots through their paces—from daily 5km dog walks across frosty fields to longer weekend hikes on the rolling, often boggy, hills of the Peak District. This is where the boot’s strengths and its significant weaknesses came into sharp focus.

Comfort and Fit: A Surprising Out-of-the-Box Experience

The most immediate and consistent praise we can give the Bodmin IV is its comfort. From the very first walk, these boots felt less like rigid hiking footwear and more like a well-cushioned, supportive pair of trainers. The Phylon midsole does an admirable job of absorbing impact, making them a pleasure to wear for extended periods. We experienced no hot spots or blisters, a testament to a well-designed last and the forgiving nature of the suede and mesh upper. This aligns perfectly with numerous user accounts, with one walker noting they were “very comfy from first try on” after a long walking trip in London.

The fit, described by some as “a tad generous,” was a major advantage for us. It allows for the use of thick, cushioned hiking socks in the winter without cramping your toes, and it’s a blessing for those with naturally wider feet who often struggle with the narrow designs of more technical European brands. We also followed the lead of one savvy user and swapped out the basic included insole for a more structured orthotic insert. The boot’s accommodating volume made this an easy switch, significantly enhancing arch support for long days on our feet. For day-to-day comfort, whether on a country path or a gravel track, the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots truly excel, offering a level of immediate wearability that belies their low price point.

The Dynagrip Outsole: A Story of Grip vs. Grind

Herein lies the central paradox of the Karrimor Bodmin IV. On one hand, the Dynagrip outsole provides fantastic traction where it’s supposed to. During our tests on muddy slopes, wet grassy fields, and loose forest trails, the deep, well-spaced lugs dug in with confidence. We felt secure and stable, with minimal slipping. One user perfectly captured this, stating they were “decently impressed” after testing them on their namesake, Bodmin Moor, in wet conditions. For the off-road walker, the grip is a significant plus.

However, this grip comes at a severe cost: durability. The rubber compound appears to be relatively soft, which aids traction on natural surfaces but wears down at an alarming rate on harder ground. This was the single most polarising aspect we found, both in our testing and in user feedback. We noticed visible wear on the heel and forefoot after just a few months of mixed-use walking that included some pavement sections. This corroborates the stark warnings from many other users. One walker who used them for their commute reported the tarmac had “shredded through the soles in 3 months.” Another, a high-mileage walker, wore “right through to the exposed first layer of the soles” in just over five months. The most damning account came from an experienced hiker who observed holes appearing in the hollow rear lugs after a mere 50 miles. It’s a critical design flaw for anyone whose walks involve roads or paved paths. The sole is simply not built for the grind of tarmac, making the Bodmin IV a specialist tool for soft ground only.

Weathertite Waterproofing: A Promise That’s Only Partially Kept

The term “Weathertite” suggests a reliable barrier against the elements, and for a brand with Karrimor’s heritage, you’d expect a certain standard of performance. Our experience with the Bodmin IV’s waterproofing was, unfortunately, mixed and ultimately disappointing. We conducted a simple “puddle test,” as one user did, and found the boots held up well to being briefly submerged. They also shed light rain effectively. The problem arose during prolonged exposure to wet conditions, specifically walking through long, dew-soaked grass for 20-30 minutes.

This is where the membrane’s limitations became clear, as a distinct feeling of dampness began to creep into the toe box area. Our findings mirror the divided opinions of other users. While some found them “sufficiently waterproof,” many others had far worse experiences. One user lamented that “even with waterproof spray added these boots let in more water than the Titanic,” while another confirmed their “feet are soaked through” after just two minutes in wet grass. There is a clear inconsistency in the manufacturing or the membrane’s effectiveness. One pragmatic user offered a solution: treating the boots with a waterproofing agent like Fabsil “cured this.” This is sound advice. Out of the box, you should consider the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots to be water-resistant at best. If you require guaranteed dry feet, you’ll either need to apply an additional proofer or look elsewhere.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through the experiences of fellow walkers reveals a community deeply divided over the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots. The sentiment is rarely neutral; users either praise them as an unbelievable bargain or condemn them as a false economy.

On the positive side, the value proposition is a recurring theme. One user, who puts their boots through heavy use at work, was impressed that they were “going strong after 10 months” where others fail in six. Another, who has logged over 500 miles on forest trails and hills, called them “comfortable from day one” and would “happily buy again.” These comments highlight that for a certain type of user—one who sticks to soft trails and perhaps gets lucky with a well-sealed pair—the boots offer incredible service for their cost.

Conversely, the negative feedback is stark and consistent, focusing almost entirely on the catastrophic sole wear. “Less than three months old the chunky soles have already worn through,” states one succinct and damning review. Another experienced hiker with dozens of pairs from various brands under his belt wrote, “I have never worn out a pair of hiking shoes soles quicker,” noting the failure after just 50 miles. This isn’t just a case of normal wear and tear; it’s a fundamental issue with the materials and design when used on hard surfaces, making them unsuitable for many potential buyers.

How Does the Karrimor Bodmin IV Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Bodmin IV has a strong, if flawed, identity, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other options. If its specific shortcomings are deal-breakers for you, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. Karrimor Supa 5 Men’s Hiking Shoes

For those who like the Karrimor brand and fit but are looking for a slightly different style, the Supa 5 is a logical alternative. It often presents as a more lightweight, trainer-style walking shoe. While it shares some of the brand’s DNA, its design priorities may differ slightly, potentially offering better flexibility at the expense of the Bodmin’s more rugged (albeit flawed) outsole. This is a great choice for walkers who want a shoe primarily for dry, less demanding trails and value a lighter feel on their feet. It’s an alternative for someone who has decided the Bodmin’s specific sole issues aren’t for them but still wants to stay within a familiar and affordable price bracket.

2. adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.rdy Hiking Shoes

If the inconsistent waterproofing and durability of the Bodmin IV are your primary concerns, stepping up to a brand like adidas is a wise move. The Terrex line is highly respected in the outdoor community, and their Rain.rdy technology is generally more reliable than Karrimor’s Weathertite membrane. You’re paying a premium for brand assurance, superior materials, and more rigorous quality control. The outsole will also be engineered for better longevity on mixed terrains, including pavement. This is the ideal choice for the hiker who read our review, was put off by the potential for leaks and rapid wear, and is willing to invest more for a guaranteed higher level of performance and durability.

3. XPETI Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots

XPETI positions itself as a rugged, value-focused brand that prioritizes robust protection. If you need dependable waterproofing and a tougher construction than the Bodmin IV offers but want to stay in a similar price range, XPETI is a compelling alternative. These boots often feature a more protective toe cap and a sturdier build overall, making them suitable for rockier terrain. The trade-off may be in weight and breathability; they are likely to be heavier and warmer than the Bodmin IV. This is the boot for the budget-conscious walker who prioritizes durability and staying dry over all-out comfort and is willing to accept a heavier boot to get it.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots?

After extensive testing, the Karrimor Bodmin IV Men’s Hiking Boots emerge as one of the most specialised and conditional budget boots we have ever reviewed. They are a product of two extremes: exceptional out-of-the-box comfort and soft-ground grip on one side, and alarming sole wear and unreliable waterproofing on the other. It is a boot that can be a five-star bargain or a one-star disaster, depending entirely on how and where you use it.

We can wholeheartedly recommend this boot to a specific person: the casual walker or dog owner whose routes consist almost exclusively of grassy fields, muddy tracks, and woodland paths, and who is prepared to apply a third-party waterproofing treatment. For this user, the comfort and grip offer value that is simply unmatched at this price. However, we must strongly advise against purchasing these boots if your daily walks involve any significant amount of pavement, tarmac, or concrete. The soles are simply not designed to withstand that abrasion and will wear out prematurely, making them a poor investment. For those seeking reliability above all else, better options exist. If you fit the ideal user profile and understand the limitations, the Bodmin IV offers a comfortable ride for an unbeatable price, but tread carefully—and preferably, on soft ground only.