CMP Moon Mid Trekking WP Review: Suede, Vibram Sole & ClimaProtect Tested

The Quick Answer: Is the CMP Moon Mid Trekking WP Worth Buying in 2026?

The sub-£100 hiking boot category is filled with compromises. Most budget footwear brands cut production costs by substituting generic, unbranded plastic outsoles that slip dangerously on wet limestone, pairing them with flimsy cardboard strobel boards and cheap polyurethane uppers that delaminate within one season.

Italian outdoor manufacturer CMP (F.lli Campagnolo) took the opposite route with the Moon Mid Waterproof. Instead of in-house generic components, CMP partnered with industry leaders Vibram and OrthoLite to build a mid-cut trekking boot that bridges the gap between affordable entry-level footwear and high-end technical mountain boots.

We put the CMP Moon Mid WP through a 50-mile trail evaluation across rocky mountain scrambles, wet limestone switchbacks, peat bogs, and gravel fire roads to assess its real-world grip, waterproofing, and structural durability.

CMP Moon Mid WP Technical Specifications Matrix

Trail Grip Analysis: Vibram TSAVO 1206 on Wet Rock and Scree

The single most critical component on any hiking boot is the rubber beneath your feet. Generic budget outsoles use high-durometer plastic-rubber blends that become glassy and slick the moment rain touches rock. CMP invested where it matters most: the Moon Mid is equipped with a genuine Vibram TSAVO 1206 outsole utilizing the renowned XS Trek compound.

In our field testing across wet mountain slabs and loose slate scree:

• Wet Granite & Limestone: The XS Trek compound strikes a delicate balance between traction and durability. Walking across wet riverbed stones, the rubber deformed elastically over micro-textures, providing secure friction where cheaper boots slip.
• Mud & Soft Turf: The 4.5mm deep perimeter lugs feature sharp braking edges that bite aggressively into steep downhill mud. Wide evacuation channels between the central lug clusters clear clumping wet clay within three strides, preventing the tread from turning into a smooth, traction-free slick.
• Downhill Heel Brake: The pronounced 90-degree heel breast acts as a natural mechanical brake when descending steep, loose gravel switchbacks, keeping you balanced under a loaded daypack.

Upper Construction: Suede Leather & Kevlar Armortex Reinforcement

Most budget boots utilize synthetic mesh uppers that shred when dragged against jagged granite boulders. The CMP Moon Mid uses a durable 1.4mm genuine suede leather chassis accented with woven anti-abrasion fabric panels reinforced with Kevlar (Armortex) fibers.

To defend against scree damage, CMP wrapped the forefoot in a thick vulcanized rubber toe bumper that extends around the lateral sides of the boot. During rocky scrambles where the boot tips repeatedly jam into rock crevices, the rubber cap absorbed the blunt force, protecting the underlying suede and preventing toe bruising.

At the rear, a molded TPU heel cage wraps the back of the ankle. This external structure anchors your calcaneus firmly to the footbed, preventing the rear heel counter from breaking down when pulling the boot on and off.

Waterproofing & Climate Comfort (ClimaProtect Membrane Trials)

To evaluate weather protection, we subjected the Moon Mid to our standard two-stage waterproof test:

1. Static Water Tank Submersion: Submerged in 3 inches (75 mm) of water for 20 minutes with interior moisture sensors. The interior remained 100% dry, with zero weeping along the perimeter stitching or toe cap seams.
2. Dynamic Bog & Stream Crossing: A 6-mile trek across wet marshland and shallow stream crossings. The gusseted tongue extends up to the fourth lace eyelet (roughly 85 mm from the ground), effectively keeping water, peat slurry, and fine sand from entering the collar.

Breathability & Temperature Regulation

CMP’s proprietary ClimaProtect membrane vents internal foot vapor well during cool spring and autumn hikes (10°C to 18°C / 50°F to 65°F). However, because the membrane is paired with 1.4mm suede leather, foot perspiration will accumulate on hot summer afternoons above 25°C (77°F). For peak summer hiking in arid climates, an unlined mesh trail shoe will breathe faster, but for 3-season UK and European weather, the weather protection is rock-solid.

Underfoot Cushioning, Midsole Chassis & Torsional Rigidity

Underfoot comfort relies on a multi-density sandwich consisting of three distinct layers:

• OrthoLite Hybrid X-40 Footbed: Unlike flat foam insoles found in budget boots that compress into cardboard pancakes after 20 miles, the open-cell OrthoLite insole retains over 95% of its original spring-back rebound over prolonged use, while providing anti-microbial odor control.
• Die-Cut Microporous EVA Midsole: Softer EVA foam under the ball of the foot cushions joint shock, while firmer EVA under the arch provides support.
• Integrated TPU Shank: An internal thermoplastic shank provides torsional stiffness. In our hands, twisting the boot resisted severe side-to-side rotation, ensuring that your foot will not twist or roll when stepping on unstable, angled rocks.

Fit Profile, Lacing System & Break-In Period

The CMP Moon Mid fits true to European sizing with a medium forefoot volume and a locked-in heel pocket. The forefoot provides adequate toe-splay for downhill hiking without feeling sloppy, while the snug heel cup virtually eliminates heel lift—the primary culprit behind friction blisters.

The lacing system uses heavy-duty metal lace loops across the instep, transitioning to high-tensile fabric webbing loops at the flex point, and finishing with two pairs of open metal speed-hooks at the ankle. This combination lets you lock your instep tension independently from your upper ankle cuff, allowing for a looser ankle fit on flat approach paths and a tight, supportive wrap when tackling steep technical descents.

Break-In Duration

Thanks to the supple suede leather and padded fabric tongue, the Moon Mid requires minimal break-in. In our trials, a single 4-mile neighborhood walk was sufficient to seat the EVA midsole to our foot shape. The boot was ready for a full 12-mile mountain trek immediately thereafter with zero hot spots.

CMP Moon Mid WP vs. The Competition

Pros & Cons

What We Liked

• Genuine Vibram Tsavo Outsole: Delivers trustworthy wet-rock grip and mud shedding rarely seen in sub-£100 boots.
• Suede Upper with Kevlar Protection: Robust 1.4mm leather resists scree abrasion; rubber toe bumper defends toes on scrambles.
• Premium OrthoLite X-40 Insole: High-rebound, anti-microbial cushioning that outlasts standard factory foam liners.
• Secure Heel Cradle: Molded TPU heel counter locks the rear foot firmly, preventing blister-causing heel slippage.
• Unbeatable Value: Rivals the performance of £140+ mainstream hiking boots at a fraction of the price.

What Could Be Improved

• Warm in Peak Summer: Suede leather and waterproof membrane limit breathability on hot days above 25°C.
• Not Resolable: The molded cupsole construction means the boots cannot be traditionally resoled once the tread wears down after 500+ miles.
• Medium Width Only: Not available in wide (EE) sizing options for hikers with very broad forefeet.

Long-Term Maintenance: Keeping Suede Waterproof

To maximize the lifespan of the CMP Moon Mid and keep the suede supple:

1. Rinse Trail Mud Promptly: Dried peat mud draws natural moisture out of suede leather, causing it to stiffen and crack. Rinse off mud with cold tap water and a soft-bristled brush after muddy hikes.
2. Never Dry Near Radiators: Allow boots to air-dry at room temperature in a shaded, well-ventilated space. High heat from radiators or campfires will shrink the leather and ruin the adhesive bonding the EVA midsole.
3. Reproof with Suede Waterproofer: When water stops beading on the outer suede, treat the damp boots with Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or a fluorocarbon-free silicone spray to restore surface water repellency.

Final Buyer’s Verdict

The CMP Moon Mid Trekking WP is the ultimate sleeper pick in budget outdoor footwear. By investing in premium brand components where they matter most—Vibram XS Trek rubber for grip, OrthoLite for cushioning, and tough suede reinforced with Kevlar for abrasion defense—CMP delivered a boot that performs like a £150 mountain hiker at a sub-£90 high-street price.

For weekend hillwalkers, Peak District ramblers, Lake District day-trippers, and three-season hikers who demand dependable mountain traction without breaking the bank, the CMP Moon Mid is an absolute home run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the CMP Moon Mid boots crampon compatible?

No. The CMP Moon Mid is a B0-rated walking boot. It has a flexible EVA midsole and lacks the rigid heel and toe welts required for semi-automatic or automatic crampons. It should only be used with flexible, elastic slip-on microspikes (like Kahtoola MICROspikes or Yaktrax) for walking on hard-packed snow and icy paths.

Do CMP hiking boots run small or large?

The CMP Moon Mid fits true to standard European sizing. If you wear an EU 42 in running shoes, order an EU 42. If you are between sizes or plan to hike exclusively with thick, heavy-cushion wool winter socks, we recommend sizing up by half a European size (e.g., EU 42.5) to ensure your toes have adequate clearance on steep downhill descents.

Is ClimaProtect as waterproof as Gore-Tex?

In our static submersion and stream crossing tests, CMP’s proprietary ClimaProtect membrane performed flawlessly, preventing water ingress as effectively as Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex retains a slight edge in long-term breathability under high cardiovascular exertion in warm weather, but for typical UK and European hillwalking conditions, ClimaProtect provides complete rain and bog protection at a much lower retail price.