SEVEN OF THE BEST WALKING SHOES

Low-cut, lightweight and grippy footwear for warm-weather wanders

Fellmaster Active GTX, Berghaus, £125

A walking shoe that feels from the off.

lightweight comfortable

Toe and heel caps offer robust on rough terrain and the

protection

Vibram sole is reassuring in wet weather. The overall weight grippy of 870g (750g for the women’s version) barely registers, which meant I still had a spring in my step after a full day’s walking. The OrthoLite insole provides long-lasting and the wellmade,

cushioning Nubuck uppers should last years without a

breathable serious drop in performance. Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, the but these are shoes for spring and

waterproofing is sound summer walks and they would be overwhelmed in a downpour, or in puddles deeper than 4cm. Even long, dewy grass wet my feet when moisture came over the side of the shoe.

VERDICT:

A stylish walking shoe with a carefully judged balance

FC of comfort, protection and weight.

TX5 Low GTX, La Sportiva, £150

This heavy-duty shoe instantly brings to mind a cut-down hiking boot, and in fact there is a full-height version. Both formats seem alike from the ankle down: with a chunky

extremely well protected, heel, a and a beefy rand – the bumper

substantial rubber toecap around the bottom of the shoe – all topped with tough

Nubuck uppers. The result is a pair of shoes that can take some leather serious punishment in rugged, rocky environments, and look as if they should last for years. The necessary consequence though is that they feel a little hefty, oddly heavier than other shoes of similar weight (760g–1,100g, depending on size; the women’s version is a little lighter). Despite this, I have a soft spot for them. I do like the way they look, but some hikers may find them a little hard work.

Verdict:

Handsome, durable, supremely solid; slightly

JP cumbersome.

Terradora II Low waterproof hiking trainers, Keen, £99.99

These (630g) shoes for women feel like sports

super-lightweight footwear and are extremely comfortable: arch support is good, and my heel felt secure. The breathable mesh uppers keep your feet fresh on warm days. The Keen Dry membrane is showerproof, but won’t keep moisture out for long, so stay clear of puddles.

The outsole is sturdy and the 4mm lugs provide on

decent grip undemanding surfaces. Protection is minimal to keep the shoe light, though there is some rubber to protect the toe.

Verdict: HC A good shoe for dry-weather walks on gentle terrain.

Belorado II Low Lady GTX, Hanwag, €180

The (710g) feel of these shoes was a good match for lightweight local lockdown walks in easy terrain – canals, country tracks, grassland and gravel roads. The outsole has a fairly shallow tread which is good for level surfaces, but less effective on areas of loose stone, where they were prone to slip. They offer decent support and a durable rubber cap protects the toe. The suede and fabric mix over the rest of the shoe gives it a appearance. The smart provides good, breathable comfort. waterproof Gore-Tex lining

If you have wide feet, you may find the fit a bit narrow.

Verdict: HC

Good for gentle terrain.

Jorvik Trail, Altberg, £174.99

This classic unisex shoe from Yorkshire bootmaker Altberg is made from one piece of leather with minimal seams, resulting in a clean, traditional look and a shoe. The leather is and

durable supple water-repellent, and is far more forgiving than first impressions suggest, soon loosening to complement the shape of your foot. A helps keep your feet dry. The Vibram

waterproof membrane outsole, made from shock-absorbing rubber, has well-defined lugs that on most terrains, including mud, rock and grass.

grip well Verdict:

Traditional, hard-wearing, comfortable: a good choice

DG for low-level walking in spring and summer.

Sky Toa Gore-Tex, Hoka One One, £160

I’ve broken a rule to allow in a shoe with some ankle protection; it’s a boot, albeit a low-profile one. That’s because for me it’s the perfect summer walking footwear. It’s supremely and comfortable

The ankle collar protects you from sprains. It’s well-balanced. light (856g; 718g for the women’s version), with mesh fabric. breathable

The Gore-Tex membrane works well. A foam midsole waterproof cushions your feet. And thanks to the Vibram Mega-Grip outsoles, I felt sure-footed and over wet and uneven ground. stable Verdict:

Outstanding summer footwear for serious hikers,

JP amblers and speed-walkers alike.