HOKA ONE ONE
Challenger Mid GTX
RRP: £160 Target price: £140 Weight: 340g
La Sportiva call this a winter trail running shoe, but that essentially means it a) has a bit more protection than the average running shoe and b) is fully waterproof. And that, if you think about it, is also the definition of a good walking shoe. The are integrated into the upper, and they tuck away into walkers can wear ‘running kit’ and love it. lasportiva.com VERDICT:
★★★★★
RRP: £140 Target price: £140 Weight: 412g
Given that Hoka’s USP is a thick, deep outsole that absorbs impacts and converts them into propulsion, they might not be the first brand you think of for lightweight footwear. And yet for all that additional matter underfoot, this midcut, low-ankle boot weighs not much more than the Keen shoe. It’s good for all terrains but especially hills, because in addition to having Gore-Tex, it really takes the pain of impact out of long descents. So although they’re great for fast movers, they also offer enough support and comfort for walkers with lower leg injuries or complaints, and slower movers who want support without deadweight. It also comes in wide, non-waterproof and shoe versions. hokaoneone.eu
VERDICT:
★★★★★