Walking and hiking shoes are a great alternative

Walking shoes – lightweight, less clumpy than boots, often more comfortable

What better time than now to purchase a new pair of walking shoes for the wide variety of amazing terrain this country has to offer?

Walking shoes differ in a number of key ways from boots - they’re more lightweight, less clumpy, often more comfortable and easy to transport.

They also work better in terms of dual usage - we would be very comfortable putting on a pair of walking shoes to go into town or to the shops, for instance. They can be breathable, very comfortable and easy to walk in.

Walking boots however, not so much - everyday usage of more clumpy, higher boot options can be tiring, hot and blister-inducing.

Summer’s a great time to invest in more breathable shoes like the ones we’ve listed here.

They may look like trainers but make no mistake, these shoes mean business. If you’re frustrated by the poor performance of everyday trainers or sports shoes (and in some circumstances, taking these kinds of shoes out and about on certain terrain can be downright dangerous), then these options will make traipsing around in the muddy woods or trails a piece of cake.

Look for good ankle support, as these shoes are lower than standard hiking boots, so you’ll need some extra padding there to make sure you don’t injure yourself.

An easily cleanable upper material will work to your advantage too.

Visit nationalworld. com/recommended for more in-depth reviews.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX £114.75 Bit.ly/3JmnADW

If comfort is top of your walking shoe shopping list, plump for a pair of Merrell’s new Moab Speeds – impressive, comfortable to wear straight out of the box. Rugged design perhaps not as breathable or lightweight as some of the lightest shoes tested, but stands out in tough weather, when the Moab Speed offers great grip even on wet or slippery terrain.

Keen Ridge Flex £149.99 Bit.ly/3Zm9LuV

If you want a walking shoe that can still tackle tough mountain adventures like your favourite hiking boots can, Keen’s low shoe version of their popular new Ridge Flex hiking boot might be your new best mate. Using Keen’s latest innovation it helps you hike further – helps move with your foot and offer better comfort over long distances.

On Cloudventure £140 Bit.ly/3ITrbYO

These trainers may have been designed with trail runners in mind, but we like the Cloudventure just as much for hiking – this is a great investment if you want one trusty shoe that can tackle both disciplines. For moving fast over long distances on dry terrain, you can’t go wrong with the Cloudventure, and a waterproof version is also available for £150.

Haglofs Trail Fuse GTX £90 Bit.ly/3L0yjFw

Do you hate the clunky, heavy feeling of traditional hiking boots? Swap them for Haglofs’ light-as-anything Trail Fuses, which weigh just 130g per shoe.

It may feel barely-there, but this trail shoe means business, with a sticky grip, a tough outer sole and great waterproofing thanks to Gore-Tex technology.

Scarpa Cyrus £154 Bit.ly/3JmABxv

There’s nothing better for the mercurial – and often downright chilly - British summertime than a sensible pair of leather walking shoes. Scarpa’s Cyrus hiking shoe may look so classic it’s almost retro. That smart and warm nubuck leather outer material makes these boots heavy at 940g, so they’re better suited to shorter distances.