Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX £190

Named after the 2650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, this versatile trail shoe from US brand Danner is proving to be a favourite with all of Trail’s gear testers.

Ellie tried the latest GoreTex equipped women’s version and was similarly impressed. She particularly appreciated their low weight and excellent out-of-the-box comfort, which makes these well suited to long, leg-sapping hill days.

They also provide a good balance between underfoot cushioning, protection and support, thanks to a spongy EVA foam rubber midsole, which is stiffened with a plastic ‘Trailguard’ shank. This does a good job of absorbing shocks while also fending off impacts from sharp stones and the like.

The well-proven Vibram Megagrip outsole provides reliable all-round traction too. A sock-like upper wraps the foot snugly, with an integrated, stretchy tongue that helps to stop grit and other debris from finding its way in (though the flipside is that they’re not the easiest to get on and off).

And admittedly, this closer fit, in conjunction with the Gore-Tex lining, does make the GTX version of the Campo warmer than its non-waterproof counterpart. Then again, a waterproof trail shoe can be worn across a wider range of conditions, which makes more sense in climates like the UK.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

Every time we review these shoes, they get more expensive. The standard Trail 2650 Campo is now £160. This version adds a Gore-Tex liner and another £30 to the RRP. And that’s not cheap.

■ WEIGHT 554g (women’s 7.5) ■ UPPER Leather and textile mesh with synthetic overlays ■ MEMBRANE Gore-Tex ■ OUTSOLE Vibram Megagrip ■ MEN’S SIZES US 7-14, medium & wide fit

■ WOMEN’S SIZES US 5-11, medium fit

Verdict

Top notch, striking the ideal balance between stability, low weight and comfort. It’s just a shame the price keeps going up.

“Great for long, leg-sapping hill days”