QUECHUA Ultra Lightweight FH500

RRP £65 Target price £65

The FH500s are unconventional shoes, in the best possible way. For starters they’re billed as boots by makers Quechua, but we’re classing them as souped-up trainers. What sets them apart is their sewn-in spats, or ‘antiintrusion gaiters,’ as Quechua calls them. These close-fitting neoprene collars seal out the small stones and vegetation that otherwise find their way inside, causing damage and discomfort. On the flipside it means the FH500s aren’t shoes you can slip into and out of effortlessly, but this brings me swiftly to their second novel feature, which offsets any faff. Pulled tight with the toggle tucked away in its own pouch, the ‘quick laces’ secured my feet in a jiffy. Speed is what FH500’s are all about (the ‘FH’ stands for ‘fast hiking’) and I practically bounced along in them thanks to their light weight and spongy midsoles. They bite well into dirt and stony surfaces as well. And while I may only have subjected them to drizzle, I can vouch for the waterproofness of their allsynthetic uppers too. They won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s exciting to see innovation at this low price. PT

INFO: Sizes: EU39-47 Weight per shoe: 430g (43) Membrane: Yes Contact: 0207 0643 000, decathlon.co.uk

Wonderfully light, nifty features, low price

A faff to get into and out of COMFORT: ★★★★ ★

SUPPORT: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

VERSATILITY: ★★★★ ★

VALUE FOR MONEY: ★★★★★

BEST FOR: Fleet-footed summer walks and multi-day hikes.