Hanwag Banks Low GTX £180

Comfortable, sturdy

Not the lightest, staid looks

If this was a one-word review, we know exactly how we’d describe the Hanwag Banks Low GTX: ‘solid’. We tested the women’s version and found it be a no-nonsense hiking shoe with the emphasis on walking comfort and high-quality construction. The result is a sturdy shoe that is built to last, employing hard-wearing nubuck leather uppers, a Gore-Tex lining and plenty of padding. The tongue is a mono type for enhanced comfort and minimal slippage. We’d say these are fairly wide fitting, even in the regular size (there’s also a bunion fit). Grip is good, with a versatile tread pattern that works in a variety of settings. It’s actually a different sole unit to the Banks boot, featuring angled lugs of Hanwag’s own design rather than the boot’s Vibram Endurance Pro outsole. Still, it is ideal for low-level walks – a classic rambler shoe – while being stable enough for hill days too. The blunt toe box deflects trail debris well enough, though there is no toe bumper. We did wonder about the unusual turn-over stitch along the outer edge of the uppers, which creates an awkward nook (or is it a cranny?) for dirt to get lodged in. And it’s not the lightest hiker around – in fact, it is heavier than the Keen boots tested here and only fractionally lighter than the Akus. Having said that, they don’t feel noticeably heavy on the feet and ample cushioning helps avoid any foot fatigue.

Weight 415g Men’s sizes 6-14 (inc half sizes) Women’s sizes 3.5-9 (inc half sizes)