GEAR OF THE YEAR 2022
DANNER TRAIL 2650 CAMPO GTX £190
We loved the sock-like fit of these trail shoes, which makes for good comfort while also reducing the chance of grit and debris finding its way in. You have the choice of the new waterproof Gore-Tex lined version (pictured), or the original (£160), which is cooler and more breathable for summer than the GTX version and most of its rivals. The lightweight uppers help you pick up the pace, while a grippy Vibram sole delivers solid performance underfoot. VERDICT Extremely light and breathable trail hiking shoes with stylish looks, superb comfort and good traction underfoot.
MERRELL MOAB SPEED GTX £125
For a decade Merrell’s Moab range has been the boot of choice for 20 million walkers – and the US firm has now created a modern reincarnation of its iconic boot. The Moab Speed is a lighter, lower-cut, trainer-style version, with a mesh and TPU upper, FloatPro Foam midsole for a “lightweight ride”, Gore-Tex membrane and Vibram Ecodura rubber outsole. VERDICT A lightweight, trainer-like shoe with out-of-the-box comfort.
MAMMUT DUCAN LOW GTX £150
This low-cut hiker from Mammut has striking looks, with an unusual mono tongue and offset lacing. It gets more than just style points though, since this design makes for a close fit with little slippage and nowhere for debris to find its way in. The broad forefoot is very comfortable and the toe box is slightly asymmetric for more precise footwork, with a grippy Vibram outsole. VERDICT A comfortable low-cut hiker with some clever features that make it pretty capable over varied terrain. A good choice for long day hikes or summit-bagging missions with a light pack.
SALEWA WILDFIRE 2 £140
One of the most innovative approach shoes we’ve tested in recent years, the Wildfire has a Switchfit adjustable lacing system that enables you to get a close, precision fit for trickier scrambling sections, or a more relaxed fit for added comfort on gentler terrain. A stiffer ‘edging plate’ under the toes, a grippy outsole and lacing that extends all the way to the toes further boost technical performance.
VERDICT A close and precise-feeling approach shoe with an adaptable fit that provides good walking comfort on mountain tracks, as well as the capability to perform on graded scrambles.
DYNAFIT TRANSALPER GTX £170
Alpine brand Dynafit are best known for their ski touring boots and trail running shoes, but the new Transalper GTX is a step in a different direction. It’s a fast-and-light approach shoe equipped with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, a precision lacing system and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, which incorporates a smooth ‘climbing zone’ at the toe for edging on steeper ground.
VERDICT Unlike many approach shoes that feel heavy and unforgiving underfoot, this is a lightweight and streamlined mountain shoe that combines agility with durability.
SCARPA RUSH TRAIL GTX £165
The Rush Trail GTX is a shoe version of the Rush TRK lightweight boot introduced last year. The upper features scratchresistant leather for waterproofing, breathability and durability, and is matched with a PFC Free Gore-Tex lining. The Presa Supergum sole – created by Scarpa’s in-house development team – has trekking-oriented lugs with different thicknesses to aid downhill braking and provide grip on slopes. VERDICT Like its boot big brother, the Rush Trail offers durability, stability and grip for maximum comfort over long distances and varied terrain.