Buying Guide Walking shoes
Expert advice on the kit that makes a difference
YOUR COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE TO
YOU’LL SEE THEM called many things: trail shoes, approach shoes and simply walking shoes. But at brass tacks, they are all the same thing: lightweight footwear made for walking, but without the rigid ankle support or all-round protection of a boot. What you get is something lighter, less inhibiting and cooler - something ideally suited to warm summer hikes.
That said, they are still a vast improvement on ordinary trainers. They’re generally waterproof (or at least, water-resistant), sturdier, and offer firm support for your feet over uneven terrain. The soles are more durable too, providing better traction on rock and loose ground, with a deeper tread and grippier rubber. Many also provide the toe protection of lightweight boots. So when you don’t need the ankle support of a full boot, they’re a comfier, more breathable alternative for most kinds of walking; whether it’s a woodland trail or a demanding day on the Pennine Way.
Some shoes are built to be as sturdy as possible, while others focus more on speed, low weight or comfort. Some even try to combine elements of all those attributes. For this test, we’ve cast the net wide to find a range of options that covers all the bases. So whatever your preference, there should be something here to suit.
About our reviews
We’ve chosen 10 pairs of shoes which should be widely available online and in stores in the lifetime of this issue. Lara and Nick tested six each, but most come in both men’s and women’s styles (indicated by these dots). We rate each shoe on comfort (how it feels), performance, versatility (how it copes with a variety of terrains and conditions) and value for money. We don’t pick an overall winner as no single option will suit every walker’s needs, but Lara and Nick have both chosen a stand-out favourite, and the pair which represents the best value for money.
£75 - £125
HI-TEC
Auckland Lite WP
RRP £75 Target Price £45
Hi-Tec have long been known for their value-for-money outdoor footwear, and this is no exception, costing significantly less than any of the other shoes on test, even at the RRP. These combine a suede leather and synthetic mesh upper with a waterproof/breathable membrane and a rugged (but modestly sized) rubberised toecap, along with a cushioned midsole and sturdy outsole. For my fairly average-shaped feet, the fit is a little close at the widest part of the foot, meaning these are a better choice for those with narrower feet. They feel reassuringly supportive, but with reasonable levels of flex in the sole at the forefoot, meaning I’ve been perfectly happy doing a variety of walks in them on mixed terrain, with or without a day-pack. They feel chunkier than most of the others I tested,
