Don’t squander the last of summer in the gym. The MH Lab team took to the hills to track down the best walking boots for intrepid soles
09 HIT NEW PEAKS
10 FIELD TEST
It’s a myth that cardio gains can only be born out of pain. Naturally, you’ll get fitter if you’re charging through six-minute miles in a weighted vest or going hell for leather on the stationary bike. But there are more congenial ways to get your cardio kicks.
Hiking is a great way to get your heart pumping – boosting cardiorespiratory fitness and burning calories while strengthening the muscles in your lower body and core. That it’s beginner friendly and easy on your joints helps, too.
Whether you’re planning a late-summer excursion or have ambitions to hit the trails this autumn, a trusty pair of boots is mandatory. Odds are your tatty old gym trainers aren’t fit for the task.
The best boots are supportive but not blisterinducing, water-resistant and sufficiently grippy to handle challenging terrain. Whether you’re an avid trekker or new to the game, our MH Lab experts put a selection of market-leading boots through fair-weather rambles and gruelling hikes alike, covering a range of distances to find the pairs that truly go the extra mile. Here are our five favourites.
01 STRONG STARTER
81/100
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe £180, adidas.co.uk
KEEP IT CASUAL If comfort is a priority, get these on your radar. More like trainers than boots, they’re light and don’t chafe at all. They offer good traction on coastal paths and forest trails, as well as protection from the rain.
EXPERT VERDICT They were a dream on casual walks, but testers said they would want more support on treks over challenging terrain, and the trainer-like design lost points on ankle stability. Size up if wearing thick hiking socks.
02 SOFT LANDING
83.5/100
Nike ACG Air Zoom Gaiadome Gore-Tex £204.95, nike.com
YOUR NEW FLEX These Nikes stand out from the crowd. The high cut and ankle padding provide ample support and don’t feel too weighty on the move. They also hold up well in grim weather.
EXPERT VERDICT The chunky soles made trekking on tough terrain comfy; one tester said it was like ‘walking on clouds’. Some felt the soles were too flexible on rocky paths, but all agreed they were faultless on even ground.
03 ON A SHOESTRING
83/100 Decathlon Quechua Waterproof Mountain Walking Shoes MH500 Mid £79.99, decathlon.co.uk
BUDGET BUY Once worn in, they ticked most of our outdoor adventure boxes. The soles are sturdy and testers finished hikes blister-free. They kept water out, too – even in heavy rain – and dried quickly when the s
