We test the latest in walking footwear so you can hit the trails in comfort and style!
1 KEEN WK400
(£134.99, keenfootwear.com.de/en-gb) These shoes have a high-traction outsole thanks to multi-directional lug patterns. The KEEN.CURVE soles provide a constant curve from toe to heel for non-stop propulsion helping you go further and faster. Webbing loops on the heels make for easy pull-on and a nylon plate gives added stability. They also have natural odour-control technology with performance mesh upper with TPU overlays for durability. Offset lacing relieves pressure on top of your foot and the removable PU insole gives long-lasting comfort.
VERDICT ‘As an editor of a fitness magazine, I’ve walked many miles in hiking shoes – some I’ve loved, some I’ve never worn again, but the technology Keen has packed into the WK400s makes them a standout star. Very different from running, Keen discovered the legs act as a pendulum when walking, which causes the foot to move in a constant arc. KEEN.CURVE technology facilitates this and, honestly, I’ve never been so fast. There’s also a high-energy midsole and 10mm heel-to-forefoot drop, which further add forward momentum. For a speed walk, I’d recommend nothing else.’ Sarah, Editor of Women’s Fitness. 1 TOPSANTÉ 46 @TopSanteUK Facebook.com/TopSanteMagazine
2 VIVOBAREFOOT TRACKER II FG WOMENS
(£190, vivobarefoot.com/uk) Hard-wearing, lightweight, and waterproof, this boot lets you tackle any terrain while reconnecting you to nature. The Firm Ground (FG) sole offers multi-terrain traction and a sticky rubber compound for all round grip and durability. It has a 2.5mm base and 4mm lug height designed to maximise ground feel and grip on everything from wet and dry, rocky, and firm terrain. The textured arch provides zonal grip for technical trail movement. Made using hydrophobic treatments, non-absorbent materials, sealed seams, and an inner breathable membrane to make it waterproof.
VERDICT ‘I love how wide these boots are – my feet felt they had room to spread out. The sole is tough but flexible, and I liked being able to feel the ground beneath my feet. Good for most terrains, they were a little slippery when walking down smooth, wet surfaces, but they were lightweight and comfy from the first wear with good ankle support, and kept my feet dry.’ Emma, Editorial Assistant.
3 3 TRACKER DECON FG2
(£180, vivobarefoot.com/uk) Feel the wild and protect the wild with the Tracker Decon FG2. The outsole gives improved multi-terrain grip, and the upper, made from Woolmark wool and wildhide leather, brings extra flex. A reimagined FG sole, made from natural materials, markedly improves all-terrain grip with deeper lugs [protrusions on the sole of the shoe], intelligent spacing and faster mud shed
