Jen and Sim Benson have been testing walking gear on behalf of the Ramblers since 2019. With a wealth of outdoor and walking experience they have tested all kinds of walking related kit, from boots and poles to jackets and wellies. 

Walking shoes generally fit into one of two main categories. The first are those whose design is based on traditional hiking boots. These feature sturdy, inflexible sole units combined with hardwearing, protective uppers made from waterproof leather, suede or a similar weight synthetic fabric. The second are those evolved from trail running shoes, with a lighter and more flexible sole, breathable upper and often a more tapered shape for precise foot placements. 

Which type you choose depends on personal preference and the terrain and conditions you’ll encounter. Regardless of its style, the most important factor in choosing the right shoes is that they fit your feet perfectly, so it’s well worth trying on a few before making the final decision. 

 

Women’s Choices 

 

La Sportiva Mutant RRP £155 

www.lasportiva.com 

Designed for superb grip and protection on long runs over varying terrain, La Sportiva’s Mutants are also a great choice for those looking for a high-performing lightweight walking shoe. The footbed is very supportive, particularly through the arch. Combined with wraparound lacing the result is a snug, foot-hugging fit that doesn’t feel restrictive. The ride is smooth and cushioned, with plenty of protection from rocky ground and yet enough ground feel for secure and precise foot placements. The tongue acts as an integrated gaiter to prevent debris entering the shoe. The outsole is made from a sticky rubber with aggressive tread for excellent grip. 

 

Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex £140

www.salomon.com 

A great all-round waterproof hiking shoe, the X Ultra 360 provides wraparound support through a lightweight, reinforced upper and great grip and protection in a sole unit that combines good cushioning and support with enough flex for comfort and precision. Suitable for lower-level walking or everyday wet weather wear. 

 

Scarpa Rush 2 GTX £175

www.scarpa.co.uk 

The classic and popular women's Rush GTX walking shoe has had an update, improving the experience for those wanting a lightweight, high-performance shoe for fast-and-light explorations. Support and protection have been upgraded with a new anti-torsion system, while the sole unit now offers even better comfort and cushioning and a smoother ride. A Gore-tex membrane makes it an ideal choice for lower-level wet weather walks.

 

Zamberlan 335 Circe GTX walking shoe RRP £190

www.zamberlan.co.uk 

Named after the Greek enchantress who, according to the Odyssey, walked the world for a hundred generations, Zamberlan’s Circe hiking shoe is designed by women specifically for the female foot. Like many of the similar lightweight walking shoes on the market, the Circe draws on trail running shoe technology.  It combines, nimbleness and precision with a slightly sturdier and more protective frame to cope with the demands of long-distance walking. The suede-effect upper looks great, with a reinforced toe and heel for protection and durability. A Vibram Megagrip outsole offers a good combination of flex, support and grip. A Gore-Tex membrane and slightly higher cut at the ankle help to keep your feet dry. 

 Men’s Choices 

 

Scarpa Spin Infinity RRP £155

www.scarpa.co.uk 

Designed for long distance trail running we think the low weight, cushioned sole and good grip translate well into a lightweight walking shoe. They aren’t waterproof but this makes them more breathable, so best suited for walking on surfaced trails and general summer use. The fit is snug and supportive around the foot with a roomy toe box. A sock like inner avoids rubbing. The upper is light and supportive with TPU overlays to increase durability. Our test pair has done over 600km so far and are still going strong. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is grippy on trails, but the depth of the tread mean it struggles in deeper mud. Made with no animal products, they are suitable for vegans.   

 

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GTX RRP £175

www.salewa.com 

A technical walking shoe that’s ideal for handling mountain terrain, it’s also stylish and comfortable for everyday use and easier trails. These shoes are light, comfortable, supportive and grippy, with good all round foot protection. Salewa’s own Pomoca outsole has a deep and tough tread which works well on all surfaces. We tested the Gore-Tex waterproof version which are protective and probably most versatile for UK use but this lightweight walking shoe is also available without GTX (at RRP £130) for increased breathability. The upper is very tough with a to-the-toe lacing and heel support system to ensure a precise fit. 

 

AKU Rocket DFS GTX RRP £169.99

www.aku.it      

A tough fast hiking shoe with a very supportive feel that’s suitable for technical mountain terrain and scrambling. The dual fit lacing system (DFS) allows you to lace them comfortably for normal walking and then use the quick lace system to create a more precise climbing fit. Vibram Megagrip rubber is very grippy on rock and trails.the traction lug tread pattern with a pronounced heel works well in mud and on grass. They have a firmer ride and less cushioning than some of the trail running inspired shoes but still offer good underfoot protection and comfort. The upper is tough and supportive with a deep heel that holds the foot well. A Gore-Tex membrane keeps you dry. 

 

Inov-8 Roclite GTX £140

www.inov-8.com    

This lightweight walking shoe draws on Inov-8’s running pedigree, just a little stiffer and more protective specifically for the demands of walking. It has a roomy toebox and a secure heel for comfort and blister prevention. Good cushioning, a rockplate for underfoot protection, and a seamless one-piece upper with Inov-8s Meta-Cradle for a secure fit all combine for a comfortable wear all day long. A Gore-Tex liner also keeps your feet dry, making this a great choice for low-level winter walks. The Stickygrip rubber outsole has 6mm studs that grip well on rock or in mud. A mid-height version, which offers a little more support and wading depth, is available for £150.    

*  Recommended retail prices correct at the time of writing.  Please refer to manufacturer or retailer websites for the very latest pricing information.     

    

Explore more  

Our gear testers, Sim & Jen Benson have a wealth of outdoor and walking experience.  They provide regular gear reviews and kit advice in Walk magazine, the Ramblers quarterly magazine that forms part of your Ramblers membership benefits. Join today from only £3.58 per month.    

Ramblers Members also receive a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, home to many of the outdoor brands featured in this article and a great place to get expert advice on walking gear. When this discount is used a percentage of the purchase price is returned to the Ramblers to help us look after the places you love to explore.