Top 5 Walking Shoes
Walking shoes are an ideal lightweight alternative to the traditional walking boots. So we’ve decided to pick out our top 5 walking shoes to help you get outdoors now that the sun is out.
Before we get our top 5 walking shoe recommendations underway, let’s first discuss why you should choose a walking shoe in preference to a traditional walking boot.
From a technical perspective, walking shoes are pretty much the same as walking boots, but with a lower cuff. This means that while they offer less ankle support for long treks, they are lighter and help to maximise movement whilst walking. Walking shoes are perfectly waterproof as well with the more advanced designs sporting all manner of moisture wicking and porous technologies including Gore-Tex membranes, rich full grain leather uppers.
While walking shoes may not supply the same full blown ankle support thank hiking boots do for those really hardcore hikes, a good pair of walking shoes will be perfectly fine for all manner of treks from long walks to casual strolls with a canine companion.
A good walking shoe will be waterproof, breathable, lightweight and suitably stylish, all whilst offering excellent grip and shock absorption for roaming the countryside in complete. So stony paths, muddy fields and even water should be the last of your worries.
To find out which walking shoes are the best, we’ve selected some of the best from a mixture of brands and price points. Obviously an £80 walking shoe will outperform the rest, or so you’d hope. So to level the playing field, we’re going to award 3 prizes to the 5 nominations, which are Best Value, Best Performance and Best Looks. Obviously we’ll take all factors into account while selecting each walking shoe. After all, there’s no sense in wearing a pair of pretty outdoor shoes if they’re not waterproof and fall to bits after a short stroll.
Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR – Teak
Merrell makes some of the most comfortable shoes in the world and so their walking shoes are no exception. The Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR – Teak is the finest example of the Merrell outdoor range, featuring great looks, a Gore-Tex XCR gasket construction from which it takes its name as well as Gore-Tex XCR fabric lining and a breathable mesh upper. Suffice to say that any excess heat or sweat is going to get wicked away in microseconds and not a drop of wind or water will be getting in either! From the price, it’s clear to see that you’re paying for a lot of technology wrapped in good looks for exceptional comfort and premium quality performance.
Salomon Exit Peak – Dark Clay and Autobahn
The best selling Salomon walking shoes have a wide range of features and fine quality materials making them an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend no more than £60. Crafted from nubuck leather and slit suede leather, they’re lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking, but only water resistant, not waterproof. The attention to detail has been put into the little extras as well as good looks like the heel foam, mudguard, protective toe cap and Contagrip outsole. A great pair of walking shoes for high performance on a warm, dry day, but not ideal for wet weather.
Brasher Diablo XCR – Nut
Brasher are renowned for their brown walking boots, so it’s no surprise that they’ve expanded their range by branching out into brown walking shoes! Brasher shoes are excellent as always, providing beautifully crafted footwear with a sense of traditional while incorporating all manner of modern technologies in their design. While they may not be amongst the cheapest walking shoes our top 5, they are one of the best and it makes you wish that Brasher would shout about the technical features of their footwear a little more. But what we can tell you is that the Brasher Diablo XCR – Nut is not only beautiful and brown, but a versatile pair of Brasher shoes made from suede and tough mesh panels with a Vibram Planet sole unit for exceptional grip from the industry’s leading outsole manufacturer. Most importantly of all, the Brasher Diablo XCR takes its name from its Gore-Tex XCR membrane, which, like the Merrell Chameleon offers fast cooling comfort and absolute waterproof protection. You could very comfortable run through a stream with these Brasher shoes and they’re exceptionally comfortable to wear as well.
Hi-Tec Auckland WP – Brown and Yellow
What kind of top 5 would this be without our reigning champion in walking footwear? If you missed this article, check out our Hi-Tec Auckland WP Review to see why we think this is the best walking shoe that money can buy. Hi-Tec’s humble offering to the walking world really has it all. Waterproof protection, suede leather, moisture wicking lining, athletic trainer inspired last and a great gripping outsole. While not as technically perfected as the Merrell or Salomon, Hi-Tec Auckland WP walking shoes offer all the essentials and some very good looks, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of walkers.
New Balance – MO1520GT
New Balance have joined the walking trainer club with their New Balance – MO1520GT walking shoe. Similar in many ways to the Brasher, this model draws its design from the long history of New Balance running shoes as a sleek and durable multi sport shoe incorporating athletic features with outdoor styling. This shoe also takes its name (GT) from the Gore-Tex XCR membrane integrated into the upper, providing cool, dry comfort as well as both wind and waterproof protection. Meanwhile the split sued/mesh upper is lightweight, but hardwearing. Just like their running trainers, these New Balance – MO1520GT walking shoes are ideal for trail running, walking or simply relaxing. Meanwhile the Vibram outsole provides a versatile grip for embracing the outdoors in a wide variety of urban and woodland environments.
Conclusion
While all of these walking shoes are perfect for trail running, trekking or light strolling, each of them offers something that the others don’t whether it’s value for money, good looks or outstanding technical performance and comfort. So we’ve selected 3 that stand out from the crowd of other walking shoes.
Best Value for Money: Hi-Tec Auckland WP – Brown and Yellow
If you read out recent review of the Hi-Tec Auckland WP, you will see exactly why this walking shoe is the best that money can buy for under £40. Normally with walking shoes you get what you pay for, so the Hi-Tec Auckland is quite a bargain by offering all the essentials including waterproof protection while being tough, lightweight and good looking with a great gripping Vibram outsole. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind deviating from the expected Brasher or Salomon outdoor shoes, Hi-Tec are the company to keep your eye on for functional and affordable footwear in the outdoor market.
Best Performance: Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR – Teak
When it comes to comfort and performance Merrell and Gore-Tex are a match made in heaven. Merrell are renowned for the comfort of their footwear while Gore-Tex is the world leader in breathable, waterproof protection. Top this off with a fantastic design, a long list of foot supporting technologies and an outsole from Vibram and you couldn’t wish for more. The price is rather steep, but well worth every penny spent.
Best Looking: Salomon Exit Peak – Dark Clay and Autobahn
While I would have liked to give this award to the New Balance – MO1520GT, I just couldn’t justify the cost, especially when the Brasher offers the same technologies and similar looks for less. And so the award for Best Looking walking shoe goes to the Salomon Exit Peak – Dark Clay and Autobahn for its cool colours, and subtle, but eye catching details and little logos. A pity that it’s not waterproof, but when it comes to looking good and enjoying the warm weather when your shoes won’t be caked in mud for once, it’s perfect!
So whatever you’re looking for in your next pair of walking shoes, our top 5 should have something for everyone. But if you’d like to browse a wider range of walking shoes, then visit www.fitnessfootwear.com who offer the web’s widest choice of sports and outdoor shoes
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Comment by PRAVEEN KUMAR EHERSA on 29 March 2009:
SUPERB!I GOT ALL MY SHOE TROUBLES ANSWERS.THANK U FOR A SIMPLE BUT OUTSTANDING ARTICLE.
Comment by Dave Berridge on 6 June 2009:
Excellent article, wanted some new walking trainers, the market has such an immense range of products, so did not know where to start. This article answered all my questions, I now know what I will purchase. Thanks
Comment by Ravinderpal Kaur on 10 July 2009:
Am actually looking for a good walking shoe for ladies. There is so much variety but i am lookign for a shoe that will see me through the hot weather in Sunny Singapore as well as a trek in the mountains in India . Pls assist. Am Diabetic so a comfortable shoe is a must. Thanks
Comment by Howard Reed on 17 September 2009:
Very informative article. I have being doing research for a good pair of walking shoes. I never heard of either of the shoes in your article. I do need a good pair becaue I walk everyday and my feet hurts. Where are the store location for these shoes in the state of PA?
Comment by Marie Toikka on 17 September 2009:
I agree with Howard Reed, my feet hurt! I walk on all terrains and want to keep my feet dry.
Comment by Simon on Surrey Hills on 11 November 2009:
RE : Merrell Men’s Chameleon Wrap GTX XCR . Although they claim to be waterproof , i have found mine to let in water if walking through wet grass . The ends of my toes get mildly damp (i expected the upper part of my foot to get wet first if anything through seepage down the edge of upper tongue but i dont think it is getting in that way). Maybe a problem with my pair .Not completely sure. The outer part of the shoe does get saturated after a duration .Only i expected them to keep the inside of foot completly dry and did not(damp toes).Anyone else had the same problem ??
Comment by kiran kumar on 24 December 2009:
RE:Merrell Men’s Chameleon Wrap GTX XCR. Yes, they are seriously water proof. ive bought a pair at staines,London 0n the first week of jan 2007. and im still using it I use it every day Its really comfortable so you can walk long distances with ease.(certainly not recommended for driving as you dont feel the pedals because of the big sole).I paid 85 gbp but WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY SPENT.Im going to get another pair on coming january. best shoes i had in 15 years since ive started buying shoes.
Comment by Rose Keller on 23 April 2010:
I purchased a pair of Asics Gel-Tech Walker Neo shoes for walking in the country. According to Prevention Magazine they were one of their 4 top picks. 3 days later the ball of my right foot is swollen and painful. This did not happen with my old shoes. I hope I can get my money back.