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What better time than now to pick up a new pair of walking shoes for the wide variety of amazing terrain this country has to offer?
The best walking shoes at a glance
Why walking shoes, not boots?
Walking shoes differ from boots in many ways – they are lighter, less clumping, often more comfortable and easier to carry.
They also work better in terms of dual use – one would be very comfortable putting on a pair of walking shoes to go into town or run errands for example. They can be breathable, very comfortable and easy to walk on.
Walking boots, however, not so much – everyday use of lumpier, taller boot options can be tiring, hot and blistering. Summer is a great time to invest in more breathable shoes like the ones we’ve listed here.
Why walking shoes and not sneakers?
They may look like sneakers, but make no mistake, these shoes mean business. If you’re frustrated with the poor performance of sneakers or everyday athletic shoes (and in some circumstances stepping out these types of shoes in certain terrains can be downright dangerous), then these options will get you going for a walk in the woods. muddy or dragging a piece of cake.
What to look for in a walking shoe
Look for good ankle support, as these shoes sit lower than standard hiking boots, so you’ll need extra padding to ensure you don’t injure yourself.
An easily cleanable upper material will also work to your advantage – leather or an easy to clean or easily machine washable material works best here (if used correctly, you’ll definitely make them muddy!)
Look for good laces that close well and securely, and be sure to pay close attention to width – too narrow a shoe and your walking experience is likely to be rather less than optimal, or even very uncomfortable.
Get ready for your hiking and backpacking adventures.
Here are eight of our favorite women’s hiking shoes on the market right now.
Keen Ridge Flex Raincoat
Best for: best all-around hiker
Key specs – Weight: N/A; Waterproof? Yes; Color options: 3; Sizes: 2.5-9.
If you want a walking shoe that can still tackle tough mountain adventures like your favorite hiking shoes can, Keen’s low-top version of their popular new Ridge Flex hiking shoe might be your new best mate.
This shoe uses Keen’s latest innovation to help you walk further – “Bellows Flex” is an accordion insert in the upper of the shoe that is designed to move with your foot and provide better comfort over long distances.
These are definitely a comfortable pair of shoes to wear when you’re logging miles or taking a multi-day walk, and are also waterproof enough to keep your feet dry in a sudden downpour.
An excellent choice for summer hikes.
Buy now
Haglöfs Trail Fuse GTX
Key specs – Weight: 260g; Waterproof? Yes; Color options: 4; Sizes: 36-42.
Hate the bulky, heavy feel of traditional hiking boots? Replace them with ultralight Trail Fuses Haglofs, which weigh only 130g per shoe.
It might barely seem there, but this trail shoe means business, with sticky grip, a durable outsole and excellent waterproofing thanks to Gore-Tex technology.
Haglofs borrowed expertise from running shoe brand Asics to design the gel insoles for these walking shoes – the result is a super comfortable shoe that molds to the shape of your feet.
These are the holy grail of walking shoes – waterproof in wet weather, but breathable in hot weather. Top marks.
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Merrell Moab Speed GTX
Best for: walks in all weathers
Key specs –Weight: 600g; Waterproof? Yes; Color options: 4; Sizes: 2.5-8.5.
If comfort is at the top of your walking shoe shopping list, go for a pair of new Moab Speeds from Merrell – they’re awesome and comfortable to wear right out of the box.
This rugged design may not be as breathable or as lightweight as some of the lightest shoes we tested, but it really shines in tough weather, when the Moab Speed provides excellent grip even on wet terrain. or slippery thanks to ever-reliable Vibram soles, excellent waterproofing, so you can power through puddles with ease, and enough warmth to work on “shoulder season” rides in the fall and spring.
We also appreciate Merrell’s commitment to using recycled materials.
Buy now
About Cloudventure
Best for: quick hikes
Key specs – Weight: 240g; Waterproof? Nope; Color options: 5; Sizes: 3-9.
These sneakers may have been designed for trail runners, but we love the Cloudventure for hiking just as much – it’s a great investment if you want a reliable shoe that can tackle both disciplines.
At just 240g, On’s design is the lightest shoe in our selection, and it’s so comfortable and liberating that you’ll barely know you’re wearing it – until you hit tough terrain, when the Cloudventure offers impressive grip even on wet rocks.
For moving long distances quickly over dry terrain, you can’t go wrong with the Cloudventure, and a waterproof version is also available for £150 if you’re heading outdoors in tougher weather.
Buy now
Scarpa Cyrus
Best for: walk in the countryside
Key specs – Weight: 940g; Waterproof? Yes; Color options: 1; Sizes: 4-8.
There’s nothing better for the mercurial – and often downright chilly – British summer than a pair of leather walking shoes. Scarpa’s Cyrus Hiker May Look So Classic It’s Almost Retro
But when it comes to technology, this design is state-of-the-art, with a fully waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and grippy Vibram soles – this combo is ideal for dealing with sudden changes in the weather when you’re off the beaten track. .
This sleek and warm nubuck leather outer material makes these boots heavy at 940g, so they are better suited to shorter distances rather than strenuous multi-day hikes.
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Vivo Barefoot Ultra III Bloom
Best for: aquatic adventures
Key specs – Weight: 340g; Waterproof? Nope; Color options: 2; Sizes: 3-9. Vivo Barefoot shoes are designed to be “foot-shaped, not shoe-shaped”, and their flexible soles allow your feet to feel more of the terrain underfoot, barefoot, while you walk, while providing a some protection.
Their futuristic Ultra III Bloom is the perfect summer walking shoe whether you’re exploring by the sea or stopping for a wild swim, as it can be worn in water as well as on land.
These perforated shoes are obviously not waterproof, but they offer good protection against underwater rocks and dry quickly and keep your feet cool when you get back on the trail.
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Ryka’s Flashback
Key specs – Weight: N/A; Waterproof? Nope; Color options: 3; Sizes: 5-11. If you want the look of an urban sneaker but the performance of a trail shoe, Ryka’s affordable Switchback could be your new wear-everywhere summer shoe.
It’s a shame this smart sneaker isn’t waterproof, but for those dry days when you want to hit the trails and city streets in just one comfortable pair of shoes, it’s a great choice, and the breathability of the Switchback makes for a good pair of shoes quiver of one to take with you on vacation for walking, sightseeing and wearing to the gym.
They’re also cheaply priced, around £50.
Buy now
Aku Bellamont III Lux GTX
Best for: best leather shoe
Key specs – Weight: 430g; Waterproof? Yes; Color options: 2; Sizes: 3 to 13. Who knew sensible sneakers could be so stylish? Aku’s Italian-designed hiking boots are the last word in style and substance, and the same goes for their walking shoes.
These Gore-Tex treated nubuck leather trainers will go anywhere you go, and can handle sudden mountain storms as well as the pub.
Chunky Vibram soles make this one of the heaviest walking shoes we tested, but that sturdy grip is worth the extra few grams.
We recommend cleaning the suede leather exterior material of the Bellamonts regularly to keep it looking great.
Buy now
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-12 11:08:11
