Give your feet the support they deserve with our pick of the best walking shoes and socks
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe – £115, columbiasportswear.co.uk
What the brand says: The Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe features a waterproof breathable upper and no-sew overlays to keep your feet dry and protected whatever the weather. The Navic Fit System delivers natural midfoot lockdown, and the mid-height ankle keep you stable when the conditions get tough. The engineered Techlite+ midsole provides cushioning and cradles the heel for optimal balance, while the deflection domes in the forefoot and heel absorb impact, working together to reduce stress on the foot. There’s also a rugged grippy outsole which offers exceptional traction in wet and muddy conditions, with deep flex grooves in the forefoot to offer enhanced motion and a more efficient stride.
What we say: Usually, I dread putting on my hiking boots – especially on a hot summer’s day. Most hiking boots I’ve tried are bulky and weighty, and while this offers extra protection and warmth in winter, you really don’t want to be heaving hot and heavy weights on your feet with every step during the summer months.
When I first stepped into these shoes, I was immediately impressed by just how lightweight they were. I confess, I didn’t think it was possible for hiking shoes to be this nimble. I thought heftiness was just part of the package – the price you pay for stability and robustness. These boots proved otherwise.
As with any walking shoes, it did take a few walks for me to break them in and to feel fully comfortable for the duration of the walk – but once they had adjusted to my feet, it was a real pleasure to walk in them. Perfectly negotiating the fine line between hiking boot and walking shoe, they are lightweight enough to feel like you’re walking in thin and breathable trainers, and protective enough to shield you from the elements and smooth out rough terrain underfoot.
The waterproofing is particularly impressive, especially when you consider how lightweight and breathable the upper is – I thought a hiking boot needed to feature a thick and heavy upper to seal the rain out: I’m happy to say, these boots proved me wrong yet again. The mid-height ankle felt a little awkward at first because I’m used to higher-cut hikers, but it’s definitely the right cut for warmer walks and works well to keep the feet secure and ankles stable. I’m usually a UK size 6, but I did find this size to be ever-so-slightly snug, so it might be worth going up a half-size, especially if you’re planning to wear thicker walking socks underneath.
Vionic 23Walk 2.0 Trainer – £120, vionicshoes.co.uk
What the brand says: With upgraded materials, 23Walk 2.0 delivers the same unmatched Vio Motion support that made the original 23Walk trainer an icon, promising cushioning, arch support, stability and flexibility. Featuring a premium leather or suede upper, a durable rubber outsole for excellent traction, a breathable, moisture-wicking 100 per cent polyester mesh liner with PU foam base to reduce friction, and an EVA midsole with built-in 0.5” elevation for a smooth transition in heel-to-toe strike zone, these walking trainers make the perfect all-day shoe.
What we say: As a seasoned technical walking shoe wearer but a Vionic virgin, I had no idea what to expect from these trainers. Turns out I was pleasantly surprised! I’d describe my feet as narrow, but I’m used to sizing up my trainers to give my feet room to expand during active pursuits, and I enjoyed the roomy toe box of these wide-fit shoes. Blessedly, these shoes didn’t rub my feet in the slightest and required zero breaking in. I attribute this to the excellent fit, the low cut around the ankle and the generous padding at the ankle and heel, as well as the moisture-wicking mesh liner. That said, I did follow Vionic’s advice to wear the shoes for just a few hours a day for the first few weeks to allow my feet to adjust to the new level of orthotic comfort and support. I’m accustomed to wearing trainers with max cushioning, so I immediately noticed the firmness of the midsole, especially in the heel. However, that’s not to say I found the 23Walk 2.0 uncomfortable. On the contrary, my high arches really appreciated the superb underfoot support – I just needed to get used to a not-so-springy ride. Surprisingly lightweight, I was particularly impressed with the traction and stability that I enjoyed over uneven terrain in wet conditions, especially when I moved from pavement to softer ground. As much as it surprises me to say this, I genuinely might consider swapping my trusted walking shoe brand for Vionic in the future.
Don’t forget the socks!
1000 Mile Fusion Socklet Repreve – £14.50, 1000mile.co.uk
Cleverly feature two layers to eliminate friction and irksome blisters. Perfect for pairing with walking trainers, the breathable and sustainable socklets also feature padded zones for extra comfort.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks – £28, darntough.uk
Offer increased breathability thanks to ventilating mesh panels. There’s also a smooth ribbing upper that promises a secure fit, plus extended cushioning over the Achilles for added comfort.
BAM Technical Bamboo Walking Socks – £22, bambooclothing.co.uk
Feature supersoft Merino and absorbent, breathable bamboo viscose. There’s also a half-cushioned foot bed with an elasticated rib on the ankle and arch for support.
DARE2B Unisex Merino Walking Socks – £35, dare2b.com
Feature a Merino wool blend to naturally regulate temperature and moisture. The lightly cushioned heel and sole add comfort while ribbed arch support adds stability for dynamic movement.
