Best walking shoes of 2025 for men and women: tried and tested by experts

Walking shoes are a good alternative to hiking boots, especially in the summer months when traditional boots can feel hot and unnecessarily heavy.

With such a vast array of walking shoes available, it can be tough to pinpoint the perfect pair for your needs. Understanding the challenge, the BBC Countryfile Magazine team hit the hills to put the market's top contenders through their paces, so you don't have to.

Before you buy, consider the type of supportive shoes you need. Are you after lightweight walking shoes, or something a little sturdier? Will you be using them for short weekend strolls, easy footpaths and dog walks, or more challenging multi-day adventures? Perhaps you're searching for summer walking shoes – or winter hiking shoes?

We’ve tested a variety of types of hiking shoes focusing on comfort, durability, waterproofing, and versatility, to help you find the perfect pair for your outdoor adventures.

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• How to choose walking shoes
• How we tested

Edited 21/02/2025 to update products and information. Prices are up to date as of the time of publication.

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The best walking shoes reviewed in 2025

Hoka Anacapa Low GTX

• Weight: 415g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Nubuck leather and recycled polyester
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
• Midsole: Compression-moulded EVA midsole
• RRP: £160.00

The Anacapa Low has the look and feel of a running shoe: relatively lightweight with good flexibility, and a less solid toe bumper than other designs. Reassuringly, though, there's plenty of support and protection on uneven ground, and a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane for wet weather. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs is also a welcome addition for various terrains.

These shoes could be a great choice if you like the look and prefer to plan walks rather than tough scrambling.

Pros: Good grip, comfortable shoes, waterproof
Cons: Not as tough as other shoes, style isn't for everyone

Our verdict: Accomplished shoe that balances comfort, support and performance well

Read our full review of Hoka's Anacapa Low GTX

Arc’teryx Aerios FL 2 GTX

• Weight: 394g per shoe (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Recycled polyester mesh
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
• Midsole: EVA midsole with integrated TPU shank
• RRP: €170.00

Inspired by trail running shoes, Arc'teryx has created the Aerios FL (fast and light) with a minimal weight of just 394g per shoe (UK11). The huge rand and substantial toe protection gives them bonus points for protection on rocky ground, while the one-piece recycled mesh upper should maximise durability.

Waterproofing is great, with no water ingress during our submersion test, but you may miss the breathability of other shoes in warm conditions.

The outsole lugs perform well on rock and dry ground, but can struggle on muddy tracks.

Pros: Comfortable, good support and protection, waterproof
Cons: Lacks grip in wet mud, some users say laces come undone, high price

Our verdict: Comfortable shoes for rocky or coastal paths – but not ideal for sloppy mud

Read our full review of Arc’teryx's Aerios FL 2 GTX

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX

• Weight: 420g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Synthetic
• Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip
• Midsole: EnergyCell EVA Foam
• RRP: £150.00

This stylish shoe from Salomon provides good cushioning around the ankle collar and tongue, as well as underfoot. It's flexible, to reduce foot fatigue, and the Gore-Tex lining works well.

Although we've found similar sole units slippery on wet rock, the Contragrip's chevron-style lugs felt solid in a range of conditions.

It's worth noting the questions over durability raised in several online reviews, so this pair might be one to avoid if you plan to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time.

Pros: Great traction, flexible sole, waterproof
Cons: Questions over durability

Our verdict: Comfortable, versatile and waterproof, but not without flaws

Read our full review of Salomon's X Ultra 4 GTX

Columbia Facet 75 Outdry

• Weight: 439g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Polyester mesh with sections of TPU
• Outsole: Columbia’s own Adapt Trax
• Midsole: Columbia’s Techlite PLUSH EVA midsole
• RRP: £125.00

The Facet 75 Outdry can almost double as a lifestyle shoe and provides impressive comfort throughout the day. It has plush cushioning around the tongue and ankle, and underfoot, as well as a flexible midsole, pliable mesh upper and a malleable toe bumper. Sharp stones are slightly more noticeable than they'd be with a meatier sole.

You get 5mm lugs on Columbia's outsole, which worked well in most conditions but were a little slippery on wet mud. Admittedly, you may want to keep these shoes for dry conditions; while the own-brand liner is waterproof, the tongue's bellows do let some water in if you step in deep puddles.

We liked the secure lacing system, which kept the foot in place nicely.

Pros: Great cushioning, secure fit, flexible
Cons: Not as heavy duty as others

Our verdict: Comfortable shoes with a lightweight, nimble feel, ideal for easy walks on even surfaces

Read our full review of Columbia's Facet 75 Outdry

La Sportiva TX Hike GTX

• Weight: 446g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Recycled abrasion-resistant mesh
• Outsole: Vibram Eco Step Evo with IBS
• Midsole: Eva compression with co-molded stabilising insole
• RRP: €214.50

The rigidity and protection of La Sportiva's TX Hike makes it one of the best walking shoes for anyone after the feel of a boot. It comes with a Vibram outsole, for grip even on mud, and a levelled-off front section, which comes in handy for scrambling.

The underfoot protection does reduce flexibility and ground feel slightly, but it'll boost comfort on rocky surfaces. We award the shoe bonus points for the solid heel cup and large toe bumper, providing even more durability.

Plus, we didn't see any water ingress in wet conditions.

Pros: Good traction, stable, supportive, comfortable
Cons: High price, could feel a little stiff for some

Our verdict: A sturdy and supportive shoe for rugged hill and mountain hikes

Read our full review of La Sportiva's TX Hike GTX

Danner Panorama Low Men's

• Weight: 524g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Suede
• Outsole: Danner Panorama
• Midsole: Danner Plyolite EVA midsole
• RRP: £150.00

Crated with a suede upper, these walking shoes look nice, but you may find them warm on summer hikes. They do keep rain and puddle water out well, although the bellows on the tongue end slightly lower than on other shoes.

While the midsole is pretty stiff and may be overkill for walking on well-maintained tracks, the outsole is ideal for hard-packed ground, rock and dry mud. The lugs are widely spaced though, so they didn't perform well in wet, muddy areas.

As for the downsides, it can be tricky to keep the laces taught throughout the lacing system, which can be frustrating.

Read our full review of Danner Panorama Low

Pros: Supportive, classic look
Cons: Stiff ride may not suit everyone, lacing could be improved

Our verdict: Robust, supportive and looks great, but grip and lacing aren't the best

Cotswold Wychwood Low

• Weight: 426g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Recycled plastic and synthetic materials made from 85% recycled plastic bottles
• Outsole: Own brand
• Midsole: Not stated
• RRP: £69.99

Priced at around £50, these walking shoes are a budget-friendly option – but not without flaws. We struggled with the sizing, which runs small, and at the same time experienced some heel slippage when treading through thick mud, which could be down to the slightly insecure lacing system.

The outsoles are fine on well-maintained paths, but didn't perform as well in slippery conditions. Meanwhile, the own-brand waterproof lining seemed to keep the weather at bay, apart from a small amount of water ingress around the tongue.

On the upside, these shoes have plenty of cushioning and flexibility across the midsole, and the mesh upper should be breathable. We'd recommend these shoes for easy summer walks as opposed to hikes on rough or rocky terrain.

Pros: Comfortable thanks to flexibility and cushioning, low price, includes recycled materials
Cons: Sizing runs small, traction not the best, tongue not waterproof

Our verdict: Comfortable, good cushioning around the ankle and tongue, but not without faults

Read our full review of the Cotswold Wychwood Low walking shoe

Keen Ridge Flex Low

• Weight: 541g per shoe (men’s size 10.5)
• Upper: Leather
• Outsole: Keen.All-Terrain rubber with 5mm lugs
• Midsole: EVA
• RRP: £145.00

The first thing you notice about the Ridge Flex is the useful ‘bellow’ – a big bit of concertinaed plastic just below the laces, which helps the foot bend when walking on steep gradients.

Otherwise, these heavy-duty shoes are basically boots without ankle collars. They have huge toecaps and tyre-like soles with 5mm-deep treads. They’re also reliably weatherproof, thanks to Keen’s own breathable and waterproof membrane, and have an in-built heel-lock system.

All this means they offer more protection, control and support than many other shoes. Plus, they’re made sustainably.

Pros: flexible bellows for steep hikes, durable toecaps and soles, reliably weatherproof, sustainable

Cons: unsuitable for technical rock or ferrata

Our verdict: A chunky trail-walking shoe that performs much better than it looks

Read our full review of the Keen Ridge Flex Low

Berghaus men’s Explorer FT Active / women’s Expanse

• Weight: 440g per men’s shoe, size 10.5
• Upper: PU synthetic Nubuck and 3D mesh
• Outsole: Vibram Opti-stud
• Midsole: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Fabric Lining
• RRP: £140.00

These Berghaus walking shoes may not look super exciting, but they're loaded with top-level tech, including a Gore-Tex lined upper, OrthoLite Multisport footbeds and a grippy Vibram Opti-stud sole.

They're also designed to protect you on tricky terrains, as the sturdy toecap and rubber rand extends right around the shoe. There's also an extra lace hole in case you encounter deep mud.

We'd say this shoe sits between hiking boot and trail running shoe, combining flexibility with plenty of foot support.

Pros: plenty of support and protection for tough terrains, good flexibility

Cons: may not be as durable as other hiking shoes

Our verdict: A tidy hiking shoe that quietly delivers on all its promises

Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore

• Weight: 690g (size 4; men’s 830g – size 8)
• Uppers: Textile and rubber
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
• Fit: Wide
• RRP: £140.00

With their smart and sturdy look, Jack Wolfskin's Force Striker Texapore hiking shoes are another favourite for us. They come with a Vibram Megagrip outsole for rocky terrain and a waterproof yet breathable membrane made with Texapore O2 fabric.

On rainy days, the toughened rubber sections across the toe and heel should keep you dry – and doesn't add too much extra weight. Plus, the wide fit should allow plenty of wiggle room for your toes.

Pros: cushioned support, sturdy outsole, waterproof yet breathable

Cons: slightly heavier than other shoes on test

Our verdict: Grippy, breathable and waterproof, this shoe gives you confidence even on rough terrain

• Weight: 376g (UK size 11)
• Uppers: Mesh and TPU upper, with recycled TPU reinforcements
• Outsole: Vibram Traction Lug outsole
• RRP: £140

The Merrell Moab Speed Gore-Tex is a good-looking, fully waterproof walking shoe, and we found the design comfortable too, thanks to the decent amount of cushioning.

As for grip, you'll be fine on hard-packed trails, gravel or largely dry rocky terrain, however we felt some slipping on muddy sections, and the soles clogged up quite easily.

While fit felt true to size, we had some issues with heel movement when walking, but if you get on with the fit of these shoes, they’ll be a reliable option for hard-packed or well-maintained trails.

Pros: Waterproof, look great, decent cushioning

Cons: Poor fit, traction lacking on wet mud

Our verdict: Look great, have plenty of cushioning and waterproof, but issues with fit, comfort and potentially durability see it lose marks.

Berghaus Fellmaster Active GTX

• Weight: 874g, size 9; women’s (Kanga) 752g, size 6
• Uppers: Nubuck and Gore-Tex
• Outsole: Opti-stud Vibram sole
• RRP: £150.00

Despite its grippy Vibram sole and robust toe and heel caps, the Fellmaster Active feels pleasantly lightweight. It's cushioned and comfortable from the off, thanks to the partially recycled OrthoLite inner sole and well-made Nubuck uppers.

Berghaus claims the sole wicks away moisture and odours, and we found this to be about 90% effective. We'd say the Gore-Tex membrane provides adequate waterproofing in spring and summer, but it didn't stop long grass wetting the sides of our feet.

Overall, this is a comfortable walking shoe with a serious, classy look.

Pros: cushioned, breathable, smart look

Cons: not completely waterproof

Our verdict: A stylish walking shoe with a carefully judged balance of comfort, protection and weight

Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX

• Weight: 444 g (men’s size 10.5)
• Upper: Gore-Tex textile
• Outsole: Continental rubber with 4.5mm lugs
• Midsole: EVA
• RRP: £140.00

Despite their sporty look, these shoes are suitable for tough trails. They combine the look of a running shoe with the rigidity of an approach shoe, and should prevent arch fatigue on longer hikes. People will either find this level of protection useful (on technical rocky terrain), or somewhat restrictive (on gentler ground).

Other great features include grippy 4.5mm lugs, an anti-puncture protection plate and a meaty toe cap and heel cup. Plus, there's a robust rand around the shoe.

Pros: highly supportive, durable and protective

Cons: might be overkill for those who prefer a trail feel

Our verdict: A hardcore technical trail shoe disguised as a pair of runners

Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX

Salomon Outline Prism GTX

• Upper: Synthetic mesh
• Weight: 360g per shoe (men’s size 10.5)
• Outsole: Rubber
• Midsole: EnergyCell EVA foam
• RRP: £119.00

As Salomon's known for its high-performing running footwear and apparel, it's no surprise the Prism is among the lightest and most athletic shoes on test here. It weighs around 360g per shoe – ideal for fast walkers who want the feel of a running shoe.

We were impressed with these shoes' breathability and flexibility, especially as they're waterproof too. You get a Gore-Tex membrane below a synthetic mesh outer, as well as a Contragrip sole, which should stop mud build-up.

As for the fit, these shoes are quite narrow. They may also not be as robust as other hiking footwear available.

Pros: lightweight, trail-shoe feel, waterproof yet breathable, grippy sole

Cons: narrow-fitting, not as robust as other shoes on test

Our verdict: Sleek shoes for those who want to travel light and complete trails fast

Read our full review of the Salomon Outline Prism GTX

How we tested

BBC Countryfile Magazine experts tested the walking shoes on a number of key factors to see how they performed in real-life scenarios. We reviewed them on their comfort and support, as well as their durability and whether they were waterproof. We also judged them on their sustainability, look and value for money.

Walking Shoes Buyers Guide

Walking shoes or walking boots?

The main reason for choosing walking shoes over boots is to avoid heavy, bulky footwear. Hiking shoes are also cooler than boots, thanks to their low sides, and they can be more responsive-feeling too, while boots tend to lock your ankles into position and restrict movement.

Foot and ankle support

For some hikers, boots are a year-round essential on short country strolls and multi-day treks alike. They provide extra support to stop you twisting an ankle on rough ground, and valuable protection if you're carrying a heavy pack.

In reality, hiking boots might be unnecessary if you're not carrying a heavy pack or planning to conquer rocky tracks or steep slopes. Even on long and technically tricky trails, a good pair of shoes could provide grip and stability.

Waterproofing

Of course, some would say boots are better at coping with wet conditions. The ankle cuffs help keep out water, and can be worn with gaiters too.

In shoes, a rainy walk through deep puddles or wet grass will soak your feet, even if your shoes are meant to be waterproof. The water will simply come in over the side.

If you're keen to wear walking shoes on a rainy day, you could always wear waterproof socks to be safe.

What to look for in hiking and walking shoes

When you're trying to find the best walking shoe for you, ask yourself:

• Do I want traditional leather shoes or something more lightweight, technical and modern?
• Do I want my shoes to be waterproof, or is breathability more important?
• When am I likely to wear the shoes – for light walks in the summer months, or all year round, regardless of the weather?

Next, research shoes with your answers in mind. We'd always recommend testing them out, so wear them around the house to make sure they're right before you head outdoors.

We've also reviewed:

• Best hiking backpacks
• Best walking poles
• Best fleeces
• Best walking trousers
• Best waterproof jackets
• Best lightweight waterproof jackets
• Best Gore-Tex jackets

Reviews by...

Pat Kinsella (PK), Hilary Clothier (HC), Fergus Collins (FC), Daniel Graham (DG), Joe Pontin (JP)