Anatom S2 Stone Road
£85
This is Anatom’s most rugged approach shoe incorporating their new SR out-sole made from super grippy, non-slip rubber, and it certainly works.
However, we liked the super-comfy uppers best, with their new bellows lacing system and versatile fit. Developed in the Cairngorms, this is a waterproof, breathable shoe that is good value and very comfy.
Berghaus Vapour Claw
£90
The Vapour Claw has been designed for trail running, so it’s very light (approx. 612g) and comes with great underfoot cushioning. The high-profile out sole features extremely sticky rubber and ‘Opti-Stud’ technology to provide effective grip on most surfaces.
The uppers are not waterproof, with Berghaus prioritising breathability, support and foot hold. Even so, the Vapour Claw was tested on Wales’ demanding (and certainly not dry) five-day, 200-mile Dragon’s Back race and came through with flying colours.
So check out the Vapour Claw if you plan to run the trails or want a lightweight shoe for dry walks. But more traditional trail walkers may prefer more weather resistance and bulk.
Columbia Peakfreak
£80
Columbia’s Peakfreak has been designed specifically for lightweight hiking.
To this end it has a rugged build offset by lightweight materials, with waterproof and breathable mesh uppers, Ripstop nylon overlays for upper foot support, and rubber toe bumpers.
A springy mid-sole adds to comfort, and there is plenty of heel retention and arch support, while a one-piece, well-lugged sole gives good wet and dry traction.
The weight per pair comes in at under 600g, so the Peakfreak gives an excellent mix of lightweight, rugged build and weatherproofing at a reasonable price. A good option for either running the trail for an hour or two or full-day hikes in conditions where boots would be overkill.
Hi-Tec V Lite Nazka 5.0
£64.99
The Nazka 5.0 is an understated, stylish looking shoe available in men’s and women’s fits. Its low cut and light weight means it’s not suitable for use in wet and muddy conditions, but then that’s not what it’s for.
The Vibram soles have low lugs, although they still grip well on dry, rough and loose terrain, and the dual-density mid-sole and footbed is supportive and cushioning. The uppers are closed mesh with a breathable suede support frame.
Protection is modest however, with just a low toe and heel bumper, so the Nazka may quickly show wear.
Although this shoe is primarily aimed at trail runners rather than walkers, we think its good looks would make it an excellent all-round summer shoe for everything from running to less demanding hiking or simply ambling from the beach to the pub.
La Sportiva Xplorer
£120
The Xplorer is a lightweight fabric shoe offering great breathability from a durable nylon mesh upper. With a close fit, good sensitivity and grip, this shoe is designed with climbing in mind as well as trail walking, so ideal if you’re into scrambling or more adventurous stuff on rock.
Keen Koven
£70
Keen has designed the Koven specifically for warmer season hiking. Nevertheless this shoe still features Keen’s renowned sturdy looks, excellent support, comfort and build quality - despite being at the budget end of their range of trail shoes.
It’s worth noting that the leather and mesh uppers are water resistant though, not waterproof, and sizing is a little big with thinner summer socks, so you may want to drop down half a size – no big deal, particularly considering that the Koven is comfy straight out of the box.
Vivo Barefoot Trailfreak
£85
The Trail Freak is as minimalist as you can get for a trail shoe, feeling so light that at first it’s like they’re not on.
That said, the ultra-thin, puncture-resistant off-road specific sole has excellent traction, and good natural shock absorption by allowing your arches and toes to load, splay and recoil.
The uppers are lightweight and breathable although noticeably less supportive than a normal trail shoe.
In essence, this is an innovative, light, surprisingly comfortable shoe for moving fast and nimbly through the hills.
Salomon X Ultra GTX
£115
The X Ultra is a technical trail shoe that just seems to work without any fuss – it’s comfortable straight out of the box thanks to a light but stable chassis and the combination of an EVA injected mid-sole and the Ortholite footbed provides just the right degree of support and cushioning.
The uppers are made from water resistant textile with a large protective rubber toe cap on the outside and a Gore-Tex lining on the inside to keep you dry.
Our favourite thing about the X Ultra GTX though is its Quicklace system – literally all it takes is one pull and your shoe is fastened in a secure and comfortable grip. After the laces, most worthy of mention is its deeply lugged sole which provides good grip on most surfaces.
Mammut Redburn GTX Low
£120
Mammut’s technical approach shoe has a sturdy looks backed up by a confidence-inspiring feel, leaving you with well protected and well supported feet, especially around the heel and arch.
Add this sure-footedness to high-grip soles and the Redburn grips like the proverbial baby monkey.
With a breathable and weather proof Gore-Tex membrane to keep the weather out, the Redburn is well-suited to demanding hiking and scrambling on rocky terrain, and is well worth considering if these are your things.
Teva Kimtah Event Mesh
£100
The Kimtah is a great trail shoe for less demanding walking – think more easy hikes in the Dales than rocky adventures in the Dolomites. Lightweight and well-cushioned, they provide instant comfort, with waterproof and breathable uppers, and a grippy, well-lugged sole.
