First impressions

The Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are the latest release from Adidas Terrex, designed to compete with established names in the hiking world like Merrell, Keen, and Salomon.

Unlike other Skychaser models, the AX5 hiking shoes aren't built for extreme conditions. Instead, their ripstop uppers prioritize comfort and breathability, so you can take on hot summer treks without overheating.

Inside, your feet are greeted by soft and supportive OrthoLite foam sockliners and bouncy EVA foam midsoles. This extra cushioning felt great right out of the box, and really came into its own on long, sweaty hikes, when my feet may have otherwise been aching.

Like most Adidas Terrex models, the AX5s feature Continental rubber outsoles. Although they don't have the same pedigree as Vibram, I've been consistently impressed by Continental rubber. These outsoles prove just as effective as their big-name competitors, digging into uneven ground to provide ample support on the trails.

Adidas Terrex Skychaser: on the trails

I got a hold of the latest Adidas Terrex hiking shoes a couple of months ago, and have been putting them to the test ever since.

I've worn the AX5s over plenty of short- and long-distance treks through the English countryside, in all manner of weather conditions.

Here's how they got on:

Fit and comfort

The Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are superbly comfortable, on par with some of the best hiking shoes I've ever tested and noticeably cosier than similar Terrex models like the Gore-Tex Skychasers.

The OrthoLite sockliners wrap your feet in a chunky layer of cushioning, which felt great on the trails, and provided some much-appreciated support around my heels. The EVA foam midsoles are also excellent and felt bouncy as I navigated hikes of all distances.

The unrestrictive ripstop mesh uppers were noticeably breathable on hot days, when I would usually be troubled by overheating feet.

One of my few gripes with previous Terrex shoes is their slightly narrow toe boxes, which got a little restrictive as I racked up the miles. I'm pleased to report that this isn't an issue with the Skychaser AX5s, which feature a wide and accommodating toe-box that allows for plenty of movement.

They also fit true to size, cushioning my feet without ever feeling too tight as I trudged through the countryside.

Weight

At 4.5oz (411g) per shoe (Men's US size 9.5 / UK size 8.5), the Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are a fairly lightweight option for summer hiking.

They're lighter than most models with more protection and heavier waterproof uppers, but not breezy enough to be considered superlight weight.

The Skychaser AX5s didn't weigh me down at all on the trails, and did a great job of minimizing bulk without sacrificing comfort.

Grip

The aggressive Continental Rubber outsoles are a great for dusty trails and uneven surfaces, and served me very well on the steep hills and rocky pathways of the English countryside. Their aggressive lug formations dug into all manner of trails and successfully kept me from falling over many miles of long-distance hiking.

I was also surprised by their excellent performance in wet weather. Due to the lack of waterproofing, I had expected the outsoles to perform worse when the heavens opened, but this wasn't the case. Instead, they seemed at home over muddy, waterlogged trails and maintained excellent grip throughout.

This pair's flexibility also stood out. While they're not the bendiest hiking shoes I've ever worn, the Skychaser AX5s offer a good deal of flex and proved their mettle on steep sections.

Protection from the elements

These hiking shoes are designed for heavy use in dry climates and lack the protection of other models, with different uppers.

They're not waterproof, and when the heavens open, the chassis gets very wet, very quickly. The ripstop uppers offer little resistance against rainfall, and the OrthoLite sockliners, which provide excellent support in the sun, soak up moisture when it's raining.

Put simply, you don't want to get caught in the rain wearing the Skychaser AX5s. If it's light, they'll dry off in a few minutes, but heavy rainfall can stick in the sockliners, weighing you down and making for a damp, unpleasant trekking experience.

If you're after a waterproof pair, it's worth checking out the Gore-Tex Skychaser hiking shoes. They're not as comfy, but provide great protection from the elements and scored highly in my review for Advnture.

This shoe doesn't offer much to protect your feet from trail debris. The ripstop mesh uppers are pretty thin, and the heels were designed with comfort, rather than protection, in mind.

That said, the firm rubber toe caps are a nice touch, and could come in handy if you're traversing unpredictable terrain.

Price

At $100 (£85), the Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes provide great value for your money and are far cheaper than similar models on the market. If you're hiking in a dry climate or after some shoes for the summer, the AX5s are an absolute bargain.

For comparison, the Danner N45 hiking shoes, which are a tough and similarly non-waterproof pair built for dry trails and summer hiking, will set you back $200 (£158.83). They also received a far worse review when I put them to the test for Advnture.

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First impressions

Buff (best known for creating innovative and multifunctional tubular headscarves that have become synonymous with the brand), have taken the next step, leaping into the footwear market with a new range of hiking socks and trail-running socks.

I recently reviewed Buff’s CoolNet Crew Running Socks, which are made with a real minty twist to keep them fresh, and I was genuinely impressed with how they performed on the trails, so I was looking forward to testing these ‘merino’ hiking socks. (Well, ‘merino’ is how they are described – when I dug a little deeper I discovered that less than a quarter of the content actually came from sheep, with the rest being derived from fossil resources – some of it recycled).

Such slight sleights of hand by the marketing people aside, my first impression of these socks was good: they are well designed, with a cool pattern, several interesting colorways (both legacy features of the brand’s approach to their head tubes / neck gaiters), and the left/right specificity means the support is in all the right places. The socks are true crew length, and felt comfortable from the very first time I put them on, with nice arch support and flat seams.

Style & materials

Anyone who has been paying any attention at all to outdoor apparel for the last couple of decades (at least) knows full well the benefits and subsequent appeal of merino wool. It’s a magic material that feels lovely, deals with moisture magnificently, breathes beautifully and – crucially – can deal with the bad smells that often accumulate on adventure kit.

All of this makes is perfect for use in socks, except for the fact that it has a tendency to fall apart after a bit, not least because socks get knocked around a lot. So, almost every brand mixes them with fabrics like polyamide and polyester, to ensure you get more than a few months use out of your (relatively expensive) socks.

All of this is fair enough, but the way the material cocktail is mixed varies from brand to brand. Here, Buff’s designers have gone with 22% merino wool (which will continue to bring many of the benefits mentioned above to the party), along with polyamide (comprising almost half of the overall content), plus some recycled polyester (27%), and a splash of elastane. All of these materials have benefits – the poly fabrics are really tough, don’t absorb much water and dry out very quickly, while the elastane helps the socks to keep their shape, to stay in place (instead of bunching up) and provide support to parts of the foot that need it.

Overall it’s a really good mix, supplying a pleasing combination of comfort, performance and enough toughness to ensure many miles of excellent service, making these socks a good buy. I’m just not sure the name tells the real story, and one area where the relatively low amount of merino content might start to have a more negative impact is with long-term odor control.

On the trails

I have been wearing Buff’s LW Merino hiking socks while walking sections of the South West Coast Path, during day hikes exploring woodlands and wild areas, and on multiday backpacking and wild camping adventures on Dartmoor.

I have found these socks to be supremely supportive and extremely comfortable, whether you’re wearing them for an hour or for several days on the trot, and these two factors are easily the most important considerations when rating a hiking sock, so full marks there.

I also really like the true crew length, which reaches to the shin and provides support and protection to your lower leg (especially when wearing hiking shorts), whether you’re pairing them with walking shoes or hiking boots, fending off gnarly undergrowth and unwelcome wildlife encounters with things such as ticks.

The poly content in the material mix means you can tackle stream crossings and walk in the rain, and even if the socks get damp, they don’t hold onto water or become heavy, and they dry out fast.

Nicely designed and robustly made, they haven’t shown any signs of wear and tear yet, and should survive several years of regular rambling activity. My only real concern is that, over time, they will start to accumulate odors due to the relatively low level of merino content.

Also consider

In the market for some tough new hiking boots to help you take on soggy fall trails? Take a look at the latest pair from outdoors brand Danner, featuring grippy Vibram outsoles and waterproof Gore-Tex exteriors to protect your feet from the rain.

The new N54 hiking boots are Danner's answer to damp fall and early winter conditions, designed to keep you dry and comfortable over mile after mile of tricky trails.

Design

The chunky new Vibram outsoles boast Traction Lug and Megagrip technology, designed to dig into tricky terrain and improve stability as you move. The Gore-Tex uppers were also built for trying conditions, and aim to protect your feet from rainfall without holding on to water or weighing you down.

Inside the shoes, large EVA foam midsoles are designed to absorb blows as you walk, while a TPU rock plate provides added stability.

Price

All this protection doesn't come cheap, and the N54 hiking boots will set you back a whopping $250 on the Danner website (they're not yet available in the UK). Danner footwear is usually a little pricier than its competitors, but these boots go beyond the norm.

In comparison, the best overall pair in our guide to the best hiking boots costs just $165 (US) / £130 (UK). The Merrell Moab 3 boots also feature Gore-Tex uppers and Vibram outsoles, but cost far less than the latest Danner boots.

Danner

We've reviewed plenty of models from Danner in the past and been very impressed with models like the Jag 2 and Mountain 600, but have been left wanting more from recent releases like the N45 hiking shoes.

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Tired of overheating feet and stuffy hiking shoes? Why not try a pair of sandals on your next trek?

Although they're not as popular as the best hiking boots and shoes, hiking sandals can offer similar levels of grip, and don't suffer from the same breathability issues as their often chunky counterparts. They're also typically great for coastal hiking, and water-to-land sections where your feet are bound to get wet anyway.

If you like the sound of that, then you should check out this epic 40% off deal on an iconic pair of hiking sandals. The men's Keen Newport H2 sandals are a tough and breathable hiking option, and they're now available for just $78 at Backcountry.

These sandals are made from a dependable combination of polyester uppers and EVA foam midsoles, which impressed hiking expert Julia Clarke when she put them to the test for her review in Advnture.

"The protection these sandals offer against trail hazards or rocky river beds is really great and much better than I anticipated, on par with a regular hiking shoe or any water shoe," says Julia, who was also keen on the grippy rubber outsoles.

"Given that these are sandals, I was impressed by the grip and stability of these shoes on a hike," she continued.

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can look below for today's best Newport H2 sandals deal where you are.

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Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX: first impressions 

This generation of the Salomon X Ultra is designed to be both agile and technical for those who want to move fast and confidently on tricky trails. This lightweight hiking boot is actually a little heavier than the previous edition, but it's also more durable, thanks to upgrades like Matryx uppers in place of leather and synthetic, and improved overlays that will protect your toes from just about anything.

The Contragrip outsole has extremely aggressive lugs that have held up on rocky, slick, and muddy surfaces this summer, and look built for winter conditions too. A chunky foam midsole is designed for a plush ride over longer distances, while the "Advanced Chassis," a molded insert embedded in the outsole, increases lateral stability on uneven terrain without losing flexibility.

The waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry if you meet with heavy rain, wet grass, or multiple river crossings, but in milder conditions, it might also mean sweaty feet. Water protection is aided by the mid-height cuff, which is just high enough to keep water out in a shallow stream and protect your ankle bone.

The cuff and tongue are unusually plush, and that, combined with a lack of eyelets, makes it a little difficult to get a lockdown fit here. They also run a little small and narrow, so if you buy your normal size, you might find that what you gain in lightweight technical creds, you lose in comfort.

It's a shame because with just a few small fixes, these could be a really great pair of capable hiking boots for those who want to roam far and fast.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX: in the field 

This is only my second time testing out Salomon hiking boots, having tried the Elixir Mid Gore-Tex a couple of years ago and finding them an odd mix between overly stacked and unnecessarily technical.

I first tested these out during a hiking and camping trip in the Yorkshire Dales earlier this summer, and have since followed up on a couple of trails here in Scotland.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 which is usually a US 6, and that typically gives my feet room to swell (or wear thick socks), but I ran into a hitch with these shoes. Salomon's sizing comparison is slightly off, so the UK 4 turned out to be only a US 5.5. And that half size makes quite a difference, as it turns out.

As excited as I was to get them on, when I saw how robust and technical they looked, I was a little worried that they'd be too tight to test. I think they run a little small and a little narrow. With thick socks on, my toes come all the way up to the end with no room to wiggle, but since it was summer, I wore my thinnest socks, and though they were tighter than I'd like, I was able to hike in them without blisters.

The lack of blisters didn't mean that I experienced out-of-the-box comfort, however. In fact, I found I experienced quite a bit of rubbing and toe bashing during my first hike, and actually couldn't wait to get out of them when I got back to the car. I had brought a backup pair of boots for that first trip and ended up wearing them the next day to give my feet a chance to recover, then tried these again on day three, and they were slightly better once broken in.

That said, I think a few things are contributing to the comfort issue for me. There's the odd sizing and narrow fit, which doesn't give my toes room to splay, and the cuff and tongue are just about the plushest I've ever seen. That, combined with just two eyelets, makes it nearly impossible for me to get a good lockdown fit, and the fact is that my toes take a beating when I descend. I think sizing up would help, but I'm not sure how to get around the lacing problem.

Breathability and protection

Another area where comfort leaves something to be desired is that I don't find these to be the most breathable of shoes in the summer months. I've had them out in wet weather, but it's always been mild, and I notice my feet are sweatier than in other lightweight waterproof boots I own, such as my Lowa Renegade EVO GTX or Helly Hansen Switchback Trail HT.

The flip side of that is that they are fully waterproof, which I tested out by standing in a couple of small streams for a minute or two.

The uppers offer loads of good protection too, from the ultra durable Matryx uppers to the robust reinforcements around the toes. The cuff isn't super high, but it's just high enough to keep my ankle bones protected and means I can splash through flooded trails without breaking stride.

Grip and stability

I'm a little sceptical of a boot that doesn't use a Vibram sole, but I have to admit that these Contragrip soles are a really good match for British conditions, which tend to involve muddy slopes, boggy crossings, and slippery rock and slate. The lugs seem able to bite into just about anything, and I did find some confidence in that.

Salomon has gone all in on stability with these boots, using the advanced chassis to provide lateral support in the footbed and what it calls 'mobile wings' in the design of the upper to help hold your foot in place. This is all integrated without losing flex, and the idea is that you can move quickly when the going gets tough.

I tend to notice the lack of stability more in running shoes than I do in hiking boots, but I will say that these boots do respond well to uneven terrain. They'd do an even better job if I could get a more secure fit, however, and I couldn't help wondering if the reason my foot wasn't sliding around was that there wasn't any extra room for it to do so.

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First impressions

If you read my review of Vivobarefoot's Tracker Forest ESC hiking boots you'll know that I'm a fairly recent convert to the brand, having never worn barefoot shoes or boots until a year ago.

I'd always thought of barefoot afficionados as being in something of a cult, but, as you'll also know if you read that review, I'm now a full convert. Yep, I drank the Kool Aid.

So I jumped at the chance to test the brand's new fast hiker, the Primus Trail Flow Mid - a taller iteration of its classic Primus Trail Flow hiking shoe and pretty much the opposite of the Tracker Forest ESC. Here's how it performed:

Fit

Since I was lured into the barefoot movement I have slowly converted all my active shoes to barefoot versions, but I lacked a boot for summer hikes, so I was excited by the prospect of the much lighter Primus Trail Flow Mid filling the gap.

I usually take an EU 42 / UK 8.5 in Vivobarefoot styles, and these fitted as I expected, with a thumb’s width of space at the end of the toes to allow room for movement and grip. However, I struggled to get a precise fit around the heel and ankle with the fast lacing system. My go-to hiking socks are some pretty plush Bridgedales and I also have wide feet, but I still had to cinch the boots tight enough to leave a long length of spare cord beyond the toggle fastener.

The laces come with a small clip to allow you to attach any spare cord to the lacing at the front of the foot, and stop it flapping around, but my spare cord was longer than the last lacing point, so instead I tucked it under the front lacing.

I do appreciate these kinds of lacing systems are a weight-saver and make it quicker to slip in and out of your boots, but it does mean I can only really wear these hikers with thick socks, while my Tracker Forest ESCs can be pulled tighter and therefore worn with thinner socks in warmer weather.

All that said, with the right socks, these boots were very comfortable to wear, even if the heel didn't feel as locked in as I'd have ideally have liked.

On the trails

If you're new to barefoot shoes then here's a quick primer: they have zero drop, which means there's no height difference between the heel and the ball of the foot and toe.

So that's the first thing you'll need to get used to. But, along with a generous toe box and lots of flex - both design features to let your feet actually move as intended – barefoot shoes also usually have far less cushioning than standard shoes.

This combination of factors is why it takes a while to get used to wearing them (Vivobarefoot recommend about six weeks of daily wear), and it's also why I wouldn't suggest the Primus Trail Flow Mid as a first pair of barefoot hoofs.

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These specific boots have a 1.8mm sole base and no insole, which means you can feel everything on the trail. It doesn't mean your feet aren't protected, far from it, and I'll talk more about that in a bit. But if you're used to fairly stiff boots then suddenly being able to feel each tiny pebble you tread on may just be too much.

Happily, a year into being a barefoot bore, this level of sensation doesn't faze me at all. In fact, I welcome it. I have a lengthy history of knee problems that started in my 20s, and consequently my left knee doesn't flex past about 90 degrees. This can make me a little clumsy and also make descents in stiff boots challenging. I avoided barefoot shoes for years because I was worried that the lack of cushioning would be too tough on my poor knee. But the flex and trail feel provided by barefoot designs - and these ones are particularly thin and supple - actually keep me far steadier on my feet.

I tried them on some pebbly descents in the Lake District and found I was even more confident wearing them than in the Tracker Forest ESCs, probably due to the greater trail feel and flexibility. I actually felt nimble at times, which isn't something I ever hope for due to my various injuries.

Waterproofing and protection

Vivobarefoot describes the Primus Trail Flow Mid as water repellent, but to me that feels like a stretch. Yes, the woven fabric on the lower foot is impressively water resistant, and I walked through multiple shallow streams in them without an issue.

However, as soon as I tackled something deeper, water quickly seeped in through the knit collar, which starts fairly low down and didn't feel water resistant at all. This left me with sodden socks, and no way for the water to drain out. I haven't particularly minded this over the summer and early autumn, but it's why I will be sticking to dry days to wear these boots whenever possible.

They do dry out quickly, but the lack of insulation underfoot and on the upper means they're more suited to three-season hiking. I can see them being very popular with California-based hikers, who are blessed with balmy weather and fast, dry trails year round, and who are probably the only consumers who can buy the cream Peyote version without it being ruined in five minutes flat.

So, this isn't a boot for the worst conditions, but it's still reasonably protective, with a welcome toe bumper right where you need it, and a rubber rand that wraps around the foot. The woven part of the upper has multiple tough layers of fabric that should see off anything pointy or sharp, but the knit collar means there is still some vulnerability around the upper ankle.

Weight

If all this sounds like one gripe too many, then I want to clarify that I actually love these boots. They're not perfect, but for someone who struggles not to trip even walking down stairs sometimes, they left me feeling light on my feet and more capable of technical trails and scrambling than I'm used to.

I also adore how featherweight they are. I passed one to my partner, a seasoned hiker, and he looked incredulous, saying "There's nothing there!" They really are barely there in all the best ways, with my pair (a US women's size 10.5) tipping the scales at just 8.7oz (246g) per boot.

Grip

The Primus Trail Flow Mid also have a decent amount of grip. It's clear they're designed for drier conditions than we are usually greeted with in the UK, but the 3.8mm multi-directional lugs did a good job of keeping me upright, and the braking lugs at the back of the outsole caught me when I did occasionally slip on wet rocks while traversing streams.

Environmental impact

Vivobarefoot is among the many outdoor brands that have read the room, and taken a hard look at their manufacturing processes to make them more sustainable. These boots are advertised as vegan, with the proviso that it's not been possible to establish that the smaller components used in their creation (including glues and dyes) meet vegan best practices. The fact that the brand states this clearly rather than greenwashing is welcome, as is its scheme that allows you to recycle any old worn out pair and get a voucher for 20% off the cost of a new pair.

Due to their limited waterproofing and insulation, the Primus Trail Flow Mid aren't going to become my go-to winter boot. Honestly, I'm gagging to get my Tracker Forest ESCs back on now that the colder months are on their way.

However, for milder days, and for anyone who lives in a drier climate, they're a great option. If you've not worn barefoot shoes or boots before I would strongly recommend trying a pair with thicker soles first. But if you're already in the cult, you won't be disappointed.

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Lowa celebrated its 100^th birthday in 2023, marking a century of crafting quality footwear. During that time, the Bavarian brand has forged a solid reputation among hikers and mountaineers for its capable shoes and boots, the creation of which remains its core competency.

The brand’s fleet of hiking footwear is world-renowned. Its best-selling Renegade shoes and boots, launched in 1997, are a familiar sight on the trails. Our very own Julia Clarke wore the Renegade Evo GTX Mid on her adventure to Everest Base Camp and returned with suitably glowing reports.

The Renegade’s younger cousins are the members of the Innovo family, which boast chunky, grippy outsoles, suede uppers and a supportive and protective design. Iterations of the Innovo are available with or without Gore-Tex and as a hiking boot or lower cut shoe.

I was delighted to test out the low-cut Gore-Tex version in the hills of South Wales’ Bannau Brychieniog and on the trails of Southwest England. Unfortunately we can’t all go to Everest every time we test a pair of hiking shoes.

First impressions

The Innovo looks every inch the classic hiking shoe. With its suede upper, speckled laces, protective rand at the toes and breathable gills on the outer side of the foot, it suggests capability from the off. Its hefty appearance hints at comfort and support – of a shoe that’s at home on technical terrain in the mountains. It doesn’t look or feel like a shoe you’d want to run in necessarily, nor does it have the sneaker-like aesthetic of lightweight hikers and its wide curves are at odds with the more streamlined profile of an approach shoe. No, this is no Jack-of-all-trades; this is a hiking shoe.

I slipped my foot in and immediately liked what I felt. It’s nicely cushioned, reassuringly rigid but also flexible enough to maintain its initial comfort when on the move. In terms of fit, it holds the midfoot firmly and the heel sits nicely in its rear throne. Wiggle room for the toes isn’t as pronounced as something like Keen’s NXIS Evo Mid but there’s still more than enough for my feet to feel happy for mile after mile.

Weighing 1lb 1oz (490g) per shoe, it’s at the heavier end of the hiking shoe spectrum and I soon appreciated that the Innovo has more in common with a hiking boot than a trail running shoe. The sole is chunky, grippy and rigid. Not as rigid as a pair of winter hiking boots, but less yielding than many 'fast and light' options.

Quality design

The Innovo’s upper is made from a blend of suede and synthetic fabrics. Suede is a more pliable, softer leather than the high grain nubuck seen in Lowa’s Renegade shoes. This has the advantage of comfort, though it tends to be less durable than nubuck. However, we’re still talking about quality leather here and Lowa’s shoes are renowned for being hard-wearing, so I have few concerns on this front.

Working its magic beneath the suede is the Gore-Tex lining, providing breathability while keeping water out. The inner side of the upper is pure suede, providing protection against abrasion. Meanwhile, the outer side contains an array of four breathable mesh panels that put me in mind of Merrell’s classic Moab series.

The fairly standard lacing system makes use of webbed eyelets to keep both pressure on the foot and weight to a minimum, as well as a pair of punched eyelets towards the toes. Both tongue and collar are nicely padded, while there’s a fabric loop for easy hanging or for attachment to a carabiner.

A chunky, proprietary sole

The Lo version of the Innovo features the same aggressive sole as its bigger boot brother, as well as boasting Lowa’s proprietary rubber compound rather than the Vibram often seen in premium hiking footwear. As mentioned, it’s more rigid than most – an important quality when taking on technical terrain. However, there’s still flex towards the toes, which works with the foot’s natural rolling properties when striding along.

The sole features 67 deep lugs of differing shapes and sizes, with most being medium-sized, flat-topped and not particularly directional. This all points to a design intended to hold soft terrain rather than fly along at speed, while the flat surface of the lugs suggests decent grip on rock. Unlike an approach shoe, there’s no flatter region at the toes for precision when edging or smearing, though the two lugs beneath the heel are larger than the rest, design for effective braking in descent.

The midsole is forged from a dynamic polyurethane that maintains its shape even after being compressed “thousands of times”, according to Lowa. This should enable years of happy exploring, though unlike the Lowa Cevedale Pro GTX Mid, the Innovo doesn’t boast a resoleable design, which is a shame.

Hidden within the shoe is Lowa’s polyurethane Monowrap support frame. This is what I have to thank for the way the shoe embraces and holds the foot, providing the support and stability to take on rough terrain without issue. More on this in a mo…

In the field

I’ve been testing the Innovos through late winter, spring and summer on hiking trips to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and on walks in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Southwest England.

The way the Innovo cradles the foot is a real strength. I can think of few other pieces of hiking footwear I’ve worn that have given such an impression of support and protection alongside comfort and flexibility. The cushioning provided by the PU midsole provides a nice amount of propulsion, while the frame really does hold the foot in place beautifully. This all adds to make the Innovo a superb option for long days on the trail or multi-day trekking adventures, especially in drier climes such as those in the Alps.

Its low cut means that boggy terrain is its enemy, as water can get in over the top unless it’s carefully paired with gaiters. This was a bit of an issue when crossing a soggy bwlch (the Welsh word for a depression between two peaks), a common occurrence when hiking in the Bannau Brycheiniog. However, the Innovos kept my feet nicely dry most of the time. Nevertheless, I’d probably opt for the boot version if I was looking to take on some of Britain’s wetter long-distance trails.

I was very impressed with the grippiness of the outsole, which provided ample hold on both wet and dry terrain, rock and the sloppier stuff. The array of deep lugs hold admirably on soft ground, the heel brake provides confidence when descending earthen slopes. Meanwhile, the amount of sticky rubber in contact with rock when negotiating scrambling terrain also provides solid traction. I’d have no qualms wearing these on more technical multi-day hikes, such as the Dolomites’ Alta Vias or Corsica’s GR20. They’re not as tailored to the kind of ground where scrambling becomes climbing as dedicated approach shoes, but for the kind of scrambling terrain found on hikes, they’re great.

Their design and weight mean that the Innovo is much more at home on the trails than the streets, so they’re not the kind of hiking shoes you might wear for the everyday. There’s no doubt that they’re less versatile than many lighter shoes, such as the Aku Omnia V-light GTX. At $225 (£170 in the UK), they’re not the cheapest hikers on the market either. So, bear all of this in mind should you decide to make a purchase.

Nevertheless, they’re a sound investment if you’re an avid hiker in the market for a capable shoe for technical hiking missions.

Also consider

Comparison table

Are you ready for autumn rain? After a long, hot summer, the rainy days and challenging trails of winter are on their way, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the outdoors!

If you're eager to hit the trails this autumn, you'll need a dependable pair of waterproof hiking boots, like the Terradora Explorer boots from Keen. These trail-ready women's boots combine tried-and-tested materials with typically effective waterproofing, and they're now available for just $122.73 at REI.

The Terradora Explorer boots' uppers are made from environmentally preferred premium leather and textile mesh, designed to protect your feet in the wilderness without limiting breathability.

When the rain falls, Keen.Dry waterproof membranes aim to seal out moisture and keep your feet dry. Although I haven't worn the Terradora Explorer boots myself, I've been consistently impressed by the performance of these membranes in other models, like the Hightrail EXP hiking shoes.

Inside the boots, you'll find removable air-injected Luftcell midsoles for added support, and underneath, there are 4mm multi-directional lugs designed to maximize traction on the trails.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Keen hiking boots deals where you are!

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Injinji Trail Midweight Crew socks: first impressions 

With some of today's best trail athletes (Courtney Dauwalter, Tara Dower) sporting Injinji toe socks, there's no doubt that the San Diego brand has found its corner of the footwear market for both trail runners and hikers.

Like all of Injinji's patented socks, these hiking socks feature separate pouches for your toes, so they're like a glove for your foot, and the focus is on improving foot health by helping your toes spread out more once they're inside your hiking boots. This also prevents your toes from rubbing together, which can eliminate blisters altogether for some walkers.

Designed with footbed padding and arch support, these fit perfectly to prevent bunching up inside your boot and are made with a blend of nylon, Lycra and Coolmax fabric, which is made from recycled plastics. The result is socks that are durable even after lots of miles and great at managing moisture and letting your feet breathe.

The synthetic makeup also means that they will get quite smelly after several days of wear, so if that's of concern, check out the wool version, which is a little pricier.

These midweight socks are about the right thickness for longer treks and cold to mild temperatures, though perhaps a little warm for summer when you can trade them out for the Ultra Run Crew, which are a little thinner but just as good.

With only two sizes for women, I did wonder if these socks could possibly work for all feet, but after taking them out on the trek to Everest Base Camp, I'm convinced that toe socks are a big step forward for hikers and this well-priced pair is worthy of your attention.

Injinji Trail Midweight Crew socks: in the field 

I've been wanting to test out Injinji toe socks for ages, and when I was offered the chance to trek to Everest Base Camp, something that meant 11 days of walking, I knew it was a good opportunity.

I brought three pairs of Injinji socks along with me on the trip, and ended up wearing the Ultra Run socks for the first five days because they're a little lighter and conditions were quite warm. When they got embarrassingly smelly, I switched to these, which got me up to Base Camp and back down, so I put about 50 miles in, wearing them for at least six hours of walking a day. I recently wore them again on a five-day thru-hike in the Lake District National Park.

Here’s how they performed:

Fit and comfort

My feet are a UK 3.5 (US 5.5) which is pretty small. In fact, my 9-year-old now wears bigger shoes than me. I bring this up because I have, on occasion, found that even the smallest socks available aren't small enough for me, and they end up bunching up inside my shoes.

When I saw that these socks only ran in two sizes for women, I was concerned that this would be an issue, but the smaller sizing manages to just fit my feet perfectly, with my toes taking up all the room in the toe pockets and a snug fit around my high arch and heel.

The crew design comes halfway up my calf, which gives loads of protection against even the highest hiking boots and keeps debris from the trail at bay. The thickness adds some warmth on cold days, but they're not so bulky as to crowd my feet once I'm wearing boots.

The synthetic fabric feels nice and soft against my skin, and the seamless design really adds to the comfort level, whether I'm padding around the house or wearing these on the trail. But most of all, I have to admit that I just really like the feel of that slight separation of my toes, and I really didn't struggle with tired feet on my trek.

Moisture management and blister protection

I wore these with my Lowa Renegade Evo hiking boots, which are waterproof, but between the boots and these socks, my feet never felt sweaty, even though we were hiking in T-shirt weather for a lot of the trip.

The Coolmax fabric does a really good job of keeping my feet dry in warm weather, and the only time I had cold feet was hiking at 3:30am at 18,000ft when I really needed winter boots and thick socks, but fortunately, it was a very short hike. I'd trust these for hiking through winter in Scotland in all but the gnarliest conditions.

Obviously, the big promise of these socks is that they help prevent blisters because your toes don't rub together, which is the main reason I wanted them for my trek. My sister-in-law swears by them, and while I'm not overly prone to blisters and have broken in my boots well, I have in the past suffered blisters on my pinkie toes on multi-day hikes. To cut to the chase, I hiked 80 miles over 11 days without a hint of a blister or a hot spot and I credit this largely to Injinji.

Odor resistance and ease of use

If you're like me and have long surrendered to the virtues of merino wool socks, the synthetic makeup of these socks is going to pose a slight problem. I frequently go months without washing my wool socks because they don't get smelly, whereas after five days, these were really quite ripe.

On the one hand, synthetic fabrics are tougher than wool, so they'll arguably last longer, but I also think a lot of people buying these will be doing so for longer hikes, and for that I think it's worth paying a little extra for the merino wool version.

Finally, I don't usually include a note on ease of use when I'm reviewing socks because typically you just pull them on, but I know you're wondering, do they take hours to put on?

The short answer is yes, they do take longer to put on than regular socks because you have to place each toe in its pouch, but we're talking seconds, not minutes. If you want to cut down on hassle, pull them off by the toes when you get home from your hike so they don't end up inside out.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

With the rainy weather of autumn fast approaching, now is the perfect time to invest in a new pair of weather-proof hiking shoes to help you take on the elements. The best combine tough outer materials and great grip with enough waterproofing to keep your socks from getting soggy in a downpour.

Keen's Men's Headout hiking shoes feature leather and mesh outers with typically reliable waterproof membranes and plenty of underfoot traction, and they're now available for just $100.73 at REI.

These hiking shoes were designed to help you navigate wet and uneven trails all year round.

I haven't worn the Headout shoes myself, but I can attest to the reliability of Keen's Keen.Dry waterproof membranes, which have kept my feet bone dry in other pairs like the Hightrail EXPs. The All.Terrain rubber outsoles are also typically effective, utilizing an aggressive formation of 4mm lugs to keep you upright over slippery and uneven terrain.

Inside the shoes, removable foam midsoles are designed to cushion your feet and maintain a comfortable fit over many miles of intensive trekking, while Keen's Eco Anti Odor technology aims to eliminate unwanted smells.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Keen hiking shoes deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Are you on the hunt for a tough and comfortable new pair of hiking shoes to combat the September showers? Then check out this epic deal on one of our favorite pairs.

The Men's Helly Hansen Switchback Trail HT hiking shoes combine recycled waterproof uppers with plenty of grip and inner cushioning and are now available for just $105 on the Helly Hansen website.

Hiking expert Pat Kinsella was very impressed with the Switchback Trail HT hiking shoes when he put them to the test over the high hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, describing the shoes as "functional and fashionable footwear for day hiking and hill walking for much of the year."

He was particularly keen on their effective HellyTech waterproofing and breathable leather and polyester mesh uppers.

"The rain was only intermittent, but there was plenty of water on the ground from the day before, when it had been torrential, and the Switchbacks kept my socks dry all day."

"The shoes allowed my feet to breathe too, which was very much appreciated as we worked up a sweat."

Along with protection from the elements, these Helly Hansen hiking shoes feature springy EVA foam midsoles, designed to cushion your feet and provide all the support you need as you navigate tricky trails.

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Helly Hansen Switchback Trail HT hiking shoes deals where you are.

• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

First impressions

Lowa are alpine footwear specialists with a long and illustrious heritage forged in the high hills of Europe. Famous for producing some of the best hiking boots on the market, the brand, now based in Italy but founded in Germany in 1923, recently celebrated its 100th birthday. The majority of Lowa’s top-end boots are still made in Europe, something that’s incredibly rare in an age of budget-cutting, off-shoring and mass production.

The benefit of this is the attention to detail, from design through to packaging, and a level of quality control that ensures each pair of hiking boots are pretty much perfect when they come out the box. All this is immediately evident in the Innovo, even though these are one of the more laid-back boots in the brand’s mountain-ready footlocker.

Of course, someone has to pay for such a process, so steeped in precision and prestige, and that someone is… you. Lowa don’t make cheap hiking boots, but if you’re looking for top-quality, comfortable outdoor footwear that’s going to last a decade or more, and perform precisely how is has promised to, then it’s worth the investment.

The Innovos are not as lightweight as many other brands’ offerings in the fast and breezy boot category, but they instantly feel more protective and capable than most, while being at least as comfortable straight out the box. And if you’re going to bother putting boots on – as opposed to simply hitting the trails in a pair of good hiking shoes – then you may as well get the benefit that the more extensive form of footwear offers: namely stability, support and security.

The Innovos looked great and felt good on my feet right from the outset, and I was looking forward to trail testing them.

Design & Materials

The Innovos have a chassis made from a mixture of soft suede and breathable synthetic material, backed by an Gore-Tex ePE waterproof breathable membrane. The boot is a Mid cut, as the name specifies, but some supposedly ‘Mid’ height boots have a collar that barely covers your ankle – not the Innovos. These bad boys extend well up and over the ankle, reaching to just below the bottom of your calf muscle, suppling proper levels of support to the lower leg.

They have a fully integrated tongue, and the lace system features three speed hooks that extent right up the collar. The combined result of this is that the boot offers a high level of waterproof protection up to and beyond the bottom of your hiking trousers or rain pants.

The Innovos are mid-width, and there is plenty of room in the toe box. Around the heel, Lowa's designers have added a lightweight 'monowrap support frame', which works as a 3D cradle to supply support to that crucial area. Extending right around the boot, this also operates as a rand, supplying protection for the side of the foot from shark sticks and stones. In addition, there’s a small toe cap to shield the wearer from toe stubs and bumps.

The considerable cushioning in the midsole comes thanks to DynaPU+, a kind of foam that supplies some degree of rebound with each foot placement. The suspension is enhanced by several extra layers of PU-foam padding. The boot is fairly flexible, and has been designed to roll with the foot during each stride.

The rubber outsole, made in house by Lowa from optimised rubber compound (rather than being brought in from a third party like Vibram), bristles with 5mm lugs, angled to provide grip and traction at the front, and braking control at the back. The chunky outsole is slightly higher at the rear too, but overall the bottom profile of the boot has a rocker shape (promoting a rolling cadence).

On the trails

Over the last four months I have been wearing the Innovo Mid GTX boots while hiking trails and scaling peaks in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, and also during slightly more mundane walking outings on my doorstep, taking the dog for strolls along my local stretch of the South West Coast Path. And herein lies the beauty of these boots: they’re basically good for everything from easy ambles through to more challenging escapades to the summit of (modest) mountain ranges.

Don’t get me wrong, you shouldn’t attempt to wear them to the top of technical peaks in the middle of winter – they’re not designed for that sort of high-end caper – but for the kind of hill hiking and coast-and-countryside walks the vast majority of us do most times we head out of the door, they’re absolutely perfect. And beyond day walks, they’re also ideal for overnight or multiday backpacking escapades, and hut hiking.

A swathe of lightweight boots have been released in recent years, by brands like Inov8 and Salomon, which are a bit like trail running shoes with a mid-height collar and are perfect for fastpacking. The Innovos are much more substantial than these, offering considerably more support and protection, and therefore they’re a bit heavier.

These boots are definitely designed for hiking, rather than trotting, but they’re still more nimble than a traditional hiking boot. The collar is exactly the right height to supply support when you are carrying a pack on a multiday adventure, or tackling technical low alpine terrain, and the cradle on the heel provides extra confidence too.

Ireland experienced a rare heatwave while I was in the Wicklow Mountains, so I was able to test the claims of breathability that Lowa make about the Innovo, and I can confirm that the combination of suede and a lighter, thinner synthetic in the chassis does make these boots reasonable cool to hike in. Gore-Tex membranes only really work (in terms of moisture control) when humidity is low, and that wasn’t the case in Wicklow in June, so there was a limit to how much my feet could breathe, but they would work better in the European Alps and other areas where the alpine air is drier.

Inevitably, I encountered plenty of jacket-drenching wet weather and boggy ground in the Irish Highlands too, especially on the top of Lugnaquilla, the highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains, which was entirely enveloped in cloud the entire time I was up there, ruining my chance to enjoy the apparently cracking views over Dublin Bay, but giving me a ample chance to test the waterproofing on these boots, which is very good. There were several stream crossings on the approach to this and other peaks, and I can attest that the integrated tongue and proper mid-height cut of the collar on the Innovo means you can wade through ankle-deep water without getting wet socks.

The outsole proved very grippy on rocky terrain, even in the wet, but I did find that the closely arranged lugs accumulated mud when I was hiking through boggy parts of the routes I was tackling.

Overall, however, the Innovo GTX Mids from Lowa are versatile, comfortable and highly capable boots, with excellent ankle and heel support, and top levels of lower foot and toe protection. They’re as breathable as you can reasonably expect any Gore-Tex membrane-lined boot to be, and the waterproofing is very good.

• There’s no point wearing great boots if you don’t pair them with good hiking socks
• In summer, wearing the best hiking shorts feels fantastic

Also consider

Look out, hikers! The big REI Labor Day sale is here and has slashed the prices of REI's outdoor gear. Along with great deals on essentials like backpacks and rain jackets, you can find huge savings on an impressive selection of hiking shoes and boots.

Following a brief scroll through the sale, we found one of our favorite pairs of year-round hiking boots for 25% off! The Keen Targhee IV boots are a rugged and dependable pair that won a spot on our guide to the best hiking boots as our favorite pair for wide feet, and they're now available in men's and women's sizes for just $134.99.

These tough hiking boots feature resilient nubuck leather and 100% recycled mesh uppers, which are well-suited to the wilderness and protected from rainfall by Keen.Dry waterproof membranes.

Advnture Editor Rosee Woodland put her pair to the test in the puddles, streams, and bogs of England's Lake District National Park, and remained dry throughout.

"On a recent descent from Gowbarrow Fell in the Lake District I got slightly confused as to where the trail was and ended up ankle deep in a bog several times," reads Rosee's four-star review for Advnture.

"Given that the gloop was a hair's breadth away from coming over the top of my boot, which is a good inch above where the tongue gusset separates, I was fully expecting to feel some leakage where the tongue met the front of my ankle, but there was nothing."

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Keen Targhee IV deals where you are.

• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

First impressions

A good pair of hiking socks is essential for any trek, keeping your feet comfortable and cushioned and avoiding any pesky blisters as you navigate the trails.

The best pairs use quality, sustainable fabrics and additional supportive sections to act as a barrier between your feet and any discomfort you might encounter. The Keela Insect Shield socks aim to do just this, with the added benefit of Insect Shield technology, which uses a specialist treatment to ward off critters in the wilderness.

Insect Shield features an odorless, EPA-registered insecticide called permethrin, which wards off mosquitoes, ticks, midges, and other pests on the trails. Unlike some insect repellents, which stop bugs from being able to smell you, it prevents biting by stunning the critters, usually causing them to die, according to the CDC.

Permethrin works as a naturally occurring insect repellent in chrysanthemum flowers, but the boffins at Insect Shield have decided to create their own. Insect Shield products aren't just treated with permethrin, but have it ingrained into their fabrics for protection until up to 70 washings, according to Insect Shield.

In addition to their insect protection, Keela's Insect Shield socks are designed to keep your feet comfortable over many miles of hiking. They're made with sustainable viscose fabrics from bamboo, designed to reduce friction and the risk of blisters. There's also extra padding around the ankle and footbed to give you all the support necessary while you trek.

Keela Insect Shield socks: on the trails

I got my hands on, and subsequently my feet into, the Keela Insect Repellent socks a few months ago, and have been putting them through their paces ever since.

I've worn my pair for many miles of hiking throughout the English spring and summer, and encountered a wide variety of different weather conditions. Here's how they got on in the wilderness:

Fit and comfort

After many miles of hard trekking, I can confidently say that Keela's Insect Shield socks are thoroughly comfortable. The mostly viscose and polyester fabric is soft to the touch and feels equally good on your feet. The padded footbed and ankle area provided some handy additional support and cushioned my feet throughout.

They've hardened a touch after a few washes, but still feel comfortable and soft while hiking.

I'm no stranger to blisters and rubbing on the trails, but I had no such issues wearing the Insect Shield socks. It's hard to know how much of this is due to their padding and viscose material, as Keela would suggest, but I can only report that I had no issues whatsoever in that area.

This pair also fits very well. I'm a size 11 and a half (UK), and found the large-sized socks felt snug on my feet, covering my ankle and a good deal of leg below my calf without becoming too baggy.

If you like your socks to ride up way up your calf, then I'd suggest getting a size up, but for a normal fit, this pair passes with flying colors.

Insect protection

I tested my pair throughout the spring and summer months over the hills and valleys of southern England, an area that's home to plenty of ticks and ants, but not the mosquitoes and other serious critters you're likely to find in warmer climates. Because of this, it was hard to precisely test my pair's insect repellency.

What I can confirm is that I had no issues with bugs throughout my time in the Insect Shield socks. Checking after every hike, I couldn't find any bites, tick marks, or other indications of insects. It's impossible to say whether I would've been bitten wearing different socks, but I certainly didn't have any issues in the Insect Shields.

Insect Shield tech has also undergone plenty of thorough testing in the lab and on the trails and is used by all sorts of brands to insect-proof their garments.

Price

At first glance, $23 (£19.95) seems a little pricey for a pair of socks, but it is, in my opinion, well worth it when you consider the prices of other top-end pairs that don't offer any insect protection.

Helly Hansen's Unisex technical hiking socks, for example, feature plenty of underfoot support and cushioning, but don't include any treatments or fabrics to repel insects and will set you back $25 (US) / £20 (UK).

You can, of course, find cheaper hiking socks, but if you're heading into an area where you're likely to encounter mosquitoes or other insects, then these Keela socks could be well worth the investment.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best hiking socks: keep your feet comfy all year round
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground
• How Advnture tests products

Lowa was founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1923 and has spent the last 100 years crafting – and forging a reputation for – high quality outdoor footwear. It has remained true to its core competency during this time and hasn’t made any significant forays into apparel or other such business lines – though it launched its first three pairs of trail running shoes in 2023. However, Lowa’s main focus remains hiking boots, shoes, mountaineering boots and the various niches in between.

The Cevedale Pro GTX Mid is one of the brand's standard mountaineering boots, a B2-rated powerhouse for alpine exploits and winter conditions. It’s compatible with a C2, semi-automatic crampon, making it suitable for winter walking and general mountaineering, but not steeper ice climbing or high-altitude activities, which require a C3 boot.

It’s available in the UK, alongside the burlier, warmer Alpine Expert II GTX. However, despite Lowa’s mountaineering boot offering being more substantial in the States, the Cevedale Pro GTX isn’t one of those available there. However, it’s a very similar boot to the slightly lighter Cevedale II GTX, which is available in the US for $304 at the time of writing.

First impressions

The Cevedale Pro GTX marries modern stylings onto a classy frame to give both an impression of timeless quality and technical capability. Visually, B2 boots tend to go one of three ways: all guns blazing towards a racing car style aesthetic – think the Scarpa Ribelle Light; lean heavily on a classic, burly leather boot look – Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro, I’m looking at you; or find a happy medium. The racing car vibe suggests speed and lightweight capability, while the classic aesthetic suggests durability, something you can really trust. I reckon the Cevedale Pro GTX balances both these, both in terms of look and performance.

It's not quite as heavy as the much-lauded Scarpa Manta Tech but it’s obviously meatier than the La Sportiva Trango Tower GRX or the Salewa Ortles Edge Mid GTX. Personally, I don’t get on with the Scarpa Manta Techs. I find them too cumbersome and prefer something a little lighter. The Trangos have been my go to for many years and they’ll serve as my benchmark when considering the Cevedale.

Here, you get all the usual features you’d expect: a reinforced TPU lip for taking a C2 crampon’s heel clip, a mighty toe box for kicking steps in the snow, a Gore-Tex membrane to keep things dry, and a grippy Vibram sole with a lug pattern designed for gripping rock. To wear, it feels reassuringly sturdy and supportive, though not as immediately nimble as the Trango or the Ortles Edge. I like the flexibility at the ankle – a feature it shares with the Ortles Edge. In my experience, this is a region that can become uncomfortable on long mountain days, so any additional give is a bonus.

Features

The Cevedale is highly protective, both against rock abrasion and the elements. The latter is down to its Gore-Tex bootie, which provides an effective shield against water ingress, enhanced by the boot’s stretch gaiter. The upper is made from suede, a soft cut of leather that’s more pliable than the forms of leather found closer to the surface of the hide. While it’s not as hardwearing as higher-grain materials like nubuck, it's more durable than many synthetic materials.

A wrap-around rubber rand provides an additional shield against the rough stuff, crucial for techniques like wedging, where the foot is literally wedged into a gap in the rock to provide a hold. This feature is fairly standard in these kinds of boots.

There’s plenty to commend in the Cevedale’s lacing system. Like a climbing shoe, it reaches down towards the toes for a more fine-tuned fit. This provides confidence on tiny edges, enabling more precise footwork. In fact, the lacing system is split into two separate zones thanks to the patented I-Locks for customized tightening, enabling the wearer to find the perfect fit for their chosen activity. As an example, you wouldn’t want a tight toe region for a long walk in but once you hit the crag it becomes much more desirable. It’s a similar idea (though a different design) to that seen in Aku’s Rock DFS GTX approach shoes.

Then there’s Lowa’s patented X-Lacing, which holds the tongue in place, stopping it from slipping around during activities, reducing pressure points and the chance of ending up with blisters. It's a great addition.

Vibram provide the Scalatore Evo outsole, which features a hybrid rubber and lug pattern designed for gripping both soft trails and rocky scrambling terrain. The clue is in the name, scalatore is the Italian word for climber or mountaineer and it’s a sole specifically designed for high alpine summits. Like an approach shoe, the lug pattern features flatter climbing zones at the front and rear for enhanced grip on rock, particularly when edging or smearing. Yet the deep lugs also provide claws for boggier terrain.

It's also noticeably rigid, both to provide a solid hold when engaging in precise foot placements and to ensure it binds effectively to a crampon. The last thing you need when exploring at 11,500ft (3,500m) is a crampon coming loose. As is usual, the sole curves upwards at the toes, adding reinforcement to this key region and enabling the wearer to be aggressive when kicking steps in snow.

In terms of sustainability, Lowa point out that the Cevedale is resoleable – it even recommends a specific UK provider to do the work on its website. This sort of construction is very welcome in this day and age and makes the initial cost of the boot seem more attractive.

In the mountains

I’m yet to test the Cevedales in a winter or truly alpine environment, my test period having started in the spring. However, what I was able to asses was their suitability on long approaches and scrambles in the testing, rocky mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) in North Wales.

They have been a pleasure to wear, and I've found them to be hugely accomplished on technical, rocky terrain. They’re not ideal for longer walk ins, being heavier than some B2 boots. As is often the case with mountaineering boots, their rigidity makes them feel much heftier than other forms of hiking footwear. A good option for long walk ins would be to wear a lightweight pair of shoes up to the more technical ground.

Nevertheless, the soft cuff tongue, elasticated heel gaiter and interior cushioning made them more comfortable than most boots of comparable weight. I found them much more comfortable to wear for extended periods than the Scarpa Manta Tech, though the La Sportiva Trango would be my preferred option for really long days in the mountains. The levels of stability and support are superb, a result of Lowa’s expertly made last: the foot-shaped mould that guides the design of its boots.

Romping through puddles in mountaineering boots is one of life's great joys – you'll feel like you're invincible to water ingress, especially when you pair them with gaiters. The same is true for the Cevedales, I was able to trust them to keep my feet dry throughout my adventures.

All in all, this is a very strong all-round mountaineering boot. My personal preference is for something a little lighter, though for outings where a hefty boot offers reassurance on really technical terrain, the Cevedale is a very good shout. The fact that it's fully resoleable only adds to its attraction.

Also consider

Comparison table

In the market for a reliable new pair of hiking shoes to help you through the summer and into the wetter months? Check out this awesome deal on one of our favorite pairs, which is now $80 off in women's sizes.

The Danner Trail 2650 Campo hiking shoes hold a spot on our expert guide to the best hiking shoes as our favorite shoes for stability, and are now available for just $120 at Danner.

This pair features sock-like leather and textile uppers, which protect you from the elements using dependable Gore-Tex membranes.

Outdoors expert Julia Clarke stood in bogs and streams to test the Trail 2650 Campo's waterproofing and found it to be watertight. Julia was also impressed by the comfy interiors and grippy Vibram outsoles.

"They have a nice, snug fit, loads of flex and good cushioning underfoot," reads her four-star review for Advnture.

"I’ve worn these a lot on rocky and muddy trails and in fairly torrential downpours and they perform really well with loads of grips and stability on slick and uneven surfaces."

These stylish hiking shoes are only reduced in Gore-Tex women's sizes. You can find the non-waterproof Trail 2650 Campo hiking shoes in men's sizes for their list price of $170 on the Danner website.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX hiking shoes deals where you are.

• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Great lightweight hiking shoes aren't usually cheap. The best hiking shoes combine a minimal exterior with plenty of cushioning and protection from the elements, but will usually cost a pretty penny. So, I was surprised to find that one of my favorite pairs is now available for over $45 off at REI.

The Keen Hightrail EXP hiking shoes will keep you dry and comfortable over many miles of long-distance trekking, and are now available in men's and women's sizes for just $104.43.

I put mine to the test in all manner of weather conditions, over a variety of unforgiving trails for my review for Advnture, and was thoroughly impressed throughout. Their snug performance ripstop mesh and TPU uppers remained dry as a bone when I was caught in torrential rain, thanks to this pair's Keen.Dry waterproof membranes.

I was also a fan of the underfoot comfort available with these hiking shoes. Lightweight pairs often sacrifice cushioning to save weight, but the Hightrail EXPs feature high-rebound foam midsoles, which felt supportive and cushioned as I navigated uneven trails.

I ultimately gave them a four-and-a-half-star rating, reflective of their excellent quality, lightweight build, and great trail feel.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Keen Hightrail EXP hiking shoes deals where you are.

• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

The North Face is holding a massive end-of-season sale, and it's slashed the price on one of its popular new hiking boots for women.

When we first saw the Offtrail Hike LT back in February, we couldn't help but draw some comparisons with the popular Hoka Kaha 3, what with the boots' rocker sole and surprisingly technical details.

Right now, you can grab The North Face Women’s Offtrail Hike LT Mid Gore-Tex Boots for only $140 at The North Face. That's a generous savings of 30% off the regular asking price for these waterproof boots, which boast a trainer-style aesthetic for comfort over long distances.

For treacherous conditions, the brand has used its proprietary Surface Ctrl rubber outsole finished with impressively deep 5 mm lugs to bite into slippery trails. There's also a Skycore rock guard inserted into the midsole to protect your feet from rocky trails and a ballistic-rubber toe cap to reinforce the uppers and keep your toes safe.

This deal applies to women's sizing in the Sumac/Alpine Plum colorway, but hurry, because sizes are selling out fast.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on The North Face Offtrail Hike Boots where you are.

There's a generous amount of foam underfoot plus a reinforced heel cup with a comfort-padded collar and tongue designed to lock in your foot to cut down on rubbing and enhance stability. The combination of ghillie-lace loops and three metal eyelets helps you to find the perfect fit before you set off.

Not in the US? These are today's best deals on The North Face Offtrail Hike Boots where you are:

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails
• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles

Don't wait around! Backcountry's semi-annual sale is here, and we've found one of our favorite pairs of hiking boots for just 45% of their normal price.

The Keen NXIS Evo boots are a lightweight, waterproof pair, perfect for light hiking, and they're now available for $85.48 in women's sizes at Backcountry.

These stylish boots combine synthetic PU uppers with dependable Keen.Dry membranes to keep your feet dry without overheating as you hike. They're not suitable for technical treks, but won a place on our guide to the best hiking boots as our favorite pair for easy hiking, due to their cushioning EVA foam midsoles and supportive fit.

In his review for Advnture, hiking expert Pat Kinsella said: "The lightweight NXIS EVOs perform best as a fair-weather option on fairly well-established trails and sub-alpine tracks.

"They’re excellent for fast-paced single and multi-day adventures in such terrain, supplying superlative heel support and enough ankle protection to keep you stable while wearing a pack."

This awesome deal is only available in women's sizes. If you want a men's pair, the NXIS Evo boots are available for their list price of $189.95 in men's sizes at Backcountry.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Keen NXIS Evo hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Are you in the market for some tough new hiking shoes to help you trek for the rest of summer and beyond? Then take a look at this dependable pair from Helly Hansen, which received a rare 4.5-star rating in our review, and has now been reduced by 25%.

The men's Switchback Trail hiking shoes are a comfy and protective pair fit for use well beyond the summer, and they're now available for just $105 on the Helly Hansen website.

Their comfortable uppers are made from a sturdy combination of suede leather and polyester, and protected from the elements by Helly Hansen's own HellyTech waterproof membranes. Once inside the shoes, your feet are greeted by bouncy EVA midsoles, designed to cushion them and minimize aching on the trails.

Outdoors expert Pat Kinsella put his pair to the test on the jagged peaks of Wales' Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park), and was very impressed by their performance, describing the Switchback Trail shoes as "good looking and comfortable straight out of the box."

Pat was particularly keen on the HellyGrip outsoles, which feature multiple grippy lugs and "provided really good grip on the rocks and boulders," and instilled "confidence during technical descents."

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Helly Hansen Switchback Trail hiking shoes deals where you are.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

When you’ve finally found a pair of hiking boots that’s comfortable, lightweight and protective, there’s nothing worse than winter rolling around and forcing you to haul out your stiff, heavy old boots again. That’s why Keen says it's taken one of its popular new models and winterized it, so you can hike in lightweight comfort no matter the season.

The Keen Hightrail Polar hiking boot, available now, keeps the sporty profile of the brand’s fast and light hiking range, but winterizes it, adding insulation and a new outsole to help you stay on the trail as the weather turns.

The Hightrail line launched this spring, featuring a town-to-trail vibe focused on speed, stability, and style. The boots are made using ethically sourced leather for robustness, but sport a trainer-like design. Adventure Staff Writer Will Symons gave the Keen Hightrail EXP nearly perfect marks, rating their comfort, grip, waterproofing and flexibility.

Meet the Keen Hightrail Polar

The most comfortable hiking shoes, however, do tend to lack the reinforcements needed for winter and the Polar edition is ready for icy blasts thanks to 200g of KEEN.WARM insulation (made from recycled P.E.T. plastic) that the Portland-based brand says will keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC). That’s reinforced with what Keen calls Heat Trapolator technology: three layers of heat-trapping materials between your foot and the ground.

For slippery conditions where you don’t quite need traction devices, the KEEN.FREEZE outsole has multi-direction lugs for better traction on ice and snow and is made with a rubber compound that’s built to stay flexible when it gets below freezing.

If you’re trekking through slush or deeper snow, the D-ring makes it easy to attach a gaiter and, like other Hightrail models, it’s waterproof and has the same Eco Anti-Odor for pesticide-free odor control and is PFAS-free.

The Keen Hightrail Polar Hiking boots are available now in both men’s and women’s sizing in black for $165 / £145 from Keen.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Have your hiking boots taken a battering this summer? It might be time to invest in a new pair, and you won't find many better for cheaper than these lightweight and waterproof boots from Keen, now 40% off.

The Zionic hiking boots are a dependable pair, fit for use well past the summer, and are now available for just $102 in men's and women's sizes at Keen.

Their waterproof and breathable uppers are made from a sturdy combination of recycled Ripstop mesh and TPU overlays, and feature a Keen.Dry membrane to keep your feet dry over wet and boggy trails. Keen.Dry works in a similar way to Gore-Tex, shielding your feet in a downpour without limiting breathability.

Inside, there's plenty of cushioning and supportive tech to help you hike in comfort. Outdoors expert Pat Kinsella was thoroughly impressed by the support on offer when he put his Zionic boots to the test over the rolling hills of Sussex's South Downs National Park and more rugged terrain in the South West of England.

"The level of cushioning is what makes the Zionics really stand out," reads Pat's review for Advnture.

"The air-injected midsole combined with the heel “crash pad” supply some seriously good suspension. The PU insole with arch support also helps with comfort levels on long trail days, and I appreciate the extra Achilles protection too."

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Keen Zionic hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

Merrell's Moab 3 hiking boots are one of the world's most recognisable pairs, and with good reason. Their soft pigskin leather and mesh uppers, dependable Gore-Tex waterproofing, and stable Vibram outsoles combine forces to form reliable boots that are great for year-round trekking.

Right now, the women's Moab 3 Mid is available for just $90.96 at Backcountry, as the US retailer slashes prices in its semi-annual sale.

These tough Merrell boots are one of our favorite pairs here at Advnture, and top our guide to the best hiking boots due to their solid performance on the trails. Outdoors expert Matthew Jones put his pair to the test in the mountains of Wales' Eryri National Park, otherwise known as Snowdonia, and was very impressed with their weather protection and out-of-the-box comfort.

"The Gore-Tex liner has kept our feet reliably dry and mostly comfortable, and the bellows tongue enables you to negotiate puddles or slightly boggy ground with confidence," reads his four-star review for Advnture.

"They were comfortable from the get-go and have continued to remain so as they’ve worn in. The tongue and ankle cuff are well-padded, and underfoot, you get a good balance of support and cushioning to help alleviate foot fatigue."

Matthew was also keen on the chunky Vibram outsoles, which dig into wet and slippery surfaces, so you don't have to worry about losing your footing when the heavens open.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

First impressions

There are lots of good trail running socks out there, but in quite a crowded category, Buff – the Barcelona-based brand that specializes in ultralight and multifunctional head and neck tubes – are turning heads and heels with their new range of outdoor-active socks for runners and hikers.

After making their name with head tubes / neck gaiters (to the extent that Buff has become the generic name for such garments), in recent years, the Spanish specialists have branched out to produce garments including running caps and head bands, as well as warm beanies for winter, but this is their first foray into footwear.

And at first glance the socks look great, with the kind of funky colors and art-inspired designs that you’d expect to see on their vibrant and versatile face and head tubes. Unlike their iconic hiking headwear, however – a massive range which is famed for its versatility (the neck gaiters can be worn at least 7 different ways) – there is only one way to put your foot in these socks.

I’m sure you don’t need me to talk you through this, but you simply slide into these unisex socks toes first, before pairing them with some top-notch trail-running shoes, donning some shorts and a technical T-shirt, and hitting the trails. Which is exactly what I set out to do over the last few weeks, intrigued about whether the natural mint element used really could keep my floor slappers cool and stop the socks from getting pongy).

Style and design

Tailored to be left/right-foot specific, these truly crew-length socks (reaching halfway up the shin) are panelled to provide support where it’s really required, including across the all-important arch of the foot, where so many runners experience discomfort.

A sophisticated sock, as well as offering a nicely shaped heel and toe box, the CoolNets also have what Buff call ‘intelligent compression zones’, gently squeezing your feet in places where it helps the wearer in terms of comfort, support and stability during high-intensity activity, such as trail running.

Being a unisex sock with compression elements and ergonomic panelling, I do think Buff could have made these available in a wider range of sizes, so people could get them in a more precise fit for their feet.

Materials

Socks have to be tough, and while natural fibers such as merino wool and bamboo make very comfortable clothing, they often deteriorate over time. For the new CoolNet crew-length running socks, Buff have gone with a synthetic material mix that blends polyamide and polyester with a large helping of elastane, with the latter dynamic substance used to create the supportive qualities and zoned compression that help make this a great running sock.

The polyester content will help the socks wick moisture away from the foot, but polyamide is the largest ingredient in the yarn, and it's a shame that only 4% of it is from recycled sources. Buff proudly use 95% recycled polyester to make their signature neck gaiters, so hopefully the brand will increase the amount of second-life material used in their socks as they expand the range.

‘Polyamide’ is an umbrella term that can describe several fabrics, and we don’t know exactly what Buff have used here, but it’s likely nylon, which is very tough and pretty comfortable to wear, but is not as breathable as polyester (and certainly not as breathable as merino or bamboo). Nor can it deal with the accumulation of bacteria that leads to clothes collecting hard-to-shake nose-wrinkling bad odors over time.

To counter these issues (particularly pertinent in socks), Buff have done two things: firstly, the design includes mesh zones to help make the socks much more breathable. Secondly – and more interestingly – the ‘CoolNet’ design incorporates HeiQ Smart Mint Cooling and Odor Technology, a plant-based deodorizer that regenerates with each wash (up to at least 40 laundry cycles).

On the trails

A long-time fan of the brand’s multi-useful neck gaiters, I was pleased to discover that Buff had branched out into socks and excited to try them. Socks do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to comfort during running and hiking adventures (although they get very little of the glory), and despite looking simple, they’re harder to get right than almost anyone really appreciates.

I’ve been running in the CoolNet Crew socks (over a wide range of terrain and across a variety of distances) for the last few weeks, to see whether Buff have nailed it at their first attempt.

And the short answer is yes, pretty much. These are excellent running socks, with a really smart design created from a clever material mix that allows your feet to breathe and wicks moisture away. The fabric is hardwearing, the fit is very good (although I think they should improve the size selection) and the combination of zoned compression, targeted support and careful fabric selection means your feet are comfortable, even during long-distance runs.

The weather has been extraordinarily hot during the testing period, but I have found the mesh zones adequate enough to stop my poor feet from overheating.

And does the much-lauded mint treatment stop them from stinking? So far so good (even for a notoriously salty sweater such as myself). But, in all honesty, I need to wear them for a longer period than I have so far to truly assess this – all socks pong after being worn (right?), but wash-resistant bad odor only starts accumulating after many months of wear, which makes me a bit concerned about the 40-washes reactivation caveat mentioned on the HeiQ website – but we shall see, and I will update you accordingly.

Also consider

Are you looking for a comfortable pair of trail-ready hiking boots to see you through the year? Then take a look at this awesome deal on one of our favorite models, now 40% off!

Helly Hansen's women's Switchback Trail HT hiking boots combine supreme comfort with a lightweight and protective exterior, fit for all seasons. They received a rare five-star rating in our review and are now available for just $96 at Helly Hansen.

Theseboots feature a sturdy combination of waterproofed suede, LWG leather, and 100% recycled polyester, providing great breathability for sweaty days on the trails and reliable weather protection when the heavens open.

Inside, your feet are supported by a bouncy EVA foam midsole, which impressed hiking expert Julia Clarke, who described the Switchback HTs as "one of the most comfortable hiking boots around," in her review for Advnture.

"These boots require no breaking in, and the cushioned midsoles mean you can walk for miles in them on day one without sore feet or rubbing," she added.

Along with providing comfort, these Helly Hansen hiking boots are designed to keep you upright with aggressive HellyGrip rubber outsoles, which dig into uneven terrain to stop you from slipping in the wilderness.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Helly Hansen Switchback HT hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

For all their high-tech features and quality craftsmanship, the best hiking boots are usually limited to dark colorways. But that doesn't have to be the case! If you're after a dependable pair to help you stand out on the trails, check out these vibrant boots from Merrell, now 30% off at Backcountry.

The Rogue Hiker Mid hiking boots combine an eye-catching design with several trustworthy features for long-distance trekking, and are now available for as low as $160.96 in men's and women's sizes.

Their bright, abrasion-resistant uppers are made from a synthetic TPU mesh and feature Gore-Tex membranes to protect against the elements. Gore-Tex is a popular choice for hiking boots, due to its reliable waterproofing and decent breathability.

Float Pro Foam midsoles are designed to keep your feet feeling as fresh as a daisy, and an 8mm drop provides decent heel cushioning and midfoot support.

Experienced trekkers will be pleased to see this pair's Vibram Megagrip outsole. Vibran is trusted by brands across the globe for its stable and dependable outsoles. This one features an aggressive lug formation, designed to dig into uneven trails and keep you from slipping as you hike.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Merrell hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

Barefoot hiking is a rapidly growing phenomenon in the outdoor world, as trekkers ditch the traditional rock plates and chunky outsoles of conventional hiking boots and shoes in favor of footwear that allows them to feel the ground beneath their feet as they move.

If you're keen to connect with nature and feel every inch of the trails, then you might want to check out the two latest models from barefoot specialist Vivobarefoot.

The new Primus Trail Flow Mid and Desert ESC hiking boots both feature minimalist outsoles built to allow your feet to flex, something that the brand says will actually make them stronger over time.

The Primus Trail Flow Mid

The Primus Trail Flow Mid boots are a super-minimalist pair, designed for fast, dynamic movement on the trails.

Their ultra-lightweight uppers are made from a water-resistant combination of recycled polyester and spandex. There's no insole to maximize the barefoot feeling, and the Trail Flow outsole aims to keep you close to the ground without compromising grip.

All in all, they weigh just 0.5oz (229g) (women's size 7.5) per boot, which puts them in the super-lightweight category, comparable to previous Vivobarefoot models like the Magna Lite SG.

Although the main materials in this pair are vegan, Vivobarefoot hasn't been able to confirm the status of smaller components like the adhesives and dyes used in production. The Vivobarefoot website reads: "Whilst we believe the shoes are vegan, we’re not yet able to guarantee it and want to be fully transparent."

At $220 (£170), these Vivobarefoot boots are a touch pricier than some other models on the market, but not outrageously expensive.

The Desert ESC

The Desert ESC hiking boots are a limited edition barefoot pair built to thrive in the blistering heat of the world's toughest desert environments.

They're made from tough, naturally moisture-wicking camel leather, designed to protect your feet from animals and debris on the trail without sacrificing breathability. The ESC Michelin outsole is also tough and features an aggressive lug formation to keep you from slipping while maintaining a barefoot feel.

The Desert ESC hiking boots weigh in at 1.2lb (551g) (men's size 9), which is pretty light considering the heft of other high-performance expedition boots.

This pair's price tag of $295 (£240) is also on the expensive side, although it's not too dissimilar to other desert models like the Quest 4D Gore-Tex Forces 2 boots from Salomon, which retail for $260 (£200).

• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles
• The best barefoot running shoes: feel connected to the trails and strengthen your stride

First impressions

To my surprise, I loved the look of Danner’s Fullbore sandals from the moment I got them out of the box. I enjoy having breeze-cooled feet during the summer as much as the next person, but even some of the best hiking sandals can be pretty fuggly and sartorially challenging. Not these ones, though – they looked immediately decent enough to wear from the trails to the beach to the bar with a pair of walking shorts and a loose-fitting hiking shirt.

Don’t get me wrong, I always prioritize functionality over fashion when it comes to footwear and outdoor apparel, let alone the walking shoes and boots I’m relying on to keep me the right way up, but it’s nice not to feel like a complete doofus while wearing them, especially in the sunny summer months when outdoor activities are a lot more social and often end with a gathering at a campsite or a pub garden.

The Fullbores looked good – I just hoped they would be comfortable and live up to the expectations set by the fairly steep price tag (for sandals) and the excellent components used in their construction.

With a smart Vibram Megagrip outsole, a substantial midsole and really decent foot support, these sandals aren’t just easy on the eye, they’re fully qualified hiking hooves. And with the quick-draining mesh upper, they should also make for good water shoes, ideal for walking routes with river, stream and estuary crossings, and also adventures involving wild swimming and paddling craft ranging from rafts to stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks.

With all this in mind, I slipped them and started exploring some stream-streaked trails, riparian rambling routes and coastal paths, pausing for the odd paddle and plunge as I went.

Availability

The new men’s Fullbore sandals are available now in three colors directly from the Danner site, as well as from various retailers. (The brand offers several different hiking sandal designs for women.)

Design & materials

The Fullbore sandals are basically a very stripped back version of Danner’s tried and tested ‘tactical’ boots of the same name. Built around a synthetic leather and polyester chassis, the sandal version obviously features a far lower cut, with a dynamic cuff that finishes around the bottom of the ankle, and there is much more mesh to allow air to get in, and water to flood out.

The heel is collapsible, which means you can simply slide your feet into the sandal if you’re feeling lazy. When the wearer has their feet fully inside the chassis, the heel (which is padded on the inside) can be quickly and easily tightened with a strap and a buckle. At the front of the shoe, there is a semi-rigid toe cap.

There is quite a large tongue on this sandal, but (somewhat strangely) it’s not integrated to the rest of the upper. The lace system is substantial, passing through five pairs of tough fabric loops and a pair of eyelets near the ankle. The thick lace tightens with a draw string and toggle, which can then be tidily tucked away in a small pouch at the top of the tongue.

Inside each of the sandals is a removeable OrthoLite footbed. Below that you’ll find Danner’s proprietary ‘Plyolite’ midsole, which provides a decent amount of cushioning, especially beneath the heel. And finally, on the underside, is a Vibram Fuga outsole made from the Italian brand’s Megagrip compound, featuring flex lines for dexterous foot placement, and a sequence of ‘self-adaptive lugs’ shaped variously in triangle and diamond patterns and arranged to provide traction, grip and braking control.

On the trails

Over the last two months, during a sweaty start to what looks like being a multi-heatwave summer, I have been wearing the Danner Fullbore sandals while doing rock-hopping walks along the craggy coastlines of England and Ireland, and trekking along riverside trails to waterfalls and wild swimming spots. I’ve also worn them while paddling SUPs, and increasingly I find myself reaching for these sandals when I’m doing everyday things like walking the dog along the beach. But our relationship didn’t get off to the best start.

Initially these sandals felt comfortable, but by the end of my first proper hike in them, which was a reasonably long walk along the banks of the River Dargle to Powerscourt Waterfall, they had rubbed the skin off my feet in several painful places. As mentioned above, the tongue is not fully integrated to the main body of the sandal, and some grit had made its way into the shoe while I was wading across streams and exploring the waterfall. I’m not sure if the grit caused the rubbing, or the fact that conditions were extremely hot and humid (and I am a very salty sweater), or perhaps it was purely the fact that my feet were not accustomed to the shoe and were soft after being ensconced in hiking socks for winter and spring.

The hotspots and rubs were sufficiently sore for me to sulkily retire the sandals for a few days, until my feet had healed, but once I put them back on, I didn’t experience any further rubbing or discomfort. Either the sandals had quickly become softer, or my feet had been shamed into toughening up sharpish – but either way I was much happier.

Besides being comfortable, these sandals fit very firmly on your feet. I have found the lace system to be hassle-free, neat and tidy, which is exactly what you want in both a trail shoe and a water sandal. The last lace hole is right up beside the ankle, and between this and the adjustable heel, I’m able to get a really solid connection with my foot. You could easily wear these sandals while doing a hectic sport like rafting, without worrying much about them getting ripped off.

The inside of the heel plate is padded – a nice touch that protects the Achilles, and the toecap – while not as substantial as you might find on a Keen sandal – does provide some pinkie protection.

Between the footbed insert and the midsole, there is ample cushioning in the Fullbores to facilitate fairly long hikes on all kinds of terrain. I’d still recommend staying within a 7- or 8-mile limit, though – certainly until your feet are accustomed to the sandals.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole is extremely impressive. The flexlines enable you to wrap your feet around rocks for optimum traction, and the smartly shaped and intelligently positioned self-adaptive lugs provide excellent grip and control on all kinds of surfaces, wet and dry.

Overall, the Fullbore sandal is an excellent choice of summer footwear if you like to mix aquatic adventures with short- to mid-length coastal and countryside hikes, whether they have wet obstacles to negotiate or not. These are not the skimpiest of sandals, but the mesh sidewalls on the upper let your feet breathe beautifully in hot conditions.

Also consider

Comparison table

Hiking in the summer months comes with its challenges. From sunburn to exhaustion, trekking under the blazing sun can be a pain without the right equipment and proper precautions. Along with plenty of water and ample protection from the sun, breathable hiking boots are essential for sweaty days on the trails.

If you're in the market for a new pair that won't overheat as you trudge through the wilderness, then check out these lightweight boots from Keen. The men's Zionic hiking boots are a great option for hot-weather hiking and are now available for just $118.93 at REI.

This pair was designed with the summer sun in mind. The performance ripstop mesh upper features airy 100% polyester and TPU overlays, built to maximize breathability and freedom on the trails. Should the rain clouds appear, you'll be protected by reliably waterproof Keen Dry membranes.

Hiking expert Pat Kinsella took his Zionics out in all sorts of weather conditions and was very impressed with the results.

Writing in his review for Advnture, Pat described the pair as: "breathable and waterproof enough to deal with warm, damp weather, while remaining lightweight and highly cushioned so they’re comfortable and don’t fatigue you during big days out".

Pat was also keen on the underfoot support on offer.

"The level of cushioning is what makes the Zionics really stand out," he said.

"The air-injected midsole combined with the heel 'crash pad' supply some seriously good suspension. The PU insole with arch support also helps with comfort levels on long trail days, and I appreciate the extra Achilles protection too."

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Keen Zionic hiking boots where you are.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles

After a Prime Day bargain but don't want to shop at Amazon? Don't worry, you don't have to!

We're mid-way through the huge Prime Day sales event, but some of the best bargains are actually elsewhere, so there's no need to shop at the US retailer if you don't fancy it. In fact, one of the best deals we've seen in the past week is on Backcountry, which is also holding a huge sale to keep up with Amazon.

Along with plenty of big bargains, you can save 40% off one of my favorite pairs of hiking shoes, the Adidas Terrex GTX Skychasers, which are now available for just $95.97 in women's sizes at Backcountry.

These sturdy trekking shoes are a solid option for year-round hiking, combining a tough, dependable exterior with plenty of inner comfort. Their weatherproof textile and synthetic uppers use Gore-Tex membranes to keep your feet dry in heavy rain and over boggy trails. I tested the Skychasers in all sorts of unforgiving weather for my review for Advnture, and can happily report that my feet stayed bone-dry throughout.

Comfort is another stand-out feature. The Lightstrike lightweight cushioning and snug Ortholight sockliner absorbed plenty of blows in testing and kept my feet feeling fresh over many miles of trekking.

Along with the Gore-Tex version, you can also save 40% off the standard Terrex Skychasers, which are now available for $83.97, in women's sizes at Backcountry.

Adidas have recently brought out a waterproof version of this shoe - the Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX, which is currently full price, but at $120, is still a great buy. It's available in men's and women's sizes, direct from Adidas, and you can read more about it here.

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Adidas Terrex Skychaser hiking shoes where you are.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles

When I visited Aku’s Montebelluna HQ in the plains to the south of the Dolomites, one of the presentations we were given detailed the ways the Italian footwear brand was striving to be more sustainable. This is a brand that makes high-quality outdoor footwear, often at a premium price. It’s also a brand that’s well aware that the continued use of virgin materials and animal products is not the future. From the design of the shoe to the distance components have to travel in the supply chain, Aku was in the process of putting every step of its operations under the microscope to pave the way for a more environmentally friendly future.

As part of the trip, we ventured into the Dolomites to test the Aku Slope V-light GTX, a more sustainable reimagining of one of the brand’s classic hiking boots. The V in the name stands for vegan, referring to the use of recycled synthetics over leather in the construction of the upper. This particular boot contained varying levels of recycled materials throughout.

That was then, this is now. Enter the Omnia V-light GTX, the next stage in Aku’s mission. It has ‘designed to reduce’ printed proudly on its upper, along with a little leaf icon. It's a shoe that comes in various colorways, but always with at least a splash of green. We’ll get into exactly why this is in a moment.

The Omnia sits in Aku’s Fast Hiking category. It's a hiking shoe produced with versatility in mind, with design features that give a nod towards the growing e-biking trend on the European continent too.

The Omnia isn’t currently available in the US, though Aku’s award-winning Rocket DFS GTX is a superb fast hiking alternative that we also rate highly.

First impressions

I’ve had the pleasure of sampling several pairs of Aku shoes, from the Tengu GTX, a mountaineering boot; to the Rock DFS GTX, an innovative approach shoe; and the excellent Trekker Lite II GTX, a standard 3-season hiking boot. What sets the Omnia apart from all of these is its more casual look and feel. The shoes mentioned above are tools for specific purposes, and I wouldn’t necessarily want to wear them for everyday walks or to the bar, despite their technical qualities.

The Omnia is more relaxed, more easy-going, happy to go with the flow. It’s attractive and comfortable – I’d wear it to the pub, I’d wear it on the trails and I'd wear it in the mountains, up to a point. Its name is an unsubtle hint towards these qualities: omnia is Latin for ‘everything’. Aku goes as far as suggesting a few use cases in embossed writing on the sole: e-bike, fast-hike, commute. We get the picture. This is a versatile shoe for everyday adventures.

I immediately liked the lacing, which bears a resemblance to Salomon’s Quicklace system. Here, it’s ingeniously threaded through a pouch in the tongue, making it easy to hide away once tightened up. It’s a smart look. I also liked the overall aesthetic – it looks like a hiking shoe but it’s not flashy. It’s got that understated Italian class that’s hard to define or replicate.

The fit is spacious, probably more so than I’d like. Even when I ramped up the laces as tight as I could get them, I didn’t feel particularly locked in. I was interested to see what this would mean once I hit the more demanding trails.

Playing the percentages

Plenty of recycled content has gone into the construction of the Omnia, with different component parts featuring different amounts. Starting with the polyester upper, around 50% of the main fabric is recycled. The face fabric and backing fabric contain 70% recycled polyester and polyamide respectively. Meanwhile, they’re also 100% PFAS-free, meaning they don’t contain perfluorocarbons, a ‘forever chemical’ that studies suggest can have harmful effects on overall health.

In the laces, yarns and webbings, Aku does even better, boasting 100% recycled cotton in the laces, and 100% recycled polyester elsewhere. Bored of percentages yet? Strap in, we’re just getting started. Or you could just skip to the performance features, it’s up to you.

Moving down the shoe, we first come to the Ortholite HybridPlus insole, which contains 50% recycled polyurethane. Then there’s the midsole, with its 10% biobased sugarcane EVA and, finally, the 10% recycled synthetic rubber in the proprietary Tenuta outsole. Yes, Aku have developed their own compound here, rather than relying on their usual collab with Vibram. The compound used is designed for a mix of technical off-road surfaces and urban use.

Another design feature that makes the Omnia’s that little bit greener is the way that the midsole and outsole are co-moulded together, reducing the use of adhesives in the construction.

Performance features

Unless you hike in predominantly dry environments, waterproof qualities are more than desirable in your hiking footwear. Aku has called upon its American friends at Gore-Tex to supply the breathable, waterproof membrane. In this case, it’s Gore-Tex’s Most Breathable Reycled Lining that’s put to use which, as its name suggests, is a particularly breathable membrane. It’ll also keep water at bay, stopping it from invading the inner sanctum of the shoe. However, the low cut of the Omnia’s means that they’re not great for tramping through boggy ground, where water is liable to get in over the top.

The lacing system is pretty much the same as Salomon’s Quicklace, utilizing a sliding buckle to achieve the desired tightness. The elasticated lacing pouch on top of the tongue is a superb design feature. Once I’d tightened everything up, I could simply stash the system into the pouch. It’s convenient and looks rather tidy too.

As I’ve come to expect from Aku’s shoes, the Omnia features the Elica natural stride system, which follows the anatomy of the foot to distribute the load, thus reducing the impact and strain felt with each step. It all starts with the Aku’s last, which is oppositely inclined from the forefoot to the heel and works with the biomechanics of a trekker’s stride. The bio-based EVA midsole works with this to cushioning and propulsion. To cut through the jargon, I’ve always found that Aku’s shoes were comfortable to walk in, providing appropriate stability on rugged terrain.

As mentioned, Aku uses its proprietary Tenuta compound for the outsole. There are a few subtle design features going on in the design of the lug pattern. The 6mm lugs provide the tread needed for a variety of trail surfaces, from dry rock to soggy, soft moorland. However, they’re spaced closer together in the inner forefoot area to provide the ideal grip on e-bike pedals. I’m admittedly not a cycling expert, so I can’t attest as to why Aku names e-biking specifically here over just general cycling – but this is a thoughtful touch that underlines the versatility of the shoe.

The lugs are also spaced closer together at the toes and the heel in much the same way as an approach shoe's would be. This is to provide traction when scrambling on rock, using techniques such as edging and smearing. It’s not quite as comprehensive a climbing zone as you get on dedicated mountaineering footwear, but it’s there nonetheless.

The Omnia is also fairly protective when it comes to rock abrasion. There’s a reinforced toe cap with a rand around the forefoot, as well as reinforcement towards the heel. It’s about the right balance between weight, style and shielding for a shoe like this. Too much protection and you risk the shoe becoming too heavy and less stylish for more casual use.

On the trails

I’ve been testing the Omnia through the spring and early summer seasons on my local trails around Bristol and in the hills of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in South Wales. A pleasure to wear for the everyday, I got on very well with them. The Omnia is a shoe that will see plenty of general use thanks to its versatility.

I’m a big fan of the lacing system. Not only does it look smart, it’s convenient to use and also allowed me to simply slip my foot in and out of the shoe when loosened. I also liked that there’s a fabric loop at the heel for attaching to carabiners and the like.

The Omnia’s upper isn’t particularly cushioned, though its materials are relatively soft and flexible. So, while it’s not a shoe that gives your feet a warm cuddle, neither is it as rough and ready as something like Scarpa’s Rapid XT approach shoe. I found it was comfortable to wear for long periods, though there are both warmer options for sub-zero temps and more breathable options for faster endeavors.

And so, to the slightly relaxed fit that I mentioned earlier. In general, I found that this wasn’t an issue, and the shoes remained comfortable and nimble on the trails, providing a nice degree of stability. It was only during sustained descents in the hills that I noticed my toes nudging against the toe box. It might be worth going half a size down from your usual to combat this.

Other than this, it’s low weight and great design made it well suited to hiking in the hills and I could well imagine wearing it for hut-to-hut treks in alpine environments too. As I’ve alluded to already, more technical adventures call for more specialized footwear, while they’re not ideally suited to boggy, moorland terrain due to their low cut. Nevertheless, if you’re after a thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly and versatile hiking shoe, you can’t go far wrong with the Omnia.

Also consider

Comparison table

Seeking a new pair of nimble-but-waterproof hikers for the summer, but on a budget? The new Skychaser from Adidas Terrex might be just what you're looking for.

The Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX hiking shoe is out now, sporting a few notable differences from its predecessor, including a significantly lower price.

We loved the original Adidas Terrex Skychaser Gore-Tex in our field tests, with Advnture writer Will Symon noting they offer lots of cushioning for all-day comfort, speed lacing that makes things simple and lots of protection. So, how does the AX5 hold up?

Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX hiking shoe

Terrex, the outdoor arm of Adidas, says the new model is designed for moving quickly in technical terrain. Though it describes the shoe as lightweight, we'd place it more in the medium weight category, and with an average weight of 15.2oz, it's virtually the same weight as the previous model. There are differences, though.

Instead of the textile and synthetic upper, the AX5 sports a ripstop upper, which may be tougher for rough hikes and long use, and it's still endowed with a rubber outsole with chevron lugs that hopefully offer the same good grip as before. In place of the Lightmotion foam midsole, this model is built with a Lightmotion EVA midsole, and there's more of it too – 32mm under heel compared to 26mm.

The drop is higher too, up to 12mm, which may not be good news for everyone's toes on a downhill, and the speed lacing system has been replaced with traditional laces, which do take a bit longer but can also be more durable and easier to replace.

The real drop we noticed, however, is in price. Compared to the original Skychaser, which retailed for $160, the AX5 has hit the market at just $120 / £85, which is a significant discount and places it well within the same price range as the shoes in our list of the best cheap hiking boots and shoes.

The Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX is available now in both men's and women's sizing in multiple colorways from Adidas.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid hiking boots: first impressions 

When you've been handcrafting hiking boots for over a century, like Lowa has, you know when you're onto a good thing, and that's why the German brand has revisited its highly acclaimed Renegade.

Designers of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid have added innovative technology to improve the fit, comfort and performance of the boot, and I think it excels on all counts. To be fair, we already loved its predecessor when we tested it back in 2022, with our expert reviewer calling it a 'modern classic' and concluding that it was sturdy, well-built and comfortable. With the recent upgrades, I'd say the Evo is as close to perfect as a boot can be for everything except technical winter hill hiking.

I tested this boot in the Highlands of Scotland and the hills of the Himalayas, from late winter to early summer, and found it to be comfortable both straight out of the box, and months later, even when I wore it for hours at a time and many days in a row. The dual-layer Dyna PU midsole is by no means the softest and plushest I've ever hiked in – in fact, you get quite good trail feel – but it's flexible and protective, and I've never experienced anything close to foot fatigue in these boots, even after seven hours of walking.

The comfort factor is also aided by customizable lacing zones and what Lowa calls its Monowrap support frame, which the brand says provides a three-dimensional cradle to guide and protect your foot over uneven surfaces. A higher than usual ankle cuff is more supportive than many boots I've tested, but remains very comfortable.

Speaking of uneven surfaces, for traction, the EVO boasts an exclusive Vibram outsole designed specifically for this model called Rene TRAC, and I've had no issues with grip whether I've been climbing over frosty rocks during alpine starts or romping across boggy British hills.

The Nubuck leather upper looks good even after more than 200 miles of walking, thanks in part to fewer seams in the construction, which the brand says cuts down on potential failure points. The upper manages to be breathable in warm weather, despite a Gore-Tex lining that kept my feet dry while wading through shallow streams.

It's not the lightest boot I've tested, and that's mostly down to it being a leather boot rather than synthetic, but it's by no means heavy either, and of course the trade off is a more durable construction. It also isn't a winter hiking boot, and in the coldest of weather, I did notice the lack of insulation. But it doesn't claim to be engineered for snow, we're just letting you know in case you need something for frigid temperatures.

It's also on the pricey end, but again, I'd expect to pay more for a higher quality boot that should last years.

In conclusion, this model is a big step forward from an already-great hiking boot and I've loved every step I've taken in it.

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid hiking boots: in the field 

When I was offered the chance to trek over 11 days to Everest Base Camp, I knew I'd need a solid pair of hiking boots. I wanted something with more flex than my Hanwag Makra Trek boots for the long days, but suspected I'd need something sturdier than my super comfortable Columbia Konos TRS Mid.

I was already testing these boots, which I received from Lowa UK, and after wearing them on a two-day training hike in the Scottish Highlands, where I did nearly 20 miles (30km) in them without sore feet, I realized they were going to be perfect for my trek.

Between training for Base Camp in Scotland and the trek itself, I put over 200 miles (322km) in these boots from late winter through early summer to give them every chance to show me what they're capable of, and recently wore them again on a five-day thru-hike in the Lake District National Park. Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested these boots in a UK 4 (US 6), which is what I usually choose. It's a half size up to give my feet room to swell, and I'd say these boots fit true to size. I've worn them with fairly thick hiking socks and still had enough room for my toes, though I suspect I could have gotten away with going up a full size. Lowa also offer both wide and narrow options in select colorways so you can customize the fit.

When they arrived, I was worried that the toe box looked too narrow, but this hasn't been an issue at all. My higher arches often mean I suffer pain on the tops of my feet, but I've had no problems at all in these boots, and that may be down to the two independently adjustable lacing zones (one on the forefoot and one on the upper) that allow me to tailor the fit.

Though these boots don't have the plush, bouncy midsole of something like the Hoka Kaha 3s or my Columbia Konos, I'm able to wear them for at least six hours a day and over multiple consecutive days without ever experiencing any rubbing, blisters, or even foot fatigue. In fact, I don't recall once having that feeling of just wanting to tear my boots off at the end of the day, which is saying something. I put this down to the supportive fit, protection and just the right amount of flex in the sole.

Breathability and protection

These boots are waterproof, so I was a little worried about breathability, especially as we mostly experienced shorts weather on the trek to Everest Base Camp. I needn't have worried, however, as I never experienced overly sweaty feet (beyond what you'd expect while hiking in warm weather) and that remained true whether I was wearing wool or synthetic socks. Based on their performance in Nepal, I'm planning to continue hiking through the summer in the Renegade EVO GTX Mids.

Fortunately we didn't get much rain in the Himalayas, but I've put the Gore-Tex lining through its paces over the past few months here in Scotland, making a point to stand in a few streams as much to wash my boots as to test the membrane and I can say with confidence that it's watertight.

The clever sole manages to have a little flex and give a nice amount of trail feel, but still proves protective when I'm walking over rockier terrain, and of course the upper has added reinforcements around the toes.

I'm not someone that needs all my walking footwear to have ankle protection, but I'd say the higher ankle cuff gives good protection and stability while still being really comfortable.

The only time I noticed a chink in the armor was when I got up at 3am to hike Kala Patthar, which is even higher in elevation than Base Camp. It was a cloudless night and absolutely frigid out, and I did have some nippy toes by the time I reached the top. It was a short hike and wasn't a real issue, but just to underscore the point: these aren't winter boots.

Grip and stability

The yellow Vibram stamp on the outsole was a good indication to me that these were going to keep me on my feet come rain, mud or frost, and the Italian brand hasn't let me down. Whether I've been on slick, boggy terrain or steep, crumbly slopes, I've yet to slip in them. I can't say how much traction you'll get in snow and ice, but on the Khumbu glacier and over frosty rocks at Kala Patthar I had no issues with grip.

As for stability, I can't say I was aware of the frame that's been engineered to guide my foot until I read up on the specs, but I can say that I've been able to walk confidently across all types of terrain, from lumpy bogs to alpine tundra without a rolled ankle (although I do hike with trekking poles).

Value

There's no getting away from the fact that these aren't the cheapest boots on the market, but they're also far from the most expensive. Certainly, the price tag does exclude some customers, but you're getting a high-quality, long-lasting boot for the price.

That means Nubuck leather, a Vibram outsole, made in Europe and without any intentionally added PFAS, all of which I'd be happy to pay extra for, and I'm pleased to see that the sole has some recycled components to it.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Planning a long distance hike this summer? It's important to prepare with the right equipment, including a comfy pair of hiking shoes to support your feet, and keep you feeling fresh over many miles of wilderness walking.

If you're in need of new hiking shoes, check out this epic deal and save $30 off one of our favorite pairs. The Columbia Konos Outdry hiking shoes combine loads of underfoot cushioning with a snug and comfortable fit, and are now available for just $90 on the Columbia website.

These lightweight, bouncy shoes feature thick OmniMax midsoles, designed to absorb blows and eliminate aching as you hike. Their OutDry membrane and mesh uppers wrap your feet in soft, waterproof materials that can keep you dry in torrential rain or over boggy trails.

Hiking expert Julia Clarke was very impressed when she tested these comfort-first shoes over the unpredictable terrain and in the varied weather of the Scottish Highlands.

Julia, who rated the pair a rare four-and-a-half stars, was particularly keen on their snug fit and grippy AdaptTrax outsoles.

"These felt great from the moment I put them on, thanks to the cushioning, meaning I can walk for four hours without my feet feeling tired," reads her review for Advnture.

"I was impressed by the grip I got when hiking down an extremely steep, grassy and wet slope recently. It's a hike I do often and I nearly always slip and fall when I'm on it, but not this time."

You can also find the Konos Outdry hiking shoes in women's sizes for their list price of $120 on the Columbia website.

Not in the States? Don't worry, you can still pick up a great deal. Look below for today's best Columbia Konos Outdry bargains where you are.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles

Summer fun calls for lightweight, breathable hiking boots that will still protect your feet and help you grip to technical trails. But can you get all that for under $200? With Backcountry's summer sale you can.

Right now, you can pick up the lightweight Scarpa Rush TRK LT GTX Hiking Boots for just $167.26 at Backcountry. That's a giant 30% off the regular list price for these high quality boots, which Backcountry's gear testers say blend the best of comfort with protection.

"I’ve been wearing the men’s Rush TRK LT GTX for everything from steep day hikes to weekend packs. It’s got the nimble feel of a trail runner but the structure and grip of a full-on hiking boot," says one gear tester, who calls the supportive ankle collar one of the most comfortable around.

This hiker is built for summer trails, but still has the capacity for technical routes. Engineered with a ripstop synthetic upper that's tough and breathable, a Gore-Tex lining for wet weather and river crossings plus a RESA TRK-01 outsole which the brand promises delivers sticky traction, this boot has the goods as well as all-day comfort.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing and the sale ends July 6.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Scarpa Rush hiking boot series where you are.

For long days on your feet, two layers of foam in the midsole ensure plenty of cushion without losing too much trail feel, and the roomy toe box allows your feet to swell and your toes to avoid a bashing on the downhill.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Scarpa Rush hiking boot series where you are:

• Best hiking boots: hit the trail
• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers

With the right pair of boots or shoes, barefoot hiking can be a freeing experience, allowing you to feel the roots and rocks beneath your feet and reconnect with nature as you trek.

If you're raring to give it a go this summer, check out this awesome deal on one of our favorite pairs of barefoot hiking boots. The Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile women's hiking boots combine plenty of traction and a comfortable fit with an excellent trail feel, and they're now available for just $165 at Vivobarefoot.

These responsive boots are made from 100% recyclable, vegan materials, which wrap around your foot to provide support and reliable waterproofing as you hike. Our hiking expert Julia Clarke stood in a shallow river to test the Tracker Textile's protection from the elements, and "not a drop got in".

She was also impressed by the grippy All Terrain rubber outsoles, which she took over plenty of tricky terrain in her review for Advnture.

"I was really impressed with the traction as I didn't slip once over muddy trails or frozen bog. The outsoles have really deep lugs, which have the added bonus of creating a little space between my feet and the trails," said Julia.

These top-notch barefoot boots are also available in men's sizes for their list price $220 on the Vivobarefoot website.

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can still pick up a great deal. Look below for today's best Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile bargains where you are.

• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet
• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles

Few footwear brands boast Scarpa’s reputation for quality mountain footwear. Since 1930, the Italian brand has been crafting shoes for the peaks from its alpine home. It was founded by an Anglo-Irish businessman, Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness, the second Earl of Iveagh. He named the brand Scarpa, a jumbled acronym for Calzaturieri Asolani Riuniti Pedemontana Anonima (the Association of Footwear Manufacturers from the mountain area of Asolo). However, anyone who speaks Italian will know this is a case of the tail wagging the dog, as Scarpa is also Italian for… shoe.

Scarpa’s range includes approach shoes, like these, plus mountaineering (arguably the brand’s forte), ski touring, climbing, hiking, trail-running and lifestyle footwear. If you're asking yourself, 'what are approach shoes?' – they sit in the middle ground between climbing shoes and hiking shoes, offering some of the precision and grip on rock of the former, with the comfort and everyday wear qualities of the latter. Mountain guides love approach shoes, as they allow them to comfortably take clients on easy climbs, without the need to swap hiking shoes out for climbing shoes.

The Rapid XT is a fast and light approach shoe, ideal for multi-pitch climbs and at the 'meeting point between hiking, running and climbing, taking the best from each category' according to Scarpa. It’s also been available as a Gore-Tex version in Europe for a while, and the mid cut version is a recent addition to Scarpa's range in the US.

First impressions

This immediately struck me as a no-nonsense, classic approach shoe, with the good looks we’ve come to expect from Scarpa. First wear reveals in the inside to be a little bit rough and ready, not as lovingly padded as something like the Zamberlan El Cap approach shoe, which is admittedly 100g (3.5oz) heavier per pair. However, if you’re used to plush comfort in your hiking and scrambling footwear, this might be a bit of a shock.

The rough and ready theme continues in the generous, wrap-around TPU rand, which is designed to provide high levels of protection against rock abrasion. This is an armadillo of a shoe, with its durable leather upper and protective features. If you’re looking for kitten-soft comfort, this isn’t the pair for you. But then, you're after something you can ram into a crack between rock faces, not something to tickle under the chin.

It's no surprise to see Vibram Megagrip put to use in the outsole. This rubber compound is a mainstay in approach shoes, providing excellent traction on both wet and dry rock. There’s also the usual climbing zone, a region of flat rubber on the outsole under the toes, designed for maximum grip when edging and smearing.

An impressive feature set

As well as the climbing zone, the Vibram Megagrip sole boasts a brake system at the back, featuring another flat section. Between the two are the kind of deep lugs you’ll see in all kinds of hiking shoes and boots. This means the Rapid XT grips a variety of trail surfaces well, from boulders to gloopy mud. The Megagrip compound is also extremely durable, so should last an age.

Moving up through the shoe we come to the EVA midsole, complimented by a TPU insert in the medial area and an Ortholite insole. This is designed to improve stability, which is also enhanced by the width of the sole towards the toes. The sole is around 4.3in (11cm) at its widest here, compared to 3.8in (9.5cm) in the Zamberlan Salathés that I reviewed last year. It’s also wider towards the heel too: 3.1in (7.9cm) compared to the 3in (7.6cm) in the Salathés. A wider approach shoe means more stability on the trails. However, it makes it less precise on the rock and less adept at squeezing into cracks on a climb. This points to an approach shoes that’s aimed more towards the hiking rather than climbing end of the spectrum.

This is backed up by the lacing system, which stops a little further short of the toes than many approach shoe designs, including the Scarpa Crux, a mainstay among mountain instructors. Climbers like laces that go right up to the toes as this allows for a tight, precise fit in this crucial area. The Rapid XT’s relaxed lace system is more akin to standard hiking footwear. Indeed, the shoe sits in Scarpa’s ‘Fast and light’ category, rather than its ‘climbing orientated’ category. This is further exemplified by a broader toe than on some approach shoes, a feature designed for comfort on the trails rather than really precise edging on technical trad climbs.

The gusseted tongue and the upper heel region are the most padded, a feature that’s lacking around the toes or along the sides. The gusseting stops pesky trail debris from sneaking in and causing havoc. Maybe a little more luxury within the shoe would have been nice. But then, they'd have been heavier, so it's perhaps a decent compromise.

On the rocks

I’ve been wearing the Rapid XTs throughout winter, spring and summer, testing them on some of the UK’s classic crags and trails. I've worn them as both my main pair of shoes for the day and as an approach pair before changing into climbing shoes or, in winter, my mountaineering boots.

As expected, they’re superb on rock. They’re protective and nimble in the same instance and, while they’re not quite as precise as some, they’re still very well suited to hard scrambling and easy climbing. In fact, they’re absolutely ideal for the kind of ground where scrambling becomes climbing – think easy multi-pitch climbs, sustained via ferratas or long days on dry rock where speed is half the battle. The Isle of Skye’s Black Cuillin, the Alta Vias of the Dolomites or Corsica’s GR20 spring to mind.

When it comes to grip, I found they provided confidence when smearing up slabby sections, the Megagrip holding dry rock with aplomb. The outsole is rigid enough towards the toes that it allowed me to plant my feet on the kind of smaller holds I’d think twice about when wearing trail shoes. Yet there’s flexibility too, so they didn’t feel as uncompromisingly stiff as a pair of mountaineering boots.

The Megagrip compound is renowned for its hold on wet rock and, while obviously not as strong as on the dry stuff, it provided reassuring hold during mid-grade scrambles in the rain (I’m not one to go too hard when the sunshine is of the liquid variety). If you’re often taking on objectives in wet weather, there’s also the mid cut Gore-Tex version to consider.

On the trails

Scarpas say the Rapid XT is suitable for ‘trail and light hiking’, so naturally I wanted to test where its limits were. There’s no doubt that it’s most at home on rock, though its lugs are more than capable when gripping soft terrain.

As mentioned, the cushioning isn’t the plushest and the interior of the shoe isn’t particularly gentle on the feet. Climbers will be used to footwear that shuns comfort for performance, and this seems to be the case here. To be honest, I found that they were fine for day hikes and the like but I wouldn’t want to take on a multi-day thru-hike in them.

I found that their relatively wide outsole, along with the design of the midsole, provided stability on rougher trails in a way that was lacking when I tested the Zamberlan Salathés last year. Movement in the Rapid XTs felt fluid where these kinds of shoes can sometimes feel clunky. Perhaps this was down to the propulsion provided by the midsole.

However, I’d take Scarpa’s assertion that these sit in a family of shoes at the midpoint between 'hiking, running and climbing' with a pinch of salt. While you could justifiably call them an example of hiking or climbing footwear, these aren’t trail running shoes. The sole is too stiff, the outer’s not breathable enough and they’re too heavy. Sure, you can break into a bit of a jog on your way between rock features, but no one is turning up to one of the world’s most legendary trail races wearing these. Maybe I’ve taken the claim too literally, but I’ve seen other approach shoes that are much closer to being running shoes than these.

Also consider

Comparison table

Amazon has announced this summer's Prime Day sales will take place over July 8 - 11, but if you're looking for a reliable pair of hiking boots at an excellent price, you don't need to wait.

Right now, you can pick up the ever-popular Keen Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots for as much as 65% off at Amazon. That's more than $100 off the regular list price for these bestselling boots, which have an average star rating of 4.1 stars and nearly 8,000 reviews.

This is the cheapest we've ever seen these boots, and this particular deal applies to women's sizing in the Magnet/Atlantic Blue colorway, but exactly how much you'll save all depends on your color/size combination.

In men's sizing, we've spied the same model for as low as $109.95, which is still a sizable 35% discount.

According to the brand, the Targhee III has been worn by eight million hikers who love the boot's out-of-the-box comfort, durable protection, and lower impact on the planet.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Keen Targhee III waterproof hiking boots where you are.

The Keen Targhee III features a wide toe box, lightweight cushioning, 4mm lugs for traction and an external stability shank.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Keen Targhee III waterproof hiking boots where you are:

• Best hiking boots: hit the trail

Right now, you can pick up the stylish Merrell Speed Eco waterproof hiking shoes for just $104.73 at REI. That's a healthy savings of 25% off the regular asking price for these lightweight hiking shoes that we gave a four-star rating in our field tests.

"The Merrell Speed Ecos are comfortable from the get-go and this comfort continues for miles and miles on the trails. Fit wise, they lock down the midfoot and there’s plenty of room for toes to splay," writes Advnture contributor Alex Foxfield in his review.

True to their name, the laces and webbing, breathable mesh lining, and mesh footbed cover are all made from 100% recycled materials in the Speed Ecos. The upper is 77% recycled, the EVA foam footbed is 50% recycled, and the rubber outsole is 30% recycled.

"They boast a sneaker-like aesthetic and, weighing in at just 340g per shoe, they’re clearly aimed at the summer speed-hiking brigade," says Alex.

This deal applies to men's sizing, while the women's model is also on sale with a 24% discount.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Speed Eco waterproof hiking shoes where you are.

The outsole is noticeably wider in these shoes, giving a greater surface area for traction. Directional arrow-shaped 4mm lugs provide grip on soft surfaces, while textured flatter lugs around the perimeter provide traction on dry or wet rock.

"These aren’t the most aggressive lugs you’ll find, so they lend themselves better to hard-packed trails in summer than muddy paths in late fall," warns Alex.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Merrell Speed Eco waterproof hiking shoes near you:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

The best hiking shoes combine a minimal, breezy build with enough waterproofing to keep your feet dry when the clouds roll in. There's little worse than soggy socks on the trail, so do yourself a favour and invest in an effective waterproof pair that won't let you down as you're dashing through puddles or wet-weather trekking.

Keen's Hightrail EXP hiking shoes are among the best pairs I've ever tested; they're reasonably lightweight, waterproof, and earned a rare four-and-a-half-star rating in my review for Advnture. They're also 25% off in Keen's summer sale, and are now available for just $112.50 at the Keen website.

The best thing about this pair is its versatility. They are just as comfortable in hot weather as they are in torrential rain, and feature thin, but completely waterproof Gore-Tex uppers, which kept my feet completely dry in plenty of puddles and boggy sections.

Underneath the thick and bouncy foam insoles, you're kept upright by an aggressive all-terrain rubber outsole, which stopped me from slipping on all sorts of wet, muddy, and rocky trails.

The Hightrail EXP hiking shoes are also available in women's sizes for their list price of $150 on the Keen website.

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Keen Hightrail EXP hiking shoes deals where you are.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles

After 60 years of crafting iconic hiking shoes and boots, American brand Vasque announced that it would be closing its doors permanently in October last year.

The brand, named after the 12,952ft (3,948m) Vasquez Peak in Colorado, began life in 1964 and developed a stellar reputation for making durable and waterproof leather hiking boots.

Although the Vasque name has been sunsetted, you can still get your hands on the last few pairs of its final models, including the sturdy Horizon mid hiking boots, which are available for just $104.73 at REI.

These eye-catching boots include all the key features that made Vasque a beloved brand. They're crafted from waterproof nubuck leather and further protected from the elements by added VasqueDry technology, so you can hike year-round without wet walking socks.

Inside the shoes, your feet are welcomed by high-performance EVA midsoles, designed to cushion the soles of your feet for a soft and supportive hiking experience over tricky terrain.

Vasque's own durable rubber compound outsoles are built to maximize stability, whether you're trekking up a mountain or negotiating a muddy path. They feature large, aggressive lugs, which dig into the ground to keep you on your feet.

The Horizon boots are reduced in both men's and women's sizes at REI.

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Vasque hiking boots deals where you are.

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In the market for a new pair of high-quality hiking shoes to help you navigate the trails this summer? Then check out this awesome deal on one of my favorite pairs.

The Adidas Terrex Skychasers are among the best hiking shoes I've ever tested, and they're now available for just $64 on the Adidas website.

These high quality trekking shoes are built for comfortable, stable hiking excursions over varied terrain, in all weather conditions. They feature tough, synthetic and textile exteriors with plenty of protection from trail debris and dependable Gore-Tex waterproof exteriors.

Inside, your feet are cushioned by soft and responsive OrthoLite foam sockliners and Lightstrike midsoles, which offer support over many miles in the wilderness.

I tested this pair in all kinds of weather for my four-and-a-half-star review and had very few complaints. They were especially impressive over wet or uneven trails, thanks to the aggressive Continental rubber outsoles. Their 4.5mm lugs dug into slippery surfaces and kept me stable at all times.

The Adidas Terrex Skychaser hiking shoes are a great pair for all seasons, and their reduced price of $64 is frankly a steal. So be quick and take advantage of this epic offer while you still can.

This pair is also available in women's sizes for its list price of $120.

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Adidas Terrex Skychaser hiking shoes where you are.

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First impressions

The Adidas Terrex Skychaser hiking shoes are built for comfortable, stable hiking excursions over varied terrain, in all weather conditions.

Their sturdy textile and synthetic uppers feature waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membranes to prevent your feet from getting wet in the winter or overheating when the sun comes out.

Inside the shoes, your feet are greeted by bouncy and responsive OrthoLite foam sockliners and Lightstrike midsoles. These cushioning features support all parts of your feet and protect against any trail debris you might encounter in the wilderness.

Underneath the supportive inners, the Skychasers feature tough Continental rubber outsoles, designed to keep you upright as you trek through the wilderness. These dependable outsoles feature large, aggressive lugs, which dig into potentially hazardous terrain to maximize grip and minimize slips in the wilderness.

Adidas Terrex Skychaser: on the trails

For the past couple of months, I've been putting these new Adidas hiking shoes to the test in the varied underfoot conditions and unpredictable weather of the English spring.

I've worn the Skychasers over multiple long-distance treks through the valleys and hills of southern England and even taken them up the odd mountain in Cumbria's Lake District National Park.

Here's how they got on in the wilderness:

Fit and comfort

The Adidas Terrex Skychasers are an exceptionally comfortable pair of hiking shoes.

After a couple of hikes wearing them in, the Lightstrike lightweight cushioning felt snug and responsive, supporting my feet over miles of rugged country trails and wild sections.

The OrthoLite sockliner was another nice touch and successfully prevented any friction against the soles of my feet. Without friction, I didn't need to worry about any pesky blisters and enjoyed pain-free hiking throughout my time in the Skychasers.

They also fit true to size, wrapping my feet without ever feeling too tight. The comfortable fit was complemented by this pair's 'speed laces', which use a plastic mechanism to tighten and do away with the need to tie your laces in the traditional manner.

My first impression of these laces was skepticism, but after a couple of treks, I came to appreciate their speedy tying and the effective way they locked my feet in place. They're certainly not ground-breaking, but a handy additional to shave a few sections from tying your laces.

My sole gripe with these hiking shoes is their slightly narrow toe-box, which felt a little tight after many miles of trekking.

This wasn't noticeable at first, but became apparent on a couple of hikes at around the 15-mile mark, when my toes began to get a little claustrophobic, a feeling that increased the longer I hiked.

My toes were never in pain, but rather slightly uncomfortable for a few miles.

It's worth noting that I have especially wide feet, and this problem only became apparent after a few hours on the trails. However, it's worth considering if you've got wide feet and are planning a long-distance trek.

Weight

At 15.3oz (434g) per shoe in the smallest men's size these are very much in the middle of the weight range for a hiking shoe, but do boast a decent amount of protection for their heft.

Heavy hiking shoes can be a real chore, especially when the sun comes out, and the Skychasers definitely didn't weigh me down at all. They do an excellent job of minimizing bulk while still having enough features to help you enjoy the trails.

Grip

The aggressive Continental outsoles are perfect for varied weather conditions and underfoot surfaces. Each outsole has multiple large multidirectional lugs, well suited to uneven trails in dry and wet weather.

Over many miles of hiking, I found my pair to be equally grippy on slippery, muddy trails and dusty, dry hikes, keeping me upright wherever I walked.

They were also reliable over rocky pathways and steep mountain scrambles. On one occasion, I took the Skychasers up Hellvelyn, a 3,117ft (950m) mountain in the Lake District, well-known for its steep, rocky sections and scrambles.

The outsole performed excellently, providing plenty of grip as I climbed up and down the mountain without incident.

The Skychasers' flexibility was also noticeable here. While they're not especially bendy, they allowed for enough movement to help me up steep sections without ever feeling too rigid.

Protection from the elements

I put these sturdy Adidas hiking shoes to the test over multiple rainy days on the trails, and it's safe to say they passed with flying colors.

The waterproof Gore-Tex membranes do a terrific job of warding off the elements without sacrificing breathability. Despite several downpours and plenty of boggy sections on the trails, I never once felt water seep through the uppers, nor did I overheat when the sun came out.

On long, hot treks, the handy Gore-Tex membranes maximized airflow and breathability. This, combined with the pair's minimal bulk, helped my feet stay cool and prevented overheating.

As these are low-cut shoes, water occasionally snuck in near my ankles, but didn't travel far, thanks to their snug fit.

Price

At $160 (£140) a pair, these dependable Adidas hiking shoes are reasonably proced. There are certainly cheaper models available, but none that I've tested with the same level of comfort, waterproofing, and traction.

They certainly outperform similarly priced models like the Danner N45s, and are right up there with some of our favorite pairs, like the Merrell Moab 3s and Columbia Peakfreak 2s.

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• How Advnture tests products

If your summer hiking kit could use a refresh, Scarpa has just dropped a big update to one of its most popular hiking shoe designs.

The Scarpa Cyrus 2 has undergone a big transformation in fit, build and sustainability, according to the Italian brand. Based on looks alone, it's still got the durable Nubuck leather upper of its predecessor, but a less dainty-looking build. Despite that, the designers at Scarpa have managed to shave an impressive 2.8oz (80g) off each shoe, with a weight of 13.7oz (390g) per shoe for a US size 8.5. That makes for easier walking and less foot fatigue on long days.

Also on the comfort front, Scarpa has updated the fit using what it calls its ActiveFit technology, and says you can wear these shoes straight out of the box and on the trail without any break-in period required.

Though this shoe is made for easy summer trails and not technical treks, it's built to last with a durable collar, leather tongue and abrasion-resistant EVA midsole.

If you do encounter foul weather or tricky trails on your adventures, a Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry, and a newly designed PRESA sole with multidirectional lugs is said to improve traction and confidence.

The update we're most excited about, however, is that the new Cyrus 2 is resoleable, which means you can keep these shoes in rotation year after year, saving you money and helping to keep more outdoor gear from the landfill.

The Scarpa Cyrus 2 is available now in brown for $226 / £175 from SportsShoes.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers

Are your hiking boots looking a little weary after a lengthy winter of muddy trails and tough terrain?

With a long summer of hiking to come, now is the perfect time to invest in a new pair, and you can snag a great deal right now with 50% off these comfy and dependable boots from Helly Hansen.

The Helly Hansen Traverse HellyTech hiking boots are built for stable, pain-free hiking in all conditions, and are now available for just $110 in men's and women's sizes on the Helly Hansen website.

These waterproof boots wrap around the bridges of your feet with soft polyester and polyurethane uppers. Inside, bouncy and supportive 100% EVA foam midsoles cushion your feet for miles of pain-free hiking.

Hiking expert Julia Clarke was thoroughly impressed after testing these boots in the Scottish Highlands for her four-and-a-half-star review for Advnture.

"What stands out above all else with these shoes is how comfortable they are straight away," said Julia, who took on several long-distance treks over tricky terrain.

"They’re secure without rubbing in the way a good pair of trail runners is, and the sole is really robust without being so stiff as to limit movement."

She was also keen on their stable Max-Grip outsoles, which feature 4mm lugs for maximum traction.

"The build delivers just a nice, stable ride where I’m never worried about turning an ankle, and that even went for when I was bushwhacking through overgrown and steep terrain carrying a stretcher."

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Helly Hansen Traverse HellyTech hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
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If someone sends me a pair of waterproof hiking boots to test, you can bet I'm going to wade through a river or lake in them to find out if they work, and that's exactly what I did with the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 boots a couple of years ago.

The verdict? Not a drop got through.

Right now, you can pick up the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 boots for just $100 at Adidas. That's a massive savings of 50% off the original list price for these stylish hikers, which look just at home in the city as they do on the trail.

These sturdy-but-light hiking boots were designed for reliable performance in all seasons. Lightweight mesh uppers feature waterproof Gore-Tex membranes that block moisture without limiting airflow, so you keep your feet dry without overheating.

Wet weather usually brings slick trails, and I've been impressed by the traction of these boots, which boast rubber outsoles and 2 - 3mm lugs. Inside the boots, your feet are supported by bouncy Boost midsoles and EVA foam stabilization frames, which allow for long days on the trail in comfort.

This deal applies to women's sizing in the Wunder Beige and Preloved Fig colorways.

Not in the US? Head to the bottom of this article to find the best deals on the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 boots where you are.

I don't love everything about these boots. The toe box is on the narrow side and they have quite a high drop, which won't make them to everyone's taste, but I definitely think they're worth checking out if you're looking for something comfortable, lightweight and waterproof for straightforward trails.

If you're not in the States, here are the best Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 deals near you:

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With warm weather finally here, now is the perfect time to head to the coast and get trekking in something lightweight and breathable, like Keen's Newport H2 sandals, which are now available for just $97.73 at REI.

This versatile pair combines the comfort and stability of top-notch hiking shoes with a lightweight, quick-drying build for use under the waves.

The lightweight polyester uppers are lined with hydrophobic foam to maximize comfort whether you're splashing around in the water or hiking through the hills. Underneath, Keen's own carbon-rubber outsoles are designed to keep you from slipping over on wet surfaces and rough paths.

Hiking expert Julia Clarke was very impressed by the Newport H2s, which she described as "an obvious choice for anyone looking for a serious water-to-land shoe," in her review for Advnture.

After many miles of trekking on wet and dry land, Julia was particularly keen on their breathability and quick-drying nature.

"I’d expect these shoes to be breathable, since they’re sandals, and I’m pleased to report they are," she said.

"Of course, my feet got more wet in them when passing through boggy sections than they might in hiking boots, but they also dry quickly too."

The Newport H2 sandals are also available in women's sizes for their list price of $130.

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can look below for today's best Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals deals where you are:

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First impressions

It’s time for a confession - I’ve been a barefoot cynic for many years. Any trend that has people waxing evangelical tends to make me think “too good to be true”.

Having two friends who refused to wear anything other than barefoot shoes and boots left me feeling just that, especially when they complained about how much they cost and yet couldn’t seem to stop buying them. Were barefoot shoes and boots like a drug that once you’d taken you couldn’t go back? There was only one way to find out, so when Vivobarefoot offered to send me a pair of their leather hiking boots to test, I decided to take the plunge.

For the uninitiated, barefoot shoes and boots have zero drop - that is, there is no height difference between the heel and the ball of the foot and toe. They also typically have much less cushioning compared to standard shoes, lots of flexibility and a very generous toe box, to allow your pinkies to spread out and grip. The idea is that when wearing them, your feet can perform as they would if you were wearing no shoes, and you can feel the ground properly. Over time the company claims they will actually make your feet stronger.

So how did they compare to the best hiking boots? Read on to find out:

Fit

Having never worn barefoot anything before (unless you count my 12-year-old Haviana flip flops that really need to be retired), trying on a pair of barefoot boots for the first time was a pleasant surprise. I have pretty wide feet, which had previously led me to gravitate to the Keen Targhee IV hiking boots, but these felt even more spacious, with plenty of room for my toes to spread out.

Barefoot aficionados advise that there should be a thumb’s width of space at the end of the toes to allow room for movement, and for your toes to flex - you don’t want them to be snug at all. But despite having a generous amount of room in the toe box, my heels felt well contained, and the wide placement of the eyelets allowed me to adjust the fit precisely. I didn’t initially like the crinkle style laces, as it seemed to prevent me from knotting them tightly, but what I’ve found, after six months of wearing them, is that you don’t need to double knot or lace these boots in an unusual way - the crinkle laces do the gripping for you, and I think mine have come undone once, or possibly twice, in the whole time I’ve worn them.

On the trails

So far, so good. But the big question was, how would my feet fare on the trails without the usual support and cushioning I was used to?

Vivobarefoot advises that it takes about six weeks of daily wear to adjust to barefoot shoes, and I found this to be somewhat true. As I received the boots in at the onset of winter, I decided to wear them as much as possible - not just for hiking, but in urban environments too.

At first my feet and legs felt tired and a bit achy after eight hours of having them laced up. It was also strange to be able to feel the ground, despite the 7mm lugs on the ESC Michelin outsole, and at first I didn’t like the sensation.

But they were also incredibly comfortable to wear, and they quickly became my footwear of choice for just about any occasion. After a couple of weeks, the tiredness I experienced at the end of a day disappeared, and ‘normal’ hiking boots started to feel odd, because while wearing them I couldn’t sense the terrain beneath me to anything like the same extent.

On the trails, the amount of feedback from the 2.5mm base sole did take getting used to, and I wouldn’t advise them for people with very sensitive feet.

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Trail feel is a tricky one for me. As someone with a history of knee problems and multiple surgeries under my belt, I have a perpetual fear of falling over and ending up in hospital. Because of this, I’ve appreciated the amount of cushioning and protection provided by more traditional boots, which has meant that my usual boots don’t have a lot of trail feel. But I’ve also had a tendency to stumble on the trail, as I literally can’t feel where my feet are in relation to the ground and the lack of mobility in my left knee makes me a little clumsy.

This was completely reversed with the Trackers. Yes, I could feel every stone underfoot - not in a painful way, but with far more sensation that I was used to. But I also never fell and felt far more stable on my slightly wobbly knees than I normally do, which is probably down to the flexibility of the sole and the increased ability to actually grip.

The deep multidirectional 7mm lugs made easy work of slippery conditions and over time these boots have made me far more confident when traversing rough terrain. Their flexibility has also made descents much easier on my fragile knee, as I’m no longer fighting against the urge to tip forward that comes when I’m wearing stiffer traditional boots - which is usually painful for me, and the large heel lug acts like a brake to prevent me slipping when going down steep declines. Over time, I truly believe that they have made my feet stronger.

Waterproofing and protection

Waterproofing is where one of my barefoot-addicted friends had a real gripe about early models, although the latest Tracker Textile AT boots are fully waterproof.

Vivobarefoot don’t promise that the Tracker Forest ESCs are waterproof, instead describing them as water resistant, but they do come with a box of Renpur - a thin wax you use to coat the leather outer and keep moisture out. And this, combined with the RPET insole, has meant that I’ve never had a problem with wet feet in these boots. They also have a bellows tongue to stop water ingress, although, as is the case with many hiking boots, the bellows don’t extend all the way to the ankle. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t choose them for wading through bogs if I can avoid it, but I haven’t experienced wet feet once while wearing them.

When people hear the words ‘barefoot hiking boots’ they may be concerned that their feet won’t be properly protected from stones and sticks on the trails, but I didn’t find that to be the case at all. The back of the ESC Michelin outsole comes up relatively high, and the boots also have a stiff layer of extra protection at the ankle. While there isn’t a toe bumper, I actually found I was less likely to stub my toes in the first place in these boots once I got used to wearing them, because, unlike with traditional styles, I could actually feel where I was going. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve tripped on a rock in more conventional hooves.

Environmental impact

Like many of the best outdoor gear companies, Vivobarefoot has made moves to reduce its environmental footprint. The outers are made from wild hide - leather sourced from smallholders who allow their cattle to roam freely, rather than on large industrial farms. I found this leather to be exceptionally durable - the boots have hardly shown any signs of wear, despite being worn at least four days a week for six months, and if anything look better with time than they did when I got them out of the box.

The ESC Michelin rubber outsoles are not made of recycled materials as far as I’ve been able to establish, but the lining, laces and other hardware are. The company also offers a recycling service and the opportunity to buy refurbished pairs through its Revivo site.

If I had to give one downside to these boots, it would simply be that, you will probably end up converting to the barefoot way. I didn’t think that would be the case would me, but it turns out I was completely wrong…

Also consider

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First impressions

Danner's latest low-cut hiking shoes are built for sunny, warm-weather hikes along tough trails and dusty desert paths. The N45s aim to balance breathability and protection with airy Perspair polyester uppers and plenty of exterior protection.

Inside, your feet are cushioned by removable OrthoLite footbeds and bouncy EnduroFoam midsoles. The dense footbeds are made from heat-dissipating open-cell polyurethane, while the midsoles feature nitrogen-infused supercritical foam. Both aim to support your feet and absorb any abrasion you might encounter on the trails.

Underneath, the N45s feature grippy Vibram outsoles, which dig into uneven paths with an aggressive array of rubber lugs.

As they're designed with the warmer months in mind, these hiking shoes don't boast the waterproofing you might expect from a sturdy four-season shoe, although they're effectively quick-drying.

Danner N45: on the trails

For the past two months, I've been testing the N45s in the pleasant, mostly sunny weather of the English spring, navigating all manner of dusty trails and unpredictable terrain to see if they stand up to Danner's lofty claims.

Here's how they performed:

Fit and comfort

The Danner N45s are a mixed bag when it comes to comfort.

On one hand, the OrthoLight footbeds and EnduroFoam midsoles are supremely supportive and effectively abrasion-resistant. I had no discomfort in the soles of my feet while trekking along rough, debris-laden trails, thanks to the bouncy footbeds and protective midsoles.

The Perspair polyester upper and FoamCore gusset are genuinely comfy and never felt too tight as they wrapped around the bridges of my feet. They're also breathable and kept my feet decidedly cool over many miles of hot weather hiking.

Frustratingly though, these supportive features are let down by two major comfort issues that all but ruin the N45 hiking experience - rigid, blister-inducing heels and a narrow, restrictive toe box.

I'll start with the heels, which were evidently uncomfortable from my first hike. Unlike most parts of these hiking shoes, the heels feature little support and fail to effectively lock your feet in place.

This resulted in constant rubbing, which left me with a small blister after my first couple of hikes. I initially put this down to the breaking-in process, however, the issue persisted and resulted in further blisters and discomfort with every trek.

The narrow toe-box was also a persistent issue, forcing my toes together and making for an uncomfortable hiking experience, especially over long distances.

It's worth noting that I have particularly wide feet – this tight toe box might not be as irking if you have narrow feet.

Weight

At 22oz (624g) per pair, the N45s don't quite qualify as lightweight hiking shoes, although they're certainly on the lighter side compared to other pairs.

True lightweight models like the Keen Hightrail EXPs typically weigh about 7oz (200g) less, but don't feature anywhere near the level of protection on offer with the N45s. They're also unlikely to have the same lelve of grip, favoring smaller lugs to cut weight.

Instead of going all-out in the pursuit of a minimal weight, these Danner hiking shoes provide excellent protection and grip without becoming too bulky.

They're not as unnoticeable as some lightweight models, but certainly won't weigh you down on the trails, and feel light as a feather in comparison to other, heavier models which offer a similar level of protection.

Traction

Vibram has been crafting grippy and reliable outsoles since its founding in 1937. Over the years, the Italian brand has earned a stellar reputation and is now used by multiple major hiking and trail running outfits like Merrell, Hoka, and The North Face.

True to form, the N45s' grippy Vibram outsoles proved faultless. Their aggressive lug patterns dug into uneven underfoot terrain and kept me consistently upright as I navigated the spring trails.

These outsoles were designed specifically for dusty, dry trails, but I found them to be equally as effective in the rain, providing ample traction when the heavens opened and the terrain turned to mud.

Waterproofing and protection

As they're designed for the summer months, the Danner N45 hiking shoes don't feature the same waterproofing that you'd expect from a decent four-season pair. This was apparent on the trails, as water quickly rushed through the Perspair uppers and into my socks after just a few minutes of rainfall. In heavy rain, my feet became very wet, very quickly.

But the N45s aren't built for wet conditions – their lack of waterproofing isn't a design flaw and it improves the the shoes' breathability. But it's worth considering if you're based in an often rainy country or looking to trek outside of summer. They do, however, dry out very quickly.

Price

At $200 (£158.83) per pair, these Danner hiking shoes are a little more expensive than other, better-rated pairs like the Adidas Terrex Sky-Chasers or Merrell Moab 3s, which cost around $60 (£45) to $100 (£74) less.

These models feature similar levels of breathability with added waterproofing and none of the troublesome comfort issues prevalent with the N45s.

While $200 (£158.83) certainly isn't a rip-off, and some comparable models cost a lot more, with cheaper, better options on the market, it's worth considering if they're worth the extra cash.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• How Advnture tests products

We love Xero Shoes, so we were excited to see that the brand is currently offering 25% off in it's Memorial Day weekend sale. But we know scrolling through pages of offers can be overwhelming, so we've done the browsing for you.

Xero Shoes specializes in minimalist hiking shoes, water shoes, boots and sandles. A barefoot-specialist brand, Xero Shoes' footwear typically has a smaller drop than most, while they also feature a wide toe box to allow toes to spread, flexible outsoles for trail feel and no unnecessary cushioning.

This sale represents the ideal time to get hold of the Xero Scrambler Low EV, which we said was a "genuine all-terrain shoe that provides a laid-back, barefoot ride". In short, a a highly-rated barefoot trail running shoe for those who enjoy loads of trail feel.

Until Monday, May 26, you'll be able to purchase any full-priced footwear with a whopping 25% off. Better still, you'll be able to enjoy free shipping. The discount will be automatically applied when you add applicable products to your cart. The discount is available on both Xero Shoes' US site and its UK site.

There's a wide range of trail shoes, sandals, water shoes and hiking boots in the sale. See below for our top picks for your summer of adventure.

Our top picks

Not in the US or UK? You can find the best deals on elsewhere on Xero shoes here.