The best walking shoes, whether you're after water-resistance or comfort
Whatever the UK season and wherever you're heading, the best walking shoes will help get you from A to B.
Whether you're after men's or women's styles, waterproof capabilities or supreme comfort, we've picked some of our favourite walking shoes you can buy right now.
If walking is what you have planned for your next staycation, then you'll want appropriate footwear to help you navigate various terrains.
Maybe you're going on a coastal walk, or you're after your first pair of walking shoes for beginners - well, we've got you covered whatever your walking shoe needs.
Visiting a secluded beach or crowd-free park will help you stretch your legs during the coronavirus outbreak. It's also a good time to invest in a quality pair of walking shoes as you make the most of nature.
To help you pick the best walking shoes for you, we've done the research to cover your every need, whether you're after men's or women's, waterproof or lightweight, leather or eco-friendly styles.
Here are 2022's best walking shoes that you can buy right now.
Women's walking shoes
Best all-round walking shoes
KEEN's new women-specific Terradora II Waterproof Hiking Trainers were 'hiked' up to deliver extra comfort, performance and traction for an all-round walking shoe that can keep you going all day. It's lightweight, waterproof and provides a locked-in feel too. Plus, it's sustainable, created with a safe PFC-free durable water repellent and infused with eco anti-odour treatment that uses probiotics rather than chemical alternatives that can be harmful to the environment.
Best walking shoes for comfort
Merrell is known for its high-performance styles and its suede Alvestone with Gore-Tex technology offers all-day comfort and full-foot protection, however long you're planning to spend outdoors. Ideal for a day in the woods, the mountains and other wild spots, it's waterproof, exceptionally breathable and absorbs shock with the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel. There's even a removable contoured footbed for flexible support.
Best waterproof walking shoes
Waterproof shoes often mean extra weight but not with The North Face's Activist Futurelight. Taking you from urban parks to countryside paths and mountain trails, it's developed with a Futurelight membrane that allows the shoe to breathe as hard as you do when pacing up a steep ascent. There's a gusseted tongue and OrthoLite insoles that deliver all-day comfort, while the lightweight and washable insoles retain their cushioning power long term, even if you're wearing them everyday.
Best lightweight walking shoes
These walking shoes from Skechers were designed for walking in absolute comfort or a cushion of air, if you like. The GOwalk Air has lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO cushioning and visible air-cushioned dual density technology to give you an extra spring in your step. We like the slip-on style and soft-woven stretch knit mesh fabric upper too. At just 312g in weight, they're some of the best lightweight walking shoes available.
Best leather walking shoes
For a classic style you'll love forever, Brasher's premium leather Country Roamer Walking Shoes are just the answer to unrivalled comfort and quality. The leather upper provides a durable exterior and waterproof performance for whatever the weather brings this season. There's also a cushioned underfoot for comfort, a Vibram outsole for unbeatable grip on any terrain, whether wet or rocky, plus Brasher is a brand that counts Kate Middleton as a fan.
Men's walking shoes
Best all-round walking shoes
For a style that's light enough to keep you fast on your feet, Arc'teryx's Aerios FL GTX is one of the best men's walking shoes for all-round performance. It's durable and protective enough for varied terrains and there's minimal friction. A Gore-Tex membrane gives waterproof protection, while comfort and breathability feature too. Thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole, you can walk, hike and trek to your heart's content.
Best walking shoes for comfort
Whether you're after stylish black walking shoes or a design that will allow you to take a long-distance walk, Asics' Gel-Odyssey is designed primarily with comfort in mind. It offers all the support you need for a short walk in the park or longer strolls through national parks. The rearfoot GEL and SpEVA foam midsole give your feet ultimate cushioning, while the midfoot Trusstic gives stability on tricky surfaces. You'll love the soft and breathable leather upper, along with the extra comfort from the internal heel counter, comfort sockliner and stitch-down toe reinforcement.
Best waterproof walking shoes
With its 100% waterproof guarantee thanks to Gore-Tex technology plus the robust design, Berghaus' Fellmaster Active Gore-Tex Shoes are some of the best walking shoes around. The high-quality, breathable lining ensures you won't endure soggy socks, while your feet are held firmly in place thanks to the tough yet comfy nubuck. There's enhanced heel and toe protection from the rubber caps, making these shoes hard to beat.
Best lightweight walking shoes
Weighing 358g, Columbia's Peakfreak XCRSN II XCEL Low OutDry Trail Shoe is loved for its modern design and lightweight construction, with one Amazon reviewer saying it is the "best pair I have ever owned". Waterproof, versatile and practically indestructible, the super-light walking shoe has a textile upper with welded overlays to keep the weight down and a Techlite midsole for long-lasting comfort.
Best leather walking shoes
Built for rugged, rough terrain and withstanding the wettest conditions, Timberland's Mt. Major shoe is made with premium full-grain leather from a Leather Working Group silver-rated sustainable tannery and synthetic leather. It's one of the most durable for walkers, with its Gore-Tex construction and keeps you both dry and comfortable. The leather walking shoes' fully gusseted tongue keeps rain and dirt out, while the speed lace hardware with hooks are rustproof to make them last.
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