Buying Guides: Walking Shoes

1. Fit

The shoes should feel snug around your entire foot and shouldn't need too much breaking in. Lace them firmly (but not too tightly) and check your foot is held securely in place. Plenty of padding on the tongue and ankle cuff will increase initial comfort, but may give a false sense of security if the fit isn't right. While no marks have been given for fit, we have indicated whether a shoe suits a narrow or wide foot type.

2. Uppers

Leather is warm, supportive and durable. Fabric reduces weight and improves breathability. The best marks go to a well-made leather/fabric upper, producing a lightweight shoe that breathes well. A waterproof membrane is desirable to help prevent water entering via the uppers. The only down side is that this can reduce breathability and make the shoe feel hotter.

3. Midsole

This shouldn't be too stiff, because the lightweight upper and low-cut ankle cuff don't offer the kind of support needed to back it up. It should flex a little front to back, while remaining reasonably stiff side to side (laterally) to provide a firm platform to walk on, and also to protect your feet from sharp stones etc.

4. Outsole

A medium-deep tread pattern (three or four millimetres) will be secure on softer ground, yet still provide grip on rock and firmer trails.

5. Toe and Heel protection

Reinforcement at the toe and heel will protect your feet from knocks on rough and loose ground.

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