Drizzle: These are typically low profile shoes that are fit for active hiking or even trail running sometimes. Thanks to their construction, these shoes can survive drizzle and a few droplets in the grass. They do not have a waterproof membrane, which explains their light protection. They are also good at keeping out moisture and have high breathability.

We also have a specific selection designed for mixed activities. Our versatile hybrid walking shoes are perfect to combine small sport hikes outdoors and daily urban use. How is this accomplished? We have designed technical shoes with great support and traction that at the same time come in a modern and sober urban look. One example is a lightweight mid suede leather shoe. Imagine the technical qualifications of a great mid hiking shoe, with a classically casual look that lets you head from the trails to the city. Ready for your next hike? Don't forget to take a peek at men’s hiking pants and bags! Adapt Trax is an advanced traction system and provides our best grip for wet or slippery conditions. As weather conditions can change fast in the mountains, humidity is always present. Even during a sunny day, you may encounter puddles, wet grass, or rivers that you need to cross (if not unexpected rain showers). For all these reasons, you may want to consider choosing a waterproof hiking shoe.

One area where the Merrell Moab Speed shoes have a clear and outright advantage is green credentials. These shoes are constructed from a significant proportion of recycled materials, such as the recycled laces and the Vibram Ecostep sole with 30% recycled rubber. This is a trend we’d like to see more of, as more outdoor brands are considering the impact their products have on the environment.

Both shoes offer waterproofing; Merrell uses the industry-leading Gore-Tex waterproof membrane while the Columbia shoes feature its own Omni-Tech membrane. Both were impressively waterproof, preventing water ingress while walking through wet muddy ground, puddles and the occasional stream crossing, although obviously the shoe design means that water can still come in over the top. The rubber outsole has arrow-shaped chunky lugs which are multi-directional, designed to provide traction on climbs and descents. The layout and orientation of these lugs is clever; the lugs on the forefoot are oriented to provide traction on climbs, since that part of the foot is more load-bearing on ascents, and vice versa with the lugs on the heel area oriented to provide traction on descents. A combination of larger, deeper, 4mm lugs with smaller, shallower lugs make for an impressive array that certainly does come through when grip is needed.

Additional Reviews

OMNI-SHIELD™: Provides long-lasting water-and-stain repellency and resists liquid absorption, allowing you to stay both dry and clean in light moisture. The perfect men’s hiking boots will not only fit the type of hikes you go on, but also your needs and personal style. Using the filters in the online shop, you can browse through the wide range of sizes, styles and colours available. Our men’s walking shoes come in popular colours such as mountain red, collegiate navy, mercury, dark mountain, nori and deep water. It is well-known that walking requires comfort. Midsole cushioning technologies, great breathability and choosing the right size will ensure that you and your feet are as comfortable as they can be. You will also need a good grip and an excellent outsole with traction control and quality rubber. Finally, you may also need protection from the elements as, even on an average summer day, a hiker will encounter humidity: Puddles, dew in the grass, or light rain showers. So even if you're not walking in the rain, you may protection from humidity.

One slight downside is that the combination of waterproof membrane and padding gives these shoes insulating properties that are great in wet and cold conditions, but are just a bit too much in warmer temperatures. We found our feet got uncomfortably hot when hiking on warm, dry days, particularly when exercising ourselves. If hot feet isn't something that bothers you, or if on the flipside your feet tend to run cold and you like a more insulated shoe, then this insulation actually turns into a plus point for you. Rain: These shoes are equipped with a waterproof membrane or finish and yet remain breathable. This allows you to stay active outside even if the weather should change and you face rain while you’re outside. If you know that you often hit the trail in wetter areas, getting a shoe with water resistance is a given. A hiking shoe with a wet-dry traction outsole will have you climbing the toughest terrain in no time. Say hello to exceptional comfort in a shoe with a durable mesh and knit collar–All this without sacrificing waterproofness, as everything but the laces are waterproof. Techlite+™ provides lighter and faster cushioning with extra light responsive foam. It’s the next generation cushioning standard that ensures extra comfort and stability all day long. Not waterproof: These shoes do not offer any protection from water. However, they are extremely light and breathable. They are perfect for warm conditions, as they breathe in the heat and keep your feet fresh and cool like no other pair.

OUTDRY™: Provides absolutely waterproof protection with patented construction. While breathable and flexible, its barrier allows no space for heavy rain to get in. Be surte this technology will keep you ultra dry—inside and out—even in extreme conditions. The Columbia Women's Trailstorm Waterproof Walking Shoe is a very reasonably priced shoe that outperforms its price tag. Perfectly suited to hikes and walks in the winter and transitional seasons, it offers protection from the elements via it's waterproof membrane, insulation that keeps feet toasty, and the grip and traction on wet and dry ground offered by its cleverly lugged outsole. While they aren't as grippy as the Invo-8 Roclite shoes we've also tested, they are more than up to all-round hiking in a range of conditions. Materials: Mesh uppers with Omni-Tech waterproof liner, Techlite+ EVA foam rubber midsole, Adapt Trax outsole Compatibility: A lightweight trail hiker for day walks, fast-paced trails and town to country escapes Columbia Trailstorm Mid: on the trails Finally, while this isn't a primary consideration for us when choosing a walking shoe, we did like the aesthetics of the Trailstorm. It's stylish enough to work with jeans for general use, and in fact because it's so comfortable and supportive, we have been wearing it for day-to-day use as well as actual hikes. Columbia Trailstorm walking shoe review:verdict

OMNI-TECH™: Provides multi-layered waterproof protection against light to medium rain. At the same time, it’s made of breathable materials which allow excess moisture to escape. The Omni-Tech waterproof membrane isn't as highly waterproof as the market leader, Gore Tex, however it's more than up to the task of keeping the worst of the weather out when walking on sodden ground or through the odd puddle. Unless you're wearing gaiters, shoes will let the water in through the top anyway, so for general use we found the waterproof performance perfectly fine here. Omni-Grip™ is an outsole grip technology and provides multi-terrain traction. Its job is to tightly hold on to any terrain thanks to a great sole and good rubber composition design. Whether you're planning a Tour du Mont‑Blanc or want to explore a city and its surroundings, we have the hiking shoes you need. ...

Hiking Boots: Best Price U.K.

Techlite™ provides long-lasting lightweight cushioning with enhanced impact absorption and a high energy return.