Gear Review: Oboz Hyalite shoes

We say this all the time, but it never stops being true. The best outdoor kit is the stuff that works both on the hills and on the street, and that applies especially to footwear.

When it comes to walking shoes and boots, we like to apply the pub test (although the tearoom test would work just as well). Ask yourself: would you be happy wearing these to the local pub or would you feel a bit of a berk?

The Hyalite low shoes, from US-based Oboz, definitely fall into the “happy” category.

Available in a dark or walnut water-resistant leather upper, the shoes go as well with jeans as they do with walking trousers, so if your hiking is restricted to walking the dog to the local hostelry or trekking round town then these are perfect. That’s not to say they don’t cut it on more difficult terrain.

You wouldn’t wear these to clamber up over rocks and through streams to reach the top of a mountain, but they are ideal for low-level hiking.

A cushioned midsole and excellent insole provides comfort and stability on the footpaths.

Expect to pay £110
www.obozfootwear.com