Best Walking Shoes/Boots 2026

For the last six months, our editor and head judge, Iain, has been in training for a hike to the summit of Snowdon and the Lowa Innovo GTX has been his go-to shoe throughout.

They were put through their paces in a variety of weather conditions, and on a range of terrain, from long, flat Tarmac roads and stone paths to tricky uneven footpaths and some steep inclines.

They dealt admirably with whatever they encountered, impressing with the balance between comfort, support and durability – the holy trinity for serious (and not so serious) walkers. Shoes and boots (these are available in both low and mid) are obviously a personal thing, but what immediately stood out with the Innovo was the fit.

They were comfortable straight out of the box, no need for them to be ‘worn in’. The broader toe box gives your feet room to breathe (and swell on those longer hikes), while Lowa’s Monowrap support frame gently cradles the foot to keep everything stable over uneven ground.

Underfoot, the double-injected DynaPU+ midsole delivers cushioning that doesn’t fade after a few miles – or even a few hundred. Grip is equally confidence-inspiring thanks to the chunky outsole, with multidirectional lugs and a defined heel brake that come into their own on softer, muddier terrain.

Add in a breathable suede and fabric upper, plus a Gore-Tex membrane to keep the worst of the British weather at bay, and you’ve got a true all-conditions performer. We found the Innovo GTX to be a dependable, do-it-all walking shoe that gets the fundamentals right, mile after mile. And that’s why it takes the top spot.