Lightweight footwear for spring adventures

Whether you’re looking for a pair of sturdy walking boots, lightweight hiking shoes or technical sandals for your outdoor adventures this spring, you’ve come to the right place

If you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll know that the adventures you have are only as good as the shoes you have on – scale a mountain or trek rough terrain in a standard pair of trainers and your feet will soon be begging for a break.

Even if you’re leaving Everest for another day, a dog walk around the campsite or a long day of sightseeing still requires the right pair of shoes. So here is just a small selection of footwear for all types of terrain that should leave your feet happy and blister-free this spring…

Ariat Skyline Solaris Waterproof Boot

(Photo courtesy of Ariat)

Said to be waterproof, durable and ultra-lightweight, the Solaris is suitable for all types of terrain – whether you’re treading the hills or pounding the pavement into town from the campsite.

The removable cushioned insole, alongside a shock-absorbing EVA midsole, ensure all-day comfort, while Ariat’s exclusive Duratread sole combines maximum wear-resistance with comfort and flexibility.

Available in men’s (sizes 7-12) and women’s (sizes 3-8.5) versions, in two colours: Forest Night and Shadow Grey.

Price: from £155

Buy it here

Regatta Samaris Lite Waterproof Mid Walking Boots

(Photo courtesy of Regatta)

Featuring Isotex and Hydropel technology, the Samaris Lite is a lightweight, waterproof boot that’ll keep you on the move in all weathers, plus a breathable nylon woven Endurance Mesh and PU upper will keep feet feeling fresh.

You’ve got a moulded EVA footbed for comfort, while a flexible, hard-wearing XLT midsole protects from bumps.

They’re available in four colours – Black Lime Punch (pictured), Black Dark Steel, Dark Khaki Yellow Gold and Moonlight Denim Orange – in sizes 6-12.

Price: £120

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Berghaus VC22 GTX

(Photo courtesy of Berghaus)

You might not wear these shoes if you were scaling the north face of the Eiger; however, you could wear them on a long walk to the top of Ben Nevis or around a Cumbrian lake. You'd also be happy to wear them on a walk from your tent or campervan to the nearest pub.

However you use them, the Berghaus VC22 provides you with straight-out-of-the-box comfort and can be worn all year round. And with GoreTex lining, Vibram soles and an Ortholite footbed, you know reliability and performance is guaranteed, whatever your activity.

In fact, Camping magazine was so impressed by these shoes, it named them Best Hiking Boot in the Camping Awards 2023 .

Price: RRP £140

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Oboz Sawtooth X Low

(Photo courtesy of Oboz)

We’ve ruined too many good shoes on wet and muddy campsites and hiking boots always seem rather OTT, unless we’re actually going on a hike. So, MMM's Road Test Editor, Peter Vaughan, was rather excited by the arrival of these Oboz Sawtooth X Low trail shoes, which looked perfect for low-key walks and camping trips.

Oboz describes them as “the most tested, trail-perfected shoe in our history” and says they are even grippier than they look. We wouldn’t argue there and they’re a lot lighter than most boots, making them great for everything from long dog walks (the Adaptive Cushioning Technology midsole ensures comfort) to traipsing across the grass to the shower block.

Peter found they came up a little small when testing, so we’d recommend ordering a size bigger than you usually take. They come in men’s and women’s versions in a low and mid-ankle design, standard and waterproof (for an extra £20) and four different colours.

Price: RRP £115

Buy it here

Craghoppers Adflex

(Photo courtesy of Craghoppers)

The Adflex boot debuted in the Craghoppers range in 2022, adding an ultralight but sturdy option to its relatively new footwear range.

These are a waterproof and breathable option that are said to be ideal for travel in warmer climes – an anti-insect treatment is also built into the recycled mesh fabric upper to help keep those pesky critters away.

One of the key features we like is the anti-fatigue lacing system, which helps reduce pressure on the top of the foot, allowing blood to flow more freely.

Available in sizes 6-13 and in two colours: Mid Khaki/Magma Orange (pictured) or Black/Cloud Grey.

Price: RRP £165

Buy it here

Vasque Talus AT Low Ultradry

(Photo courtesy of Vasque)

Designed to keep your feet dry in unpredictable weather, the new Vasque Talus AT Low Ultradry hiking shoe has a 1.8mm waterproof nubuck leather upper with abrasion-resistant mesh that’s backed with a waterproof membrane for a full seal against the elements.

A soft but supportive midsole is said to allow for easy breaking-in of the boots, while the Vibram Mega Nuasi outsole offers great grip for mixed terrains.

Available in men’s (sizes 7-14) and women’s (sizes 7-10) versions in Brown Olive or Bungee Cord (pictured) colours.

Price: RRP £145

Buy it here

Ecco MX Onshore sandals

(Photo courtesy of Ecco)

We never fail to be surprised at what inspires the designers of outdoor equipment. For example, it takes a certain kind of thought process to look at a motocross bike and think, “Eureka! I’ve got the perfect idea for a pair of sandals!” But, apparently, that’s what went through the mind of whoever designed the Ecco MX Onshore walking sandals.

According to Ecco, the deep, multidirectional grooves on the outer sole are inspired by a motocross tyre tread. And, to be fair, there is a certain logic to it. Motocross tyres need to be rugged and grippy in all sorts of difficult terrain, as do walking shoes, and these certainly are.

Sandals are often only for gentle ambles around town or sunset strolls along the beach, but these are designed for much more vigorous activity. The cushioned sole follows the curve of your feet and the three adjustable straps let you control the fit and stability, so you can go off-roading in these – making motorbike noises as you go along is optional.

They are available in both men’s and women’s styles and in a selection of different colours.

Price: £80

Buy it here

Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot

(Photo courtesy of Vasque)

The Breeze has been one of Vasque’s most popular hiking boots for the last two decades, but it’s recently had a modern makeover, now boasting loads of eco-credentials, too, using recycled materials from the sole up.

It’s also the first Vasque range to debut VasqueDry waterproofing technology, derived from 25% recycled materials.

The Breeze is available in sizes 7-14 for men and 6-11 for women, and in a range of colours. New for 2023 is ‘Midnight Navy’ for men and ‘Rum Raisin’ for women – both rather fetching!

Price: £140 (women’s), £160 (men’s)

Buy it here

Regatta Women's Holcombe Waterproof Low Walking Shoes

(Photo courtesy of Regatta)

Using Isotex and Hydropel technology, these waterproof walking shoes claim to keep your feet dry in all weathers, plus they’re breathable to keep feet fresh all day long. And you can wear them all day long, thanks to a moulded EVA comfort footbed and a deep-padded neoprene collar and mesh tongue which ensure a comfortable fit.

The rubber outsole with self-cleaning and angled lugs are great for rugged terrain or more leisurely strolls around the campsite.

Available in sizes 3-8 and in seven colour options (pictured here in Glacier Green Briar).

Price: £105

Buy it here

Berghaus Revolute Shoe

(Photo courtesy of Berghaus)

Built onto the foundation of Berghaus’ trail shoes, the new 100% synthetic Revolute has been designed for low-level strolls and everyday use, whether you’re heading off on a dog walk, exploring the local sights or just wandering around the campsite.

The Revolute has a bio-based waterproof and breathable AQ lining, Ortholite cushioned footbed and grippy Opti-Stud Vibram Eco-Step outsole – not sure what any of that means? Us neither if we’re completely honest, but we’re assured they’ll keep feet dry and comfortable during walks – and we reckon the contemporary design looks pretty cool, too.

Price: £125

Buy it here

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