Having spent years engaged in a perpetual foot versus stiff boot struggle, I became an evangelical convert to the world of trail shoes after completing a long distance route in footwear strongly resembling my old school trainers. Since then trail shoe design has moved on with the new minimal breed looking very interesting and creating a real divide with the more substantial, and sometimes waterproof lined versions – the colours are getting more lurid too! All of these women’s shoes are available in a men’s version and the majority of the men’s ones reviewed by Phil here are also available for women so for the fullest selection check out both the reviews.
Weights are per pair and based on a UK size 5.
Lowa Sirkos GTX RRP £110
This Gore-Tex lined low-cut shoe has a suede and substantial mesh upper – not an open free-draining mesh due to the waterproof lining, but it was fairly quick drying, and the gusseted tongue will help keep feet dry. I have fairly wide feet and the toe end is definitely on the narrow side, although the heel was a snug fit. At first try they do feel like they are over-constraining your feet as plastic strips or, a ‘monowrap’ as Lowa describes it, provides added rigidity at the heel and midsole, but you soon get used to the feel and the added stability would be useful on tougher terrain. The sole has good deep lugs and performed well on mixed terrain and did not slip in wet conditions and is very flexible in the mid area. A good all round shoe for general walking and some biking, particularly if you prefer the reassurance of a solid and stable upper. Ventilation is limited given the membrane lining. The amount of stitching on the upper is a bit off-putting as there are more weak points that may give after long term use, however the construction is robust. Definitely one to try on due to the narrow fit and lack of give. Available in Light Olive (basically the colour any shoe will go after a few bog trots) and half sizes for the women’s version.
Upper: mesh & suede, textile Gore-Tex lining Sole: Non-slip rubber Weight: 720g Sizes: 3.5 – 9 Mens Version: Yes
Vaude Dibona approach shoe RRP £110
A proper approach shoe aimed at climbers and scramblers with an upper of mainly waterproof-treated suede and some treated mesh which provided good ventilation but wasn’t the quickest drying shoe. The skinny laces come right down to the toe and this together with the narrow last and the fairly high and rigid heel support hold feet securely over rocky ground although they may be too slim a fit for those with wider feet. A rubber rand extends all the way around the shoe to protect from abrasion and there is a very small toe bumper to add protection. The Vibram sole is where the hybrid nature of this shoe comes into its own, an almost treadless climbing zone at the front with an slightly sticky rubber feel and thin flexible mid area, decent lugs and a stable heel. It was comfortable for whole day walks as well as scrambles. Odour treated insole. Available in a four colours (the Ocean shown is the brightest) and half sizes.
Upper: hydrophobic mesh & seude Sole: Vibram outsole, EVA midsole Weight: 720g Sizes: 4 – 8 Mens Version: Yes
Brasher Roam GTX RRP £120
A personal favourite mainly on the basis of a good fit for my wide feet, this is a good all-rounder, more suited to light or low level trekking than very rocky or wet conditions. The seude and mesh upper has a good amount of mesh but the Gore-Tex lining and gusseted tongue reduces ventilation and I wasn’t totally convinced that the trade off of having the waterproof lining was worth it as on a couple of occasions my feet did get wet going through puddles and wet grass after only using them on about 20 days. They are very comfortable, with a shock absorbent EVA insole with gel inserts aimed at providing added cushioning and stability and memory foam at the heel and tongue. At first glance the sole looks like the shoe’s weak point and there is no getting away from the fact that the tread is very shallow and is already showing a tiny bit of wear, however they are surprisingly grippy except on very wet and smooth surfaces and there is a substantial rand at the front to protect toes. Available in a grey/purple colourway and half sizes up to 6.5 for the women’s version. The main consideration may be whether you want to pay the high price for the assured comfort and stability of these shoes.
Upper: mesh & suede, Gore-Tex lining Sole: Brasher Active , EVA midsole Weight: 840g Sizes: 4 – 8 Mens Version: Yes
TevaSpere Speed RRP: £90
These super-lightweight brightly coloured shoes from Teva resemble other more minimal trail shoes aimed at runners – until you see the soles, with strange-looking pared down rounded heels followed by two bulky sticking out wings. This is Teva’s much vaunted “spherical heel and pod arch system”. Aimed primarily at trail runners the design is supposed to bridge the gap between the trendy minimal, barefoot shoes which require you to change the way you run or walk so that you strike the ground with your forefoot, and the more traditional and bulkier, well cushioned trainers and trail shoes suited to those with a natural heel strike. The upper is mesh with some polyurethane strips for strength and abrasion protection around the heel and toe, with no stitching. It proved to be very breathable and quick drying and was a comfortable width for my feet. More surprising for me was how comfortable and stable the sole system was. It has a 4mm heel drop (the difference in height from heel to toe) compared to 10-12mm for a ‘normal’ trainer and I was expecting this to result in an exaggerated gait, but it was very comfortable from the first use. Although you can feel the pods, this is not distracting unless you are on very hard surfaces or roads for a long time. I have used these mainly for trail running and shorter walks and found them excellent and fully expect to take them on longer routes in the summer. The only concern would be how long the sole will last for prolonged walking use. The rubber outsole is grippy in wet conditions despite the shallow tread you would associate with a more minimal shoe. No half sizes and the women’s version is available in a slightly lurid purple and orange colourway.
Upper: PU and mesh Sole: All terrain rubber traction outsole Weight: 450g Sizes: 4- 8 Mens Version: Yes
Meindl Barcelona GTX RRP £125
A Gore-Tex lined traditional shoe with all the properties of a summer walking boot but with a low cut design. The shoe has kept the water out reliably on a number of trips but the toe end is a bit of squeeze for my wide feet so I assume this is not built to the same last as Meindl boots, as I have been a fan of the Borneo for a few years. The shoe has a robust, stable feel with a cushioned insole and the added protection of an EVA midsole. The tread on the sole is adequate, providing reasonable grip and a good toe bumper adds protection at the front. A good all round shoe for light hiking, but I’d want to get it at a more reasonable price (it has been on offer recently) and I’m still not convinced this is a good option compared to its mid-height sibling which would provide better protection in the wet for just a little more outlay. Half sizes available, black or brown colour.
Upper: nubuck leather, Gore-Tex lining Sole: Meindl Sport Activity rubber Weight: 735g Sizes: 4 – 9 Mens Version: Yes