Best Walking Shoes UK 2026 | Men's & Women's Reviewed
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Britain has some of Europe's best walking terrain — from the South Downs Way and Cotswold Way to the Lake District fells and the Scottish Highlands — and the right walking shoe is the foundation of every good day out. Walking shoes occupy the territory between a casual trainer and a full hiking boot: they provide more ankle support and sole grip than a trainer, while being lighter and more packable than a stiff hiking boot. For most UK day walks on maintained paths, bridleways, and coastal footpaths, a good walking shoe is more than adequate and noticeably more comfortable than a boot for anything under 15km. Width fitting is arguably more important in walking shoes than any other footwear category. Unlike casual shoes, walking shoes are worn for hours at a time with socks and are expected to support the foot over uneven ground. UK adult walking shoe widths typically run from 2A (very narrow) through B, C, D (standard), E (wide), and 2E/EE (extra wide). Men's D is equivalent to women's B in many brands — so a woman buying a men's shoe must size down in width accordingly. Brands like New Balance are particularly good at stocking non-standard widths, while most sports brands only offer D (standard). If you have bunions, a high instep, or notably wide feet, this is the most important factor to resolve before buying. The UK's trail network poses specific challenges: most British footpaths are either clay-heavy (sticking and sucking in winter), chalk (slippery when wet on the South Downs), or rocky (requiring shock absorption on Dartmoor and the Peaks). A multi-directional lug sole is more useful than a smooth rubber sole on 95% of British walking routes. Look for a minimum 4mm lug depth for off-path use. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, walking shoes with sole delamination, premature upper failure, or waterproofing that fails within normal use within six months are treated as defective goods.
What to Look For
- 1Measure both feet and buy to fit the larger one — most people have feet that differ by half a size or more, and blisters on long UK walks are almost always caused by shoes that are fractionally too small or too narrow.
- 2Check the width fitting: D is standard for men and women in most UK brands, E and EE are wide. New Balance stocks 2E and 4E for men and D and 2E for women — if you know you have wide feet, go there first rather than hoping a standard-width shoe will stretch.
- 3For British trails, prioritise a Vibram or branded rubber outsole with a multidirectional lug pattern — chalk paths in the South Downs and clay bridleways in the Home Counties are the two most common surfaces that expose poor sole grip.
- 4Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof membrane is worth paying for if you walk September–April in the UK. Waterproof membranes add 20–30% to the price but prevent the soaking-through that's almost guaranteed on a typical British autumn morning.
- 5Wear your walking socks when trying on or measuring for walking shoes — a thin trainer sock will make the shoe feel a full half-size bigger than it is. UK walking socks add 5–8mm of bulk around the heel and ball of the foot.
Our Top Picks
Salomon Women's/Men's X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex Walking Shoe
Pros
- Gore-Tex membrane is the most proven waterproofing system — keeps feet dry through British mud and stream crossings
- Contagrip sole with 4mm lugs handles chalk, clay, and rock — the full range of UK trail surfaces
- Quicklace system makes on-trail adjustments fast and removes the risk of laces catching on roots
- Available in both men's and women's last shapes — not just a resized unisex shoe
Cons
- Premium price puts it at the top of the budget for a walking shoe rather than a boot
- Standard width only — not suitable for wide or extra-wide feet without trying first
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is the best all-round walking shoe for UK conditions. If you walk regularly from September to May, the Gore-Tex membrane alone justifies the price difference over non-waterproof alternatives.
New Balance Men's 574 Trail Walking Shoe (Wide Width Available)
Pros
- New Balance's width range (D/2E/4E for men) is unmatched in mainstream UK walking footwear
- ABZORB cushioning is particularly well-suited to longer urban walks and easier trail surfaces
- One of the few non-specialist brands with a genuine wide and extra-wide fit that actually feels wider, not just labelled wider
Cons
- Not waterproof — not suitable for autumn and winter British walking without waterproof socks or gaiters
- AT outsole lugs are shallower than trail-specialist soles — adequate for packed earth, less confident on wet chalk or mud
If you have wide or extra-wide feet, the New Balance 574 Trail is the pick. Nothing else at this price point offers the same width range with actual performance walking construction.
HOKA Anacapa Low Gore-Tex Women's Trail Walking Shoe
Pros
- HOKA's maximal cushioning is the best on this list for women who have knee or hip issues on longer walks
- Vibram Megagrip is the most confident sole compound in wet conditions — excellent on wet Welsh slate and Scottish rock
- Gore-Tex membrane and sealed seams throughout
- Wide (D) option available for women — rare in the premium walking shoe category
Cons
- HOKA's chunky sole aesthetic divides opinion — some find it bulky-looking
- Rocker geometry takes a few hours of walking to adapt to if coming from a conventional sole
The HOKA Anacapa is the top choice for women who prioritise cushioning on longer UK walks — particularly relevant for those doing coastal paths or moorland routes where uneven ground compounds fatigue.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Gore-Tex Walking Shoe
Pros
- Merrell Moab is consistently one of the most recommended men's walking shoes on UK walking forums — proven over years on British trails
- Vibram TC5+ sole with 5mm lugs is the deepest on this list — excellent mud clearance on winter bridleways
- Air cushion in the heel absorbs impact on rocky Lake District or Peak District descents
- Wide (2E) fitting available
Cons
- Slightly heavier than Salomon X Ultra — noticeable on full-day routes above 20km
- Break-in period of 15–20km before the footbed fully conforms to the foot
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX is the most trusted men's walking shoe in the UK outdoor community. If you regularly walk in the Lake District, Peaks, or on muddy winter bridleways, its deeper lug sole earns its keep.
Regatta Women's Lady Marine II Walking Shoe
Pros
- Strong budget option — full waterproof membrane at a price point well below Gore-Tex alternatives
- Regatta's IsoDry membrane has improved significantly in recent generations and handles typical British rain well
- Lightweight construction suited to day walks on maintained UK footpaths and coastal routes
- Regatta UK customer service is accessible for warranty claims
Cons
- IsoDry is not as breathable as Gore-Tex — feet feel warmer in summer use
- Standard width only — not suitable for wide or narrow feet
- Less durable sole compound than Vibram equivalents
For occasional walkers on managed UK paths who want a waterproof shoe without spending over £60, the Regatta Lady Marine II is a practical entry point. Don't expect it to match Gore-Tex performance on demanding terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need waterproof walking shoes for the UK?
What is the difference between walking shoes and hiking boots in the UK?
What width walking shoe should I buy if I have wide feet?
How should I break in new walking shoes before a long walk?
Can I use walking shoes for the Cotswold Way or South Downs Way?
Further Reading
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Top Pick
Salomon Women's/Men's X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex Walking Shoe