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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.
Buying guide
What to look for in Walking Shoes
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 process
How we choose our picks
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
Salomon Women's/Men's X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex Walking Shoe
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.
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex membrane, fully waterproof
Sole
Contagrip MA rubber, 4mm lug depth
Cushioning
OrthoLite insole, Energycell foam midsole
Widths
Standard D (men), B/D (women)
Weight
320g per shoe (men's UK 9)
What we like
+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
Worth noting
–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
New Balance Men's 574 Trail Walking Shoe (Wide Width Available)
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.
Waterproofing
None (non-waterproof trail shoe)
Sole
AT rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs
Cushioning
ABZORB midsole
Widths
D (standard), 2E (wide), 4E (extra wide) for men
Weight
380g per shoe (men's UK 9)
What we like
+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
Worth noting
–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
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.
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex membrane
Sole
Vibram Megagrip with 4mm lugs
Cushioning
HOKA maximal midsole, Meta-Rocker geometry
Widths
B (standard women's), D (wide women's)
Weight
290g per shoe (women's UK 5)
What we like
+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
Worth noting
–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 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.
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex membrane
Sole
Vibram TC5+ rubber, 5mm multi-directional lugs
Cushioning
Air cushion in heel, contoured footbed
Widths
D (standard), 2E (wide) for men
Weight
360g per shoe (men's UK 9)
What we like
+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
Worth noting
–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
£89.18£145.00−38%Amazon.co.uk price as of 26 Aug, 22:42 (London time). Details
For occasional walkers on managed UK paths who want a waterproof shoe on a budget, the Regatta Lady Marine II is a practical entry point. Don't expect it to match Gore-Tex performance on demanding terrain.
Waterproofing
IsoDry membrane, seam sealed
Sole
EVA/rubber compound outsole
Cushioning
Cushioned EVA footbed
Widths
Standard width only
Weight
320g per shoe (women's UK 5)
What we like
+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
Worth noting
–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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 26 Aug, 22:42 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
Walking shoes sold in the UK should meet the requirements of BS EN ISO 20347 for occupational footwear or equivalent standards for slip resistance. Waterproof membranes (Gore-Tex, OutDry) are strongly recommended for UK conditions — even summer walking in Britain regularly involves wet grass and muddy paths. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, walking shoes with membrane failure or sole delamination within six months are presumed faulty. UK sizing differs slightly between brands; Salomon tends to run half a size small compared to New Balance in UK fitting.
Our Take
Salomon and HOKA have transformed what UK walkers expect from walking shoes — the trail-running crossover designs grip wet Lake District slate and Peak District gritstone brilliantly. Merrell Moab remains the default recommendation from most UK outdoor shops, and for good reason. New Balance walking shoes suit wider British feet better than most European brands, and Regatta offers a budget option that handles canal towpaths and coastal paths perfectly well.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Do I need waterproof walking shoes for the UK?
For year-round walking in Britain, yes — a waterproof membrane is strongly recommended. British weather delivers rain in every month of the year, and even a brief shower on chalk or clay paths creates wet conditions underfoot. If you walk mainly on dry summer days or stick to paved paths, non-waterproof mesh shoes are lighter and more breathable. But for anything September–May on genuine trail surfaces, waterproofing pays for itself on the first wet outing.
What is the difference between walking shoes and hiking boots in the UK?
Walking shoes have a lower cut around the ankle, are lighter, and are more comfortable for longer distances on maintained paths. Hiking boots have a higher ankle cuff that provides lateral support on very uneven ground and extra stability carrying a heavy rucksack. For most UK day walks on signed footpaths and bridleways, a good walking shoe is sufficient. Hiking boots become necessary for off-path mountain terrain, multi-day routes with heavy packs, or very steep descents with unstable underfoot conditions.
What width walking shoe should I buy if I have wide feet?
UK adult shoe widths run from narrow (B/2A) through standard (D) to wide (E) and extra wide (2E/EE). If you've previously found standard shoes uncomfortable across the ball of the foot or around the little toe, you likely need an E or 2E width. New Balance is the most accessible UK brand for wide and extra-wide walking shoes, stocking 2E and 4E for men. Specialist walking retailers like Cotswold Outdoor and Wilderness can also measure you for width.
How should I break in new walking shoes before a long walk?
Wear new walking shoes for shorter walks first — 3–5km on a familiar local route — before attempting any long distance. Repeat over 3–4 outings totalling 20–30km before your main walk. British walking events like sponsored charity walks that start early in the season are regularly ruined by unbroken-in footwear. Pay particular attention to heel fit: if the heel slips even slightly when new, it will cause blisters before the shoe beds in.
Can I use walking shoes for the Cotswold Way or South Downs Way?
Yes — both are well-maintained national trails with a surface mix of packed earth, chalk, and some paved sections that a quality walking shoe handles comfortably. The South Downs chalk is slippery when wet, so a shoe with a Vibram or Contagrip sole is preferred. Walking boots are only necessary for the most demanding sections of either route in prolonged wet conditions. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX and Merrell Moab 3 GTX are both regularly used on these routes.
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