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Tried & Tested: 5 summer walking boots
Tried & Tested: 5 summer walking boots
Whether you’re after waterproof walking, springy strolls or harder hikes and punishing treks, there are plenty of boots out there which will be a perfect fit this summer. Take a look at five we tried out, to help you put your best foot forward on a summer staycation. Berghaus Women’s Expeditor Trek 2.0 Boots (£99, tiso.com) Key features: No wearing in needed, thanks to super cushioning from the EVA midsoles and OrthoLite footbed. Their split suede upper, robust, grippy soles and all-round performance makes them good value for money. They were also the easiest boots to get on and off, with a wide entry point. Verdict: These snug-fitting – but comfy – walking boots pack a punch for the price and I did a five-miler straight from the box and didn’t suffer any ill effects around the toes or the ankles. They are reasonably lightweight and fairly generous width-wise, although I could feel a slight pinch point mid-foot by the end of the first walk, which evened out the more I used them. The grip is sufficient for tricky hills and they are also waterproof, although I suspect you won’t do the suede upper any good if you’re traipsing through boggy puddles. On the whole, a great all-rounder for the price. Columbia Women’s Trailstorm Mid Waterproof Walking Shoe (£90, columbiasportswear.co.uk) Key features: Their weight – just 290g. Their versatility and good looks mean they wouldn’t look out of place under jeans, if you’re doing a short amble with a stop-off at the pub, or some easy sightseeing en route. Verdict: These super-lightweight boots – which are actually billed as a walking shoe but have some ankle cushioning – are a cross between a sturdy trainer and a light walking boot. They have the comfortable springiness of a trainer – which is great for walking on dry ground – while the grip will hold you steady on more rocky terrain. They are waterproof, withstanding a bit of summer rain, but I wouldn’t be taking them into boggy winter conditions any time soon. They’re ideal for summer, when you don’t want heavy boots for meandering along easy country paths and green fields in the sunshine. Get a size up from your regular shoe fitting and you’ll do miles in total comfort. Helly Hansen W Switchback Trail Helly Tech (£120, hellyhansen.com) Key features: Their toe and heel caps keep your feet secure and protected, they’re fully waterproof and feel sturdy, despite being relatively light. Verdict: These are impressively sturdy boots considering how light they feel, definitely not an enhanced trainer but with an understated, stylish look, which would appeal to both younger and older walkers. During a 10-miler across mixed terrain, they had a sure grip providing stability on rocky, unstable downhill slopes, while the cushioning on super hard surfaces made you feel like you were walking on cotton wool. Get yourself a size up if you want to wear thick socks with them in the winter, but the spongy, comfortable materials used around the ankle and the tongue should assure you of a blister-free trek. Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX (£135, merrell.com) Key features: The mid-sole has extra cushioning, which protects the balls of your foot, along with a ‘rockplate’ which helps reduce the impact of unforgiving sharp rocks or stones underfoot. Verdict: With a Gore-Tex lining you can count on, I yomped through muddy fields and shallow puddles and stayed dry – it’s worth paying an extra few quid for the knowledge you won’t be squelching in your boots. In our unpredictable British summers, though, you want plenty of breathability which these boots have in spades. After trying them out on a warm spring day in thin socks, my feet emerged as dry as a bone. Eco-warriors may be impressed with the 100% recycled laces, which didn’t feel flimsy, the recycled mesh lining and 30% recycled rubber in the outsole. AKU Alterra Mid GTX (£229.90, aku.it/en) Key features: The outer sole and impressive grip helps prevent you stumbling on rocky, uneven ground, while there’s excellent protection around the ankle, yet it still feels spongy and comfortable. Verdict: The Italian specialist brand Aku says these sturdy boots are designed for medium terrain and longer rambles over mixed ground, but these were by far the toughest boots, with such impressive grippy soles that I think they’re just as suitable for winter walks. They may be a little extravagant – and a bit heavier looking – for easier summer rambles, but if you’re a hardcore hiker with aims of climbing challenging peaks this summer, these are just the job. And right on cue, Aku has brought out a new lighter weight version of the same boot, so look out for the Alterra Lite Mid GTX. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Do I need to treat my garden furniture before storing it for winter? Prince William heads to New York for UN General Assembly climate week event London Fashion Week: Jourdan Dunn walks in emotional Richard Quinn show
2023-09-18 23:59
Breville’s indoor pizza oven is the best way to cook pizza without using actual fire
Breville’s indoor pizza oven is the best way to cook pizza without using actual fire
If you’re short on outdoor space, you might feel like you’re missing out on the
2023-05-31 18:17
'The Other Black Girl' review: Part satire, part horror, all fun
'The Other Black Girl' review: Part satire, part horror, all fun
Right from the jump, The Other Black Girl wants you to know that the workplace
2023-09-13 17:57
Over 100 people trapped for several hours in mystery writer Agatha Christie's former home
Over 100 people trapped for several hours in mystery writer Agatha Christie's former home
Over 100 people were trapped for several hours in Greenway, the former home of famed British mystery writer Agatha Christie, in the English countryside on Friday.
2023-07-16 09:57
If You Bought A&W Root Beer in the Past 7 Years, the Company Might Owe You Money
If You Bought A&W Root Beer in the Past 7 Years, the Company Might Owe You Money
Do you feel wronged by A&W? You might be entitled to compensation.
2023-07-11 19:30
Jennifer Lopez explains why she ‘understands’ that her 15-year-old twins ‘don’t want to talk’ to her
Jennifer Lopez explains why she ‘understands’ that her 15-year-old twins ‘don’t want to talk’ to her
Jennifer Lopez has shared some thoughts about motherhood and explained why her 15-year-old twins, Max and Emme, “don’t want to talk” to her anymore. The 53-year-old singer talked about how her children, who she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony, are in the midst of their teenage years during a recent appearance on The View. She noted that when raising her children with husband Ben Affleck, she’s been more of the “bad cop” instead of the good one. “I remember my mom saying to me, ‘I’m always the bad guy, I got to discipline you,’” she said about her mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez. “And there is some truth to that. You get a little bit of the brunt of it.” After tying the knot in 2022, Lopez blended her family with Affleck’s, who shares three children with his ex-wife, Jennfier Garner: Violet, 17, Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, 11. During her appearance on The View, the Shotgun Wedding star noted how her mother’s wisdom about parenting stayed with her, as her twins have started to spend less time with her. “I’m experiencing this now, you know we all experience it for the first time with our own kids,” Lopez explained. “And you’re just like, ‘Oh, this is what she was talking about.’ This is the time where your kids don’t want to talk to you. And they’re kind of individuating from you.” She continued: “And it’s all necessary. And intellectually, I understand it, but my heart, my heart hurts.” When TV host Sunny Hostin poked fun at how teenagers sometimes stay “locked up in their rooms,” Lopez agreed. She explained how she encourages her twins to come out of their rooms, as she exclaimed: “Let’s hang out. I miss you!” This isn’t the first time that Lopez has opened up about her relationship with her twins. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February 2022, the Marry Me star discussed how her children feel about having a famous mother. “They love it and they don’t. I think they’re very proud. They love me, I love them,” she said. “The three of us are like super, super close. But I think it’s a thing that people know who their mom is. They’re navigating that. They’re teenagers now. Their friends know things.” Earlier this year, Lopez took to Instagram to share a video tribute to Max and Emme in honour of their 15th birthday. Affleck also makes an appearance in the video, as he was seen hugging Max in one short clip, while another photo showed him posing at a table with his wife and her two children. “Happy birthday to my beautiful, brilliant coconuts,” the “On the Floor” singer wrote in the caption. “I am so proud of you both in every single way. You bring so much joy and happiness to my heart and soul. I love you beyond forever.” Read More Jennifer Lopez’s mom says she ‘prayed for 20 years’ that her daughter and Ben Affleck would reunite Jennifer Lopez praises Ben Affleck for being the ‘best dad’ to her children Jennifer Garner says she ‘works really hard’ to avoid seeing stories about ex-husband Ben Affleck in the press Met Gala video shows Jennifer Lopez revealing her secret to perfect red carpet photos Jennifer Lopez praises Ben Affleck for being the ‘best dad’ to her children Jennifer Lopez’s mom ‘prayed’ that her daughter and Ben Affleck would reunite
2023-05-10 23:18
Recreate Cinema’s Greatest Struggle Meals With A24's New Cookbook
Recreate Cinema’s Greatest Struggle Meals With A24's New Cookbook
Cereal with water from 'Friday' and tennis racket spaghetti from 'The Apartment' are some of the last-ditch recipes featured in A24's 'Scrounging: A Cookbook.'
2023-06-24 04:29
Canva launches free AI 'Classroom Magic' tools for educators
Canva launches free AI 'Classroom Magic' tools for educators
Canva is releasing a new classroom-focused suite of AI tools, designed to assist time-strapped educators
2023-10-23 21:51
Build Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe With La Saison Sportive’s Luxurious Knits
Build Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe With La Saison Sportive’s Luxurious Knits
If you’re looking for basics that don’t feel so, well, basic, allow us to add La Saison Sportive to your roster of sporty, quiet luxury brands. The minimalist boutique embodies slow fashion, focusing on crafting timeless and elegant knitwear. However, La Saison Sportive knits aren’t simply lush sweaters; the brand also produces sustainable merino wool silhouettes that are easy to take care of. These are luxe items designed to be worn every day, not saved for special occasions then requiring a special trip to the dry cleaner’s to fix an accidental spill. The cozy knits are machine washable and constructed from natural yarns to be the perfect pieces for your fall capsule wardrobe.
2023-09-06 04:16
Has America’s Air Travel Boom Peaked?
Has America’s Air Travel Boom Peaked?
The air travel boom in the US appears to be fading. Purchases by US consumers directly from major
2023-07-31 17:56
Microsoft Expects Next-Gen Xbox, PS6 Will Arrive In 2028
Microsoft Expects Next-Gen Xbox, PS6 Will Arrive In 2028
Thanks to court documents, Microsoft has just spilled the beans on when it expects the
2023-06-23 03:21
How to access BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world
How to access BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world
TL;DR: ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking free streaming services. Access BBC iPlayer from
2023-11-08 13:20