I go walking almost every weekend - these are the best men's walking boots I've ever tried

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As someone who walks almost every weekend, I know how important it is to find a good pair of shoes walking boots. Nothing ruins a route faster than blisters or sore, tired feet.

Whether you’re an experienced rambler or new to hiking, the best shoes for logging miles need to be able to perform in all seasons and conditions – waterproof yet breathable, lightweight yet tough enough to handle a variety of terrains. Comfort is also important, so it’s worth focusing on flexibility, toe room, and a fit that feels secure without being restrictive. and best waterproof pants and best walking stickyou’re ready for any environment.

To help you find the right shoe, I’ve put some of the best walking shoes on the market to the test, tackling some of the biggest hills in Wales and southern England.

My favorite is the Inov-8 roclite mid GTX (£150, Amazon UK) – Sturdy, waterproof and grippy, they work great for me when I’m out and about. But below you’ll find even more options, including barefoot styles, boots for narrow feet and lightweight shoes for picking up the pace, along with a detailed analysis of why they’re a strong contender for your next walking boot.

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The best men’s walking boots and shoes of 2026 are:

Best Overall – Inov-8 roclite mid GTX: £150, Amazon UK
Best for strenuous hikes – Danner mountain 600 evo: £255, Dana website
Best budget buy – Hi-Tec Fuse Hiking Boots: £65.50, Amazon UK
best walking shoes – Adidas terrex skychaser Gore-Tex hiking boots: £100, Amazon UK
Best comfort – Merrell moab speed 2 mid GTX: £128, Amazon UK

how i tested

The Independent's senior fitness writer Harry Bullmore tested the central WP Xero scrambler trail while climbing Sugar Loaf in Wales — The Independent’s senior fitness writer Harry Bullmore tested the central WP Xero scrambler trail while climbing Sugar Loaf in Wales (Harry Bullmore/The Independent)

The best test for a pair of walking shoes is a fairly simple two-step procedure; put the boots on, and walk in the boots. To ensure a thorough test, I ditched the usual lunchtime lap of the park in favor of more challenging terrain, taking weekend trips to Cornwall, Dartmoor, Erie National Park (Snowdonia), the Brecon Beacons and the Peak District. Every pair of boots on this list has been used on many hikes in southern England and Wales.

The most important thing I look for in every pair of shoes is comfort. The next question on my bingo card was whether they would keep my feet fresh on longer hikes, then bonus points for good grip on a range of surfaces, foolproof waterproofing, and virtually no signs of wear.