Buying guide
Best walking shoes for hill paths
Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick
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Top picks at a glance
Compare them allBest overall
Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX: nubuck, Scarpa Presa sole
Nubuck leather upper is listed, more durable on stony paths than a mesh trail shoe.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkBest value
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX: mesh trail shoe
Gore-Tex lining is stated, so the mesh upper still keeps out puddle splashes.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkMost features
La Sportiva TX5 Evo GTX Low: leather, for scree and rock
The listing recommends it for scree, rock and forest path, a good fit for British hill ground.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
On a dry summer day on a good hill path, a mid boot can feel like more than you need. A walking shoe is lighter, bends more easily, breathes better and lets your ankles move freely, which many walkers find more comfortable on maintained paths such as the Snowdon tourist routes, the South Downs or Lakeland valley walks. The trade-offs: water comes in over the collar in wet grass and bog, grit gets in, and there is no cuff around the ankle on rough ground. A good hill shoe still needs a proper lugged sole, a protective toe and enough stiffness for stony paths. This guide compares seven low-cut walking shoes using only what each listing states: upper, membrane, outsole and cushioning. Where the listing leaves out the sole compound or other details, the cons say so. Sizes are in UK sizes first; check each maker's chart.
All products compared
- Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX: nubuck, Scarpa Presa sole
- Upper
- Nubuck leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Scarpa Presa
- Cushioning (listed)
- Moderate
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX: mesh trail shoe
- Upper
- Mesh
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- EVA foam, comfort
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - La Sportiva TX5 Evo GTX Low: leather, for scree and rock
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- Medium, Ortholite Hybrid
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX: roomy last
- Upper
- Not stated
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Not stated
- Cushioning (listed)
- Moderate, PU foam
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Merrell Moab 2 GTX: leather and mesh, Gore-Tex
- Upper
- Leather and mesh
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- EVA foam, minimal
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Salomon Quest Element GTX: leather, fabric lined
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- Foam insole
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Hanwag Blueridge Low ES: suede, breathable
- Upper
- Suede leather
- Membrane
- Not stated
- Outsole
- Not stated
- Cushioning (listed)
- Not stated
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
| Product | Upper | Membrane | Outsole | Cushioning (listed) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX: nubuck, Scarpa Presa sole | Nubuck leather | Gore-Tex | Scarpa Presa | Moderate | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX: mesh trail shoe | Mesh | Gore-Tex | Rubber | EVA foam, comfort | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| La Sportiva TX5 Evo GTX Low: leather, for scree and rock | Leather | Gore-Tex | Rubber | Medium, Ortholite Hybrid | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX: roomy last | Not stated | Gore-Tex | Not stated | Moderate, PU foam | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Merrell Moab 2 GTX: leather and mesh, Gore-Tex | Leather and mesh | Gore-Tex | Rubber | EVA foam, minimal | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Salomon Quest Element GTX: leather, fabric lined | Leather | Gore-Tex | Rubber | Foam insole | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Hanwag Blueridge Low ES: suede, breathable | Suede leather | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.
The products in detail
No. 1 · Scarpa
Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX: nubuck, Scarpa Presa sole
Scarpa's Cyrus 2 GTX is a men's low nubuck leather walking shoe with Gore-Tex and Scarpa's Presa sole. A good everyday shoe for hill paths, dales and coast paths.
In its favour
- Nubuck leather upper is listed, more durable on stony paths than a mesh trail shoe.
- The outsole is named as Scarpa Presa, the maker's own hiking sole.
- Gore-Tex in the title and listed for all seasons, so it can handle wet path days.
Good to know
- As a low shoe, water can still come in over the collar in long wet grass or bog.
- The listing gives no weight, so compare it with other shoes in person.
Listing title: Scarpa Cyrus 2 Gore-TEX Men's Walking Shoes - AW26
No. 2 · La Sportiva
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX: mesh trail shoe
La Sportiva's Ultra Raptor II GTX is a mesh hiking shoe with a Gore-Tex lining and EVA cushioning. It suits fast walking on hill paths and those who like a trail-running feel.
In its favour
- Gore-Tex lining is stated, so the mesh upper still keeps out puddle splashes.
- EVA foam cushioning is listed for comfort on long hard paths.
- The fit is described as true to size in the listing, which helps when ordering online.
Good to know
- A mesh upper wears faster on rock and heather than leather or suede.
- The listed weight of 970 g does not say whether that is per pair.
Listing title: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Gore-TEX Walking Shoes
No. 3 · La Sportiva
La Sportiva TX5 Evo GTX Low: leather, for scree and rock
La Sportiva's TX5 Evo GTX low is a leather Gore-Tex shoe listed for scree, rock and forest paths. It suits rocky hill paths and easy scrambles where grip matters.
In its favour
- The listing recommends it for scree, rock and forest path, a good fit for British hill ground.
- Leather upper with a Gore-Tex lining is stated, more protective than mesh.
- An Ortholite Hybrid insole with medium cushioning is listed.
Good to know
- The listing does not name the outsole compound, so check how it grips on wet rock.
- No weight is given in the listing, so compare it with other shoes in person.
Listing title: LA SPORTIVA TX5 Evo GTX Carbon/Yellow Carbon/Yellow
No. 4 · Hanwag
Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX: roomy last
Hanwag's Torsby Low SF Extra GTX is a men's Gore-Tex walking shoe on Hanwag's roomier StraightFit Extra last. It suits wider feet on hill paths and long valley walks.
In its favour
- SF Extra in the name refers to Hanwag's roomier StraightFit Extra last, helpful for wide feet.
- PU foam cushioning is listed, a material that holds its shape over long use.
- Gore-Tex and a waterproof rating are listed, with shoe adjustability stated.
Good to know
- The listing does not state the upper material or outsole, so check Hanwag's page.
- The listed weight of 1.1 kg does not say whether that is per pair.
Listing title: Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra Gore-TEX Walking Shoes - AW26
No. 5 · Merrell
Merrell Moab 2 GTX: leather and mesh, Gore-Tex
Merrell's Moab 2 GTX is a leather and mesh hiking shoe with a Gore-Tex lining and EVA insole. A widely sold, easy-going shoe for lowland walks and good paths.
In its favour
- Leather and mesh upper with a Gore-Tex lining are listed, a balance of breathability and protection.
- Listed as lightweight with an EVA foam insole.
- The listing describes the fit as true to size.
Good to know
- Cushioning is listed as minimal in one field, so long days on hard ground may feel firm.
- The outsole compound is not named in the listing.
Listing title: Merrell Men's Moab 2 GtxHiking Shoe
No. 6 · Salomon
Salomon Quest Element GTX: leather, fabric lined
Salomon's Quest Element Gore-Tex is a men's leather outdoor shoe that the title describes as waterproof with all-terrain stability. It suits mixed paths and travel.
In its favour
- The title states waterproof and all-terrain stability, with Gore-Tex named.
- A leather upper with a fabric lining is listed.
- A foam insole is listed for everyday cushioning.
Good to know
- One listing field says not water resistant, which conflicts with the title, so check the maker's page.
- The listed weight of 319 g looks low for a leather shoe, so treat it with care.
Listing title: Salomon Quest Element Gore-Tex Men's Outdoor Shoes, Waterproof, All-te...
No. 7 · Hanwag
Hanwag Blueridge Low ES: suede, breathable
Hanwag's Blueridge Low ES is a men's suede leather hiking shoe listed as breathable and waterproof. It suits valley walks, low hills and summer paths.
In its favour
- The listing names breathable and waterproof as special features.
- A suede leather upper is stated, more robust than mesh on stony ground.
- Listed for all seasons as a hiking shoe.
Good to know
- The listing does not name a membrane, so the waterproofing method is not clear.
- The sole is listed as plastic, so check the outsole details on Hanwag's site.
Listing title: Hanwag Men's Blueridge Low ES Shoes
Read before you buy
- What are approach shoes and who needs them?Sticky rubber, toe rands and lacing to the toe: what approach shoes are for, where they beat walking boots on British rock and where they do not.
- Walking boots vs walking shoes: which do you need?Walking boots or walking shoes for UK paths? Ground, season, pack weight and wet grass decide it. A simple chooser with a boot and shoe compared side by side.
- Do you need walking boots for Snowdon?Footwear for Yr Wyddfa path by path: Llanberis, Pyg, Miners and Crib Goch, in summer and winter, and when walking shoes are enough and when boots are wiser.
- Trail running shoes vs hiking boots for walkingTrail running shoes or hiking boots for UK walking? Weight, drying time, wet feet, protection and support compared for bog and rock, and who should keep boots.
- How Gore-Tex walking boots workThe Gore-Tex membrane bootie, how it blocks water but lets vapour out, why a wet outer fabric slows breathability, the newer ePE membrane and other brands compared.
More buying guides: Walking and approach shoes
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