# Best walking shoes for hill paths Source: https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-walking-shoes-for-hill-paths Publisher: Trail and Lace. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://trailandlace.co.uk/how-we-pick 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. ## Products ### 1. Scarpa Cyrus 2 Gore-TEX Men's Walking Shoes - AW26 Upper: Nubuck leather; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Outsole: Scarpa Presa; Cushioning (listed): Moderate 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. ### 2. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Gore-TEX Walking Shoes Upper: Mesh; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Outsole: Rubber; Cushioning (listed): EVA foam, comfort 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. ### 3. LA SPORTIVA TX5 Evo GTX Carbon/Yellow Carbon/Yellow Upper: Leather; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Outsole: Rubber; Cushioning (listed): Medium, Ortholite Hybrid 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. ### 4. Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra Gore-TEX Walking Shoes - AW26 Upper: Not stated; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Outsole: Not stated; Cushioning (listed): Moderate, PU foam 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. ### 5. Merrell Men's Moab 2 GtxHiking Shoe Upper: Leather and mesh; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Outsole: Rubber; Cushioning (listed): EVA foam, minimal 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. ### 6. Salomon Quest Element Gore-Tex Men's Outdoor Shoes, Waterproof, All-terrain stability, and Outdoor essentials Upper: Leather; Membrane: Gore-Tex; Outsole: Rubber; Cushioning (listed): Foam insole 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. ### 7. Hanwag Men's Blueridge Low ES Shoes Upper: Suede leather; Membrane: Not stated; Outsole: Not stated; Cushioning (listed): Not stated 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.