Hiking Shoes and Boots for UK Trails: Waterproofing, Grip and Support

Start with the terrain, not the price

UK conditions punish the wrong choice of hiking footwear: boggy moorland, wet gritstone, and paths that switch between both in a single afternoon. Three things decide whether a shoe works for you — how high it cuts, whether it keeps water out, and how its sole grips.

Low-cut trail shoes — fast, light, drier days

For canal paths, forest tracks and summer hills, a low-cut shoe is less tiring over distance. The Salomon Thundercross GTX at £139.99 and the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX at £160.99 sit in this group; the X Ultra 360 at £120.99 is the lighter-hitting option.

Mid-cut boots — the all-round UK default

A mid cuff supports the ankle on uneven ground without the weight of a full boot, which is why it suits most British walking. Our Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the workhorse here, at £142.99, £184.99 or £193.99 depending on the colourway.

Full boots — three-season and winter

When you are carrying a pack over rough ground, a stiffer boot pays you back. The leather Salomon Quest 4 GTX at £217.99 and the Quest Element GTX at £190.99 are built for long days and heavier loads. For cold-weather walking, the women's Outchill TS CSWP W at £160.99 is insulated and waterproof. On a tight budget, the Dewalt Laser Breathable Waterproof Hiker Boot at £51.75 covers easy paths and site work.

Waterproofing: what GTX actually buys you

A Gore-Tex (GTX) or CSWP membrane keeps rain and puddle splash out while letting some vapour escape. The trade-off is real: a membrane adds warmth and dries slowly, so on hot dry days a non-waterproof breathable shoe is often more comfortable. Whichever you pick, keep water out from the top — gaiters and a waterproof sock matter as much as the boot in deep wet grass.

Grip and support

Deep, widely spaced lugs clear mud; shallower, denser lugs grip rock better. Stiffer soles support the foot over stones and protect the arch on long descents, while softer soles feel better on towpaths and woodland.

Fit, socks and kit

Hiking footwear should have room for a thicker sock and a little toe clearance for descents — try boots on in the afternoon with the socks you actually walk in. Socks do more work than most people expect; we stock 41 sock options. Round out a kit with a hiking backpack, a pole, sandals for summer and hiking gloves.

Care

Rinse mud off leather and mesh after every wet walk, air-dry away from direct heat, and re-proof leather with a suitable wax or conditioner. Never force-dry a membrane boot next to a radiator — heat damages the membrane and the glue line.

Browse the full range: Hiking Shoes. Prices shown are the current lowest variant price in GBP and can change.