Last reviewed and updated: October 2026.
For a lot of British walking, a low walking shoe is more useful than a full boot. You keep the grip and underfoot protection designed for trails, but lose some of the weight and bulk that can feel unnecessary on ordinary countryside days.
This guide now focuses on three current shoes whose specifications can be checked directly with the manufacturers. Rambl has not personally tested these three side by side, so the recommendations are research-based and the trade-offs are stated plainly.
Three walking shoes worth comparing
| Shoe | Weight per shoe | Waterproof? | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex | 380g | Yes | Mixed and rougher trails |
| Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex | 460g | Yes | Comfort-focused general walking |
| Quechua MH500 waterproof | 445g | Yes | Budget-conscious regular walking |
Those weights are manufacturer figures and can vary by size. Fit matters more than winning a 65-gram argument on a spreadsheet.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex: the more technical option
Salomon lists the current X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex at 380g per shoe, with an 11mm drop, Gore-Tex membrane, All Terrain Contagrip outsole and its Advanced Chassis system for lateral stability. Salomon positions it for full-day hikes and mixed or rocky terrain.
That makes it the most obvious choice here if your walks regularly include rough descents, uneven ground and steeper trails. The trade-off is that it is a more technical shoe than somebody pottering around easy field paths actually needs.
- Good fit for: longer mixed-terrain days and walkers wanting a stable low shoe
- Less ideal for: easy lowland walking where a simpler shoe would do
Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex: the comfort-first all-rounder
The current Moab 3 Gore-Tex combines a suede-and-mesh upper with a Gore-Tex membrane and Vibram TC5+ outsole. Merrell gives a 5mm lug depth, 11.5mm drop and a half-pair weight of about 460g.
It is heavier than the Salomon but built around a more traditional hiking-shoe feel. For ordinary countryside walking, woodland, tracks and moderate hills, that makes it a sensible all-round comparison rather than a shoe chosen purely because it looks fast.
- Good fit for: general countryside use and walkers prioritising cushioning and familiar hiking-shoe construction
- Less ideal for: people chasing the lightest possible footwear
Quechua MH500 waterproof: the budget option
Decathlon’s current men’s MH500 waterproof hiking shoe is listed at around 445g per shoe in size 43. It uses 5mm lugs, an EVA midsole, a waterproof breathable membrane and protection around the toe and heel.
Decathlon classifies it for regular mountain walking and technical paths. The attraction is straightforward: it gives you a purpose-built hiking outsole and waterproof construction without immediately wandering into premium-shoe pricing.
- Good fit for: newer walkers and anyone wanting proper trail features at a lower price
- Less ideal for: people wanting a particularly light or highly breathable summer shoe
Do you actually need Gore-Tex?
Not always. Waterproof walking shoes are useful for wet grass, mud and cool mixed-weather days. In warm dry conditions, an unlined trail shoe can be cooler and may dry faster if it gets soaked.
If you are unsure, Rambl’s guide to whether you need waterproof hiking footwear explains the trade-off in more detail.
Walking shoes versus ordinary trainers
The main difference is not branding; it is the outsole and construction. A walking shoe normally gives you deeper tread, more protection around the foot and a platform designed for uneven ground.
For dry flat paths, ordinary trainers may be perfectly adequate. For mud, wet grass, loose rock and long days, trail-specific grip becomes much more useful. See can you hike in trainers? for the practical dividing line.
How to choose between them
- Rougher mixed terrain: Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex.
- General comfort and everyday hiking: Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex.
- Keeping the cost down: Quechua MH500 waterproof.
Those are editorial judgements based on current specifications and intended use, not claims of personal testing.
Fit beats the spec sheet
Try walking shoes with the socks you normally wear. Check that the heel stays put, your toes have room on descents and nothing rubs around the ankle or forefoot. Different brands suit different foot shapes, and the “best” shoe on paper is useless if your feet hate it after mile three.
For rougher terrain where you want more ankle coverage or a stiffer platform, see Rambl’s walking-boots guide.
