For riverside trails and other summer forays into the countryside, walking shoes are a better option than heavy hiking boots. We trail test some of the best on offer
For more reviews of outdoor gear, go to countryfile.com/country-kit
BBC Countryfile Magazine Favourite
Keen NXIS Evo Waterproof
£130; keenfootwear.com
These hiking trainers are lightweight, nimble and comfortable. A substantial rand and toe bumper protect your feet. Once the laces are done up, your whole foot feels securely embraced thanks to the heel-lock system – an integrated cord that tightens around the heel and stops your foot from moving inside the shoe. A waterproof and breathable membrane keeps your feet dry. 9/10
Best for : budget
Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Walking Shoe
Comfortable but capable trail shoes. With the ‘Navic’ lacing system, there is zero sliding around inside the upper. A decent rand and toecap protect your feet. The Moni-Tech membrane is fully waterproof but breathable. The tread is nicely designed to offer braking ability. The low weight (318g) and the price for such a substantial shoe are really impressive. 7/10
Craghoppers Adflex Low
£140; craghoppers.com
An innovative walking shoe with plenty of support. The all-important dynamic midsole flexes as you walk, cushioning impact – just don’t expect any trail feel. The rocker-shaped outsole encourages good gait. The outsole is a thin Vibram litebase skin, with Megagrip tread that provides good traction. Heel support and toe protection are excellent, and a waterproof membrane keeps feet dry. 8/10
Adidas TERREX AX4 Gore-Tex
£120; adidas.co.uk
It may look like a sports trainer, but the AX4 is capable of coping with tough hiking trails. A Gore-Tex membrane is waterproof and breathable. The outsole is grippy. The midsole is reasonably well cushioned, and the shoe is flexible enough to be comfortable on easier trails, but with rigidity needed to supply support on trickier terrain. A robustly constructed shoe that should last a long time. 9/10
Best for: eco friendly
Inov-8 Roclite Recycled 310
£130; inov-8.com
This suave-looking shoe is made almost entirely from recycled materials. Instantly comfortable and so light (310g) you almost forget you’re wearing them, the Roclite 310 provides superb grip on even the gloopiest terrain. With little toe protection and a flexible midsole, they are best suited for exploring fairly easy footpaths. They’re not waterproof, but the mesh upper is quick-drying and breathes beautifully. 7/10
best for: rocky trails
Scarpa Rush Trail GTX
£165; scarpa.co.uk
These comfortable, capable approach shoes yearn for rocky upland trails, but are still perfectly at home on all paths. At 455g per shoe, they’re not light, but they do provide the rigidity across the shank that is perfect for scrambling or edging around rocks. They felt comfortable to wear straight out of the box. The tread is good for stony and rocky paths, but less so on slippery mud. 8/10