Top 5 Outdoor Shoes

Outdoor shoes are all the rage thanks to the new outdoor fever sweeping the UK. So Fitness Footwear rates the top 5 outdoor shoes for all kinds of outdoor pursuits.

Numbers of outdoor enthusiasts are on the rise and we have the credit crunch to thank for this new surge in active people looking to pass the time by embracing their environment rather than slouched inside on the sofa playing video games or rotting their minds in front of the telly.

So Fitness Footwear have been keen to put together another Top 5 article, this time pointing out the best of the outdoor shoes available to the casual stroller, hardcore hiker or fashionable trail runner.

Selected from their ample stocks of outdoor shoes are 5 of the finest specimens, all intended for a variety of outdoor pursuits and providing waterproof protection, cool breathable comfort and most importantly a reasonably affordable price point.

So far 2009 has got off to a cold and frosty start with heavy run and suddenly snow, but now that the warmer weather is on its way, people are taking the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. So we’ve compiled a selection of suitable outdoors shoes for all kinds of weather conditions. A good pair of outdoor shoes will be waterproof, breathable and lightweight while offering great grip to prevent slipping on wet or muddy surfaces as well as a soft feeling underfoot for walking along stoney footpaths. The perfect outdoor shoe will also be rugged, hard wearing and built to last, all while looking good.

So which Outdoor Shoes are Best?

Salomon Exit Peak – Dark Clay and Autobahn
When it comes to the outdoors Salomon shoes are the first brand many people think of. Renowned for their ski and mountain wear, their shoes are just as exceptional with the Salomon Exit Peak providing all the comfort, support, protection and style anyone could ask for at under £60. Fashioned from hard wearing nubuck leather with a mud guard, heel foam and protective toe cap, they’re tough, comfy and suitably water resistant. Meanwhile the inner lining rapidly wicks moisture away from the foot while the outsole, midsole and sock liner offer a winning combination of stability, support and traction.

Hi-Tec Auckland WP – Brown and Yellow
Leading the new walking trainers style of outdoor shoes is the Hi-Tec Auckland WP. Styled like a comfortable trainer, but with all the comfort, support and protection of a real walking shoe with waterproof protection (that’s what the WP stands for), Hi-Tec’s Auckland shoes a lightweight and moisture wicking while being full seam sealed and fashioned from suede leather. The athletic last feels comfy for the feet and offers a great fit while the lightweight midsole and sockliner surrounds the foot in softness without slipping. And for great grip on all manner of surfaces, there’s a suitably chunk MDT outsole. Walking or trail running, the Hi-Tec Auckland WP – Brown and Yellow is a great looking outdoor shoe that’s good looking and affordable too!

Brasher Azuma GTX – Brown
Smart, simple and highly sophisticated. Behind the conservative looks of the Brasher Azuma GTX – Brown is a traditional hill walking boot that will conquer all obstacles. Fashioned from full grain leather with a Gore-Tex lining and an industry leading sole unit, this walking boot ticks all boxes when it comes to long walks and hikes. While it may not be the cheapest of the outdoor shoes reviewed here, it is bar far the most finely crafted. This boot has been built to last and provide the finest quality and comfort possible.

Merrell Intercept – Charcoal
These stylish walking trainers combine high fashion with functional performance features, making them the perfect outdoor shoes. Crafted from hard wearing leather uppers with a breathable and anti microbial liner for a cool, dry and fresh comfort, they combine all the best technologies from the best running trainers on the market, blended with the comfort, tread and support of a fine quality walking shoe. Outstanding comfort, great fit and brilliant grip on all manner of surfaces means that these are ideally suited to fashion, walking, running and all manner of outdoor pursuits. Although they are not entirely waterproof.

Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR – Teak
The other pair of merrell shoes in our top 5 outdoor shoes review is the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR which is designed to be functional rather than fashionable, but it still looks fantastic. More like a walking boot than a walking trainer, it’s been built to last using a Gore-Tex XCR gasket construction with breathable mesh uppers and Gore-Tex lining for fast cooling comfort and complete waterproof protection. Meanwhile the rubber heel and toe bumpers let you kick stones to your heart’s content without fear of damaging your footwear. These shoes also offer exceptional underfoot support with an advanced anatomical footbed, arch shank, moulded footframe and air cushion. Top it all off with a deep lug depth and industry leading Vibram rubber outsole and you’ll never worry about slipping off rocks or falling over in the mud. Quit exceptional considering the cost of these outdoor shoes.

And The Winners Are!
All of these outdoor shoes are ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities. So it was hard to pick just 1 winner when all of these outdoor shoes offer a number of different things for different purposes from high performance to good looks and great value for money. You may have noticed that we have revealed two pairs of Merrell shoes. This is quit simply because Merrell make some amazing outdoor footwear.

Best Value for Money: Hi-Tec Auckland WP – Brown and Yellow
When it comes to value for money, they are all great outdoor shoes when you consider that you get what you pay for. But the Hi-Tec Auckland WP – Brown and Yellow really stands out from the crowd with its great looks and comfortable fit, all while offering all the essentials needed for a solid and hard wearing outdoor shoe.

Best Performance: Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR – Teak
When you’re looking for the best performance outdoor shoes, they’ve got to be Gore-Tex for outstanding breathability and total waterproof protection. With Gore-Tex you know that you feet won’t be cold, wet or hot and sweaty. But the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam Gore-Tex XCR ticks all the other areas as well. While it may not be ideal for trail running due to the mid height cuff, they’re perfect for all types manner of outdoor activities and even walking in the worst weather conditions possible. On top of all that, they look good tell. Well worth the money as they’re only a few pounds more than the Merrell Intercept.

Best Looking: Merrell Intercept – Charcoal
By far the best looking. It’s clear that the Merrell Intercept was designed for not just function, but fashion as well. You could easily wear these as a comfortable every day trainer simply for looking stylish in. Or you could go for a run, walk or hike and feel great doing it. The big M for Merrell makes these outdoor shoes really stand out in style as well.

If you’re getting ready to embrace the outdoors, but don’t know which outdoor shoes to try on, these are the perfect outdoor shoes for people looking for affordable, fashionable and downright functional. So stay safe, have fun and enjoy what country side with have before the councils bulldoze the lot and build flats on it all.

For the web’s widest choice of sports and outdoor shoes be sure to check out www.fitnessfootwear.com

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