Amy Axworthy is a travel journalist and product reviewer. She was shortlisted for Best News Writer at the BSME Talent Awards in 2023 for uncovering consumer harm.
In this article
- What are the best walking shoe brands according to Which? members?
- Best budget walking shoes
- Best all-round walking shoes
- Other Which? Recommended Walking Shoe Brands
- Is it best for walking shoes to be tight or loose?
- What is the difference between a walking boot and a walking shoe?
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a great pair of walking shoes.
We surveyed more than 2,600 walking shoe customers and the brand they were most satisfied with, and the most likely to recommend, was also the cheapest. Its customers paid just £42 a pair on average.
Its shoes scored lower for water resistance than some pricier labels, but walking shoes are better suited generally to drier conditions. You just need enough waterproofing to avoid soggy shoes from dewy grass, or a light shower.
But if you’re happy to spend a bit more, buy from one of our latest Which? Recommended Brands. These seven brands stood out for their quality and customer service, making them a great investment and worthy of our endorsement. Read on to see the best choices whatever your budget.
For more expertly researched destination ideas and unbiased travel advice and recommendations, subscribe to Which? Travel
Save 25% on super-useful travel advice
Get super-useful advice on who to book with, how to get the best deals and inspiring destination ideas from the experts, all year for just £36.75.
Save 25% – was £49, now £36.75 for a year, with each purchase. Offer ends 15 April 2026
What are the best walking shoe brands according to Which? members?
Why you can trust our reviews of walking shoe brands
Expert analysis
Most reviewers make their judgement based on their individual preferences. Instead, we evaluated the quality of 31 brands based on the experiences of 2,648 customers.
Which? Recommended Brands
Our Which? Recommended Brands are the best of the best. Brands have to meet strict criteria including high customer ratings, and uncompromising checks on product guarantees/ warranties, and returns policies.
| Walking boot brand | Customer score | Average price paid | Comfort | Durability | Fit | Grip | Shock absorption | Value for money | Breathability | Flexibility | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decathlon Quechua(54) | 83% | £42 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| RECOMMENDED BRANDGrisport(101) | 82% | £83 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| RECOMMENDED BRANDMeindl(154) | 82% | £145 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| RECOMMENDED BRANDScarpa(101) | 82% | £138 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| RECOMMENDED BRANDNike ACG(49) | 80% | £99 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Skechers GO WALK(142) | 80% | £67 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| RECOMMENDED BRANDClarks(67) | 79% | £72 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Show all rows
Survey conducted in May 2025 based on responses from 2,648 members of the Which? Connect panel who own 3,112 pairs of walking shoes bought in the past five years. ‘n/a’ means not enough data to provide information. Average price paid = mean price members said they paid. Customer score based on satisfaction and whether members would recommend.
Walking shoes are great for the drier months as an alternative to weighty walking boots that are better suited to wetter conditions. Their lightweight and flexible nature makes them fantastic for travelling with, too. But what separates the best brands from the worst is an extra level of durability and water resistance whilst allowing your feet to breathe.
Amy AxworthySenior Researcher/ Writer
Considering a new pair of walking boots for braving harsher conditions? Head to the best walking boots brands for our top recommendations.
Best budget walking shoes
Decathlon Quechua walking shoes review
Verdict: Best-rated and a real bargain
Customer score: 83%
Average price paid: £42
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Lots of fits and designs
- Comfy yet durable
Cons
- Not the best brand for breathability
- Could be more water resistant
People in our survey loved their Decathlon Quechua shoes – despite middling scores for shock absorption, breathability and water resistance. This is likely due to value. They’re the cheapest brand in our survey, but still won four stars for grip, flexibility and durability.
Plus, its shoes are comfortable, with one customer telling us that they were the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever owned. With around 50 UK stores and 50 styles, you can try on a few designs before buying.
Buy a pair direct from Decathlon.
Best all-round walking shoes
Grisport walking shoes review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: Premium quality for a reasonable price
Customer score: 82%
Average price paid: £83
Pros
- Outstanding value
- Extremely comfortable with a good fit
- Robust materials
Cons
- Nothing major
Customers spent an average of just £83 on Grisport walking shoes, yet it’s a safe bet, as it scored four and five stars across the board.
One customer praised the longevity of their Grisport shoes too: ‘They are showing gratifyingly little signs of wear and tear.’ Some likely bought them on sale though, as while you can get them this cheap, we’ve found that prices range from £39 to £130 online.