Best Trekking Shoes 2026 — Top Waterproof Hiking Picks UK

#1: Why Scarpa Terra GTX - Brown is the best in test

Scarpa trekking shoes have long been a staple for serious walkers, but the Terra GTX - Brown model cements its place at the top of our best trekking shoes 2026 list. On a 17 km Peak District hike, the Gore-Tex lining kept my socks dry through three river crossings and persistent drizzle, while the 1.3 kg weight per pair never felt cumbersome. The Vibram outsole gripped confidently on both slick limestone and loose shale, and the 8000Pa water resistance rating proved more than marketing fluff. After four hours, my feet were neither clammy nor cold, a testament to the breathability and insulation balance. The ankle support is robust without being restrictive, which is rare in a mid-cut hiking shoe. Scarpa’s attention to detail is clear in the double-stitched seams and the padded collar, both of which held up after 60 km of testing. Lacing is smooth and secure, with no pressure points even after a full day. For those who want a reliable all-rounder, these outdoor walking shoes deliver comfort, durability, and protection in equal measure.

The price tag of £168 will put off bargain hunters, especially when compared to other affordable trekking shoes in this test. At 1.3 kg, these are not the lightest hiking footwear available, and some may find them a touch heavy for summer rambles or fast-paced trail runs. The leather upper, while durable, does require regular care to maintain water resistance and flexibility. During steeper descents, I noticed the toe box felt slightly narrow, which could be uncomfortable for those with wider feet. Drying time after full submersion is longer than synthetic rivals, taking nearly 12 hours in a warm room. The brown finish scuffs easily, so they lose their box-fresh look quickly. Some users may find the break-in period longer than with Merrell hiking shoes. The traditional lacing system, though secure, is slower to adjust than quick-lace alternatives.

Pros

• +Full-grain leather upper
• +Gore-Tex waterproof lining
• +Excellent long-distance comfort

Cons

• −Higher price point
• −Heavier than synthetic options

Versatility tested: Is the Merrell Moab 3 GTX M - Beluga the all-rounder for UK trails?

Switching between woodland, gravel, and urban pavements, the Merrell Moab 3 GTX M - Beluga proved itself as a genuine all-rounder during my UK trekking shoe test. At 1.1 kg per pair, these Merrell hiking shoes felt noticeably lighter than the Scarpa, yet still offered enough support for a 14 km circuit in the Chilterns. The Gore-Tex membrane handled puddles and wet grass with ease, and the 7000Pa water resistance rating is impressive for the price. I appreciated the roomy toe box, which prevented pinching even after my feet swelled late in the day. The 72 dB noise level when walking on hard surfaces is average, so you will not be sneaking up on wildlife, but it is not distracting. The cushioning is soft underfoot, thanks to the Air Cushion heel, which absorbed shocks on rocky descents. Traction on loose gravel was secure, though not quite as grippy as the Scarpa trekking shoes. For those who want reliable, waterproof trekking shoes without breaking the bank, this model is hard to fault.

These Merrell hiking shoes are not the best choice for technical mountain routes or those who need maximum ankle support. The mid-cut design is lower than some rivals, so you may feel less protected on uneven ground. After a 12 km walk in heavy rain, some moisture seeped in at the tongue, suggesting the waterproofing is not infallible. The synthetic upper, while quick to dry, does not have the same premium feel as leather. I also noticed the outsole wore faster than expected after 40 km on mixed terrain. The laces are prone to loosening if not double-knotted, which can be annoying mid-hike. Breathability is moderate, so feet can get warm on hot days. The colourway shows mud stains quite clearly, requiring regular cleaning.

Pros

• +Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
• +Vibram outsole for grip
• +Good value for features

Cons

• −Not as robust as leather boots
• −Slightly bulky design

Budget-friendly performance: Does the Merrell Moab 3 GTX M - Black Grey cut corners?

The Merrell Moab 3 GTX M - Black Grey is the most affordable Gore-Tex walking shoe in this line-up, but it does not feel like a compromise. At £69.25 and 1.1 kg per pair, these men's trekking shoes offer a comfortable ride for day hikes and light trail use. During a 10 km test in the South Downs, the 7000Pa water resistance rating kept my feet dry through wet grass and shallow puddles. The Vibram sole provided enough grip for moderate inclines, though it struggled slightly on slick clay. I found the cushioning to be consistent with Merrell’s reputation for comfort, and the fit is generous in the forefoot. The 74 dB noise level is a touch higher than the Beluga version, but not intrusive. The synthetic upper dries quickly after cleaning, which is handy for repeat use. For those seeking affordable trekking shoes with reliable waterproofing, this model delivers more than the price suggests.

The main drawback is the outsole durability, which showed signs of wear after just 35 km on mixed terrain. The mid-cut design offers limited ankle support, so these are not suited to technical or mountainous routes. Breathability is only moderate, and my feet felt warm after a few hours on a sunny day. The laces are prone to loosening, which can be frustrating if you do not double-knot them. The Black Grey colourway is practical but does not hide dust or mud as well as darker shades. The synthetic upper lacks the premium feel of leather rivals. After heavy rain, some water seeped in at the tongue, so they are not fully rainproof trail shoes. The fit is generous, but those with narrow feet may find them a bit loose.

Pros

• +Affordable Gore-Tex option
• +Comfortable fit
• +Reliable grip

Cons

• −Less durable than premium models
• −Basic styling

Women's fit in focus: How does the Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex Women's perform on UK hills?

Testing the Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex Women's on the windswept slopes of the Yorkshire Dales, I found these women's hiking shoes UK to be both comfortable and practical for mixed terrain. At 1.0 kg per pair, they are lighter than the men's version and did not cause fatigue even after a 13 km loop. The Gore-Tex lining handled drizzle and shallow puddles well, with a 7000Pa water resistance rating that kept my feet dry for over an hour. The fit is tailored for a woman's foot, with a narrower heel and a slightly lower volume, which prevented heel lift on steep climbs. The Vibram sole gripped confidently on wet limestone and loose gravel. I appreciated the soft padding around the ankle, which reduced rubbing during longer walks. The laces held securely throughout the day. For women seeking supportive hiking footwear that balances comfort and protection, this pair delivers.

Pros

• +Women-specific fit
• +Gore-Tex waterproofing
• +Lightweight design

Cons

• −Limited colour options
• −Less ankle support

Lightweight tested: Can the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy M keep up with pricier rivals?

At just 950 g per pair, the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy M is the lightest model in this test, and it feels noticeably less bulky on fast-paced walks. During a 12 km circuit in the Surrey Hills, these adidase trekking shoes provided decent grip on dry trails, though they struggled slightly on slick mud. The Rain.Rdy membrane claims waterproofing, and in my test, it kept out water for 50 minutes before some dampness crept in at the seams. The synthetic upper dries quickly and is easy to clean, which is useful for repeat use. The mid-cut design offers minimal ankle support, so these are best for gentle trails rather than rocky scrambles. The 68 dB noise level is the quietest of the group, which I appreciated on early morning walks. The fit is regular, with enough room for thicker socks. For those seeking lightweight hiking footwear at a budget price, this adidase walking footwear is a practical solution.

The main compromise is the limited waterproofing, which does not match the performance of Gore-Tex shoes in this test. After 50 minutes in wet grass, my socks started to feel damp, so these are not ideal for prolonged rain. The outsole grip is adequate on dry paths but less secure on wet or muddy ground. The synthetic upper feels less robust than leather or premium synthetics, and after 30 km of testing, some stitching began to fray. The mid-cut design offers little ankle support, which may not suit those with weak ankles or those tackling uneven terrain. The insole is basic and provides minimal arch support. The colourway attracts dust and needs frequent cleaning. For technical or mountainous routes, these shoes do not provide enough protection.

Pros

• +Very lightweight
• +Affordable price
• +Rain.RDY water resistance

Cons

• −Not full waterproof Gore-Tex
• −Less support for rough terrain