These waterproof leopard print walking boots combine style with support - and are under £40
Mountain Warehouse's Adventurer boots feature excellent ankle support and a unique design for a genuinely affordable price. I wore them for 17km to test.
The award for the most joyful walking shoes goes to...Mountain Warehouse's Adventurer Women's Printed Waterproof Boots. What's even better than the pattern is the price tag - under £50 right now. They are also comfortable and hugely supportive, if a little clunky.
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Playful, unique design
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Thick lugs
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Comfortable
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Excellent ankle support
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Truly budget-friendly
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Clunky design feels heavier than other boots
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If Ganni's latest activewear collection with Lululemon is anything to go by, leopard print activewear is back in our wardrobes this winter. And why not? Playful, bright, and a refreshing break from the minimalist palette I've adopted in recent years. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
While these leopard-print boots from Mountain Warehouse might feel a little clunkier compared to some of the best walking shoes, the ankle support, snug fit, and unique design more than make up for it. They've even got a little roll in the heel to help push you along.
Whether you're taking to the trails or planning something more adventurous, these budget-friendly shoes are among my top recommendations to waterproof your wardrobe for under £40 this season.
Specifications
- Sizes available: 3 - 9
- Half sizes? Yes
- Weight: 555g per shoe
- Materials: Synthetic textile
- Waterproof? Yes
What are the Mountain Warehouse Adventurer boots like to wear?
There's no denying these are some of the most stylish walking boots around for those who love maximalist design, pairing bold leopard print and suede-look material with a pop of red in the laces.
They have a thick cuff that feels incredibly supportive around the ankle and a lace set that travels from the toes to the top, locking your feet in with speed hooks along the sides. Yet, there's no faffing - it only takes me seconds to pull these on and tie them up.
The Adventurer boots, when tied up securely, have a real snug fit that gives me confidence on the trails and rockier climbs. I took these along the South West Coastal Path in Dorset, and I was grateful for their support, allowing me to navigate slimmer pathways in the rocks and slippery bits on the descent with confidence.
If you're looking for a shoe with a wide toe box, this isn't it. While it's not particularly narrow, those with wider feet will be better off with the Columbia Peakfreak Outdry range, for example, which is noticeably roomier.
The Adventurer walking boots have a distinct leopard print and red lace design combination - but the laces also come in pink.
What are the Mountain Warehouse Adventurer boots like to hike in?
I walked 17km in total along the South West Coastal Path and around Durdle Door in these shoes over one weekend, and I'd wear them again anytime. A few days before, I took them on a 5km outing in my local park to wear them in and protect my feet from puddles after a recent downpour.
They feel noticeably clunkier than some of my other walking shoes, but I got used to the feeling after a few miles. It makes sense, as they are fairly heavy shoes (555g each).
While I couldn't see a rocker in the description, there is a slight feeling of being propelled along in these boots. It's no bad thing.
Surprisingly, these boots stand up to quite a few miles of wear very comfortably. They have thick, spacious lugs on the soles, which were effective on slippery trails and grippy on the downhill, which is all you can ask for. I also didn't have any blisters after my day, which is an achievement for me.
British weather is famously unpredictable, and I saw the extent of this on my walk. After a turn from cloud to driving rain, I pulled on my hiking trousers over my shorts and swapped my down jacket for a raincoat to shield myself from wind and rain. Given that these shoes are much cheaper than other waterproof options I've worn, they held up incredibly well, and my feet stayed dry.
I would say they are perhaps not the best option for the hotter months, however. While they are very waterproof, they don't balance this protection with breathability, and my feet felt sweaty after only a few kilometres.
Come rain or shine, the Adventurer boots from Mountain Warehouse kept my feet dry.
Price and value for money
When I spotted the price tag on the Mountain Warehouse Adventurer boots, I almost did a double take. At full price, they come in at a reasonable £80 - cheaper than many other options with similar features.
At the time of writing, these boots are just £39.99, making them an absolute steal for fashion-conscious walkers who love a bold colourway.
Now under £40 in the Mountain Warehouse sale for a limited time only!
If zebra is more your speed, I have good news. The Adventurer boots also come in a zebra and pink colourway.
The w&h verdict
At just under £40 in the sale, the Mountain Warehouse Adventurer walking boots are excellent value for money. While the materials and weight may limit their premium feel, they are very supportive around the ankle, comfortable over all distances, and have a snug fit that those with narrow feet will particularly love.
It's rare to find a walking boot where the designer has considered current fashion trends, but this one lands right on the mark.
