I've worn over 50 pairs of walking shoes - and my favourite 7 are on sale with up to 84% off right now
From Salomon's famous XT-6 walking shoe to a tried-and-tested Hoka staple, I've been browsing the sales to get the very best deals for the season
As woman&home's digital health editor and a keen hiker in my own time, I've put thousands of miles through my best walking shoes over the years. I've hiked in the Lake District and Peak District in the UK, the Dolomites in Northern Italy, across Malta's rugged coastline, and along the South West Coastal Path, to name just a couple of places. Whether it's testing them for guides or buying them for my next trip, it's fair to say I've tried almost every brand out there and their top sellers.
While everyone's feet and gait are different, so not every walking shoe will work for every person (just like running shoes), I have found that I reach for the same shoes over and over again in my wardrobe. I often veer to brands like Hoka, Merrell, Vasque, and Salomon for reliability and support.
With summer inching its way close, many brands have taken the cue that it's time to start the seasonal sales as we all take to the trails again, and I've already seen deals on my favourite shoes.
Where to shop walking shoes in the sale
- SportsShoes.com: Save up to 84% on walking shoes for trail and city hikes
- The Sports Edit: Savings on Merrell, Hoka, Salomon, Adidas and more are live
- Salomon: Up to 30% off walking, trail running, and hiking shoes
- Hoka: From the Speedgoat 6 to hiking sandals, save up to 40% direct
- Sports Direct: More budget-friendly buys have been added to the sale from adidas, Merrell, and Salomon
- Asics: Extra 20% off trail shoes when shopping direct at Asics Outlet
My top picks for walking shoes in the sale
How to find a good walking shoe in the sale
- Material: While we're buying in the summer, it's worth thinking about whether you intend to wear your shoe for a walking workout in the colder, wetter months, and if so, I'd recommend buying a pair with a GORE-TEX liner. These tend to be more expensive at full price as it's a relatively advanced technology, so it's always worth saving when you can.
- Activity: Not every hike needs a dedicated walking shoe. Sometimes, a supportive trainer (like the Hoka Bondi 9) is enough to see you through hours of city trekking. If you need something grippier, focus on the lugs. These grippy features on the bottom of most walking shoes will help you take on rocky trails and any slippery conditions with more confidence in your feet and ankles.
- Price: Walking shoes are among the most discounted of all activewear items throughout the year, so it's worth being picky about your saving. If it's not at least 20%, then I'd say it's worth hanging on for something better - unless it's the Salomon XT-6, as these are rarely ever on sale.
- Colour: I'd say that colour should be the least of your priorities, but it's still worth thinking about. Darker colourways tend to go on sale over the warmer months as people oft for pastels to match their hiking wardrobes.
