Mountain Warehouse’s Path Waterproof Women's Walking Shoes are a great choice for summer walking. Made with a waterproof upper and sturdy soles with a deep tread for extra grip and stability, with breathable mesh lining to keep your feet fresh, and a cushioned foot bed for support and comfort when out hiking.
As a keen walker, I appreciate a sturdy shoe with excellent grip. So, I was excited to try the Path Women’s Outdoor Waterproof Walking Shoe. It promises durability, comfort and support. But its real USP is that it contains IsoDry – a waterproof membrane unique to Mountain Warehouse, which allows perspiration to pass through one side but not the other, so moisture is whisked away from the body, but rain won’t get in. In other words: your feet won’t become sweaty or soggy.
Pros
- These shoes really are waterproof. I sloshed about in some shallow puddles and not a drop got in
- Excellent grip for rugged terrain
- Modern, trendy design. The dark colour also means they don’t show the dirt as easily as lighter walking shoes
- Decent price, comparable with the market leader
- Fit was true to size
Cons
- As someone with high arches, I’d like to see different versions that include additional arch support
| Sizes: | UK 3 to 9 |
| Care instructions: | Machine Wash |
| Sole material: | Synthetic |
| Shaft height: | Ankle |
| Outer material: | 100% Synthetic/Textile |
| Colour options: | Navy and Pink/Grey and Purple/Burgundy Red/Neutral Taupe |
- Rubber reinforcement at the heel and toe protects your feet from bumps and makes your shoes lasts for longer
- Made in light, breathable and waterproof materials, with an IsoDry design
- A moulded foam footbed to support your foot, arch, and toe for added comfort
- Extra grip, support and stability to the sole
Testing the Path Women's Waterproof Walking Shoes
As a keen walker and geocacher, at 42-years-old I spend a lot of my free time on my feet, so I am always keen to test out the latest in footwear. When I'm not scrabbling around ivy-covered trees or hiking up hills in search of geocaches, I can be found running round my local park with my five-year-old. Such varying terrain means I need a comfy and solid pair of shoes to ensure my feet are supported wherever I ramble.
Now, I’ve been a Skechers gal for years. But a decent pair can cost upwards of £70, whereas the Path trainers are currently on sale at Mountain Warehouse for £39.99. I’m hoping this mid-range pair will win me over, saving me at least £30. I spent four weeks testing the footwear. The first two weeks were spent mostly on the school run (a brisk 20-minute walk each way) and walking through fields with uneven ground near my home on the outskirts of Greater London.
I love the modern navy and pink design – it’s bang on trend and the dark colour means they won’t show the dirt easily. On first appearance, they appear to be supportive enough with a decent grip and cosy interior.
The shoes were, as I’d hoped, incredibly comfy and supportive. I had no issues breaking them in – no blisters, nothing. I felt bouncy but sturdy. And, given that I was testing them in the middle of January with varying weather, they seemed to cope well with slippery surfaces and small puddles. But the true test came when my family and I spent a week in a rural spot in Wiltshire during half term. The terrain was rugged, to say the least. Plenty of hills, rocky ground, muddy soil, you name it. But the shoes held up nicely and the well-gripped soles did their job.
Then came the rain. Oh boy, did it rain. Nothing like a torrential downpour when you’re scrambling up a hill with plenty of dips and rocks to catch you out. I was sceptical that these shoes would truly remain waterproof in such weather, but they were true to their word. My feet remained toasty warm and dry throughout. As far as the IsoDry element goes, my feet did indeed feel fresh after a long walk.
At this point, I have a confession to make – I can be a bit of a klutz from time to time. It’s not uncommon for me to stub my toe on a boulder, particularly if I’m paying more attention to scenery than where I’m walking. So the additional heel and toe bumpers were a lifesaver, helping to protect my delicate digits when I inevitably bashed them into a rock.
Having gone through numerous walking shoes over the years, I know how important support is. Unsupportive shoes can lead to all kinds of issues such as joint and ligament pain. So I was delighted that the insoles seemed to distribute my weight evenly, reducing the risk of injury.
In terms of wear and tear, only time will tell to see if these last as long as my beloved Skechers.
Final verdict
For avid walkers looking for a mid-range walking shoe, these are bang on the money. They deliver on their promise of sturdiness, water resistance, comfort and durability, while looking stylish. I’d recommend them to any keen walkers who need to cover rugged terrain, but also for those who just need a solid walking shoe for the everyday.
