Helen Skelton's waterproof trainers 'help with plantar fasciitis' and keep feet '100% dry'
Whether you’re an avid hiker who doesn’t want to let the rain slow you down, or you just have a whole autumn and winter of wet and cold dog walks ahead of you, waterproof shoes are an essential. If you don’t feel like shimmying in and out of a pair of wellies every day, Helen Skelton has found the perfect pair of waterproof trainers to see you through the seasons.
The presenter has picked her favourite pieces from Go Outdoors’ autumn/winter range, and a stand out piece was the North Ridge Flux Speed Waterproof Low Walking Shoes. The trainers are easy to slip on and off and keep your feet protected and dry from water and mud whilst still being comfortable and supportive.
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The North Ridge Waterproof Walking Shoes are £80, although Go Outdoors members can currently get them for £70. To become a Go Outdoors member it costs just £5 to sign up for a year, meaning you could snap them up for £75 as well as saving huge amounts on everything else on the Go Outdoors website.
The trainers come in two different colourways, with Helen opting for the more colourful purple and orange pair. However those of you who prefer a more understated look can also pick them up in black and grey.
Available in sizes four to eight, the North Ridge Waterproof Walking Shoes are designed to be both practical and comfortable. They have a chunky silhouette with a padded neoprene mesh collar to support your ankles, and a moulded EVA footbed and midsole which provide cushioning and shock absorption whilst walking.
To make sure you’re not slipping on leaves and wet surfaces they have a rugged sole for extra grip, and they feature a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry. Even the seams have been sealed to keep water out, and they’re covered in a durable water repellant coating to give additional rain protection.
Other great waterproof options include Skechers’ Slip-ins Waterproof: Summits which you can pick up for £100 in three different colours. They have medium and wide fits to pick from, and they’re finished with Skechers Breathe Easy Technology for waterproof protection, with a cushioned air-cooled memory foam comfort insole.
Meanwhile Sports Direct has slashed the price of its adidas Eastrail 2.0 Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes from £99.99 to £50. The high top design offers extra ankle support, and they have waterproof protection and grippy outsoles.
However Helen’s North Ridge Waterproof Walking Shoes from Go Outdoors have been praised for their comfort and protection, with one saying: “I’m really impressed with these shoes! Not had any troubles with the insoles. They’re super comfortable and help with my plantar fasciitis. They’re incredibly durable and I’m very happy.”
A second wrote: “Did a hike in peak district with an extreme rainy weather condition with the road was soft muddy water where shoes got inside. The shoe got total dirty but my feet! 100% dry. Very happy with purchase.”
However one found the North Ridge Waterproof Walking Shoes less impressive, saying: “Look great, nice and bouncy. I purchased a size 4 (my usual size, trainers I might buy a 4.5) but they are big. I have to wear thick socks, so no good for summer walks.”
Another agreed: “After only a hand full of wears the insole keeps slipping making them really uncomfortable and the black on the toe has worn away despite only light use on 3 hikes.”
On the other hand one found them super effective, writing: “I bought these for hiking in Canada where it was going to be -9C and snowy. Also walked in a river and no wet feet! They are so spongy and comfortable when you walk. I couldn’t be happier with them.”