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Three Things To Know
- £70 (at time of writing): excellent value for a supportive, waterproof walking shoe
- Surprisingly sturdy and grippy: handles rocky terrain with the stability of a boot
- Vegan and beginner-friendly: great for new walkers who want reliability without the price tag
Our rating:
Comfort, Fit and Stability
Materials, Quality and Durability
Flexibility and Weight
Grip and Traction
Hi-Tec might not be the coolest or most popular brand out there, but I’ve been quite loyal to them ever since I bought my first pair of Hi-Tec Ravine walking boots about nine years ago and walked the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal in them. Not a single blister or issue of any kind, and despite being fairly wrecked now, they’re still comfy enough for light summer walks.
With this in mind, I was keen to try Hi-Tec’s walking shoes, and with the Diamonde Low shoes coming in at only £70, if they can pass the test, they’re a great budget buy.
Comfort, Fit and Stability
When I first put these shoes on, I was surprised by the stiffness of the sole – it felt a bit like I had two wooden blocks attached to my feet. However, as I walked on, I began to appreciate the tough sole, and found it incredibly supportive over rocky terrain unlike anything I had experienced in a walking shoe before. Some reviews online have suggested these shoes come up a bit small, however, I found them snug yet comfortable. If you have a slightly wider foot, it might be worth trying them on in store first. Due to the sturdiness of the shoes, they may take a bit of breaking in before a big walk.
Materials, Fit, Support and Stability
The materials are vegan-friendly, with a lightweight compression-moulded Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) midsole which provides underfoot cushioning which makes these a comfortable shoe for longer walks or hikes. The outsole is made of carbon rubber, which is durable over a range of terrains and offers good traction. There is a mesh like pattern of over the quarter panels on each side of the shoe which seem aesthetic only, and will almost certainly wear out fairly quickly over time, especially if taking advantage of the waterproofing on the shoes.
Flexibility and Weight
I was surprised that these walking shoes had a similar rigidity to a walking boot, or even a climbing shoe, and it made me initially question them. However, I think this rigidity combined with a weight of 416g per shoe would make these a great shoe for beginners wanting comfort and stability over longer hikes who don’t want shell out for a pricier walking boot, and those more experienced wanting a solid walking shoe for less challenging walks.
Grip and Traction
A durable carbon rubber outsole gives good traction over a range of surfaces. Going up a gravelly hill I did test leaning backwards and forwards while staying static, and the shoes stayed put, and I almost felt like I could do some basic hiking in these shoes.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
I walked through many puddles and very shallow streams and found these shoes to be totally waterproof. Walking in the rain also guaranteed dry feet with the Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane. In hotter weather, the breathable membrane allowed moisture to escape, avoiding the dreaded damp foot at the end of a muggy walk.
Value for Money
At £70 on average, you’d be hard pressed to find such a sturdy walking shoe with decades of experience and comfort prioritised for less. With the added waterproofing, these would impress experienced walkers and be a great starting shoe for beginners who do more than just stroll.
Sustainability
The shoes are vegan-friendly, with a soft-shell upper made from synthetic materials, specifically polyester and polyurethane (PU), with no animal derived components.
Should You Buy It?
These walking shoes are far better than anything else you will get for the price, from a trusted brand that knows how to make a walking shoe and boot. Perfect for beginners.
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Find more in our guide to the best walking shoes.
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