SQUIRREL_13212926
Three Things To Know:
- Great value mountain-ready shoe: Lightweight, supportive and waterproof, ideal for hiking on rocky or uneven terrain.
- Comfortable from first wear: Supportive EVA midsole and a snug fit make them suitable for longer hikes.
- Not fully sustainable: Contains some recycled materials but also leather; Decathlon aims for Net-Zero by the end of 2025.
Our Rating:
Comfort, Fit and Stability
Materials, Quality and Durability
Flexibility and Weight
Grip and Traction
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Check availability at Decathlon.
Quechua is the in-house outdoor equipment and clothing brand of French sporting retailer Decathlon, known for offering affordable and reliable products for camping, hiking and many other outdoor activities.
With the slogan 'the mountain is for everyone', Quechua footwear is known to be reliable, great for beginners and affordable.
The Quechua Women's waterproof mountain walking shoes MH500 can handle more than just walks, and I would feel comfortable taking these on a longer, more challenging hike.
Comfort, Fit and Stability
The Quechua Women's waterproof mountain walking shoes were immediately comfortable from the first few strides, and despite their sturdiness, were lightweight and felt very supportive across my whole foot.
The thick but lightweight ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam midsole felt very supportive, and reduced the feeling of the uneven, rocky surface under foot. The fit was also good for my size 5 feet – snug and supported with no movement – and it was clear that these shoes could handle more than just a short stroll through the woods.
Materials, Quality and Durability
I got these shoes in charcoal grey / graphite black, and I they stand out as quite good-looking in a sea of not so good-looking walking shoes.
The outer sole is made from synthetic rubber and EVA, with a polyester lining, and the upper is made from 5% recycled polyester, 8% recycled rubber, and 60% cow leather, which for the low price is a nice touch.
They feel more like a walking boot than a shoe, and they held up well after multiple regular walks, and were designed to hold up well under the rigours of mountain walking.
The stone guards at the front and back of the shoes also help protect against stones and other debris, helping to make them last longer, and be used on a range of terrains.
I personally prefer a flat lace to a round lace, as I find they have a better hold and come undone less frequently, and the laces on these Quechua shoes felt durable, as do the eyelets.
Flexibility and Weight
At approximately 347g per shoe, these are relatively lightweight for a mountain walking shoe and, despite their rigidity for tougher mountain terrain, they allow for the foot to move naturally while maintaining stability.
The split leather upper will eventually mould to the shape of the foot over time, offering a personalised fit and adding to the shoe’s flexibility.
The EVA foam midsole adds to the comfort levels of the shoe, but also adds to the flexibility and allows the shoes to adapt to various terrains.
Grip and Traction
These shoes have been designed for mountain walking, and the rubber outsole with 4.5mm gripping studs offered good grip on gravel and rocky terrain.
The 3D lug pattern also adds to the grip on these shoes and, on my slightly muddy walk, the shoes felt strong and stable with every step and the shoes picked up very little mud.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
As I mentioned I tested these shoes on wet and muddy walks and my feet stayed dry and able to breathe, especially on the muggy days. Quechua claims the integrated waterproof membrane lining will keep your feet dry for up to six hours in various weather conditions.
Quechua recommends re-waterproofing the Quechua Women's waterproof mountain walking shoes - MH500 twice a year to keep the waterproofing and prevent staining.
Value for Money
At £59.99 to £64.99, with waterproofing and enough grip to walk up a mountain plus high-comfort levels, I doubt there is a better deal for the price.
Sustainability
While the shoes do incorporate leather, they also include some recycled materials. Decathlon designs and produces all its own products so they can ensure that its environmental impact is reduced and plans to achieve the Net-Zero goal by 2025 by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 90%.
Should You Buy It?
These shoes are a great option for someone who wants a versatile walking shoe that can handle rougher terrains such as mountains and doesn’t want to spend a fortune.
SQUIRREL_13212926
Find more in our guide to the best walking shoes.
Never Miss a Review
Sign up to our free Tried & Tested newsletter for the latest product recommendations straight from the trails.
