Walk this way
Continuing our series of summer outdoor apparel reviews,
we've turned some much-deserved attention to our feet. One thing we've noticed
while out in the countryside walking, is that we really use our feet quite a
lot; for each step we take, in fact. And so we've tested some mighty fine
things to keep you plates of meat in tip-top condition during your summer
adventures.
Anatom V1 Trail
tri.aria
Our last footwear review was for the very chunky and rugged BhutanMFS Boots from Meindl, so this time round, what with the better weather, we
fancied something altogether more lightweight and breathable. The V1 Trail
shoes from Scottish brand Anatom meet those needs with aplomb, being
exceptionally comfortable, supportive, and packed with cleverness.
It's all down to the tri.aria part of the name. tri.aria
shoes have a holistic approach to footwear, combining breathability with
comfort, while being waterproof. The V1 Trail shoes have a special membrane
within them that is hydrophobic while allowing your feet to actually get some
air.
The Anatom V1 Trail shoes perfectly combine the sturdy
support of a bigger boot, with the soft comfort of a pair of trusty old
trainers. Although they look more like trainers, their ability to keep water at
bay is pretty phenomenal, and at times we found ourselves striding through deep
puddles without even realising there was any water about.
Perfect footwear for all conditions.
£70
Available from www.anatom.co.uk
Teko EVAPOR8
Ultralight Socks
And here's what we put over our feet while sporting the V1s.
These awesome socks from Teko are the company's most advanced offering yet,
being super light and breathable while fitting to your feet like no other socks
we've tried before.
The clue was definitely in that each is marked with either a
L or a R, and once on they felt as if they weren't even there. Snugly fitting to
our feet, the EVAPOR8 socks worked brilliantly in tandem with the Anatom shoes;
because if you're going to wear breathable boots, you can't then stick on a
pair old woollen socks!
Expertly woven out of old industrial fishing nets (!) the
socks are designed to be cushioning on the parts of your foot that most need
extra padding, while light and breathable on the parts that get hot and sweaty.
They'll dry in no time at all and are designed to last far longer than ordinary
everyday socks. Which, because of Teko, we will never wear again.
£10
Visit www.tekosocks.com
BOGS Linen Rainboots
Yes it might be summer, but only an idiot would expect the
weather to be perfect every day. In the past we've found that having a pair of
wellies on stand-by is more essential during the warmer months than it is in
winter, when we tend to batten down the hatches and hibernate. That is why we
jumped at the chance to try out a pair of BOGS Linen Rainboots.
BOGS make some pretty full-on wellies, but the Linen Rainboots
are perfect for summer as not only are they fully waterproof, they are made
from lighter materials - and damn stylish too! Although we tested them out in
the open countryside, we can see how these boots would be an essential item for
a muddy festival when you want to dry as dry as you can, while looking
fashionable.
We loved the pull-on handles and thanks to the DuraFresh
organic biotechnology in the inside any stinky foot odours were kept to a
minimum. The rubber used in the BOGS Linen Rainboots is soft and flexible and
actually moved as we strode around the hills, stomping through puddles as if
they weren't there. Awesome wellies.
£60 (for women)
Available from www.anatom.co.uk
Superfeet Green
Insoles
And now to the ultimate in foot comfort - a clever insole.
If you're reading this feature thinking, "that's all well and good, but
I've already got a fine pair of walking boots", we bet anything on earth
that these will make them finer. The Superfeet Green quite literally make your
feet feel super.
Designed to place your foot in a far better position for
walking than most shoes and boots allow, the Superfeet Green Insoles provide an
enormous amount of cushioning to your heel, acting as fantastic shock-absorbers
and making your steps a lot more comfortable.
We tried them in the aforementioned Bhutan MFS, as well as
other shoes and boots, and it did make a hell of a difference. The wrap-around
section of the heel also acted to prevent blisters - something very handy when
wearing a pair of boots you've yet to wear in properly yet.
£35
Visit www.superfeet.com