As someone who finds themselves outdoors most days of the year, come whatever weather, I am all for budget buys so long as they keep me warm, dry, and blister-free on hikes. On my mission to find pieces that don't break the bank, I came across the Jack Walker Lily Outdoor Shoes at just £50.
Just because we are entering the year's colder months doesn't mean you have to give up hiking or walking - although it might mean reassessing your kit. Likewise, if you are considering taking up rambling for the first time, you have to consider your footwear. But whether you're an avid hiker or a newcomer, you should not feel any pressure to stump up a huge amount of money for a pair of the best walking shoes.
I decided to try the Jack Walker Lily Outdoor shoes, which are available in sizes 3 to 8, but there is only one colour available – grey. At least it removes the decision-making for you. Reading through the reviews, the general consensus is that these shoes are comfortable, waterproof and provide good traction, and having now worn them on more than one occasion, I am in agreement.
Jack Walker Lily Outdoor Shoes review
Specifications
- Size range: UK 3 to 8
- RRP: £49.99
- Materials: Textile, suede leather, polyurethane
- Waterproof? Yes
Overview of the Jack Walker Lily Outdoor Shoes
The Jack Walker Lily Outdoor Shoes are sturdy, with a rounded toe that includes a toe protector to prevent painful stubbing. Predominantly grey with a pop of turquoise blue, truth be told, the design does not fill me with any great excitement - but at less than £50 from Amazon, I am not looking for cutting-edge style.
These shoes feel relatively lightweight and not too rigid when you put them on, so I found it easy to sink my feet into position. Plus the laces are not fiddly, which is not always guaranteed with walking shoes. They are comfortable and supportive, two of the most important factors when choosing a walking shoe.
I am size 7 and I would say these are true to size. However, you might want to size up if you are planning on wearing medium to thick socks as there's not a lot of room for your toes. The material across the top felt comfortable across my forefoot though and the same can be said around my heel. Although the inner soles are memory foam, it's not the most cushiony feel but given the price point, it's sufficient. Overall, they feel a good fit and from my first walk, I was impressed by their support.
What are the Jack Walker Outdoor Shoes like to use?
There's not a lot of wriggle room in these shoes, so I opted for thinner socks. I didn't find this to be a problem in the transitional time between summer and autumn that I was testing in - but I'd be more concerned about the colder months. If you plan on wearing the Jack Walker Lily shoes in winter, it may be worth sizing up to fit in some thicker socks.
What these shoes do excellently is waterproofing. As for the price, I haven't seen anything else like it. To test it out, I ventured across the fields and trails on the outskirts of Greater Manchester in pretty heavy rain. My face and hair were soaking wet, but my feet remained dry despite determinedly striding across puddles.
I have to applaud the grip, too. I was trudging through mud, followed by a rocky downhill path but I didn’t slide or slip, so I'd say these shoes would be a good choice for both smooth gravel trails and rockier climbs.
My only gripe is the fit. It is probably a little too snug around my toes, at least at the moment because this might ease with more wear.
How do the Jack Walker Lily Outdoor Shoe compare?
Sure, the Jack Walker Lily is not the most scintillating shoe to look at, at least in my eyes - but it does its job well. If you are looking for other options at a similar price point, you will find a decent number of options within the Quechua range of walking shoes and boots at Decathlon.
It's also worth looking on Amazon for deals from premium brands such as Merrell and Teva. For example, the Teva Trailwinder walking shoes are another favourite of mine and at £140, I think they are well worth the additional spend. They are also available in brighter colourways. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX walking shoes are another excellent pair - perhaps a little impractical in colour but great for wet and windy walks this winter.
Likewise, if you want waterproof walking shoes with a more cushioned feel, try the Keen 450 Dirt shoe.
Is the Jack Walker Lily Outdoor Shoe worth buying?
Having put this shoe through the wringer several times over the last few weeks, I can almost promise you that you won't be disappointed with this shoe. Admittedly, there are more exciting options if you want premium technology (like GORE-TEX waterproofing) and stylish designs, but this is the ideal option if you're not fussed about that and just want a good hiking shoe at a budget-friendly price.
Also, if you're new to walking and not sure what to wear hiking, this is a good place to start. These shoes do a fantastic job for under £50 and will help you get started without breaking the bank.
These are also available on Amazon, which is win for easy delivery, but you won't be able to get them delivered with Amazon Prime.
