Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots Review: The Honest Truth About Comfort vs. Durability

There’s a specific kind of weariness that sets in when you’re on your third pair of walking shoes in a single year. For me, it was the daily 5km dog walk, a non-negotiable ritual that was systematically destroying my footwear. Through rain, sun, and muddy park trails, my trainers would either surrender at the seams or the soles would wear smooth, turning damp pavements into an ice rink. I needed something more substantial than a standard trainer but less cumbersome than a full-blown hiking boot. The ideal shoe had to be lightweight, comfortable straight out of the box, and sturdy enough to handle daily mileage without disintegrating. This quest for a reliable, comfortable, and affordable daily walker is what led me to the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots, a product that promised the best of both worlds. The question was, could it deliver?

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Hiking Footwear

A pair of men’s hiking shoes is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for comfort, support, and safety on varied terrain. Whether you’re a dedicated dog walker, a casual weekend rambler, or someone who needs a sturdy shoe for daily commuting, the right footwear prevents blisters, reduces fatigue, and provides the necessary grip to avoid slips and falls. The main benefits are found in their specialized design: durable materials that withstand abrasion, cushioned midsoles that absorb impact, and aggressive outsoles engineered for traction on everything from gravel paths to slick city streets. Investing in a proper pair means investing in the health of your feet and your ability to enjoy your activities without discomfort.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is active daily and finds that standard trainers lack the necessary support and longevity. This includes casual hikers, outdoor enthusiasts who prefer lighter footwear for dry conditions, and individuals who are on their feet for long periods. However, this category might not be suitable for those tackling serious alpine ascents or multi-day treks in harsh, wet weather, who would be better served by high-rise, fully waterproof boots with ankle support. If your primary need is for gym workouts or road running, a specialized running shoe would be a more appropriate choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. Your hiking shoe should be snug but not tight, with enough room to wiggle your toes. Consider that your feet will swell during a long walk, and you might want to wear thicker socks. Many users find it beneficial to size up by half a size for optimal comfort.
• Traction & Outsole Performance: The sole is where the rubber meets the road—or trail. Look for a deep, aggressive tread pattern (lugs) made from a durable rubber compound. This is crucial for maintaining grip on loose dirt, wet rocks, and muddy paths. A flimsy or quickly-wearing sole is not only a waste of money but a genuine safety hazard.
• Materials & Durability: The uppers can be made from various materials, including full-grain leather, split-grain leather (like the suede on the Karrimor Supa 5), or synthetic fabrics. Suede offers a good balance of durability and breathability, while synthetics are lighter but can be less robust. Pay close attention to the quality of the stitching, eyelets, and how the sole is bonded to the upper, as these are common failure points.
• Weather Resistance & Breathability: There is an inherent trade-off here. Fully waterproof boots with membranes like GORE-TEX will keep your feet dry from external moisture but can be less breathable, leading to sweaty feet in warm weather. Conversely, highly breathable, non-waterproof shoes are perfect for summer but will leave you with soaked socks at the first sign of a downpour. Choose based on the climate you’ll be walking in most often.

Understanding these elements is key to selecting a shoe that will serve you well. The Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots presents itself as an interesting option, particularly in the budget-friendly category, but it’s essential to weigh its features against these core requirements.

While the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots is an excellent choice for certain scenarios, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Promising Start Out of the Box

Unboxing the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots, the first thing we noticed was their surprisingly low weight. At a listed 1.32 kg for the pair, they feel more like a beefed-up trainer than a clunky hiking boot. The Grey/Dark Grey colourway is understated and versatile, suitable for both the trail and a trip to the shops. The suede leather upper felt soft to the touch, and the overall construction appeared solid upon initial inspection. The lacing system is straightforward, and the ankle-height shaft provides a sense of security without restricting movement.

Compared to other budget-friendly hikers, the Supa 5 felt immediately comfortable. There was no stiff, unforgiving feeling that often requires a lengthy break-in period. The fit in my standard size 10 UK was generous, echoing the sentiments of one user who noted their size 9 felt more like a 9.5, which is perfect for accommodating thicker walking socks in cooler weather. The inner lining is a synthetic mesh, designed for breathability, and the initial step-in comfort was impressive. On first look, it seemed to be a well-conceived shoe for its target audience.

A Deep Dive into the Karrimor Supa 5’s Real-World Performance

A shoe’s true character is only revealed after miles of use. Initial impressions can be deceiving, and with footwear, the devil is always in the details of long-term performance. We put the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots through its paces, covering everything from daily urban walks on pavement to light trail hiking on dirt and gravel paths. Our findings paint a picture of a shoe with two very different faces: the comfortable, lightweight companion for casual use, and the disappointing failure when subjected to consistent, demanding wear.

Comfort and Fit: Its Greatest Strength

The single most praised attribute of the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots, both in our testing and across a swath of user experiences, is its immediate comfort. From the very first walk, these shoes feel fantastic on the feet. The suede upper is pliable and conforms to your foot shape without creating pinch points, and the padded collar and tongue prevent any uncomfortable rubbing around the ankle. We experienced no blisters or hot spots, even on walks exceeding 7-8 miles. This is a significant achievement for a shoe in this price bracket, where stiff materials and a painful break-in period are often the norm.

This sentiment is widely shared. One user, who bought them for their elderly father, reported he “absolutely loves them,” highlighting that they are “light weight and they are extremely comfortable.” Another who walks 7-8 miles a day chose them as a second pair specifically for their comfort. The generous fit, as mentioned, allows for thicker socks, making them a versatile option for different seasons, provided it stays dry. The support offered is adequate for low-level walking and general daily wear. For someone seeking a shoe primarily for comfort during light activities like walking the dog around the park or running errands, the Supa 5 excels. It’s the kind of shoe you can put on and forget you’re wearing, which is the highest praise you can give for comfort.

Breathability vs. Weatherproofing: A Deliberate Trade-Off

It is crucial to set expectations correctly: the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots are not waterproof. Not even slightly water-resistant. Any walk through dewy grass will result in damp socks. However, to view this solely as a flaw is to miss the point of their design. These are, as one astute user described them, “summer walking shoes.” The lack of a waterproof membrane is a deliberate choice to maximize breathability. The fabric panels integrated into the suede upper are incredibly porous; one user brilliantly demonstrated this by shining a torch inside the shoe and showing the light passing straight through the fabric. You can, as they noted, “actually blow through the fabric part.”

In our testing during warmer days, this was a massive benefit. Feet remained cool and relatively sweat-free, a stark contrast to the swampy environment that can be created by heavy GORE-TEX boots in summer. This makes them an excellent choice for hiking in hot climates, a fact reinforced by a fascinating user review stating they are being sent to Ukraine where volunteer fighters prefer them as a “light tactical shoe” in >30°C summer heat. For the UK user, this translates to a perfect shoe for those rare, glorious dry summer and autumn days. However, the downside is significant. We found, as did another user, that grip in the wet can be treacherous. They reported slipping “twice on ground like skates upon ice,” a clear warning that these shoes and wet, smooth surfaces are a dangerous combination.

The Durability Dilemma: A Tale of Two Shoes

Herein lies the tragic flaw of the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots. While the comfort is undeniable, the long-term durability is, for many, shockingly poor. The user reviews are littered with consistent and repeated complaints about catastrophic failures happening in alarmingly short timeframes. This isn’t just one or two isolated incidents; it’s a clear pattern. The most common issues we found echoed in user feedback include the rapid degradation of the sole, failure of the lacing eyelets, and the separation of the sole from the upper.

One user reported the tread was “gone on both in less than one month.” Another, a dog walker averaging 10 miles a day, found their second pair had “all but fallen apart” within six months, with a snapped lace loop and a separating sole. We saw numerous reports of eyelets—particularly the fabric loops—breaking after just a few weeks of use, rendering the shoes impossible to lace up properly. One user experienced this after just two weeks of light town use, and another saw two loops snap within two months. Even more concerning are the reports of the entire sole unit peeling away from the upper. This happened to one person after just two short walks in Gran Canaria, and another while simply wearing them for work indoors. This is a critical failure that points to potential issues with the adhesives or manufacturing process. The sole itself is also criticized for being too thin, with users feeling every stone underfoot as it wears down.

What makes this so frustrating is the inconsistency. Some users, particularly from a few years ago, report getting 18 months to 2 years of constant wear out of a pair. This has led many, including a loyal Karrimor customer of many years, to wonder “what has changed,” suggesting a potential decline in quality control or materials. For a shoe that gets so much right in terms of initial comfort and design, this Achilles’ heel of durability is its ultimate downfall for anyone planning more than very light, occasional use. You can explore the full specifications and design choices to see if they align with your intended use.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through the collective experience of dozens of buyers reveals a starkly divided opinion, hinging almost entirely on use-case and luck. The positive feedback is consistent in its praise for the shoe’s core strengths. A recurring theme is the exceptional comfort and lightweight feel. As one satisfied customer put it, they are “Nice comfy hiking shoes… light and comfy with a sturdy build and solid sole,” though even this positive review notes they are “Not totally waterproof.” The value proposition is also a highlight for some, with one user calling them the “Best £21.60 you’ll spend in a while” after buying them for their 11-year-old.

However, the negative feedback is overwhelming and points to a significant quality control problem. The story of a user whose first pair was “fantastic” and lasted 18 months of daily 10-mile walks, only for the second pair to “have all but fallen apart” in six months, is a perfect summary of the issue. The most damning complaints focus on fundamental construction failures. One user stated, “I have had various Karrimor boots over the years and loved them but this is the first pair to fall apart in less than 2 months.” Another was shocked to find the “soles worn through” after only light weekend use over 18 months. This inconsistency makes purchasing the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots a gamble.

How Does the Karrimor Supa 5 Compare to the Alternatives?

When considering the Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots, it’s vital to look at what else is available, especially when durability is a concern. The market offers alternatives that address its biggest weaknesses, albeit often at different price points.

1. Jack Walker Waterproof Hiking Boots JW6255

The Jack Walker JW6255 directly targets the Karrimor’s most significant flaw: its lack of weatherproofing. These boots are explicitly marketed as waterproof, making them a much more viable option for the unpredictable UK climate. They offer a similar lightweight, low-rise design but with the added protection of a waterproof membrane. For walkers who frequently encounter wet grass, puddles, or light rain, this is a huge advantage. While they may sacrifice some of the extreme breathability of the Supa 5, they provide a more versatile, all-season solution for those who don’t want to switch shoes the moment clouds gather. This is the logical choice for a buyer who likes the Karrimor’s style but needs reliable protection from the elements.

2. Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots

If the durability lottery of the Karrimor Supa 5 has you worried, the Berghaus Hillwalker II is the investment-grade alternative. This is a step up in every sense: price, materials, and build quality. Featuring a premium full-grain leather upper and a proven GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, these boots are built to last. Berghaus is a brand with a formidable reputation for quality and durability in the hiking world. The Hillwalker II is for the serious walker who is tired of replacing footwear every few months and wants a reliable, comfortable, and fully waterproof boot that will endure years of use. It represents the “buy it for life” philosophy, a stark contrast to the potentially disposable nature of the Supa 5.

3. WOWEI Waterproof Hiking Boots

The WOWEI Hiking Boots position themselves as a direct competitor in the budget-friendly space but, like the Jack Walker boots, they include a waterproof feature. They are marketed as a unisex, all-season option suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. For the price-conscious buyer who was drawn to the Karrimor’s low cost but was put off by its lack of water resistance, the WOWEI boots present a compelling alternative. They aim to offer a balance of affordability and all-weather functionality. While they may not have the brand heritage of Berghaus or even Karrimor, they promise essential features that the Supa 5 deliberately omits, making them a strong contender for those needing a versatile, budget-friendly waterproof hiker.

Final Verdict: A Comfortable Shoe with a Major Catch

The Karrimor Men’s Supa 5 Low Rise Hiking Boots is a product of profound contradictions. On one hand, it offers a level of out-of-the-box comfort and lightweight breathability that is genuinely impressive for its price point. For dry, warm-weather walking, light trail use, or simply as a comfortable daily shoe for errands, it performs wonderfully at first. It’s easy to see why so many users fall in love with them initially.

However, we cannot ignore the overwhelming and consistent reports of catastrophic durability failures. The pattern of soles wearing out in weeks, eyelets snapping, and seams separating is too widespread to be dismissed as isolated incidents. It suggests a product that is not built to withstand the rigours of daily, consistent use. Therefore, our recommendation comes with a strong caveat. If you are looking for an inexpensive, comfortable shoe for very occasional, light, and strictly dry use, the Supa 5 might serve you well. But if you are a daily dog walker, a regular hiker, or anyone who expects their footwear to last more than a single season, we strongly advise you to look elsewhere. The initial comfort is simply not worth the high risk of premature failure. For those who still feel its comfort and price make it worth the risk, you can check the latest price and availability right here.

Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API