CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review: A Trail-Tested Verdict on Budget-Friendly Performance

I still remember a trip to the Peak District a few years back. The forecast promised clouds but no rain. Halfway through a stunning but rocky ten-mile loop, the heavens opened. My “water-resistant” trainers, which had been perfectly fine for dry summer walks, were soaked through in minutes. Every step became a squelch. My feet were cold, blisters were forming, and the glorious landscape became a miserable backdrop to a painful trudge back to the car. It was a stark lesson: the right footwear isn’t a luxury; it’s the most critical piece of gear separating a memorable adventure from a miserable ordeal. Finding a shoe that offers genuine waterproofing, rugged durability, and all-day comfort without demanding a second mortgage has always been the holy grail for outdoor enthusiasts. This search is what led us to put the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe through its paces.

What to Consider Before Buying Hiking Footwear

A pair of hiking shoes is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for protection, stability, and comfort on unpredictable terrain. It’s the interface between you and the trail, designed to absorb shock, provide unyielding grip, and shield your feet from rocks, roots, and water. The main benefit is empowerment—the ability to explore further and more confidently, knowing your feet are secure and protected. A good pair can prevent common ailments like blisters, twisted ankles, and general fatigue, transforming a challenging hike into an invigorating experience. They are built to withstand abrasion and moisture in ways that standard trainers simply cannot, making them an essential investment for anyone who spends time outdoors.

The ideal customer for this type of product is the day-hiker, the weekend camper, the dog walker who ventures off the pavement, or the outdoor worker needing a reliable, lightweight, and waterproof shoe. It’s for the adventurer who needs dependable performance for moderate trails and varied weather without the bulk and rigidity of a heavy-duty mountaineering boot. As one user noted, they are perfect for trips like a hike in Costa Rica where comfort and value are paramount. Conversely, this shoe might not be suitable for those tackling extreme alpine conditions, carrying very heavy packs over multiple days, or requiring specialized orthopedic support. In those cases, a high-ankled, more rigid boot would be a more appropriate choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A hiking shoe should be snug at the heel to prevent lift but have enough room in the toe box for your toes to wiggle and splay naturally. Always account for the thickness of your hiking socks and the natural swelling of your feet during a long walk. An improper fit is the number one cause of blisters and discomfort on the trail.
• Performance & Traction: The outsole determines how the shoe connects with the ground. Look for deep, multi-directional lugs (the tread patterns on the sole) for grip on mud, gravel, and rock. The MD Rubber sole on the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe is designed specifically for this, aiming to provide a non-slip experience on rugged terrain.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates breathability, water resistance, and longevity. The Bovine anti-suede leather used here offers a great balance of toughness and breathability, while a dedicated waterproof membrane or fabric is essential for keeping feet dry. Synthetics are often lighter but may be less durable than leather over the long term.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a lace-free system can be a huge convenience, allowing for quick adjustments and eliminating the risk of untied laces tripping you up. Consider the break-in period; modern shoes often require very little, as one user happily discovered. For long-term care, understanding the cleaning instructions—in this case, “Hand Wash Only”—is key to preserving the shoe’s waterproof and structural integrity.

While the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe is an excellent choice, 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 and Key Features of the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Upon unboxing the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe, the first thing we noticed was its surprisingly light weight. Often, shoes billed as “rugged” and “waterproof” carry a significant heft, but these felt more like a sturdy pair of trainers. The aesthetic is modern and understated; the grey Bovine anti-suede leather looks and feels durable, with reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. The standout feature is, of course, the lace-free closure system. It consists of a sturdy, elasticated cord threaded through the eyelets and secured with a spring-loaded toggle. This allows for instant tightening or loosening, a feature we immediately appreciated for its sheer convenience. Running our hands along the interior, we found the mesh lining to be soft, and the reinforced toe shield felt solid and protective without being intrusive. Compared to other budget-friendly hikers, the build quality felt a step above, giving an initial impression of a shoe that offers serious value. You can see its full feature set and specifications online.

Deep Dive: Putting the CC-Los Shoe’s Performance to the Test

A hiking shoe’s true character is only revealed on the trail. Lab specs and initial impressions mean little if they can’t handle mud, water, and miles of uneven ground. We took the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe on a series of tests, from rain-slicked urban parks to muddy woodland trails and rocky coastal paths, to see if its real-world performance lived up to its promising feature list. We focused on the three pillars of any great hiking shoe: its ability to handle the elements, its grip and stability underfoot, and its long-term comfort.

All-Weather Warrior: Waterproofing and Breathability Explored

The headline feature is “waterproof,” a claim that many budget shoes fail to substantiate. We started our test by walking through dew-soaked long grass for twenty minutes—a classic test that finds the weaknesses in seams and materials. Our socks remained bone dry. Next, we moved to more aggressive testing, deliberately standing in a shallow, running stream for several minutes. The waterproof fabric and gusseted tongue (the flaps that connect the tongue to the upper) worked in perfect harmony, preventing any water from seeping in. This real-world result confirms the experience of a user who, after accidentally slipping into a lake, found the shoes kept his feet dry and, once the insole was removed, the entire shoe dried completely overnight. This is a remarkable feat for a shoe at this price point. Equally important is breathability. A waterproof shoe is useless if it just traps sweat. After a strenuous uphill section, our feet were warm but not unpleasantly clammy. The combination of the Bovine anti-suede leather and the inner mesh lining seems to provide just enough air circulation to prevent that dreaded “plastic bag” feeling, ensuring comfort in both wet and dry conditions. This balance is difficult to achieve, and CC-Los has done an admirable job, a quality you can explore further in its technical details.

The Foundation of Every Step: Sole, Grip, and Terrain Handling

The outsole of a shoe is its business end, and the MD Rubber sole on the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe is built for business. The lugs are moderately deep and spaced widely enough to shed mud effectively, a claim we verified on a particularly boggy trail section where other shoes might have become caked and slippery. On loose gravel and dry rock, the grip was confident and reassuring. We felt secure placing our feet on uneven surfaces, with the sole providing a good mix of flex and stiffness. One of the most underrated features is the reinforced toe shield. On a rocky descent, we intentionally kicked a few stones (a common occurrence for any tired hiker) and felt only a dull thud. This rubberized cap provides crucial protection for the forefoot, preventing painful impacts and giving you the confidence to navigate challenging terrain, just as the manufacturer claims. While it may not have the ultra-aggressive, specialized grip of a high-end mountaineering boot, for the vast majority of trails a day-hiker will encounter, this sole provides more than enough traction and protection to keep you safe and stable. We found its reliable performance to be a feature that really sets it apart in its category.

Comfort and Fit: Is This a Day-Long Companion?

Comfort is subjective, but there are objective elements we can assess. The first is the break-in period. Echoing a user who took them backcountry camping straight out of the box, we found the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe required virtually no breaking in. The upper is pliable, and the ankle collar is sufficiently padded to prevent any rubbing or hot spots from the get-go. The lace-free system is a revelation for convenience. Being able to quickly tighten the shoe for a steep ascent or loosen it slightly during a rest break, all with a simple pull on a toggle, is a fantastic quality-of-life feature. However, we must address the point raised by one reviewer regarding the insole padding. We agree with their assessment. The stock insole is functional but basic. For a short two-hour walk, it’s perfectly adequate. But for a full day on the trail, especially on harder ground, we found our feet growing tired. The solution, as the user wisely suggested, is simple and inexpensive: swapping in a pair of quality aftermarket insoles transforms the shoe, providing the plush, all-day cushioning it lacks out of the box. Considering the shoe’s very reasonable price, we see this not as a deal-breaker, but as an opportunity for easy customization. It’s a small investment that elevates a good, comfortable shoe into a great one. You can check the latest pricing and sizing options to see if it’s the right fit for your adventures.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the general sentiment from users is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning the shoe’s exceptional value. Many, like the hiker who took them to Costa Rica, highlight them as a fantastic first pair of hiking shoes that deliver on comfort and performance without a hefty price tag. The theme of “comfortable and dry” is a recurring one, with a camper in Algonquin Park praising their ability to handle rocky, mountainous trails and even a full immersion in a lake, drying out quickly for the next day’s use. This real-world validation of the waterproofing is perhaps the shoe’s strongest endorsement.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced picture. The most common constructive point, which our testing confirmed, is the minimal padding of the standard insole. One user noted they would be adding their own insoles for better comfort. Another user reported a significant issue: their shoes arrived without the advertised “special lace,” which was their primary reason for purchase. While this appears to be an isolated incident, possibly a packing error, it’s an important point for potential buyers to be aware of when their product arrives.

How Does the CC-Los Stack Up Against the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe against three popular alternatives, each catering to slightly different needs and preferences.

1. Karrimor Mount Low Waterproof Walking Shoes

Karrimor is a well-established name in the UK outdoor market, and the Mount Low is a classic, no-frills walking shoe. Compared to the CC-Los, it features a more traditional lacing system, which some may prefer for its micro-adjustability. The Karrimor often feels a bit more robust and structured, potentially offering more support for those with weaker ankles. However, this often comes at the cost of being heavier and requiring a longer break-in period. The CC-Los wins on out-of-the-box comfort and modern convenience with its lace-free design, making it a better choice for those who prioritize a lightweight, trainer-like feel.

2. Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers

The Jack Walker JW007 leans heavily into the “trainer” side of the hiking shoe spectrum. It’s designed to be ultra-lightweight, prioritizing speed and agility on the trail. This makes it an excellent choice for fast-packing or for hikers who stick to well-maintained paths and want to move quickly. The trade-off is typically in ruggedness. The CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe, with its Bovine anti-suede leather and prominent toe shield, feels more durable and protective against rocks and abrasion. If your trails are often rough and unpredictable, the CC-Los offers a better balance of lightweight design and rugged trail-readiness.

3. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots

This is a completely different class of footwear. The NORTIV 8 is a high-ankle winter boot, designed for cold weather, snow, and much more demanding conditions. It offers superior ankle support, insulation for warmth, and typically a more aggressive outsole for ice and snow. This is not a direct competitor for a three-season low-cut hiker like the CC-Los. Someone might choose the NORTIV 8 for winter mountaineering or trekking in freezing conditions. The CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe is infinitely more suitable for the vast majority of hiking conditions from spring through autumn, offering better breathability and flexibility for general trail use.

Our Final Verdict: Is the CC-Los Hiking Shoe Your Next Trail Companion?

After extensive testing on varied terrain and in wet weather, we can confidently say that the CC-Los Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a phenomenal piece of kit for its price. It delivers robustly on its core promises: it keeps your feet dry, provides reliable grip, and does so in a lightweight and comfortable package that’s ready to go straight out of the box. It successfully bridges the gap between a standard trainer and a heavy-duty hiking boot, offering the perfect solution for the majority of outdoor enthusiasts.

Its only notable weakness is the basic insole, but this is an easily remedied issue that doesn’t detract from the shoe’s excellent overall value. For beginner hikers, seasoned walkers on a budget, or anyone in need of a dependable, versatile outdoor shoe that can handle a surprise downpour, this shoe is an unqualified success. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your feet happy on the trail. If you’re looking for a shoe that punches well above its weight and will serve you faithfully on your next adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can find the best price and grab your pair here.

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