CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review: A Trail-Tested Verdict on a Budget-Friendly Boot

There’s a specific kind of disappointment that comes with the squelch of a waterlogged shoe halfway through a walk. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. It starts with a promising morning, a loyal dog eager by the door, and a trail that beckons. But then, an unexpected downpour or a deceptively deep puddle turns a pleasant ramble into a miserable, soggy slog home. For years, I searched for a shoe that could handle the trifecta of British weather: morning dew, sudden showers, and muddy fields. The problem is finding a shoe that is genuinely waterproof, comfortable for hours, grippy on slippery surfaces, and doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage. Neglecting this crucial piece of gear doesn’t just lead to discomfort; it can lead to slips, falls, and a general reluctance to get outdoors when the weather isn’t perfect. The right pair of shoes isn’t just footwear; it’s a ticket to freedom, whatever the forecast says.

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Hiking Shoes

A pair of men’s hiking shoes is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone who loves the outdoors but demands comfort, protection, and reliability. They are engineered to solve the fundamental problems of outdoor walking: protecting your feet from moisture, providing stable grip on unpredictable terrain, and supporting your joints over long distances. The main benefits are dry feet thanks to waterproof membranes, reduced fatigue from cushioned midsoles, and enhanced safety from high-traction outsoles. They bridge the gap between a casual trainer, which lacks support and weather protection, and a heavy-duty mountain boot, which can be overkill for daily walks and light trails.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who regularly walks their dog through forests and fields, the weekend hiker exploring local country parks, or even a worker who needs a comfortable, water-resistant soft-toe shoe for light duties outdoors. It’s for the person who values practicality and performance without needing expedition-grade equipment. However, this type of shoe might not be suitable for those who are serious mountaineers tackling alpine conditions or construction workers who require a certified safety toe cap. For those individuals, a rigid, steel-shanked mountain boot or a certified work boot would be a more appropriate and safer alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A shoe that is too tight will cause blisters and pain, while one that is too loose will lead to foot slippage and instability. Pay close attention to user feedback on sizing, as some brands, particularly those with Asian origins as one user noted, may run smaller. We found it wise to consider ordering a half or full size up, especially if you plan on wearing thick hiking socks. A good fit means a snug heel but a roomy toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: Not all “waterproof” claims are equal. Look for shoes with a dedicated waterproof and breathable membrane, like the “Dry waterproof” system in the CC-Los model. This technology is designed to block external water from entering while allowing sweat vapour to escape, which is crucial for preventing dampness and blisters from the inside. A gusseted tongue—one that is attached to the upper along the sides—is another key feature that prevents water and debris from sneaking in around the laces.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates the shoe’s durability, breathability, and break-in time. Full-grain leather is incredibly durable but heavy and requires maintenance. In contrast, synthetic materials like the Faux Leather on the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer a lighter, more affordable, and often vegan-friendly alternative that requires less breaking in. The sole material, typically rubber, is vital for longevity and grip. Look for deep, multi-directional lugs on the outsole for the best traction on varied surfaces.
• Comfort & Support: Long walks demand excellent cushioning and support. Key components to look for are a compression-molded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole, which provides lightweight cushioning and shock absorption. A removable footbed or insole is a huge plus, as it allows you to use your own custom orthotics if needed. Features like a padded collar and anti-fatigue technology contribute significantly to all-day comfort, reducing the strain on your feet and joints.

While the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes 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:

Unboxing the CC-Los: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes from their box, the first thing we noticed was their substance. They feel solid and well-constructed without being overly heavy or “clompy,” a sentiment echoed by users who found them sturdy yet manageable for daily walks. The black faux leather upper has a clean, matte finish, and the stitching appeared neat and tidy, with no visible glue residue—a sign of good quality control, especially at this price point. The rustproof speed hooks for the laces are a welcome touch, making them easy to cinch up for a secure fit. The laces themselves feel robust and unlikely to fray prematurely. Inspecting the tongue revealed it was fully gusseted, a critical feature for waterproofing that we always look for. The overall impression is of a shoe that punches well above its weight, offering design features typically found on more expensive models. It immediately felt like a serious contender for the title of best-value walking shoe on the market.

Putting the CC-Los Hiking Shoes Through Their Paces: A Detailed Performance Analysis

A shoe’s true character isn’t revealed in a box, but on the trail. We subjected the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes to a variety of conditions over several weeks, from rain-lashed dog walks on muddy tracks to long, dry hikes over uneven, root-covered forest floors. Our goal was to push past the marketing claims and see how they held up in the real world, focusing on the three pillars of a great hiking shoe: weather protection, comfort, and grip.

All-Weather Warrior: Waterproofing and Breathability Tested

The headline feature is “waterproof,” a claim we were eager to test. Our testing ground was a local nature reserve after a full day of heavy rain, providing the perfect mix of deep puddles, flowing streams, and sodden grassy fields. We didn’t just walk around the puddles; we walked straight through them. We stood in a shallow, flowing stream for over a minute, waiting for that dreaded cold seepage. It never came. The Dry waterproof membrane system, combined with the fully gusseted tongue, created an impenetrable barrier. This real-world result confirms the experience of one user who stated they’ve “stood in everything from flowing streams to deep puddles” and their feet remained perfectly dry. This level of performance is deeply impressive for a shoe in this price bracket and gives you the confidence to tackle any wet-weather walk. But waterproofing is only half the battle. A shoe that doesn’t breathe can leave your feet just as damp from sweat. After a brisk, two-hour hike, our feet were still comfortable. The CL-Tech fabric lining, made with recycled materials, did a commendable job of wicking moisture away, preventing that clammy feeling that can lead to chafing and blisters. While not as breathable as a highly ventilated mesh trail runner, the balance struck by the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes is ideal for temperate climates and year-round use.

The Foundation of a Good Hike: Comfort and Support from Heel to Toe

Comfort is king on any walk longer than a trip to the shops. From the first time we laced them up, the CC-Los shoes felt welcoming. The soft padded collar around the ankle prevented any rubbing or chafing, and the fit felt secure without being restrictive. One of the standout comfort features, also highlighted by a user, is the roomy toe box. This allows your toes to spread out naturally, which is vital for maintaining balance and preventing cramping on long treks. The cushioning system is the shoe’s unsung hero. The compression-molded EVA-blend foam midsole provides a high-rebound feel, absorbing the impact of rocks and roots underfoot while giving a little spring to your step. This is complemented by the removable EVA footbed, which incorporates decent arch support and what the brand calls “anti-fatigue technology.” While “anti-fatigue” can be a vague marketing term, we can attest that after a 10-mile hike, our feet felt noticeably less tired and sore than they have in less supportive footwear. The overall structure of the shoe strikes a perfect balance—what one reviewer described as “not too soft, not too rigid.” It’s flexible enough for a natural walking motion but stiff enough to provide stability on uneven ground. We found the comfort and fit to be exceptional for the price, provided you get the sizing right.

Grip and Grind: Traction and Durability on Varied Terrain

A waterproof and comfortable shoe is useless if it can’t keep you upright. The outsole of the CC-Los features an aggressive pattern of multi-directional lugs, designed to bite into soft ground and grip onto hard surfaces. We tested this on slick, wet clay, mossy rocks, and steep, grassy inclines. The rubber compound provided confidence-inspiring traction throughout. We experienced no slips or slides, confirming a user’s report that they’ve “never slipped” while wearing them. The lugs are deep enough to shed mud effectively, preventing the sole from clogging up and losing its grip. On the durability front, the construction felt robust. Despite several weeks of use, the faux leather upper showed minimal signs of wear, resisting scuffs and scratches well. The seams remained tight, and the sole showed no signs of separating from the upper. One user, initially skeptical about the synthetic upper, was “positively surprised” by the quality of the materials and workmanship, noting the clean seams and lack of glue residue. While genuine leather might offer superior longevity over many years of hard use, for its intended purpose of walking, light hiking, and everyday wear, the materials used here offer a fantastic blend of durability, low weight, and minimal maintenance. The CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes deliver performance and build quality that feels far more premium than their price tag suggests.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning their value and performance. One happy customer, who typically wears a size 9.5, found the fit “perfectly” comfortable around the ankle with a “roomy” toe box, exactly what they look for in a walking shoe. They noted that while advertised as “leather uppers,” the material is synthetic but concluded they “couldn’t be happier…at the price point” and were even tempted to buy a second pair. This aligns with our findings on both comfort and value.

Another user, a dog walker, specifically bought them for heavy rain and puddles and found them “incredibly durable,” keeping their feet dry every time. They praised the shoe’s balance of stiffness and breathability. However, a recurring theme in feedback from non-UK sources is sizing. Both a German and a French-speaking user indicated that the shoes ran small. The German reviewer, who is normally a size 43/44, ordered a 45 and found it to be a perfect fit, especially with thicker socks. This is crucial advice: when in doubt, it seems wise to size up.

How Does the CC-Los Compare? Top Alternatives Explored

The CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes carves out a strong identity in the budget-friendly category, but it’s important to see how it stands against some well-known competitors. Each alternative offers a slightly different focus, catering to different priorities and budgets.

1. Karrimor Mens Waterproof Walking Shoes

Karrimor is a household name in the UK outdoor scene, and their Mount Low Walking Shoes are a perennial favourite. Like the CC-Los, they focus on providing waterproof performance at an accessible price. The main difference lies in brand recognition and a more traditional hiking shoe aesthetic. The Karrimor shoes often feature a mix of suede and fabric in their uppers, which some users may prefer over the full faux leather of the CC-Los. However, we found the CC-Los to have a slightly more comfortable out-of-the-box fit with a more generous toe box. The Karrimor is a solid, reliable choice for brand-loyal customers, but the CC-Los arguably offers a more modern design and slightly better initial comfort for a similar price.

2. Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers

The Jack Walker JW007 positions itself as an “Ultra Lightweight” hiking trainer. This is its key selling point and primary differentiator from the CC-Los. If your priority is moving fast and light on well-maintained trails, the Jack Walker is an excellent option. Its design leans more towards a trainer than a traditional hiking shoe, offering more flexibility. The trade-off for this lightweight build might be in ruggedness and support. The CC-Los feels more substantial and protective underfoot, making it a better choice for more varied or challenging terrain where ankle support and a sturdier sole are beneficial. Choose the Jack Walker for speed and low weight; choose the CC-Los for all-around sturdiness and protection.

3. Salomon Quest Element Gore-Tex Men’s Waterproof Outdoor Shoes

Stepping up into a different league, we have the Salomon Quest Element. This is a premium hiking shoe from a world-renowned brand, and its main advantage is the inclusion of a genuine Gore-Tex membrane, the gold standard in waterproof, breathable technology. It also features advanced chassis and sole technologies for superior stability and grip in demanding conditions. This performance, however, comes at a significantly higher price. The Salomon is for the serious hiker who frequently tackles challenging trails and is willing to invest in top-tier technology and durability. The CC-Los, by contrast, offers perhaps 80% of the performance for less than half the price, making it the smarter choice for casual hikers, dog walkers, and those on a budget.

Final Verdict: Are the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer phenomenal value for money. They deliver on their core promises with surprising competence. The waterproofing is reliable, the comfort is excellent for long walks, and the grip is more than adequate for most non-mountainous UK terrain. They successfully blend the ruggedness of a hiking shoe with the immediate comfort of a daily walker, making them an incredibly versatile piece of footwear. While the sizing requires careful consideration and the faux leather upper may not last as long as premium leather, these are minor compromises for a shoe that performs so well at such an accessible price point.

We wholeheartedly recommend the CC-Los Waterproof Hiking Shoes to dog walkers, casual weekend hikers, and anyone looking for a dependable, comfortable, and dry pair of shoes for their outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. It’s a shoe that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your feet happy and dry. If you’re ready to say goodbye to soggy socks and hello to confident, comfortable walking, we highly recommend you check the latest price and see the available sizes today.

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