Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes Review: The Last Pair You’ll Need to Buy for Years?

There’s a certain kind of disappointment that only a hiker can know. It’s the feeling of a sole peeling away from the upper miles from the trailhead, or the slow, damp creep of water through a “waterproof” membrane on a rainy Tuesday dog walk. For years, I felt like I was on a treadmill of footwear consumption. I’d buy a pair of promising-looking hiking shoes, they’d serve me well for a season, maybe two, and then, inevitably, a seam would split, the cushioning would collapse, or they’d lose their battle with the elements. It’s not just frustrating; it’s expensive and wasteful. The search for a truly durable, comfortable, and reliable walking shoe—a real workhorse that you can depend on day in and day out—can feel like a quest for a mythical creature. This is the exact problem the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes claims to solve, not with flashy tech, but with old-world materials and craftsmanship.

What to Demand from Your Next Pair of Hiking Shoes

A men’s hiking shoe is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for comfort, safety, and endurance on the trail. It’s the critical link between your body and the varied, often unforgiving, terrain underfoot. The right pair protects you from rocks and roots, prevents the misery of blisters and wet socks, and provides the stability needed to navigate slippery slopes and uneven ground. Investing in a quality pair means you can focus on the journey and the scenery, not on your aching feet. It’s an investment in your ability to explore further and enjoy the outdoors to its fullest, whether that’s a multi-day trek or a simple walk through the local park.

The ideal customer for this type of traditional leather hiking shoe is someone who values durability and reliability above all else. This includes the daily dog walker who covers miles in all weather, the weekend rambler exploring country parks and coastal paths, the avid gardener needing sturdy, waterproof footwear, or any outdoor enthusiast who is simply tired of replacing their shoes every year. However, it might not be the best fit for those who prioritize minimal weight, such as ultralight backpackers or trail runners, who would be better served by lighter, more flexible synthetic shoes. Likewise, serious mountaineers will require a high-ankled boot with more rigidity and support for extreme conditions.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fit: Fit is the single most important factor. Look for a shoe with enough room in the toe box to allow your toes to splay naturally, especially on descents. The Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes are designed with a generous wide fit, which is a significant benefit for many, but it’s crucial to understand your own foot shape. Pay close attention to sizing charts, as Italian-made shoes can sometimes fit differently than other brands.
• Performance & Grip: The outsole determines how securely you connect with the ground. A sole made by a reputable brand like Vibram, as featured on the Dartmoor, is a hallmark of quality. Look for a deep, multi-directional lug pattern, which is essential for providing reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, from wet mud and loose gravel to slippery rock.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates the shoe’s lifespan and weather resistance. The waxed leather used in the Dartmoor is a classic choice for good reason: it’s incredibly tough, naturally water-resistant, and can be treated to maintain its properties for years. While modern synthetic uppers can offer better breathability out of the box, they often lack the sheer long-term resilience of well-maintained leather.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider how easy the shoes are to get on and off, and what long-term care they require. Leather shoes like these benefit from occasional cleaning and treatment with a waxing product to nourish the leather and bolster their water resistance. While some users report neglecting this entirely with great results, a little care will dramatically extend their already impressive lifespan.

While the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s 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 Grisport Dartmoor: Italian Craftsmanship Meets Rugged Practicality

Opening the box, the first thing that strikes you is the scent of genuine waxed leather—a reassuring aroma that you just don’t get from synthetic footwear. The Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes feel substantial and solid in hand. There’s a pleasing weight to them that speaks to their robust construction. Made in Italy, they exude a sense of traditional, no-nonsense craftsmanship. The deep brown leather has a rich, slightly oiled finish, and the stitching is clean and purposeful. Flipping the shoe over reveals the iconic yellow Vibram logo embedded in a rugged, deeply-lugged rubber sole that looks ready to tackle any terrain.

Compared to the ultra-modern, brightly-coloured hiking shoes that dominate many store shelves, the Dartmoor has a timeless, classic aesthetic. It’s a shoe that wouldn’t look out of place on a country trail or in a pub garden afterwards. While we’ve seen isolated user reports of minor cosmetic blemishes like glue marks or scuffs on arrival, our pair was flawless. These minor inconsistencies seem to be a rare exception rather than the rule, and they don’t detract from the shoe’s fundamental, bombproof build quality that you can feel from the moment you pick them up. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of this quality.

In the Field: Putting the Grisport Dartmoor to the Test

A shoe’s real character is only revealed on the trail. Specifications and first impressions are one thing, but performance over miles of mud, rock, and rain is what truly matters. We took the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes through their paces in the environments they were built for: wet grassy fields, steep woodland tracks, and long, unforgiving country walks. This is where they moved from being a promising product to an indispensable piece of kit.

Built to Endure: A Masterclass in Durability

The single most lauded feature of the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes is their almost legendary durability, and our testing confirms this reputation is well-earned. These are not shoes built for a single season; they are built for years of hard service. The foundation of this longevity is the waxed leather upper. It’s thick, resilient, and stands up to scuffs from rocks, branches, and general abrasion in a way that lightweight mesh simply cannot. After several punishing hikes, where synthetic shoes would show signs of fraying, the Dartmoor’s leather simply developed a bit more character.

This finding is overwhelmingly supported by a chorus of long-term users. We were particularly struck by one account from a user who tracked over 3,000 miles in their pair over more than three years before the Vibram sole finally wore through. To put that in perspective, that’s like walking from London to Istanbul. Another user described them as “indestructible,” having subjected them to five years of relentless use for everything from camping and hiking to gardening and mowing the lawn—all without ever cleaning or treating the leather. They become, as he put it, “like an old friend.” This isn’t just a shoe; it’s a long-term investment. In an age of disposable products, the Dartmoor stands out as a testament to the value of quality materials and construction. The sheer resilience of these shoes is a feature that really sets them apart.

All-Weather Performance: The Vibram Sole and Waterproofing

A hiking shoe that can’t handle a bit of bad weather is of limited use in the UK. This is another area where the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes truly excel. The combination of the waxed leather upper and a waterproof/breathable membrane creates a formidable barrier against the elements. We tested them on relentlessly wet days, deliberately stomping through puddles and traipsing through long, dewy grass that would have soaked lesser shoes in minutes. Our feet remained perfectly dry and comfortable throughout. Many users echo this, noting they are their “default dog walking shoes if the grass is wet” because they are “totally waterproof.”

Just as important as staying dry is staying upright. The Vibram sole is the shoe’s anchor to the world, and its performance is exceptional. The deep, aggressive lugs bite into soft mud and loose dirt, providing sure-footed confidence on ascents and descents. On slick, wet rock and slippery tree roots—often the downfall of cheaper soles—the Vibram rubber compound offered a level of grip that was genuinely impressive. One user recounted their journey through Peru and Bolivia, from the salt flats of Uyuni to the “wet and slippery stairs” of Machu Picchu, praising the shoe’s “excellent grip on very inclined surfaces.” This is the kind of real-world performance that gives you the confidence to tackle challenging terrain without a second thought. If you need reliable, all-weather footwear, you should check the latest price and availability of the Dartmoor.

Comfort and Fit: The Wide-Fit Promise

Durability and grip are meaningless if a shoe is painful to wear. The Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes are built on a wide last, which for many people, translates to immediate, out-of-the-box comfort. There’s ample room in the forefoot, preventing the toe-pinching that can plague narrower footwear, especially after your feet swell during a long walk. The dual-density PU midsole provides a firm but well-cushioned platform, absorbing shock effectively and reducing fatigue over long distances. We found the ankle collar to be well-padded and the lacing system effective at locking the heel in place to prevent rubbing.

However, it’s important to note that shoe fit is deeply personal. While our experience and that of many users was overwhelmingly positive—with some saying they “fit like a glove”—we did encounter feedback from others who had a different experience. One long-time Grisport customer, who had previously worn the ‘Exmoor’ model, found the Dartmoor to be a narrower fit, causing some pinching. This highlights a crucial point: it’s essential to manage expectations and, if possible, try shoes on or be prepared for a potential return. Leather also has a “break-in” period, where it will soften and mould to the shape of your foot over time. What might feel slightly stiff initially often becomes a custom-fit after a few miles. For those with wider feet seeking a comfortable, supportive hiking shoe, the Grisport Dartmoor remains an outstanding option.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from long-term owners of the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes is overwhelmingly positive, centered on one key theme: incredible longevity. One user updated their review after 3 years and 4 months of use, stating, “I reckon I’ve walked 3000+ miles in them, which is pretty amazing… No other walking shoe I’ve bought has lasted a quarter as long!” This sentiment is echoed by another who bought them on a whim and got five years of “ludicrously hard-labour” out of them, amazed that they were still in good enough shape not to need replacing.

However, no product is perfect, and it’s important to present a balanced view. The most common point of criticism relates to quality control upon arrival. One disappointed buyer noted their shoes arrived “scratched all over” with “glue marks dotted around,” despite fitting well. This suggests that while the core construction is sound, the final finish can occasionally be subpar. The other recurring, albeit less frequent, issue is inconsistent sizing. As mentioned, a user found the fit narrower than a previous model from the same brand, leading to discomfort. These points are important considerations, though they appear to be outliers in a sea of praise for the shoe’s core performance and durability.

How the Grisport Dartmoor Stacks Up Against the Competition

While the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes is a phenomenal choice for those prioritizing durability, it exists in a crowded market. Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives.

1. Columbia Crestwood Low Trekking Shoes

The Columbia Crestwood represents the modern, synthetic counterpart to the classic leather Dartmoor. It’s constructed from a combination of leather, mesh, and webbing, making it lighter and likely more breathable right out of the box. Its Techlite lightweight midsole provides excellent cushioning for a more sneaker-like feel. This shoe is an excellent choice for hikers who prioritize low weight and athletic comfort for day hikes in warmer, drier conditions. However, it’s unlikely to match the sheer long-term, multi-year durability of the Dartmoor’s full-grain waxed leather construction.

2. Columbia Peakfreak 2 Outdry Hiking Shoes

The Peakfreak 2 is a step up in terms of modern technology. It features Columbia’s OutDry waterproof construction, which is a single-piece breathable membrane bonded directly to the outer fabric, leaving no gaps for water to get in. This, combined with its NAVIC FIT SYSTEM for lockdown and an ADAPT TRAX outsole, makes it a highly technical shoe for fast-paced hiking on varied terrain. A user might choose the Peakfreak 2 over the Dartmoor if they want the absolute latest in waterproofing technology and a more athletic, modern design, whereas the Dartmoor appeals to those who prefer the proven, traditional qualities of leather.

3. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots

The NORTIV 8 occupies a different category altogether. This is a mid-height hiking boot, not a shoe, with its primary advantage being superior ankle support and protection. It’s also often insulated, making it a far better choice for cold-weather and winter hiking or trekking through snow. Someone would choose the NORTIV 8 over the Dartmoor if their primary activities involve challenging, uneven terrain where ankle rolls are a concern, or if they frequently hike in temperatures near or below freezing. The Dartmoor is the more versatile choice for three-season, below-the-ankle use.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Grisport Dartmoor the Right Hiking Shoe for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Grisport Dartmoor Men’s Hiking Shoes is an exceptional piece of footwear that stands as a powerful counterpoint to the modern trend of disposable gear. It’s not the lightest, flashiest, or most technologically advanced shoe on the market. Instead, it focuses on doing the fundamentals perfectly. It offers superb comfort for those with wider feet, reliable waterproofing that you can count on in a downpour, and a level of durability that is genuinely difficult to find elsewhere.

We highly recommend this shoe to the daily walker, the weekend hiker, the country dweller, and anyone who values products that are built to last. If you are tired of replacing your shoes every couple of seasons and want a reliable, comfortable, and rugged companion for your feet that will become more comfortable with every mile, this is the shoe for you. While you should be mindful of getting the right size and the small chance of a cosmetic flaw, the underlying quality and value are undeniable. If you’re ready to invest in a pair of hiking shoes that will serve you faithfully for years to come, we encourage you to explore the Grisport Dartmoor for yourself.

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