Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers Review: A Budget Hiker’s Dream or a Durability Nightmare?

There’s a specific kind of footwear purgatory many of us find ourselves in. We need something more robust than a standard trainer for the daily dog walk across dewy fields, but a full-blown, rigid hiking boot feels like overkill for a trip to the shops or a casual stroll in the park. The ideal shoe is a chameleon: tough enough for a muddy towpath, comfortable enough for hours on your feet, stylish enough not to look out of place on a high street, and, crucially, waterproof. The problem? Finding a pair that ticks all these boxes without commanding a premium price tag is a genuine challenge. This is the exact niche the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers aim to fill. They promise the holy grail of lightweight comfort, waterproofing, and rugged looks at a price that seems almost too good to be true. Our mission was to find out if it is.

What to Demand from Your Next Pair of Hiking Trainers

A pair of men’s walking shoes is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for comfort, support, and protection across varied terrains. The right pair enables you to tackle everything from slick city pavements to uneven woodland trails without a second thought for your feet. They prevent the blisters, aches, and fatigue that come from using inappropriate footwear, and a good waterproof lining keeps you dry and comfortable, turning a miserable, rainy-day walk into an enjoyable adventure. Neglecting quality here can lead not just to discomfort, but to potential slips, falls, and long-term foot problems.

The ideal customer for this type of product is the active individual who needs a versatile, everyday shoe: the daily dog walker, the casual weekend rambler, the commuter who walks part of their journey, or anyone who values comfort and dry feet. However, a lightweight hiking trainer might not be suitable for those tackling serious mountainous terrain, carrying heavy packs, or requiring significant ankle support. For those users, a traditional mid or high-rise hiking boot would be a more appropriate and safer choice. Likewise, those with specific orthopedic needs, like very wide feet or the need for significant arch support, should look for specialised brands that cater to those requirements.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the single most important factor. A shoe that is too tight will cause blisters and pain, while one that is too loose will offer no support and can lead to instability. Always check how a brand’s sizing runs; many user reviews will indicate if you need to size up or down, which is invaluable information. Remember to account for thicker walking socks when considering your size.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: True waterproofing is non-negotiable for UK conditions. Look for specific technologies like Gore-Tex or, in this case, Hydroguard. However, waterproofing must be balanced with breathability; a shoe that doesn’t allow moisture to escape will leave your feet clammy and uncomfortable, which can be just as bad as letting water in.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates the shoe’s ruggedness and longevity. A combination of suede leather and mesh, like that found on the Jack Walker JW007, aims to balance durability with breathability. Pay close attention to the sole material (EVA, rubber, or a mix) as this determines both grip and how quickly it will wear down.
• Sole & Insole Construction: The outsole provides grip, the midsole provides cushioning, and the insole provides immediate comfort. An aggressive tread pattern is vital for traction on mud and wet rock. An EVA midsole offers lightweight cushioning, but can compress over time. A memory foam insole, as featured here, provides excellent initial comfort but may not offer long-term structural support.

Embarking on the journey to find the perfect walking shoe can be daunting. The Jack Walker JW007 is a compelling contender, but it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

While the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers 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 Jack Walker JW007: First Impressions and Core Features

Pulling the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers from their box, the first thing that struck us was their appearance. The Black and Orange colourway is modern and energetic, looking more like a contemporary trainer than a cumbersome walking shoe. They feel impressively light in hand, a feature attributed to their EVA and rubber sole construction. This ultra-lightweight design is a major selling point for those who dislike the clunky, heavy feel of traditional hiking footwear. The upper, a blend of genuine suede leather and mesh, feels reasonably well-constructed at first touch, and the stitching appeared neat and consistent out of the box. Inside, the memory foam insole promises immediate, cushioned comfort. There’s a tangible “squish” when you press down on it, suggesting a plush ride from the very first step. It’s a shoe that makes a strong first impression, particularly for those who have never heard of the Jack Walker brand before. For those interested, you can see its full feature set and user reviews online to get a broader perspective.

Putting the JW007 to the Test: A Real-World Performance Analysis

A walking shoe’s worth isn’t determined in the box; it’s proven over miles of tarmac, trail, and turf, in sunshine and in downpours. We put the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers through a rigorous testing period that mirrored the life of a typical owner: daily dog walks, weekend hikes on local nature trails, and general everyday wear. Our findings were a study in contrasts, a story of initial promise that, for us, ultimately gave way to significant concerns about long-term value.

Comfort and Fit: A Tale of Two Halves

Slipping the JW007s on for the first time is a genuinely pleasant experience. The memory foam insole is the star of the show, immediately moulding to the shape of the foot and providing a cushioned, comfortable feel that many more expensive shoes lack out of the box. They are, as advertised, incredibly lightweight. We felt no sense of fatigue or drag, even after several hours of continuous wear. This initial comfort was a consistent theme, with one user noting they were “quite surprised on how comfortable they are.” However, this is where the simple part of the story ends. The first major hurdle we encountered, and one echoed strongly in user feedback, is the sizing. We found our standard UK Size 8 to be noticeably snug, particularly in the toe box. While they did stretch and “break in” after a few walks, as another user experienced, it was clear from the outset that anyone with even slightly wide feet or those who prefer thick hiking socks would be in trouble. The prevailing wisdom, which we now endorse, is to order a full size up from your usual. One user’s journey from a size 10 to a size 12 highlights the severity of this issue. Beyond sizing, the structural support is minimal. The soft sole and memory foam insole provide cushioning but lack the firm midfoot support needed for rocky, uneven ground, a point raised by a user who noted “poor mid metatarsal support.” So while the initial comfort is a definite win, the inconsistent sizing and lack of robust support are significant caveats.

The Hydroguard Promise vs. Puddle Reality

The term “waterproof” sets a high expectation, especially for footwear intended for the famously damp British outdoors. The Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers feature a Hydroguard static fabric lining, which the manufacturer claims provides waterproofing for up to 8 hours. Our initial tests were promising. Walking through long, dewy grass and navigating post-shower puddles, our feet remained perfectly dry. The suede and mesh upper did a good job of repelling initial moisture, and the sealed construction held firm. For the first few weeks of light use, the Hydroguard membrane performed its duty admirably. One user even recounted wearing them in the snow for hours with thick socks and staying dry. This is where the shoe excels in the short term. However, the story of its waterproofing is inextricably linked to its durability. As our testing progressed and mileage increased, the waterproof barrier began to fail. We noticed dampness seeping in, not through the upper, but seemingly from the sole itself. This aligns perfectly with numerous user accounts. One person noted that after 200 miles of dog walking, “they now leak and I am getting wet feet.” Another was more blunt: “A brush with slightly damp grass or a rain shower soaks the feet.” We suspect the issue is twofold. Firstly, as the very soft sole wears down, microscopic splits and holes appear, compromising the shoe’s integrity from the bottom up. Secondly, repeated flexing of the shoe can cause the waterproof membrane or glued seams around the toe box to fail. The brand does state that regular re-treatment is required to maintain effectiveness, but in our experience, the failure was structural rather than a simple loss of DWR coating. For a shoe marketed on its waterproofing, this rapid decline in performance is its most critical failing.

Durability Under Duress: Where the Bargain Begins to Unravel

This is the chapter where the appealing price tag of the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers meets the harsh reality of real-world use. While the shoes look sharp and feel comfortable initially, their lifespan under moderate, consistent use is alarmingly short. The primary culprit is the sole. The EVA and rubber compound is simply too soft for regular walking on anything other than soft grass. After just a few weeks, we observed significant wear on the heel and ball of the foot. This rapid degradation was a shocking and consistent finding among other users. One reported the sole was “worn down significantly after only 2 wks.” Another, who walks 10,000 steps a day, found the soles “just too soft” and they only lasted five months. The most damning evidence comes from multiple users who experienced holes wearing completely through the sole in as little as three to six months. One user shared a photo of a gaping hole in the sole, stating they were “extremely bad quality.” Beyond the sole, we identified other points of failure. The fabric lace eyelets, rather than metal rivets, are a significant weak spot. We took care when lacing up, but could feel the strain on the fabric loops. This was confirmed by a user who had a canvas lace “eye” snap in less than a week of everyday wear. The internal lining, particularly around the heel, is another area of concern. We began to feel some rubbing, and multiple users reported the lining splitting and coming apart after just a couple of months. While the suede and mesh uppers held up reasonably well visually, the foundational elements of the shoe—the sole, the lining, and the lacing system—demonstrated a level of fragility that is hard to overlook. This isn’t a case of a few faulty units; it’s a consistent pattern of premature failure that suggests a fundamental issue with the materials chosen to meet a low price point.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are not isolated. A deep dive into the collective experience of other buyers reveals a clear and consistent narrative that mirrors our own. The feedback is sharply divided between initial satisfaction and long-term disappointment. On the positive side, many first-time buyers of the brand are genuinely impressed right out of the box. One user sums it up perfectly: “Never heard of this brand before so thought I’d give them a try and quite surprised on how comfortable they are and well designed trainers.” This sentiment captures the excellent first impression the shoes make.

However, the praise is almost always followed by warnings about two key issues: sizing and durability. The advice to “go for the next size up as they are a bit small as other people said” is a constant refrain. But the most significant and recurring theme is the shoe’s shockingly short lifespan. One user’s experience is particularly telling: “I was initially impressed with these shoes… However, within 6 months they started to fall apart. Lining around the heel split… and the sole on one of the shoes perished and is split in many places and now lets in water.” This is not a one-off complaint; it’s the archetypal journey for many owners. The consensus is clear: if your use is very light and infrequent, you may be satisfied. For any form of regular, daily use, the materials simply do not hold up.

How Does the Jack Walker JW007 Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value of the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers, we must place them alongside key competitors who address some of their notable weaknesses. If you’ve identified that the JW007 might not be the right fit for your needs, one of these alternatives may be a superior choice.

1. FitVille Mens Extra Wide Fit Hiking Shoes Arch Support

The FitVille hiking shoe directly targets two of the biggest shortcomings of the Jack Walker JW007: narrow fit and poor support. As its name suggests, this shoe is specifically designed for those with wider feet, offering a much more accommodating toe box. Furthermore, it incorporates dedicated arch support, making it a far better option for individuals who suffer from heel pain or require more structure for longer walks. While you may sacrifice the sleek, trainer-like aesthetic of the JW007, you gain significant ergonomic benefits. If you’ve ever felt your feet being squeezed by standard-width shoes or finished a walk with aching arches, the FitVille is a purpose-built solution that prioritizes long-term foot health and comfort over style.

2. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots

If the inconsistent and degrading waterproofing of the JW007 is your main concern, the NORTIV 8 represents a significant step up in protection and ruggedness. This is less of a lightweight trainer and more of a proper ankle-high hiking boot, designed for harsher conditions. It provides superior waterproofing, insulation for warmth in colder weather, and crucial ankle support that the low-rise JW007 completely lacks. This makes it the clear choice for more serious hikers, winter walkers, or anyone who frequently tackles wet, muddy, and uneven terrain. The trade-off is in weight and flexibility; it’s a heavier, more substantial piece of footwear. For those who need dependable, all-weather performance, the NORTIV 8 is a much more reliable companion.

3. Karrimor Mens Waterproof Walking Shoes

Karrimor is a well-established name in the UK’s outdoor gear market and a direct competitor to Jack Walker in the budget-friendly category. The Karrimor Mount Low walking shoes offer a similar proposition: a low-rise, waterproof shoe for general walking and hiking. Where Karrimor often has an edge is in its more proven track record and slightly more robust construction, particularly in the sole unit. While still considered a budget option, they are generally perceived as having a more durable build quality than the JW007. If you like the style and price point of the Jack Walker but are rightly concerned about the reports of rapid wear, the Karrimor offers a similar concept from a more recognized brand, potentially providing a better balance of price and durability.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Jack Walker JW007 Waterproof Hiking Trainers is a conditional one. There is a specific user for whom this shoe makes sense: the person who needs a comfortable, lightweight, and stylish shoe for very infrequent and light use. If you’re looking for something to wear for an occasional dry-weather walk in the park or a quick errand, and your primary concerns are initial comfort and a low price, then the JW007 delivers on that promise. The memory foam insole provides an instant feeling of quality that belies the shoe’s cost.

However, for anyone else—daily dog walkers, regular commuters, weekend ramblers, or anyone who expects a walking shoe to last more than a single season—we cannot recommend it. The pattern of rapid and catastrophic failure in the sole, lining, and waterproofing is too consistent to ignore. The initial bargain quickly becomes a false economy when you find yourself needing a replacement pair in just a few months. The shoe’s core function as a durable, waterproof piece of outdoor equipment is fundamentally compromised. In this case, we strongly advise investing a little more in a product from a more reputable brand, which will provide the durability and reliable performance that active users require. If you understand the limitations and your use case fits the narrow profile, you can check the latest price and availability here, but we urge you to consider the alternatives for a more lasting investment.

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