Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes Review: A Brutally Honest Look at This Budget Hiker

There’s a familiar story for anyone who loves the great outdoors or simply walks the dog through dewy fields each morning. You need a pair of walking shoes that can handle a bit of everything: muddy paths, unexpected downpours, uneven terrain, and the daily grind. The problem? Truly reliable, waterproof, and durable walking shoes often come with a price tag that makes you think twice. This leads to a tempting compromise: the budget-friendly option that promises the world. That’s precisely where we found ourselves, leading us to test the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes, a product with a legacy name that suggests quality but a price that seems almost too good to be true. The real risk of choosing poorly isn’t just wasted money; it’s a ruined walk with soaking wet feet, blisters, and the frustrating experience of a product failing when you need it most.

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Walking Shoes

A pair of men’s walking shoes is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for maintaining comfort, support, and protection across varied environments. Whether you’re a dedicated hiker covering miles of countryside, a daily dog walker, or someone who needs a sturdy shoe for a demanding job, the right pair prevents foot fatigue, protects you from the elements, and provides the stability needed to avoid injury. The primary benefits are threefold: keeping your feet dry and comfortable thanks to waterproof membranes, supporting your arches and ankles on long treks with specialized chassis and insoles, and providing confident grip on slippery or loose surfaces with advanced sole technology. Investing in a good pair is an investment in your own mobility and enjoyment of your activities.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently encounters wet grass, puddles, or light rain and walks on mixed terrain like park paths, forest trails, and uneven pavements. They value practicality and function over high-fashion aesthetics. However, this category of shoe might not be suitable for those who engage in serious mountaineering, which requires a much stiffer boot with ankle support, or for individuals who primarily walk on flat, dry city streets, where a lighter, more breathable trainer might be more comfortable. For those needing maximum support for specific foot conditions or wider fits, alternatives that specialize in orthopedic design may be a better choice. For intense winter conditions, an insulated, high-ankle boot would be far more appropriate.

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 black toenails, while one that is too loose will allow your foot to slide, causing friction and instability. Pay close attention to width as well as length; some brands are notoriously narrow, while others offer a more generous fit. We always recommend trying shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen and wearing the type of socks you’d typically hike in.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: True waterproof performance is essential for UK walking, but it must be balanced with breathability. A membrane like Weathertite or Gore-Tex is designed to block external water while allowing sweat vapor to escape. Without this, your feet will get wet from the inside, defeating the purpose. Consider how a shoe’s waterproofing holds up over time, as this is a common point of failure.
• Materials & Durability: The upper can be made from suede, full-grain leather, textile, or a combination. Suede and textile uppers, like those on the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes, offer good flexibility and a shorter break-in period but may be less abrasion-resistant than leather. The sole’s durability is paramount; look for a deep, multi-directional lug pattern for grip and check user feedback on how quickly the rubber wears down.
• Support & Stability: A good walking shoe needs a supportive structure. This comes from the midsole, which provides cushioning, and a shank or chassis (like Karrimor’s Frame Flex Chassis) that adds rigidity to prevent the shoe from twisting. A cushioned insole adds initial comfort, but its long-term integrity is vital for preventing foot pain.

Understanding these elements will empower you to look beyond the marketing and assess whether a shoe truly meets your specific needs for the long term.

While the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes is a popular choice in its price range, 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 Familiar Face with Hidden Flaws

Unboxing the Karrimor Mens Mount Waterproof Walking Shoes feels straightforward and no-frills, which is what we expected at this price point. The shoes themselves have a classic, robust walking shoe aesthetic with a suede and textile upper that looks capable and ready for the trail. In hand, they feel surprisingly lightweight at a claimed 335g, a definite plus for reducing fatigue on longer walks. The Dynagrip sole has an aggressive and promising lug pattern, and the initial feel when putting them on is one of decent comfort. The cushioned insole provides a pleasant, if not particularly plush, sensation underfoot. However, a few immediate details gave us pause. The laces felt thin and somewhat flimsy, a sentiment echoed by users who found they frayed and fell apart almost immediately. Furthermore, the stitching around the flex points near the toes looked standard but raised questions about its long-term resilience, especially given the mixed reputation of the brand’s quality control in recent years. While they present well initially, these subtle points hinted at the potential compromises made to achieve their accessible price, which you can check for yourself online.

A Deep Dive into the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes’s Performance

A walking shoe’s worth is measured not on the shop floor but miles down a muddy trail in the pouring rain. It’s here that promises are tested and flaws are exposed. Over several weeks, we put the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes through a gauntlet of typical British conditions: daily dog walks on wet grass, weekend hikes on stony paths, and casual wear around town. Our experience was a tale of two halves: a promising start followed by a gradual and disappointing decline that mirrored the experiences of countless other users.

Comfort & Fit: A Deceptive Honeymoon Period

Slipping into the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes for the first time is a genuinely pleasant experience. The cushioned insole and general shape provide immediate comfort without any obvious pressure points. As one user noted, they felt “fairly floating” on a 4-mile trip. This out-of-the-box comfort is, without a doubt, one of the shoe’s biggest selling points. We found them perfectly adequate for shorter, leisurely walks, feeling light and supportive enough for an hour or two on our feet. The sizing, however, proved to be inconsistent. Our size 10 felt true, but we found numerous reports of strange fits. One user with a size 9 found them excessively wide, feeling like a size 10, while another size 9 wearer found the fit “a bit neat,” requiring thinner socks. This lottery of fit means that finding the perfect size can be a challenge.

Unfortunately, this initial comfort proved to be a honeymoon period. After about 25-30 miles of use, we began to notice issues. A key problem, also highlighted by a user, is that the shoe doesn’t flex naturally with the foot. Instead, it tends to fold and pinch across the top of the toes, especially when crouching or kneeling. This creates a persistent and annoying rubbing that can quickly become uncomfortable. Even more concerning is the rapid degradation of the interior. After only a dozen moderate walks, we could feel the insole compressing and losing its cushioning. This aligns directly with a user who reported that after just 12 weeks of modest weekend wear, their “insoles were falling apart and very uneven inside the shoe, causing blisters.” This rapid decline transforms a comfortable shoe into a liability, undermining its primary function and turning a pleasant walk into a painful chore. You can find the right size for your needs, but be wary of its long-term comfort.

Waterproofing: The Weathertite Promise vs. Wet Sock Reality

The headline feature of these shoes is their “Weathertite waterproof and breathable lining.” For the first few outings, this technology held up its end of the bargain. We deliberately walked through long, dewy grass and shallow puddles, and our feet remained perfectly dry. Like one user who tested them under a running tap, we confirmed the initial waterproof seal was effective. The gusseted tongue is stitched high enough to prevent water ingress from that common weak point, and the shoes provided a decent level of warmth, making them feel suitable for cool, damp conditions. For someone needing a shoe for a quick, rainy commute or a brief walk in the park, the initial performance is impressive for the price.

This is where the good news ends. The longevity of the Weathertite membrane in this specific model is, frankly, abysmal. After approximately two weeks of daily use, we noticed the first signs of moisture seeping in around the toe box during a walk in moderately wet conditions. This wasn’t a catastrophic failure, but a dampness that suggested the membrane was already compromised. This experience is not an isolated incident; it’s the most common and severe complaint from other users. One stated they were “unfortunately not waterproof after a couple of months.” Another was more damning: “Received these yesterday… i’ve had these shoes on for 4 hours now and have been walking dogs on wet grass and all of my toes are wet. These are not waterproof as advertised.” This rapid failure of the core feature is unacceptable. It seems the constant flexing of the shoe quickly creates micro-tears in the liner, rendering the waterproofing useless. It’s a critical flaw that turns an all-weather shoe into a fair-weather-only option in a remarkably short time.

Durability & Construction: The Achilles’ Heel of a Budget Buy

If the waterproofing fails quickly, the overall construction is where the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes truly fall apart, both literally and figuratively. The Dynagrip MT007 sole unit initially provides excellent traction. We felt secure on muddy inclines and loose gravel, and the grip was one of the shoe’s standout positive features. The Frame Flex Chassis also gives the shoe a decent level of torsional rigidity, preventing it from feeling flimsy on uneven ground. However, the materials and assembly quality simply cannot withstand regular use, leading to a catastrophic failure rate that is impossible to ignore.

We found a torrent of user feedback detailing identical points of failure. The most common is the upper splitting at the main flex point near the toes. One user reported that “after just two months, the right shoe has split,” while another confirmed that “7 months later they’ve fallen apart on each side of the toe.” The second major issue is the sole delaminating, or coming away from the upper, sometimes within weeks. “I had the boots approximately 7 weeks and the soul is coming away from upper part of the left boot,” one person stated. The third critical flaw lies in the lacing system. The textile lace loops are simply not strong enough. We experienced fraying on one loop, but another user had a complete failure: “A few weeks ago one of the lace loops on the left shoe broke when tightening the lace. Today another loop has broken.” When multiple critical components—the upper, the sole bond, and the lacing system—fail consistently for numerous users in under six months, it points not to isolated defects, but to a fundamental problem with material quality and manufacturing. It’s a classic case of false economy; the low initial price is quickly offset by the need for a replacement pair.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through a wide range of user feedback paints a starkly polarized but ultimately clear picture of the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes. On the one hand, a core group of satisfied customers praise them as excellent value. One loyal buyer, now on their third pair, calls them “Brilliant high quality everyday trainers/walking shoes/work shoes,” adding that they “wear them very hard and they wear extremely well.” Another who got 18 months of daily wear out of their first pair states, “Great fit. Waterproof and warm. I do recommend.” These positive experiences often highlight the initial comfort and grip for general, non-intensive use.

However, these positive reviews are heavily outnumbered by a chorus of deeply disappointed customers who feel the product is not fit for purpose. The negative feedback is alarmingly consistent, focusing on a rapid and catastrophic breakdown of the shoe. One user who walks 5-7 miles a day found the heels wore through after just 133 miles. Another summed up the experience of many: “Barely 8 months after purchasing [for dog walking]… they are falling apart, the soles are in bits and water is leaking through… going straight into the bin. What a waste of money.” This sentiment is echoed repeatedly, with terms like “absolutely rubbish,” “substandard,” and “false economy” appearing frequently. The consensus among dissatisfied users is that while the shoes look the part and feel comfortable initially, they simply do not last, with critical failures in waterproofing and construction occurring within a few short months.

How the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes Compare to the Alternatives

While the low price of the Karrimor shoe is tempting, its significant durability issues make it essential to consider alternatives. Depending on your specific needs—be it a wider fit, more robust construction, or a lighter feel—other options may provide far better long-term value, even if they require a slightly higher initial investment. Let’s see how the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes stack up against three distinct competitors.

1. FitVille Extra Wide Fit Hiking Shoes Arch Support

The FitVille hiking shoe immediately addresses one of the key weaknesses of the Karrimor: inconsistent fit and lack of specialized support. As its name suggests, this shoe is built for those with wider feet and individuals needing enhanced arch support to combat issues like heel pain. Where the Karrimor offers a generic, and often poorly sized, fit, the FitVille provides a purpose-built solution for all-day comfort for those with specific podiatric needs. If you’ve ever felt your feet being pinched or experienced foot fatigue due to flat insoles in budget shoes, the FitVille is a superior choice. It trades the Karrimor’s rock-bottom price for a design focused on ergonomics and foot health, making it the go-to alternative for walkers who prioritize comfort and support over absolute cost.

2. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Winter Snow Hiking Boots

If your primary reason for buying the Karrimor is for cold, wet, and challenging conditions, the NORTIV 8 boot represents a significant step up in protection and durability. This is an ankle-high boot, not a low-rise shoe, immediately offering better support and protection from the elements. It’s specifically designed for winter, snow, and hiking, implying a more robust construction and insulation than the Karrimor’s lightweight design. While the Karrimor struggles with waterproofing and falls apart under stress, the NORTIV 8 is built to withstand harsher environments. For the user who found the Karrimor warm enough for frost but not snow, or whose shoes failed in wet conditions, the NORTIV 8 is the logical upgrade for serious winter walking and hiking.

3. Jack Walker JW010 Waterproof Vent Low Rise Trainers

The Jack Walker JW010 offers a compelling alternative for those who were attracted to the Karrimor’s lightweight feel but were let down by its performance. The key differentiator here is “Ultra Lightweight Vent,” suggesting a focus on both keeping weight down and enhancing breathability without sacrificing its waterproof promise. This positions it as a more athletic, trainer-style walking shoe. If you found the Karrimor shoe to be a bit clunky or that it didn’t flex well, the Jack Walker is likely to offer a more agile and responsive experience. It’s designed for the fast-paced hiker or walker who wants to feel nimble on the trail, providing a modern alternative to the Karrimor’s more traditional, and ultimately flawed, construction.

Our Final Verdict: A Gamble Not Worth Taking

After extensive testing and analysis of overwhelming user feedback, our final verdict on the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes is one of caution. While they boast an attractive price, immediate out-of-the-box comfort, and decent initial grip, these positives function as a deceptive mask for critical, pervasive flaws in durability and waterproofing. The shoe’s tendency to split, delaminate, and lose its waterproof capabilities within a few short months of regular use makes it a poor investment and a source of future frustration. It represents a false economy, where the money saved upfront is quickly lost when a replacement pair is needed far sooner than expected.

We would only recommend these shoes for someone who needs an inexpensive pair for very occasional, light, and dry use—and is willing to accept the high risk of them failing. For anyone who walks regularly, whether for hiking, dog walking, or work, we strongly advise investing a little more in one of the more reliable alternatives. The peace of mind that comes with dry feet and a shoe that won’t fall apart on the trail is worth the extra cost. If you understand the risks and still feel the budget price is right for your limited needs, you can find the Karrimor Waterproof Walking Shoes online, but we believe your money is better spent elsewhere.

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