Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes Review: Comfort vs. Durability – The Ultimate Showdown

There’s a specific kind of frustration that only a walker with wide feet understands. It’s the cycle of hope and disappointment: finding a shoe that claims to be “wide fit,” only to discover it’s merely a standard shoe with a slightly more generous label. For years, my quest was the same. I needed a reliable partner for my feet—something that could handle the perpetually damp British countryside, from muddy woodland trails to slick, cobbled village streets, without pinching my toes or leaving my arches screaming in protest. The problem is that many shoes force you to choose: you can have durability, you can have waterproofing, or you can have comfort, but rarely do you get all three. Neglecting this leads to blisters, sore joints, and worst of all, a reluctance to get outdoors at all. The right shoe isn’t just footwear; it’s the key that unlocks countless miles of exploration in comfort and confidence.

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Walking Shoes

A men’s walking shoe is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between your ambition and the terrain underfoot. It’s designed to provide stability on uneven ground, protection from the elements, and cushioning to absorb the impact of thousands of steps. The primary benefit is enabling you to walk further, for longer, and more safely than you could in standard trainers or casual shoes. They solve the problems of sore feet, potential slips and falls, and the misery of trudging home with soaked socks. Getting the right pair means the difference between enjoying a beautiful hike and enduring a painful ordeal. After testing countless pairs, we’ve found the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes to be a fascinating contender in this space, promising a solution for a very specific type of user.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritises immediate, out-of-the-box comfort and requires a genuinely wide fit. They are likely a casual to moderate walker, tackling local parks, dog walks, and well-trodden country paths in spring and summer. They need reliable waterproofing for unexpected showers but aren’t necessarily scaling mountains every weekend. Conversely, this shoe might not be suitable for those who are hardcore hikers, putting in high mileage over abrasive, rocky terrain week after week. If longevity and bulletproof construction are your absolute top priorities over initial comfort and price, you might consider investing more in brands renowned for their long-term durability, even if it means a longer break-in period.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A walking shoe must have enough room in the toe box for your toes to splay naturally, especially on descents, while securely locking your heel in place to prevent blisters. For those with broader feet, a dedicated “wide fit” model like this one isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Always consider wearing your typical walking socks when trying on shoes to get the most accurate fit.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: A waterproof membrane is essential for unpredictable weather, keeping your feet dry from external moisture like rain and puddles. However, this must be balanced with breathability. A shoe that doesn’t allow sweat to escape will leave your feet damp from the inside, which can be just as uncomfortable. Look for materials like Suede and Mesh uppers combined with a waterproof lining for a good balance.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates the shoe’s ruggedness and lifespan. Suede leather offers good durability and comfort, while mesh panels enhance breathability. The outsole is equally important; a world-leading brand like Vibram, used in the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes, is a hallmark of quality, promising superior grip and longevity of the tread itself. However, the construction—how these materials are bonded and stitched together—is where the true test of durability lies.
• Cushioning & Support: The midsole and footbed are the engine of comfort. Moulded foam provides cushioning to absorb shock and reduce fatigue on long walks. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining good foot posture and preventing conditions like plantar fasciitis. Pay attention to features like a cushioned footbed and protective rubber bumpers on the heel and toe, which add both comfort and protection.

Considering these elements will help you make a much more informed decision, ensuring your next pair of walking shoes are an asset, not a liability.

While the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes is an excellent choice for a specific user, 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: Premium Feel with a Purposeful Design

Unboxing the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes, our initial reaction was one of pleasant surprise. The grey suede and mesh upper looks smart and understated, avoiding the garish colours that plague some walking shoes. In hand, they feel substantial without being overly heavy—a good balance for a shoe designed for all-day wear. The most prominent feature is the aggressive, deeply-lugged Vibram outsole, which immediately signals its intent for serious grip. Running a hand inside, the padding around the ankle collar and tongue feels plush, and the cushioned footbed has a promising initial springiness. But the real “aha!” moment came when I slipped them on. As someone who often struggles with standard-fit shoes, the extra room in the toe box was immediately apparent and incredibly welcome. There was no pinching, no cramping—just space. The reinforced rubber bumpers at the toe and heel add to the rugged aesthetic and feel like they’ll provide solid protection against scuffs and bumps. At first glance, they present as a well-thought-out shoe that punches above its price point, promising features often found on more expensive models. You can explore the full feature set and colour options to see this design for yourself.

Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Field Shoe Experience

A walking shoe’s true character is only revealed on the trail. It’s one thing to feel good in the living room, but another entirely to perform after five miles of varied terrain in typical British weather. We put the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes through its paces over several weeks, covering everything from paved park paths and grassy fields to muddy woodland tracks and gentle rocky inclines. Our experience was a tale of two distinct halves: moments of supreme performance and comfort, shadowed by looming questions about its ability to endure.

The Comfort Conundrum: A Wide-Fit Walker’s Dream?

Let’s be unequivocally clear: from the very first step, these shoes are astonishingly comfortable. The “Wide Fit” designation is not a marketing gimmick; it is a core, brilliantly executed feature. For anyone who has ever had to “size up” just to get enough width, the true-to-form spaciousness in the toe box is a revelation. Our testing confirmed this feeling mile after mile. The moulded foam in the cushioned footbed and midsole does an admirable job of soaking up impact, whether on hard tarmac or stony ground. We experienced no hot spots, no rubbing, and no break-in period was necessary—they felt as good on the first mile as they did on the tenth. This aligns perfectly with the most positive user feedback we analysed. One long-time owner described them as “one of, if not the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly echo based on our initial testing. The combination of a soft mesh lining, which aids breathability, and the plush padding makes your foot feel secure yet unconstrained. For casual walks and all-day wear where comfort is the paramount concern, the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes deliver an experience that rivals shoes costing twice as much.

Underfoot Confidence: The Vibram Sole Advantage

The single most impressive piece of hardware on this shoe is its Vibram outsole. Vibram is the gold standard in sole technology for a reason, and its inclusion at this price point is a major selling point. Our tests showed this wasn’t just a brand name slapped on for show; the performance is tangible and confidence-inspiring. On slick, rain-soaked leaves and loose, muddy slopes where lesser shoes would have us treading cautiously, the Field’s deep, multi-directional lugs bit into the ground with tenacity. We felt secure and stable, with excellent traction on both ascents and, crucially, descents. We even sought out wet, mossy rocks—notoriously treacherous—and found the grip to be remarkably sure-footed. This feature is what elevates the shoe from a simple “comfy sneaker” to a genuine piece of outdoor gear. It’s validated by incredible stories, like the user who successfully hiked Ben Nevis in them, navigating ice and snow. While we didn’t tackle a Munro, our experience on challenging local trails confirms that the sole is more than capable. It provides a stable, trustworthy platform that allows you to focus on the walk, not on your footing. This high-performance grip is a feature that really sets it apart in its category.

The Achilles’ Heel: A Frank Look at Durability

Here, we must address the elephant in the room. For all its comfort and grip, the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes is dogged by serious and consistent questions about its long-term durability. While our initial weeks of testing were positive, we began to see the early signs of wear that aligned alarmingly well with a significant portion of user complaints. The point where the suede upper meets the protective toe bumper is a critical flex point, and we noted some minor strain here. This is precisely where users report the material tearing or the bumper beginning to lift and delaminate, sometimes in as little as three months of light use. One user noted, “This is the second pair of these shoes and they have both failed in the same area in less than a year!” Another reported a “fairly sizable hole” after only a few weeks of gentle strolls. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a recurring pattern. While the Vibram sole itself is tough, some users have found that specific, thinner patches of the tread can wear through prematurely, compromising the waterproofing. It creates a frustrating paradox: a shoe with a world-class sole that may well outlast the upper it’s attached to. This inconsistency is the shoe’s greatest weakness and a major gamble for any potential buyer.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing the wider user experience reveals a deeply polarized view of the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes. The feedback is a fascinating mix of glowing praise and bitter disappointment, often hinging on a single factor: longevity. On one end of the spectrum, you have remarkable stories of durability. One walker reported their first pair lasting “about 6 years and walked many hundreds of miles,” calling them the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn. This highlights the shoe’s potential and explains its enduring popularity.

However, this is starkly contrasted by a larger volume of negative experiences that cannot be ignored. A common refrain, as one user put it, is “Don’t buy if you expect these shoes to last longer than a year!!” Many recount similar tales of the suede tearing near the toe, the rubber bumpers peeling away, or the sole breaking after only a few months of what they describe as very light use. One review sadly concluded, “It’s a shame because otherwise they are superbly comfortable and supportive.” This feedback is crucial; it paints a picture of a product that excels in comfort and initial performance but carries a significant risk of premature structural failure.

How Does It Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes against three strong competitors, each offering a different blend of features and strengths.

1. Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Hiking Shoe

The Columbia Fairbanks brings a different technology to the forefront with its Omni-Heat reflective lining. This makes it an exceptional choice for those who do most of their walking in autumn and winter. While the MW Field is geared towards Spring/Summer, the Fairbanks is built for retaining warmth in the cold. It offers Columbia’s robust build quality and reliable waterproofing, making it a potentially more durable, all-season option. However, it may prove too warm for hiking on hot summer days, where the MW Field’s mesh panels would provide better breathability. If your walks frequently involve frosty mornings, the Fairbanks is a superior choice for cold-weather comfort.

2. HI-TEC Eurotrek Lite Waterproof Walking Boots

For walkers who prefer more ankle support, the HI-TEC Eurotrek Lite presents a more traditional walking boot design. As a boot rather than a shoe, it offers greater stability on highly uneven or rocky terrain, reducing the risk of rolled ankles. It features a Dri-Tec waterproof membrane and a durable leather upper. The trade-off is in weight and flexibility; it will feel heavier and more restrictive than the low-cut MW Field shoe. This alternative is best suited for the hillwalker or trekker who needs the extra support and protection of a full boot and is willing to sacrifice the lightweight, sneaker-like feel of the Field shoe.

3. Columbia Men’s Peakfreak 2 Outdry Low Rise Trekking and Hiking Shoes

The Columbia Peakfreak 2 is arguably the most direct competitor to the Mountain Warehouse Field. It is also a low-rise, waterproof walking shoe designed for versatile performance. Columbia’s key advantage often lies in its construction and proprietary technologies like the Outdry waterproof membrane, which is bonded directly to the outer fabric, and the Techlite+ midsole for responsive cushioning. While likely carrying a higher price tag, the Peakfreak 2 is built for those who want the lightweight agility of the MW Field shoe but are willing to invest more for what is generally regarded as more consistent and reliable long-term durability. It’s the choice for the serious walker who wants a low-cut shoe that will last.

Our Final Verdict: A Gamble on Comfort

So, where do we land on the Mountain Warehouse Field Waterproof Wide Fit Walking Shoes? After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is that this is a shoe of profound contradictions. On one hand, it offers a level of out-of-the-box comfort, especially for those with wide feet, that is almost unrivalled at its price point. Paired with a genuinely superb Vibram outsole that delivers unwavering grip, its initial performance is excellent. It feels and performs like a much more expensive shoe in the short term.

However, this stellar performance is critically undermined by a significant and well-documented risk of poor durability. The recurring issues with tearing uppers and delaminating components mean that purchasing this shoe is a gamble. We can recommend it, with heavy caveats, to the very casual walker—someone who walks a few miles a week on gentle terrain and whose absolute priority is immediate comfort over long-term resilience. For these users, it might just be the comfortable, affordable shoe they’ve been looking for. But for anyone planning to put in regular miles or tackle demanding trails, the risk of premature failure is simply too high. For those users, investing more in a proven alternative from a brand like Columbia or HI-TEC would be a wiser long-term decision. If you fit the profile of a casual walker prioritizing a wide, comfortable fit, you can check the latest price and availability to see if the gamble is worth it for you.

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