Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes Review: A Tale of Two Halves – Comfort vs. Durability

There’s a familiar challenge every outdoor enthusiast in the UK faces: finding that single, perfect pair of shoes. I’m talking about the elusive ‘do-it-all’ footwear. The one you can pull on for a muddy morning dog walk through the local woods, keep on for a trip into town, and still rely on for a spontaneous weekend hike across the downs. For years, my hallway was a cluttered testament to this failed search—heavy, rigid hiking boots caked in mud, casual trainers that soak through at the mere sight of a puddle, and a collection of compromises that were never quite right for any specific task. The dream is a shoe that blends the lightweight comfort of a trainer with the support and weather protection of a proper walking boot. It’s this exact dream that the Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes aim to fulfil. On paper, they have everything we look for: a waterproof membrane, ankle support, and a rugged look. But as we all know, the trail is the ultimate judge.

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Multisport Shoes

A men’s multisport shoe is more than just an item of footwear; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between everyday comfort and outdoor readiness. This category of shoe solves the problem of needing specialised footwear for every minor activity. Instead of switching from trainers to boots, a good multisport shoe handles paved paths, forest trails, and grassy parks with equal confidence. The main benefits are versatility, convenience, and providing a baseline of support and protection that standard trainers lack. They are designed to be a jack-of-all-trades, offering cushioning for hard surfaces, grip for loose ones, and resistance to the elements, all in a package that’s lighter and more flexible than a traditional hiking boot.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who enjoys an active but varied lifestyle. Think daily dog walkers, casual weekend hikers, families who frequent country parks, or anyone who wants a single, sturdy pair of shoes for unpredictable weather. They are perfect for those who walk a few miles a day on mixed terrain and prioritise out-of-the-box comfort. However, this category might not be suitable for those who engage in serious, high-mileage trekking or mountaineering on technical terrain. These individuals require the uncompromising rigidity, support, and bombproof durability of a dedicated, and often much more expensive, hiking boot. For them, a multisport shoe’s flexibility would be a liability, not a benefit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Waterproofing & Breathability: A critical feature for UK conditions. Look for shoes with a waterproof membrane, like the Tres-Tex technology found in the Trespass Finley. However, remember that a membrane is only as effective as the construction surrounding it. Pay attention to how well the seams are sealed and whether the tongue is gusseted to prevent water ingress from the top.
• Support & Performance: This is determined by the cut, the midsole, and the internal structure. A mid-cut design, like the Finley’s, offers more ankle protection than a low-cut shoe. An internal steel shank provides crucial arch support and torsional rigidity, preventing your foot from twisting on uneven ground, which is a feature we were pleased to see listed in the specs.
• Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most important long-term consideration. Uppers made of PU (Polyurethane) and mesh, like those on the Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes, offer excellent breathability and low weight. The trade-off is often reduced abrasion resistance compared to full-grain leather. The outsole material—typically rubber—and the tread pattern will dictate grip across different surfaces.
• Fit & Comfort: A shoe can have the best technology in the world, but it’s useless if it doesn’t fit properly. Consider if you need a wide or narrow fit, and always check sizing guides. Features like a cushioned collar and tongue are not just nice-to-haves; they are essential for preventing rubbing and ensuring comfort over longer distances. A good multisport shoe should feel comfortable almost immediately, with minimal break-in period.

While the Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes is an excellent choice to consider, 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 Finley: First Impressions and Core Features

Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes in their “Brown Coffee” colourway was their appealing, modern aesthetic. They strike a nice balance, looking rugged enough for the trail without being so overly technical that they’d look out of place on a high street. The combination of synthetic PU overlays and mesh panels gives them a dynamic look. Picking them up, their weight—or lack thereof—was the next standout feature. They feel significantly lighter than many mid-cut boots in this category, a direct result of the EVA midsole and synthetic upper construction. This immediately suggests they will be agile and less fatiguing on long walks.

The build quality, on initial inspection, seemed solid for the price point. The protective toe and heel guards are robust and well-integrated, promising to fend off scuffs from rocks and roots. The cushioned collar and tongue felt plush and generous, hinting at the out-of-the-box comfort that many users seek. The lacing system is straightforward, with a combination of fabric loops and metal hooks at the top for a secure lockdown. Running a hand along the inside, the mesh lining felt smooth and breathable. Our first impression was one of cautious optimism; this shoe presents itself as a lightweight, comfortable, and versatile option for the everyday adventurer. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its on-paper promises.

Putting the Trespass Finley to the Test: A Journey of Highs and Lows

A multisport shoe review isn’t complete without subjecting it to the very environments it claims to master. Our testing of the Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes was a months-long journey that started on urban pavements and ended on the saturated, muddy paths of a rain-swept national park. This extended evaluation revealed a shoe with two very different personalities: the comfortable, reliable companion of the first few months, and the disappointing failure that emerged when subjected to the rigours of consistent use.

Out-of-the-Box Comfort and Daily Wear: An Impressive Start

The most immediate and undeniable strength of the Trespass Finley is its comfort. From the very first time we laced them up, there was none of the stiffness or awkwardness that often accompanies new walking boots. The break-in period was, for all intents and purposes, non-existent. This finding was strongly echoed by user feedback, with one walker noting, “Very comfortable had these a few weeks now no blisters whatsoever.” This was exactly our experience. The EVA midsole provides ample cushioning that absorbs the shock of walking on hard surfaces like tarmac and paving stones, making them a viable option for a daily commute or running errands.

For our daily dog walks, which cover a mix of park grass, gravel paths, and pavement, the Finleys excelled in these early stages. Their lightweight nature made them feel more like a reinforced trainer than a cumbersome boot, which we appreciated. The cushioned collar and tongue hugged the ankle securely without any uncomfortable rubbing or pressure points. We did notice, as one user pointed out, that the design of the tongue could cause the laces to slacken slightly if not tied carefully. We adopted the same solution: avoiding the final tongue loop and using the top hooks exclusively for a tighter, more secure fit. In these first couple of months, the shoe performed exactly as advertised: a comfortable, supportive, and easy-to-wear option for everyday adventures. The initial experience really does live up to the promise, a feature that really sets it apart at this price point initially.

Weather Protection: The Tres-Tex Waterproofing Promise

A key selling point for any UK walking shoe is its ability to keep your feet dry. The Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes feature Trespass’s proprietary Tres-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane. During the initial testing period, this technology performed admirably. We deliberately walked through long, dewy grass on morning walks, navigated rain-soaked streets, and even stood in shallow puddles. In every case, our socks remained perfectly dry. The membrane seemed to do its job, blocking moisture from the outside while allowing a decent level of breathability, preventing that clammy feeling that can develop in less-advanced footwear. One user confirmed this early success, stating, “Have worn them in light drizzle and they do seem to be waterproof as claimed.”

However, the story of the Finley’s waterproofing is a tale of two distinct chapters. Fast forward to month four of our testing. After a particularly wet week and a two-hour hike across the Peak District, the promise began to crumble. A dampness started to creep in around the toe box on the right shoe—the main flex point. By the end of the walk, our socks were, as another user vividly described, “saturated and stained.” Further inspection revealed no obvious tear or hole. The failure appeared to be systemic. The waterproof membrane itself might be sound, but if the seams holding the shoe together lose their integrity or the outer materials become saturated and lose their DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, water will eventually find a way in. This experience, corroborated by numerous user accounts of the boots “leaking,” marks the most significant performance failure and a turning point in our assessment.

The Elephant in the Room: Durability and Construction Under Scrutiny

This leads us to the most critical aspect of our review: long-term durability. While the Finley impresses out of the box, its lifespan under regular use is alarmingly short. The initial signs of wear appeared sooner than expected, but the rapid decline after the three-to-four-month mark was stark. The same area where the waterproofing failed became the epicentre of a structural breakdown. The stitching that holds the synthetic upper to the rand (the protective strip above the sole) began to fray and eventually came completely undone on one side. This was the exact issue that one user reported led to their boots being thrown in the bin.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. We found a clear pattern in both our testing and wider user feedback. Another owner reported that after only three months, “the inside lining has worn through and the padding around the ankle has therefore started to come out.” Another, who had tracked their usage, noted total failure after about 600 miles of walking. For them, “the stitching has failed. Plus souls are breaking away.” The core issue seems to lie in the quality of the construction, specifically the stitching. The PU/Mesh upper, while lightweight and breathable, simply does not hold together under the repeated stress of walking. The sole unit, made of durable rubber, ironically outlasts the upper by a significant margin. As one disappointed user aptly summarised, “they’re basically manufactured waste with the soul of the boot long out lasting the upper.” This fundamental flaw transforms a comfortable, promising shoe into a short-term, disposable item, which is a significant drawback for anyone seeking a reliable outdoor companion.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are a direct reflection of the broader user sentiment, which is deeply divided and seems almost entirely dependent on the duration of ownership. Early reviews are frequently glowing, painting a picture of a perfect budget walking shoe. Comments like “Really good winter boots. Lightweight and so comfortable” and praise for their blister-free, out-of-the-box fit are common among new owners. These initial experiences align perfectly with the first phase of our testing, where the shoe’s comfort and low weight were its defining characteristics.

However, a recurring and concerning theme emerges in reviews from those who have owned the boots for three months or longer. The narrative shifts dramatically from satisfaction to profound disappointment. We see numerous, specific complaints about catastrophic failures. Reports of “stitching haf actually come away at one side,” “the inside lining has worn through,” and soles “breaking away” are far too common to be dismissed as isolated defects. The most frequent and critical complaint is the failure of the waterproofing, turning a once-reliable boot into a liability in wet weather. This consistent pattern of early failure is the single most important piece of feedback for potential buyers and confirms that the durability issues we experienced are widespread.

How Does the Finley Compare? Three Alternatives to Consider

Given the significant durability concerns with the Trespass Finley, it’s essential to look at what else is available. For those seeking a reliable multisport shoe, here are three strong alternatives that cater to different priorities and budgets.

1. Columbia Waterproof Mid Rise Hiking Boots

If your primary concern is trustworthy waterproofing and proven brand reliability, the Columbia Transverse is an excellent step up. Columbia is a heavyweight in the outdoor gear world, known for its proprietary technologies like Omni-Tech, which provides a high level of waterproof-breathable performance. While typically priced higher than the Finley, you are investing in a more robust construction and materials that are designed to withstand more consistent use. For hikers and walkers who frequently encounter wet conditions and want peace of mind that their feet will stay dry, the extra investment in a boot like this from a globally recognised brand is often money well spent in the long run.

2. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Moab is legendary in the hiking community, often cited as the benchmark for out-of-the-box comfort and all-around performance. The Moab 3 continues this legacy, offering a superb fit for most foot types, excellent cushioning, and a durable construction featuring a mix of suede leather and mesh. While it is a hiking shoe rather than a mid-cut boot (though a mid version is available), it provides fantastic support and traction with its Vibram outsole. For the serious walker who values proven, long-lasting quality and is willing to invest in a shoe that will endure hundreds of miles, the Moab 3 is arguably the gold standard that the Finley aspires to be but falls short of.

3. Mountain Warehouse McLeod Mens Hiking Boots

For those shopping on a strict budget, the Mountain Warehouse McLeod represents a direct competitor to the Trespass Finley. It operates in a similar market space, offering a waterproof, mid-cut design with features like EVA cushioning and a breathable mesh lining. Like the Finley, it aims to provide a lot of features for a low price. While it may face similar long-term durability questions inherent in this budget category, it presents another option for the casual user. It’s a choice for someone who needs a boot for occasional, light-duty use and understands the potential trade-offs in lifespan that come with a lower price tag.

Final Verdict: A Promising Shoe with a Fatal Flaw

Our in-depth review of the Trespass Finley Men’s Multisport Shoes leaves us with a clear but conflicted conclusion. On one hand, this is one of the most comfortable, lightweight, and instantly wearable boots we have tested at this price point. For the first few weeks and months, it delivers on its promise of being a versatile, easy-going companion for light duties like dog walking and casual country strolls. The initial performance, particularly regarding comfort, is genuinely impressive and represents excellent value for money.

However, this initial promise is completely undermined by a critical, fatal flaw: a profound lack of durability. The consistent, widespread reports of stitching failures, worn linings, and failed waterproofing after just three to four months of regular use are impossible to ignore and were replicated in our own testing. A walking shoe, no matter how comfortable, is fundamentally useless if it cannot withstand walking or keep your feet dry. Therefore, we cannot recommend the Finley for anyone who walks regularly or expects their gear to last a reasonable amount of time. If you need a cheap pair of boots for very occasional, dry weather use, they might suffice for a single season. For everyone else, our advice is to invest a little more in one of the more durable alternatives. While the initial comfort is tempting, the short-term reality is a product that, for many, is destined for the bin far too soon. If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and still wish to proceed, you can check the latest price and availability here.