Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot review: After years of searching for my favourite walking shoe, I've gone back to basics

I am no stranger to hiking, so I'm familiar with Ariat walking shoes. This American brand comes from a background in equestrian footwear and is a staple in the industry - but it's (wrongly) often overlooked in favour of familiar names like Merrell, Teva and Salomon. Take it from me, it's not to be underestimated.

The Ariat Skyline Summit Low walking shoes are an alternative to the tall boots most of us are familiar with, offering a little more flexibility around the ankle with the same support. They are part-rugged, part-sporty in their design and suitable for various terrains. Launched earlier this year, these are some of the best walking shoes in the traditional, fuss-free sense. There are no wild designs and they come in two classic colour options: coffee (brown) with bright blue trims and grey with yellow trims, which I tried. The sizing is very inclusive, ranging from 3 to 8.5 with a half size available.

Now it's getting colder and wetter, I was keen to review lower shoes as an alternative to my trusty walking boots, which are very well-trodden at this point. Living in Greater Manchester, I'm fortunate to be close to miles of moorland and the stunning views of the Pennines and Peak District, so that's where I took the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boots for a spin.

Ariat hiking boots review

Specifications

• Size range: UK 3 to 8.5
• RRP: £140
• Weight per shoe: 350g
• Materials: Full-grain upper leather
• Waterproof? Yes

Overview of the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot

Made from responsibly sourced leather that feels lovely and luxe to the touch, the Ariat Skyline Summit is a good-looking walking shoe. But it's more than just appearance, this shoe is a good choice whether you're sightseeing on a city break or tackling the trails.

Boasting waterproof technology, the true test was getting them into trying conditions. Living in the northwest of England, I didn't have to wait long to test them out in the rain. Overall, I found the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boots a delight to wear. They kept my feet dry and wonderfully cosy as the rain came down, and well-supported for the duration of my walks in the mud, through puddles, and over some uneven terrain. Out of all the walking shoes I've tested over the years, these are my favourites.

Taking them out of the box, the shoes felt solid in my hands. They have a rounded toe and heel cap that helps to protect the feet. Given this, I was surprised at how lightweight they felt. I am a standard size 7 and they were true to size (for reference, all of these sizes are B medium width), and despite wearing walking socks, my feet did not feel too constrained, which can sometimes happen with walking shoes that have more rigid construction.

There is a hook at the back of the walking shoe to help you pull them on and take them off, and I found them fuss-free and easy to put on. They perfectly cocooned my feet and provided a lovely cushiony feel on the sole - ideal on longer walks. It was also notable that the height of the shoe (4 inches) was sufficiently supportive, but left enough flexibility to move my ankle around comfortably.

What's the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot like to wear?

First impressions count of course but if you are spending over £100 on walking shoes, you want to feel confident and supported at all times. I first wore the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boots for some laps of my nearby park - about two miles on a slightly undulating gravel pathway. The brand prides itself on what they call Advanced Torque Stability (ATS) Technology, which claims to support and cushion the foot, promoting good posture and reducing fatigue with a gel-cushioned, moisture-wicking footbed and ‘ergonomic’ construction.

It all sounds rather impressive, and indeed, I felt secure when walking in these shoes but I had enough bounce to make walking a pleasant experience. I also wore them to drive to my favourite reservoir when it had been raining all day, just to see how they - and my feet - would cope in wet conditions. I was out for a couple of hours, walking on wet roads, in woodland, across a track and on a moorland incline. My feet stayed comfortable and dry, thanks to the DRYMax waterproof composition. I could actually see the rain bouncing off the shoes, so there was no case of pruned feet on my return.

These walking shoes are extremely durable and completely waterproof, making them an excellent pick for cold and wet winter walks. However, they pack a punch and you might not need so much if you're just looking for a pair of walking shoes to go round town and on the trails with. For that, I'd suggest the Teva Trailwinder Low walking shoes, hands-down.

Despite slippery conditions, I felt I could stride and reap all the benefits of hiking with confidence. The heavy-duty toe caps were a welcome addition when I accidentally hit my foot on a stone stile. I would call these an all-rounder; serious walking shoe that will take you through all sorts of terrain and weather, and because of the leather, they are likely to look even better with age.

How does the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot compare?

With only two colourways, you are lacking options compared to other brands, such as the Teva Trailwinder (£105), which has four options. However, they are at least sensible darker colours - unlike the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX (£150). Having tried these Merrell walking shoes myself, I agree with my fellow woman&home reviewer that they are comfortable and waterproof, but the pale peach, while pretty, is not the most practical option.

Arguably, the Ariat Skylight Summit Low is not as modern-looking as the Salomon X Ultra Alpine GTX. I wouldn't advise trying to make these work with casual wear, but they appeal to traditionalists who want solid, comfortable, versatile, and waterproof walking shoes.

If the price is too high for your budget, consider something like the Mountain Warehouse Belfour walking shoe (£73.99) instead. Although not a premium walking shoe, they do a sufficient job and are waterproof.

Should I buy the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot?

Yes, I can't recommend the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boots enough. If you're looking for what to wear hiking this winter, these are a great addition to your wardrobe. While these walking shoes are on the pricier side at £140, I have seen more expensive ones that just honestly aren't as good. You get a lot for your money with these - including beautiful supple leather, a rarity in the modern world of GORE-TEX walking shoes.

They are waterproof, durable, and provide plenty of stability and bounce. If I was picking holes, perhaps the design might be a little ‘sensible’ for some people’s tastes - although I appreciate the timeless classic style. It is also definitely more walking shoe than trainer, which is something to keep in mind, but ultimately, this is a hard-working, all-rounder that is built to last. These walking shoes tick all the boxes and will last years, making the higher price point palatable.