For athletes whose feet don’t pound the ground like runners, kick balls like footballers, or jump and land like basketball players, cyclists are surprisingly dependent on wearing the best cycling shoes. Although riders often neglect new shoes in favor of a stylish new jersey or a snazzy set of eyewear, they may be the most important kit investment a rider can make.

Cycling journalist Mark Bailey and MF bike expert Laurence McJannet tested an eclectic mix of shoes, from speedy road-racing and innovative gravel shoes to off-road winter boots and hybrid MTB and commuter kicks, so you can find your perfect fit and kick-start the new cycling season in style.

These are the best cycling shoes

We were impressed with how well the svelte and stylish Le Col Pro Carbon Road Shoes performed in our tests. Their winning combination of lightweight, wraparound uppers and rigid carbon soles makes for supremely comfortable yet efficient road riding and racing shoes.

Other cycling shoe recommendations

1. Le Col Pro Carbon Road Shoes

Well into triple figures, these range-topping leather and carbon road shoes from Le Col are certainly pricey. But in my eyes they’re worth every penny. They may look like a pair of tap shoes, but these lightweight race-ready pumps will have you dancing on the pedals. Soft leather uppers wrap comfortably around your feet and uni-directional carbon soles give you a stiff platform to maximize power transfer. Double Atop dials let you micro-adjust to find your perfect fit too.

• Read our full Le Col Pro Carbon Road Shoes review

2. Endura Hummvee Flat Pedal Shoe

If you’re a flat-pedal fan rather than a clipped-in XC whippet, you could do a lot worse than these Endura Hummvee Flat Pedal Shoes. Their StickyFoot Grip soles really do give you a confidence-inspiring feeling of being locked on to your pedals.

They will shrug off water and dirt and keep your feet cool thanks to their perforated panels. And elasticated lace stashes ensure you won’t get your laces wrapped round your drive train. All in all, a great performing shoe at a bargain price.

• Read our full Endura Hummvee Flat Pedal Shoe review

3. Shimano RX8R Gravel Shoes

The Shimano RX8R is another carbon-soled offering but this lightweight shoe is aimed at gravel racers. It takes two-bolt SPD cleats rather than three-bolt road ones but is every inch a race shoe, so grips are minimal. It’s not an option for the budget-conscious, but you’ll be rewarded by a light, comfy shoe that maximizes pedaling efficiency while a soft knitted ankle cuff makes sure gravel won’t find its way in. There’s a Boa dial and cable system combined with a velcro strap for security, and we’re big fans of that burnished gold look.

• Read our full Shimano RX8R Gravel Shoes review

4. Mavic Cosmic Elite SL

These carbon-soled disco slippers from French wheel expert Mavic are a real steal. With all the stiffness and low weight (255g / 9oz) of a shoe twice the price, they’re an excellent option for those starting out riding competitively or even just looking for more efficient power transfer. I liked their broad forefoot, which is pretty accommodating for a race shoe, as well as the comfy, even tension that the single BOA dial creates. If you weren’t a race whippet or hill-climbing fiend before you put these on, you will be after.

5. DMT KR4 Road Shoes

The DMT KR4 features a nylon composite sole rather than a carbon one but at 8oz / 227g it’s lighter than most top-end race shoes. That’s mostly down to its minimal one-piece sock-like design, which ensures a sumptuous fit and eliminates pinch points. A single Boa dial takes care of tightening duties and adds to the KR4’s streamlined look and feel. I think this would be a great choice for enthusiast road riders looking to up their game and look good doing it.

• Read our full DMT KR4 Road Shoes review

6. Fizik Terra Artica GTX Off-Road Shoes

If you’ve discovered the unique joys of off-road winter riding, you should be looking at the Fizik Terra Artica. The GTX in its name stands for GORE-TEX, so you know you’re getting a rugged shoe that’ll withstand the elements. A high cuff helps keep the cold out while a grippy outsole will give you plenty of purchase when things get unrideable. We think the Terra Artica is the perfect choice for MTB riders who don’t like the elements dictating when they ride.

• Read our full Fizik Terra Artica TGX Off-Road Shoes review

7. Oakley Drift RC MTB Shoes

The Oakley Drift is a strong choice for riders who dabble in trials riding, or who love tackling jumps at their local bike park. It’s equally suitable for mountain bikers who prefer the freedom of flat pedals, and who want a versatile shoe they can spend time in off the bike too. It’s a decent price, and has plenty of caché in the style department. We’re big fans of the SUP Traction outsole, which will keep you glued to your flats when you’re riding full-tilt round berms like you’re on rails.

• Read our full Oakley Drift RC MTB Shoes review

8. Specialized Torch 1.0 Road Shoes

The Torch is the cheapest on our list, but don’t think that means a budget spec. The shoe gets all the benefits of Specialized’s Body Geometry fit found on its high-end options, which helps enhance biomechanical efficiency. You get a Boa dial and cable system too, with a lower velcro strap for a snug fit. And we’re really impressed that this sub-$100 shoe tips the scales at a mere 10.2oz / 290g too.

• Read our full Specialized Torch 1.0 Road Shoes review

Benefits of the best cycling shoes

Your shoes are the key body-to-bike connectors. They help to maximize power transfer and speed as well as your bike handling ability. They provide vital grip, balance and control when riding. And whether you need good breathability over summer, or extra warmth over winter, your shoes are also essential for your overall comfort and enjoyment on long days in the saddle.

A quality pair should also offer benefits to match your own personal riding style and terrain. Road riders will benefit from lightweight shoes with stiff soles which enhance power output. Off-road riders will value durability in all conditions and good grip for when scrambling over rocks or gravel. And commuters will welcome everyday comfort and the simple ability to get their feet on and off the pedals with ease. There are no right or wrong shoes – but there are right and wrong shoes for you.

How we tested the best cycling shoes

Our reviewers tested an eclectic mix of shoes, from speedy road-racing and gravel shoes to off-road winter boots, hybrid MTB and commuter kicks. We tested them on rides across the United Kingdom, from the East Midlands to the West Country, as well as abroad in continental Europe.

We also matched each pair to rides in relevant terrain, whether that be muddy 20-30km off-road adventures on the tracks and trails around Rutland Water and Wakerley Wood or speedy 80-100km road odysseys around Bath or Roubaix. Our testers spent at least a couple of months with these shoes throughout the year to keep an eye on their likely durability. We really have ticked every box, so now all you have to do is find your perfect fit and kick-start the new cycling season in style.

Related content:

• Cycling vs running for fitness
• How to ride singletrack
• How to improve cycling fitness

The post These are the best cycling shoes for every kind of rider appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Hiking is having a moment, with celebrities from Matthew McConaughey to Zac Efron and Colin Farrell snapped exploring the great outdoors in the kind of muddy boots you’ll never see near a red carpet. There’s also a growing sub-culture for fast-and-light hiking adventures, which is attracting casual Instagram hikers and serious hybrid athlete-adventurers alike. But the allure of hiking is timeless, offering you the chance to explore nature and to feel the unique joy of using human-powered motion to discover dramatic, remote or beautiful places.

Whether you plan to conquer a technical mountain trail or a flat forest track, enjoy a sunny summer trek or battle mounds of snow in far-flung locations, you need some sturdy, reliable footwear. So we’re kick-starting your next adventure with reviews of the most versatile, robust and high-tech hiking boots available.

These are the best hiking boots for men

Fast and light hikers will appreciate the blend of sleek, lightweight design and supple, athletic feel that the Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX brings to the trail. That GTX stands for GORE-TEX, so you know you’re getting reliable waterproofing. They’re more robust than a 350g hiking boot has a right to be, and the 4.5mm lugs provide plenty of traction on every surface we encountered.

Other hiking boot recommendations

1. Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX

Better known for its running shoes, Saucony has started to delve into the hiking shoe market. And that’s something the company should definitely continue with, if the Ultra Ridge GTX is anything to go by. The brand’s inaugural hiking boot is clearly inspired by its trail-rinning shoes, offering a light and luxuriously springy ride.

This hybrid hiker-athlete boot still has the GORE-TEX waterproof protection you’d want in a decent hiking boot, and plenty of protection to boot. But the trick Saucony pulls here is combining a propulsive midsole and grippy outsole for tackling technical terrain at a decent lick.

• Read our full Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX review

2. The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight

It’s no surprise The North Face is behind this stomping, all-conditions, all-terrain boot that will walk all over the worst Mother Nature can throw at you. Waterproof, snowproof and packed with 200g of insulation, it’s a top-notch multi-season boot that gives you outstanding protection from the trail and the elements.

We’ve ploughed through rain, rivers, ice and snow without worrying about getting our feet wet in these. They offer a reassuringly stable stride, too, with plenty of ankle stability and traction galore from its allow-shaped lugs.

• Read our full The North Face Fastpack Futurelight review

3. Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid

The Terraquest Texapore Mid boot combines excellent outdoor performance with robust enough styling that you don’t feel the need to kick them off as soon as your walk is done. Packing in abrasion-resistant fabrics and waterproof liner, Jack Wolfskin’s boot will handle all the knocks and splashes the trail can throw at it.

Many people probably buy the Terraquest boot for its military-utilitarian styling alone. But they’re missing a trick. This boot is made to be used and abused in the wild and its construction from the same material as body armour ensures it will stand the test of time.

• Read our full Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid review

4. Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX

Another shoe that looks indestructible, the Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX is encased in reinforced panels to protect its breathable upper. Toe and heel buffers give extra protect fore and aft too, much more than you’d usually see on a low-cut shoes. It doesn’t feel weighed down by this armour, though, with an EVA foam midsole making it feel quite an athletic shoe.

The Quicklace cable system is ideal for dialling in a precise fit, while chevron-shaped Contagrip lugs ensure you’ll adhere to all but the slipperiest of surfaces. Made from 50% recycled materials, the X Ultra 360 certainly does Salomon’s green credentials no harm either. We also rate the X Ultra 360 Mid GORE-TEX, which has a higher ankle for increased protection and a more conventional lace-up system.

• Read our full Salomon X Ultra GORE-TEX review

5. Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX

If Merrell’s classic Moab boot and its Speed shoe had a love child, we think it’d look something like the Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex. Rather than a series of compromises, it’s actually the best of both worlds, combining the grip and protection of the Moab with the fast, nimble feel of the Speed.

Perhaps the highlight of this shoe is its grip. It’s ridiculous just how confidence-inspiring its sandpaper-like traction is. I tried and failed to find surfaces the Moab Speed 2 wouldn’t stick to. FlexPlate technology and FloatPro foam create a tactile sensation on technical trails rather than being sealed off from them, which is a rarity in most hiking boots.

• Read our full Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX review

6. Columbia Facet 75 Mid Outdry

Looking more high-top sneaker than hiking boot, it’s no surprise the Columbia Facet 75 boasts running-shoe levels of comfort. It’s a strong and chunky mid-top with waterproof protection, and will keep your feet cosy and cushioned even on day-long hikes.

It might not be the hiking boot for demanding technical trails, but for most hikes that comfort will win out over any loss of grip or traction. There’s a reinforced toe box if you do encounter rocks but its lightweight construction is better for those who prefer a supple, lithe shoe rather than an armour-plated one.

• Read our full Columbia Facet 75 Mid Outdry review

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Cyclists need cardio fitness, power, stamina and balance. But while out on hazardous roads, they also need eyes in the back of their head. That, obviously, is an impossibility, but HindSight claim to offer the next best thing. To see what all the fuss is about, we decided to give them a go and find out if they’re worthy of a place among the best cycling glasses on the market.

Using patented ‘rear view mirror’ technology, these glasses promise to enable you to see what’s behind you as you ride. That should mean you will feel safer out on public roads, and you won’t mess up your aerodynamic silhouette by repeatedly twisting your head to glance over your shoulder. Quite a feat, if they do actually do what they say on the tin. Before I delve into my own experience with these glasses though, I want to tell you a little bit about how they came to be in the first place.

The history of HindSight glasses

HindSight is the creation of Alexander Macdonald, a physicist with a passion for cycling. But the glasses also draw on the knowledge of award-winning optical engineer Bob Henderson, and feature input from elite athlete ambassador Callum Skinner, a gold medalist in the team sprint at Rio 2016. 

The story began with a few sketches in a basement flat, after Macdonald suffered one near miss too many on busy city roads – an experience that I’m sure many of you reading this could empathize with. The idea then moved through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020. And the final product is now exciting commuters and road cyclists around the country. So, how do they work?

How do the HindSight Rear-View Cycling Glasses work?

The secret to HindSight products are the two-part angled lenses. With a special reflective mirror located in the sides of the lenses, you can see what is happening behind you. This means you’ll know when a car is about to overtake you, or another rider is about to fly past.

In fact, I found that by turning my head just a few degrees, I could pan my entire rear field of view. And the brand’s True Mirror technology means that objects are exactly as far as they seem. This mirrored section is also semi-transparent, to ensure your forward vision is not impaired. 

There are several models now available, from the stylish Edge Sport to the retro Edge Hemp. But the latest versions include the more lifestyle-focused Morpheus and Artemis styles. These combine an urban look with attention-grabbing lenses in green, blue and red shades. 

The latest models of the glasses still feature the patented rear-view lenses. But in these new versions, the lenses have been integrated into the frames, making them lighter and stronger. The result, I found, is a set of glasses which keep you safe on the bike, and ensure you look good off it.

What other cycling glasses should I consider?

Let’s be honest, as innovative as these HindSight glasses are, they aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. So, it’s only fair that I offer you some alternatives. Top of my list is the Oakley Plazma, with Sapphire polarized lens. These glasses might not give you rear-view vision, but they do a remarkable job of offering you the best possible clarity through your regular field of vision. That, of course, is down to the polarized lens. However, in general, polarized lenses aren’t super popular in the context of cycling glasses. Some riders can find the occasional flares you get to be too distracting, so it’s worth testing them out in person first if you can.

Alternatively, there are some cycling glasses which excel in specific lighting conditions. For example, if you usually cycle through forests with changing, cascading light, then the Oakley Kato with Prizm Trail Torch lenses are ideal. By contrast, if you live somewhere where there’s almost always sharp sunlight, it would be worth considering Panda Fixed Sport glasses with the Hot Ice lens instead.

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For complete transparency, I must begin with a disclaimer. There are no exercises that are best to lose belly fat. To lose belly fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit, and the quickest way to achieve that is to take a look at what you’re eating and learn how to track calories.

So you’re likely reading this article for one of two reasons. Either you’ve tried to burn belly fat in the past but ultimately not made the desired changes to your body shape, or you want to make your first attempt at changing your body for the better and strip away fat to sculpt a leaner and more defined physique. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Roll out your best exercise mat and get ready to burn.

Here’s the best advice on how to lose belly fat

1. Build more muscle to lose body fat

When you’re looking to shift fat, it’s tempting to tip the cardio-strength scales in favor of the former. But that’s a mistake.

“It might sound counterintuitive to someone looking to decrease body fat, but increasing muscle mass is the best solution,” says fat-loss expert Matt Jones, a performance coach for human performance experts P3RFORM.

“For every 0.5kg of muscle gained, you will burn 6-10 extra calories per day. So if you gain 4.5kg of muscle mass alone, that can equate to burning around an extra 100 calories. This is without even taking into consideration the additional calories burned from the lifting exercises themselves.”

Lifting weights will also help to keep you looking toned and strong when you start cutting down on the calories.

“Strength training in itself helps to preserve muscle mass while in a calorie deficit,” adds Jones, “as long as adequate protein is also being consumed.”

2. Use HIIT to burn fat

When it comes down to the best exercises to lose belly fat, the experts recommend trying HIIT. “High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is all the rage. While it can be useful if you are short on time, interval training in its less intense form can be useful for fat-loss, too,” insists Jones.

“The primary difference between HIIT workouts and interval training is the recovery periods. HIIT has shorter recovery periods to keep the intensity high, while interval training is performed with longer recoveries.”

That means you can train more consistently: interval training will place less stress on your body than HIIT to keep you coming back more often. It also empowers you to combine interval training with your favorite cardio. This is as opposed to joining dedicated HIIT classes.

“That’s especially helpful for individuals who want to change up how they do their favorite running, cycling or rowing sessions,” says Jones.

So, if you’re after the best exercises to lose belly fat, try restructuring your cardio sessions into interval-based fat loss workouts.

“Break the session up into smaller chunks of very high-intensity activity, and very low-intensity activity which you will use for recovery between the harder efforts,” says Jones.

“For a running workout, this could be 6 sets of 30-second efforts at a fast speed, and two minutes of easy recovery jogging or walking in-between. For a rowing workout, that may be rowing 200m as fast as possible, then doing 800m at an easy pace for recovery, repeated 3-5 times.”

3. Vary your exercises to lose belly fat

To achieve your fat-loss goals you need a healthy combination of organized routines and fresh challenges.

“Losing body fat is about consistency across a period of months. This entails both consistency of managing your nutrition, and consistency of regular exercise,” concludes Jones.

“But one area where people often fail is when they get into a routine and then get bored with their program. It’s better to get some variety and fun into your cardio training.”

If you want to learn how to lose belly fat, a wider variety of stimuli, in the form of different exercises, will boost your motivation and challenge your body in new ways. It will also enhance your longer-term weight-control strategy.

“For weight training, that could simply be switching in some different exercises that work the same muscle groups. Or, you could change how many sets and reps you perform. For cardio exercise, it could be changing up your modality from running to cycling or swimming.”

4. Increase your NEAT 

When it comes to learning how to lose belly fat, your fat-burning training regime is important, but so are your daily movement habits.

“NEAT – non-exercise activity thermogenesis – means the calories burned outside of exercise, eating and sleeping,” explains Jones.

“It includes all your movements, however big or small, throughout the day. From climbing the stairs, to standing at your desk – even fidgeting.

“Fat loss is not just about how many calories you burn in a day, but how many you burn over an extended period. So, improving your NEAT can play a huge factor in assisting you to lose fat.”

Try to picture your whole day as an opportunity for movement and activity, not just the windows when you can fit in organized exercise sessions.

5. Improve sleep quality to enhance your physique

Lying in bed might not sound like the best way to burn fat, but a healthy amount of sleep is vital for your fat-burning ambitions.

“When we don’t have enough sleep we all know that just about everything in our lives suffers, from our concentration to our mood,” explains Jones. If you’re tired, you will make poor food choices and find it harder to train.

“Sleep deprivation is also linked to an increase in a hormone called ghrelin. This increases hunger levels in the body.

“A two-week study found that during a period of calorie restriction one group that slept normal hours (8.5 hours per night) experienced 55% of their reduction in body weight specifically as fat loss. This was compared to another group with restricted sleep (5.5 hours per night) and experienced only 25% of their reduction as fat loss.

“That suggests sleep loss increases the loss of muscle mass during dieting. So, use your phone or wearable device to track your current sleep patterns and try to improve the quality and volume of your sleep.”

6. Ensure you’re in a moderate calorie deficit

It’s not new, or particularly fun, but the simple fact is that if you want to reduce your body fat you need to ensure you’re in a calorie deficit. Put simply, that means you burn more calories than you consume. However, there are some smart ways to achieve it.  

Arj Thiruchelvam is head coach at Performance Physique. He says that calorie consumption should be viewed from a wider lens than daily targets. “The process of fat loss doesn’t follow a day-to-day nature,” he says, “but instead works on higher and lower calorie days. This allows you to maximize moments of less hunger, the desire to eat more and socialize, while concurrently allowing you to achieve your body composition goals.”  

7. Slow down when you’re eating

As well as what you eat, focus on how you’re eating it. “When you eat too quickly, you don’t notice how full you are and your receptors can’t keep up,” says integrative health coach and nutritionist Arina Kuzmina. “Try slowing down, take a break from running around for ten minutes, sit down and actually enjoy your well-deserved meal.” That also means eating away from the TV, emails or social media.  

8. Lift smarter to lose belly fat

Instead of focusing on isolation exercises to lose belly fat – for example, cable work, crunches and biceps curls – make heavy compound lifts the basis of your strength training. Squats, deadlift variations, pull-ups – all these lifts recruit more than one joint and muscle group at a time. “When these functional exercises are performed correctly with challenging loads,” says personal trainer Sana Shirvani, “you will burn more calories, as you’re performing a larger volume of work in the same amount of time.” 

9. Fill up on protein

Protein is the most filling macronutrient and could stop you reaching for junk food that will only add to your belly fat.  

“Protein encourages the body to tap into your fat stores, rather than muscle tissue,” says Nick Mitchell, CEO and founder of Ultimate Performance. “When you’re in a calorie deficit, your body will start to convert those fat stores to give you energy. But, particularly if body composition is your goal, then a combination of high-protein foods and resistance training with bands or weights will signal the body to tap into your fat stores, rather than your muscles.”  

Get your fill of lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, tofu and legumes. Mitchell recommends anywhere between 2.2g to 2.8g of protein per kilogram of lean body mass. However, estimating the magic protein requirement for you will be very subjective. 

10. Drink more water

Water plays a vital role in processing calories, whereas mild dehydration can slow your metabolism. In one study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than those who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water before every meal. Also snack on melons and citrus fruits, which naturally contain lots of water. 

In a 2015 UK study, those who drank 500ml of tap water half an hour before each meal lost 1.3kg more over a 12-week period than the control group, who didn’t drink the water before eating. The authors commented that those trying to learn how to lose belly fat, or body fat in general, could try drinking a pint of water before every meal, three times a day. 

11. Try intermittent fasting for fat loss

Some people swear by intermittent fasting; others think it’s a load of nonsense. As with every major health debate, the answer lies somewhere in between, and is highly subjective. It’s important to note that fasting is mainly another means of getting into that state of calorie deficit (if you’re not eating for half the day, chances are you’re not going to be over-consuming calories). Although Dr Michael Mosley, creator of The Fast 800 diet, sees other advantages:

“Short-term fasting can lead to several changes in the body that make it easier to burn belly fat,” he says. “This includes reduced insulin, increased growth hormone and a small boost in metabolism. According to a 2014 review, intermittent fasting can cause weight loss of 3-8% over three to 24 weeks. 

“Time-restricted eating is very straightforward. Simply ensure that for at least 12 hours within each 24-hour period, you do not consume any calories. Some people prefer to shorten their eating window further, to ten or even just eight hours, although recent research shows that a 12-hour period away from food is enough time to give your body significant benefits.” 

12. Manage your stress levels

There’s research to suggest that high levels of stress and a lack of sleep can increase inflammation in your body, which in turn can lead to increased fat storage around the stomach area. If you want to learn how to lose belly fat, start by prioritising relaxation. Of course, finding ways to reduce stress is often easier said than done, but yoga, meditation or even regular fresh-air walks are some tried-and-tested methods. 

13. Eat alone to tune into your body

Research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found people eat up to 44% more food when eating with others. It noted one cause is that we still lean towards ‘social facilitation’, an ancestral mechanism that ensured equitable food distribution. Eating alone also allows you to savour your food, and listen to your body when it tells you it’s getting full.

14. Accept that six-pack abs take sacrifice

If you’re hoping to not only lose belly fat, but carve out a serious six-pack, Ultimate Performance’s Mitchell says you need to learn how to deal with tiredness, fatigue, hunger and cravings to get to the place you want to be:

“This is usually the stumbling block, and why so many men never really turn their vague abs outline into a solid six-pack. People may reach 11-12% body fat, but be unable to withstand the social sacrifice and internal symptoms to push further.”

15. Understand your emotions to lose belly fat

Aside from hunger, often there are other factors that cause us to dip our mitts into the cookie jar.

“One of the main reasons for eating more is emotion,” says Kuzmina. “We try to fix a broken heart with chocolate, overcome sadness with pasta, deal with disappointment or frustration with ice cream, or compensate for a lack of direction with biscuits.” 

Or you may simply be tired and bored. Kuzmina says it’s important to find the root cause and deal with that, instead of automatically reaching for the comfort of food. Before every snack, ask yourself a couple of simple questions: ‘Why am I eating? Am I physically hungry?’ “The key to losing weight,” Kuzmina concludes, “is not only figuring out what you’re eating, but what’s eating you.” 

16. Switch off from your screens

The greater the time spent on screens, the greater the chance of weight gain. That’s according to research from the World Cancer Research Fund International, and is largely because the majority of our time on screens is spent sitting down.

“Being inactive can also actually trigger your appetite at the worst time: when you’re burning the least amount of calories,” says Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy. 

17. Pick the right colored plate

Bright colors stimulate your appetite, so Dr Lee recommends eating from dark plates. “Darker colors suppress appetite,” she says, “because portion sizes appear bigger against darker backgrounds.” 

18. Do more burpees

It’s true that nutrition holds the key if you want to lose belly or body fat, but you can improve your chances by doing the right types of exercises, too. The burpee is an undeniably brutal bodyweight movement. But Reiss Mogilner, trainer with global functional fitness community F45 Training, says it’s an invaluable fat-burning tool.

“This move majorly works your core, as well as your shoulders, chest, lats, triceps and quads,” he says. “It gets your heart rate going and your blood pumping, and acts as the perfect warm-up or finisher exercise.” 

TRY THIS EXERCISE: 

• Set your stopwatch. 
• In the first minute, do 1 full burpee (chest to the floor), then rest for the remainder of the minute. Easy!  
• Do 2 burpees in the second. See where this is going? 
• That’s right: 3 in the third.  
• Keep aligning the number of burpees with the number of minutes, and resting for the remainder of each minute.  
• Simply stop when you can’t complete the set number of burpees within the minute. 
• If you can make it to 20, consider yourself a certified burpee machine.

19. Avoid binge drinking to lose belly fat

You’ll be pleased to know that we aren’t here to warn you off alcohol altogether. Although beer bellies are real things, if you can’t imagine dinner without a glass of pinot, then you’re in luck. How about drinking more regularly, but less intensely? A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that those who drank infrequently but heavily had more abdominal fat than those who consumed the same amount but drank regularly.

20. Focus on fibre

Studies have found that eating more soluble fibre – whole grains, fruits and vegetables – can help you lose belly fat and stop it from creeping back on. A study in the journal Obesity found that a tiny 10g increase in soluble fiber was linked to a 3.7% lower chance of gaining tummy weight. Just one cup of oats contains 8g of the good stuff, while a banana contains around 3g. 

21. Sort your gut health out

A happier gut is a leaner gut. And what makes a happy gut? Variety. Previous research discovered how those with a more varied gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in our intestines) had a lower risk of belly fat. Plus, 2022 research conducted by the University of California found that eating too much food, too often, resulted in poorer microbial and metabolic health, potentially proving that a three-meal-a-day eating style is ideal. 

22. Balance blood sugar

Avoid the rollercoaster of cravings throughout the day by getting your meals in check. “Keep your blood sugar balanced by eating sufficient good-quality protein, unprocessed whole foods rich in vegetables, and some fruits – eat a rainbow every day,” says nutritional therapist Fleur Borrelli. 

23. Snack smarter to lose belly fat

Studies have found that grazing throughout the day can significantly increase daily caloric intake. This is because many of us graze on high-fat and high-sugar foods that lack proper nutrition. These can subsequently lead to excess fat sitting in your belly. If you find yourself grazing, set a timer on your phone to signal your next eating ‘point’. Borrelli recommends having two to three protein- and fiber-rich meals per day, with at least a five-hour fast between meals, to avoid snacking. 

24. Eat more black garlic

Black garlic has been proven to help reduce visceral fat: the dangerous fat that sits internally around organs. Essentially, black garlic is aged, ordinary white garlic, but it packs in twice the antioxidants of the white variety.

Research has also found that black garlic could regulate blood sugar (to stop the snacking) and protect your brain health. Pick up black garlic in major supermarkets and independent stores. 

Types of belly fat

Within the human body, fat tissue exists in a range of varieties, including white, brown, beige and pink. According to Harvard Health, body fat can also be divided into subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous fat is the layer you can feel when you pinch your skin. It’s also the most abundant type of fat in the body and, while it may wobble about a bit, it’s generally considered to be harmless, unless you carry a very high amount. In fact, it plays an important role in cushioning your joints and bones.

In contrast, visceral fat – which sits deep in the abdominal cavity and surrounds our digestive organs and heart – may be largely undetectable from the outside, but it has been linked to a range of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. If that wasn’t enough, it also releases a range of inflammatory substances which can promote insulin resistance. Due to its tendency to reside in the abdomen, excess visceral fat is often seen as the main culprit of belly fat.

Are all fats bad?

While carrying excessive fat can certainly be harmful for your health, it’s important to note that certain fats play essential roles in the functioning of the human body, including the regulation of hormones, controlling your body temperature and aiding the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Key factors for fat-loss success

Of course, the usual mantra of eat right, move more and subsequently end up in a calorie deficit (the key driver for fat loss) is the number-one solution when you want to learn how to lose belly fat, but there are ways of reaching that point in an accelerated timeframe.

Key fat-loss factors – think good sleep patterns, elevated daily movement habits and more varied training stimuli – are easily neglected.

But experts in strength, conditioning and nutrition know that taking a broader approach can speed up your fat loss plan in the weeks ahead. It can also create a more sustainable, long-term fat-burning solution.

If you put my advice into action, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you look, feel and perform better than ever.

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Staying hydrated when working out is crucial, but many of us are oblivious regarding how much water we should be drinking before, during, and after a session – or when you should be adding the best electrolyte drinks into the mix.

Whether you’re working out in the park or pounding the pavements daily, the hot weather means more of us being enticed to take our workouts outdoors. However, the heat also puts athletes at risk of dehydration, which increases cardiovascular strain, glycogen utilization and muscle lactate to make exercise feel much harder than it should.

“Hydration matters,” says sports nutritionist Will Girling. “Research suggests dehydration of just 2% of your bodyweight causes a significant drop in performance. So if a 100kg athlete loses 2kg of water, that will be very detrimental.”

The good news is that with smart hydration strategies you can manage your fluid loss to ensure you enjoy the benefits of the hot weather, without succumbing to the hazards. With that in mind, here are five strategies for staying hydrated this summer.

How much water to drink when working out

1. Always pre-hydrate

Whether you’re doing a sweaty indoor gym session, or a run or bike ride outside, your hydration plan should kick in early.

“Always hydrate before you do your workout,” explains Girling. “Drink 400-600ml of water two hours beforehand. The simple test is to go to the bathroom and examine your urine: if your passing is dark in color, have another 400-600ml before your class or bike ride.”

That is especially important if you’re exercising in the morning.

“It can be really hot in the summer, but people wake up and go straight out,” says Girling, “even though they’ve suffered water loss from sweat overnight, so they’re not in a hydrated state.”

2. Keep sipping

How much liquid you need to drink during your workout will depend on what exercise you’re doing.

“Always take a bottle with you and hydrate as much as you can, but if you’re going to the gym your workout will probably be under an hour, so drinking ad libitum – that’s drinking to thirst – will be fine,” says Girling.

For longer endurance exercise, however, you need a stricter strategy:

“The general recommendation is 500-600ml per hour of activity. Anything more than two hours and you really need to stick to that 500-600ml rate, which is roughly one bottle per hour.”

Use a watch or bike computer to set reminders to drink, and plan your route to allow you to refill your bottles or buy extra water en route.

3. Don’t forget electrolytes

Sweating is your body’s defence system against overheating. Unfortunately, though, when you sweat you lose some important minerals known as electrolytes, including sodium and potassium.

Electrolytes support a number of bodily functions, including energy production and fluid balance.

“It is very important to replace the electrolytes lost when you sweat,” explains Girling. “At best, you will see an unwelcome decline in your performance. At worst, you can get hyponatremia (low blood sodium) which can be deadly.

“So, during extended exercise, take on an electrolyte source once an hour. Around 400mg of sodium – or one electrolyte tablet – should cover most people.” Time to get clued up on what electrolyte drinks are.

4. Know your own body

One of the best ways to navigate hydration issues is to get to know the symptoms. The quicker you spot them, the easier they are to correct.

“The common signs of dehydration are dry mouth and thirst but if you start to get into a two per cent bodyweight loss or greater you will experience headaches, nausea and dizziness,” says Girling. “Being low on electrolytes can cause nausea, too.”

React quickly to any warning signs to make sure you don’t deteriorate further. It’s also worth learning how to calculate your sweat rate to be even more clued up on your body’s hydration levels.

5. Hydrate at home

Your hydration protocols shouldn’t stop the moment you get home.

“Keep drinking when you’re finished to replace the fluids lost during exercise,” insists Girling.

Aim for around one bottle per hour until your urine has returned to its natural pale color. Remember, you will continue to lose extra fluids through sweating and urination at home, so keep on sipping long after you finish.

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What are cycling cleats?

Ordinary flat pedals have a wide contact area, so a cyclist can wear normal flat-soled shoes to stomp down on the pedals. This is the easiest way to ride a bike, and is perfectly functional. But the next step is to move to ‘clipless’ pedals, which are smaller and lighter, and feature a cleat attachment. That enables the pedals to connect with a small cleat embedded in the sole of a cycling shoe. This forms a stronger and more secure physical connection between your shoe and pedals. So, you’re no longer just riding the bike; you’re now a part of it.  

The term ‘clipless’ pedals is a bit confusing. As you ‘clip in’ to these pedals, ‘clip pedals’ would be a better term. But ‘clipless’ is just an old-fashioned phrase which stems from the fact these more advanced pedals no longer require the traditional toe clips (or straps) that cyclists used to use as recently as the 1980s to keep their feet in place when riding bikes with flat pedals.  

What are the benefits of cycling cleats?

Upgrading to cleats delivers multiple benefits. That strong clipped-in connection between your shoes and pedals encourages you to pedal through the whole pedal rotation, or as close as you can manage. That’s instead of just plodding down on the pedals during the downstroke, which is all that’s possible with flat pedals. So being clipped in improves pedalling efficiency and power output.  

“Being clipped in, as well as cycling shoes being considerably stiffer than normal shoes, means that more of the energy you apply to the pedal goes through to driving the chain,” explains Richard Salisbury of Pedal Precision at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, England. “Using cleats means you’ll use more of the pedal revolution to generate power, rather than just the downstroke. This can be practiced and leads to a smooth, circular pedal stroke.” 

Cleats also provide extra control and safety, as your feet won’t slide off the pedals in wet conditions, on sharp corners or when riding over uneven terrain.  

There are other advantages, too. One is encouraging you to pedal at higher cadences, which can improve your speed and power. Another is enhancing your comfort on longer rides, as your foot is held in the right position. With flat pedals, every bump can change your foot’s position, which will affect your knee angle. “Cleats keep the feet planted properly and the knees tracking better,” says Salisbury. “This can help prevent injuries.” 

What are the different kinds of pedals and cleats?

There are many different cycling cleats and pedals. So riders must choose the best option for the specific demands of their riding discipline, the terrain and their personal preferences. The one consistent rule is that your pedals must match your cleats, because each style has its own unique cleat connection. 

Broadly speaking, modern clipless pedals use either two-bolt or three-bolt cleats. Two-bolt cleats are small, which enables them to be recessed into the sole of a bike shoe. Or they can sit between the thick treads of an outer sole, so you can walk around easily and put your foot down when you need to. They’re made of metal, and most often paired with double-sided pedals, which are easy to clip in and out of, as you can clip into either side.  

These qualities make them popular with mountain bikers, who find the two-sided pedals easier to clip into on rough terrain, and who can walk around over rocks and mud thanks to the grip of the soles. They’re also popular with new riders and commuters, who like to be able to clip in and out easily at traffic lights, and to walk around easily when they arrive at the office or café.  

The most common two-bolt cleats are Shimano SPDs, but Crankbrothers also have a popular two-bolt cleat system – if you want to try them out, have a look at the prices for the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 clipless pedal below:

Three-bolt cleats are usually bigger, more triangular in shape and made of plastic, which allows for optimal power transfer. These cleats connect with larger single-sided pedals, which provide a larger contact area for power transfer and more stability over long distances. But they are a bit harder to clip into, as you can only clip into one side of the pedal, and they are more awkward to walk around in, because those big three-bolt cleats sit on the outermost part of the soles. These cleats are popular with road cyclists who want maximum power and control over long distances, but rarely need to put a foot down or unclip. 

The most common are Shimano SPD-SL cleats but Look KEOs are also popular – find out the best deals on these below:

How do you fit your cleats?

Cleats are attached with bolts, using an Allen key. A cleat is best positioned around the middle of the ball of your foot, to maximise stability and power output, so the axle of the pedal is directly beneath the ball of your foot. 

“First, make a mark on your shoes in line with the base of your big and little toes,” says Salisbury. “The centre line of the cleats and pedals should line up at the mid-point between these two markers, from front to back.  

Next up, most cleats also have adjustment for Q-factor (how far apart your feet are when clipped in). If you know you naturally walk or stand with your feet close together, push the cleats a little more towards the outside of the shoes. This will mean your shoes will be closer together when clipped in and pedaling. If you naturally stand with a wider stance, push the cleats towards the inside of the shoes. This will mean they are wider apart when clipped in. 

Finally, adjust the angle. Sit with your legs dangling off a stool and look how your feet and lower leg sit. If they rotate outwards slightly, rotate the cleats inwards a little, with the front of the cleat pointing a little more towards the big toe. If your feet point towards each other, point the cleats towards the little toe.” 

On your first few rides, take an Allen key so you can adjust your cleats to find the best fit.  

How do you use cleats?

To clip in, just slide you foot forwards onto the pedal, until you hear the click of the cleat catching the pedal catch. To clip out, twist your heel outwards so the cleat pops free of the pedal. Practice by leaning with one hand against a wall or fence. Then try it while moving along a quiet road or soft, grassy area. Over time, it will become so intuitive you’ll wonder how you ever cycled without them. 

Related content:

• Cycling vs running for fitness
• How to ride singletrack
• How to improve cycling fitness

The post What are cycling cleats and how do you use them?  appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Jack Wolfskin sounds like the name of a macho American cowboy, but it’s actually a German brand (the name is inspired by the free-spirited wolves in Jack London’s classic adventure novel The Call of the Wild). The company prides itself on its German engineering and there’s plenty of innovation in its Terraquest Texapore mid-cut boots. These ox-strong boots feature abrasion-resistant fabrics and an elite waterproof liner, making them some of the best hiking boots for men. The result is a muscular boot that performs well outdoors and looks stylishly robust in the pub afterwards. If this boot were a man, he’d wear a check shirt and know how to knock up a log cabin.

Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid design and build

On first glance, the Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid (buy now) is a military-style boot with street-style credentials. My pair was Jet Black, but these also come in Bear Brown and Gecko Green. Holding the boot, you can instantly sense its brawny build, with that hardy nubuck leather upper reinforced by Cordura ballistic fabric – a tightly-woven nylon originally developed for use in military body armour.

This is a muscular boot, with a single size 8 weighing 570g / 1.3lb, so it packs serious bulk. The brand rates this boot ‘A/B’, which means long day or multi-day hikes in sub-alpine regions and routes up to the tree line.

Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid performance

As an unapologetically robust product, this boot had some initial stiffness around the well-supported ankle area, but after a few weeks the boot relaxed and served up a smooth, supportive and solid tread. You feel almost recklessly confident in any terrain, thanks to the outstanding stability and protection.

The boot has a seriously stout sole. To see just how chunky, try wearing one boot and observe the height difference against your unbooted foot. It means you won’t get troubled by rocky terrain. But the surprisingly pronounced rocker sole makes these boots more agile and propulsive than they appear.

Nevertheless, this is a heavy boot, at 1.14kg / 2.5lb for a pair in size 8. That’s almost 200g / 7oz heavier than the North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Futurelight I reviewed, which are a full high-top design packed with winter insulation. I know many hikers who like – in fact, need – a robust feel, but I definitely prefer a nimbler boot. But the flip side of that weight issue is that these should be a solid long-term investment, with excellent abrasion- and tear-resistance.

All in all, the boot feels reassuringly solid, and the Vibram sole is trustworthy underfoot. The boot offers excellent protection against rain, thanks to the brand’s own Texapore Ecosphere Pro waterproof membrane – that’s the brand’s premium fabric, with a waterproof rating of 20,000mm, which essentially means it can handle any storm. On a spring hike of 17°C, the boot inevitably got hot and prickly, so keep it in hibernation until autumn/winter.

I suspect this is a fashion-conscious boot, with one eye on the casual hiker wanting a visibly brawny boot. But with its premium materials and protective layers, this is still a high-performance boot at heart.

Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid features

Its waterproof membrane is made from recycled materials and the Vibram outsole from 90% natural ingredients. The treatment that’s applied to the upper to aid water beading is free of toxic chemicals, and even the zinc lace hooks are recycled. Jack Wolfskin takes this stuff more seriously than most brands – and it shows.

Related content:

• Columbia Facet 75 Mid Outdry review
• The North Face Vectic Fastpack Futurelight review
• Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX review

The post Jack Wolfskin Terraquest Texapore Mid Review: My Long-Term Pick appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Salomon is based in the French Alps, so it should know what makes hikers happy. The X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX is built on the legacy of its popular X Ultra range, but given an agile twist for kilometre-killing comfort. I’ve worn Salomon shoes for years (heck, model Bella Hadid and musician Dev Hynes have now turned them into fashion items) and I like their cushioned fit and durability. And the X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX doesn’t disappoint, with its springy midsole, intelligent traction system and protective panels making it one of the best hiking boots for men.  

Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX design and build

When I first picked up the Salomon X Ultra 360, I noted the breathable mesh upper, but there is also a thick layer of reinforced material around the base to protect against mud and scrapes. That level of protection is not the norm in a low-cut shoe, and it sets this shoe apart. It can also be found in the higher X Ultra 360 Mid GORE-TEX version. When new, this protection looks a little too plasticky, although those smooth surfaces have a purpose: to reduce mud adhesion. But some dusty miles soon takes the sheen off.

My model was a sand-coloured Vintage Khaki, but you can also buy black, grey and blue models. These also come in mid-top and high-top versions.

Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX performance

The shoes provided immediate comfort, thanks to their snug and secure cable lace system and their fun and flexible midsole. Fun is not a word you often read in hiking shoe reviews, but it may be the most important. We hike for pleasure, after all, and this flexible sole and lightweight design (my UK size 7.5 is just 350g) delivers a highly responsive, intimate and natural walking experience. With the EVA foam midsole, the shoes boast a propulsive kick and an athletic feel. The downside of that responsive sole is that I felt sharp rocks underfoot more than with other shoes, so I’d not us them for rocky terrain. I didn’t test these shoes on highly technical hikes as Salomon promotes these for ‘light trail’ use.

But there’s certainly good stability here, with a secure chassis which offers good lateral stability to prevent ankle roll. The GORE-TEX waterproofing is top-quality, as always. As with any low-cut shoe, expect some water entry from splashes. But I strode through puddles in Lincolnshire with no problem.

The low-cut design meant I occasionally had to stop to shake out the odd stone, but with the Quicklace cable system these shoes are easy to get on and off. I like cable laces as I can make micro-adjustments to give my feet more space when they swell on hot days, or tighten up the laces before tricky scrambling sections.

Although I’ve only had these a few months, durability looks like it’ll be good. The hardy toe cap saved me on some toe-banging descents, and those protective panels around the base are so much better than on rival shoes where the mesh upper descends ominously low to the ground, inviting scuffs and tears.

Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX features

Salomon’s All-Terrain Contagrip sole features chevron-shaped lugs that offer multi-directional grip on wet or loose surfaces. Note the grippy patterns near the toe and heel, which helps when climbing a slope or braking on a descent.

These shoes have good eco-friendly credentials, too, with up to 50% recycled materials in the uppers and recycled plastic cables used in the midsoles.

Related content:

• Jack Wolkskin Terraquest Texapore Mid review
• The North Face Vectic Fastpack Futurelight review
• Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX review

The post Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX: These shoes will last me for years appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Lightweight low-top and versatile mid-top hiking shoes are popular with hikers today, as they offer a light, fast fit for low-stakes adventures. But when hitting technical terrain, sub-zero temperatures, ice or snow, a quality high-top like The North Face’s military-spec insulated Vectiv is called for. As sponsor of elite mountaineers, The North Face knows that quality materials count. And this North Face Vective Fastpack Futurelight insulated all-season hiker – waterproof, snowproof and packed with 200g of insulation – is a top-notch multi-season solution, and one of the best hiking boots for men.

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Boots design and build

When you pluck The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight (buy now) out of the box, you know you’re holding a quality product. It has a robust leather upper and a protective reinforced layer which reaches a height of 4cm at the toe and 11cm near the heel. Furthermore, the distance from the sole to the upper tongue, marking the top of the boot’s waterproof inner, is a huge 15cm. That means you can plough through rain, rivers, ice and snow without worrying about getting your feet wet.

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Boots performance

On wintery hikes and soggy spring slogs, these boots offered me a reassuringly sure, stable and dry-footed stride. That robustness is not just about staying safe and dry either – it also galvanises your confidence to venture through tricky terrain. I ploughed through icy streams in the Cotswolds, powered over slippery lichen-coated boulders in the Peak District and kicked through frost in Lincolnshire landscapes without losing my grip.

These shoes feature 200g of insulation, which kept my feet toasty, even on winter mornings. And that waterproof Futurelight inner, which uses a nanospun polyurethane fibre to combine waterproofing with breathability, does a fine job.

With the secure high-top design, ankle stability was also excellent. Remember, ankle support is not just about avoiding slips and injuries; it also helps to stabilise you when carrying a heavy backpack uphill and downhill.

The danger with all-weather boots is that they can feel bulky. But these feel unexpectedly nimble, thanks to their athletic fit, momentum-boosting Vectiv plate rocker and high-rebound foam midsole. My UK size 7.5 came in at 450g per shoe. The brand calls them ‘lightweight hiking shoes that won’t weigh you down’ – and that’s a fair shout.

Given the insulation, I would avoid using them over summer. On a spring day at 19°C, these were uncomfortably warm. An uninsulated version is available at a cheaper price.

With that beefy outer strip of enhanced protection, at no point did I think these boots would suffer a tear or abrasion. Although I’ve only had them for four months, I expect their long-term durability to be excellent.

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Boots features

Take note of The North Face’s Surface CTRL outsole – an impressive rubber construction with 4mm arrowhead-shaped triangular lugs which excelled in both wet and dry conditions, and across multiple directions.

The OrthoLite foam footbeds are spongy, light and breathable and feature built-in moisture management and antimicrobial action.

The shoe has some nice pro touches too, including a D-ring on the tongue to attach to gaiters and a knob on the heel to keep showshoes in place. I won’t use them, but they say a lot about the wild terrain these boots are built for.

Related content:

• Jack Wolkskin Terraquest Texapore Mid review
• Columbia Facet 75 Mid Outdry review
• Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX review

The post The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight: I Walked Through Water In These appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Merrell’s Moab hiking boot is a global classic, with its various iterations clocking up over 25 million sales. With the Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX, the US brand is amalgamating the durability and dependability of its Moab boot with the technical qualities of its Speed range to deliver a nimble and versatile fusion. Is that enough to put it among the best hiking boots for men?

Combining a gold-standard GORE-TEX waterproof liner and a grippy Vibram TC5+ sole with a lightweight build for multi-mile comfort, the Moab Speed 2 feeds into the modern culture of fast, athletic hiking pursuits, but offers more stability and elemental protection than trail running shoes.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX design and build

Although I’m a fan of high-top boots, there are days when I just want a light, low-cut shoe for venturing over trails without feeling like I am going into battle with Mother Nature. Think spontaneous summer hikes or light autumn forest treks. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX (buy now) – which is marketed for use on ‘moderate’ trails, with some obstacles and debris – feels like exactly this kind of build.

On unboxing the shoes, I could clearly see they are serious hiking shoes, rather than springy trail runners, with a chunky stack height (34mm at the heel and 24mm at the forefoot) and some strategic scuff protection. At 349g per shoe they’re light, but definitely not flimsy.

My pair are a Clay (orange) colour but they are also available in Coyote (light brown), Rye (dark brown), Asphalt (grey), Black and Steel Blue. I’d recommend sizing up: with the reinforced toe box, I could feel my toe nudging the end, so I switched to a larger size for extra space for my toes splaying.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX performance

On four-hour treks over the trails of Lincolnshire, I was impressed with the shoes’ immediate comfort. They have a high-quality padded collar and tongue, and a flexible synthetic upper. However, by sizing up I did get some movement around the forefoot on steep descents.

The sandpaper-like grip of the outsole was impressive, with the mixed-up positions of the 4mm lugs working well across grass, rock and mud. I find that hiking shoes with lugs positioned in neat straight lines tend to invite side slippage on wet rocks, but this mixed-up grip design gave excellent 360-degree traction. It didn’t even slide on smooth metal cattle grids.  

The outsoles cushioned my feet nicely against sharp stones underfoot. I worry about the mesh sides, which aid ventilation but may suffer from abrasion. But the nylon ripstop upper is tougher than most, and the toe and heel areas do have some reinforced protection.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX features

With their GORE-TEX liner, these shoes offered excellent waterproofing, although with any low-top design you’ll get some ingress from splashes. Helpfully, there is no gap between the upper and the tongue, which helps to minimise the chance of water, dirt or stones entering the shoe.

The shoe’s FlexPlate technology – essentially a light but rigid full-foot stability plate – encourages a confident, precise and fluent stride. And the layer of FloatPro foam pumps up the comfort levels further.

Related content:

• Jack Wolkskin Terraquest Texapore Mid review
• The North Face Vectic Fastpack Futurelight review
• Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX review

The post Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX Review: I’d Pick These For Grip appeared first on Men's Fitness.