Travel Essentials: trail shoes

Why carry heavy walking boots in your luggage or ruin your gym trainers when a lightweight pair of trail shoes will help you on many a trek? Rob Carroll looks at three of the best.

Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D Ultra 2GTX shoe. Courtesy of Salomon

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX

These trail-running shoes have a plethora of technical features, from Gore-Tex membranes to 3D chassis to Sensifit and Quicklace fitting. This glut of trademarks often hides a series of barely useful gimmicks, but in practice these shoes are lightweight, waterproof, well-cushioned and comfortable. The Quicklace system makes them easy to take on and off, while the 3D chassis provides excellent support on uneven terrain. Available from www.amazon.com from US$145 (Dh533), plus shipping.

North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR

These shoes have a sole created by Vibram, legendary manufacturers of rubber soles, renowned for great grip and durability. A Gore-Tex lining makes them waterproof and breathable, while various technologies - compression-molded EVA midsole, injection-molded shank plate and air cushioned heels - help to provide excellent support. Above all, these shoes are comfortable straight out of the box and look good. Available from Sun and Sands for Dh465.

Merrill Chameleon Evo

With their leather upper, sober colours and sleek shape, these shoes look quite traditional. Don't be fooled: they have a Gore-Tex lining, making them waterproof yet breathable, and Vibram soles with 4mm lug depth providing great grip and durability. These shoes are a good choice if you want footwear that looks more like a classic walking shoe but with the benefits of the latest technologies. Available from Merrill, Dubai Mall (04 339 9409) from $122.50 (Dh450).