• Overall Rating

  : 3 out of 5

Looking distinctly more trainer-like than many traditionally styled hiking shoes, these knitted textile upper shoes are very lightweight and flexible, making the Aku Aira V-Light GTX W a good option for fast and light hikes, or for those who prefer the feel of a lower bulk shoe.

The fabric uppers are highly breathable and well-ventilated, even with the inclusion of Gore-Tex for waterproofing (they use Gore-Tex’s most breathable membrane) making these a solid choice for UK summer hikes. There’s a knitted sock type upper using recycled materials, and the fit on these is a bit looser than in more structured style shoes. I found the forefoot to be pretty comfortable, but the fit at the heel was too loose for my narrow heels, with little opportunity to cinch in the lacing in the right way to address this. As a result, my foot moved within the shoe, particularly on descents, making them both less comfortable and less confidence inspiring. Those with higher volume feet may struggle less.

The uppers did a good job of keeping the worst of any puddles out, but the outsole wasn’t especially effective at offering reliable grip in muddy conditions, although the lugs did at least not actively collect mud. Thanks to a flexible nylon shank together with the cushioned outsole, the shoe gives a nice balance of flexibility with comfort and support, but the knitted uppers do make for a less supportive fit than the level of outsole stiffness might initially suggest. As a result, I found these performed at their best on more established trails, rather than steeper or more technical terrain.

For those less challenging trails, they’re a light, breathable and – if your feet are the right shape – comfortable shoe at a decent price.

How we tested

Lara used the shoes in all the weathers (!) in late winter and spring, on a mix of walks both with and without a pack, in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She usually takes a UK5.5/6 shoe and has a medium width foot but narrow heels.  This review was first published in the August 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with others in our guide to the best hiking shoes.