Women's Active Footwear

This is where our proper performance footwear lives — running shoes, walking shoes and hiking shoes built for the job rather than for the look. If you're running, walking the dog every morning or getting out on the hills at the weekend, these are the styles that will actually support you doing it, with brands including Saucony, Merrell, Skechers and Gabor's Rolling Soft range. As with everything we sell, returns are free within 30 days if a pair doesn't suit.

Running, walking or hiking — which do I need?

They're built differently, so it's worth matching the shoe to what you'll actually do. A running shoe like the Saucony Guide or Ride is light and heavily cushioned, designed to absorb repeated impact on tarmac. It's also excellent for brisk walking and gym work. A walking or comfort shoe like Gabor Rolling Soft has a curved rocker sole that rolls you through each step, which takes the effort out of long days on your feet — the best choice for shopping, travelling and everyday distance. A hiking shoe like the Merrell Moab has a grippy, lugged sole and a stiffer build for uneven ground, and the Gore-Tex versions are fully waterproof. Buy for the majority of your days, not the occasional one.

Are any of these waterproof?

Yes. The Merrell Moab Gore-Tex styles have a full Gore-Tex membrane that wraps under the foot as well as around it, which means they'll keep water out on wet ground and through puddles — not just in a shower. That's a genuine waterproof, and we say so in the product name. Most running shoes are deliberately not waterproof, because they're built to breathe and dry fast instead; a wet run in a Saucony is fine, it just dries out afterwards rather than staying dry throughout. We state clearly on every product whether a style is waterproof or water resistant, and you can browse the full range in our waterproof & water resistant section.

What does "stability" or "arch support" mean on a running shoe?

It's about how much the shoe controls the way your foot rolls as you land. A neutral shoe like the Saucony Ride lets the foot move naturally and suits most people. A stability shoe like the Saucony Guide adds firmer support along the inside edge, which suits anyone whose foot tends to roll inwards. Skechers Arch Fit takes a different approach, building a contoured arch support into a removable insole. None of this replaces advice from a podiatrist or a proper gait assessment — but if you've been told which type you need, the product descriptions say which category each shoe falls into.

Are these true to size?

It depends on the brand, and sports brands in particular vary. Saucony and Merrell tend to be sized like running shoes, which is worth knowing if you're used to fashion trainers. The sizing note on the individual product is the one to go by, and if you're between sizes or unsure, give us a call on 01 8490847 and we'll advise on the particular style.