Howgill

Great trainer boot, very relaxed fit, perfect waterproofing, though wish I'd bought half a size smaller.

Howgill

I bought these as a lighter weight warm weather walking shoe - I initially wanted the Swales but the size 4s were too big, and as I couldn't downsize I thought I'd try these. They still fit a little bit too big for my liking - a bit sloppy on technical terrain. They're also too warm for hot weather - probably okay in 22 degrees, 23/24 at a push, but anything hotter than that wouldn't recommend because the water resistant membrane makes them less breathable. They'll probably be better as an Autumn / Spring shoe with thicker socks to compensate for the slightly big fit. Sadly, after just 2 wears the fabric insole cover has started to peel away on both insoles. However i have no complaints with the Hillgrip outer sole - slipped a bit on very loose rock but otherwise really grippy and great for rocky / mountainous terrain.

I must admit I was originally drawn in by the colour .. but I discovered that I DID need another pair of Freets after all! These fill that gap between boot and sandal perfectly - being INCREDIBLY light (perfect for travelling) and flexible, but offering a bit more protection than a sandal and without that slidy foot thing when the inside sandal sole gets wet. The snugger ankle means no grit or twigs get in - genius! I did just wonder if the internal seam under the ball of the foot might rub, but I took them straight out if the box and went for a 10 mile walk without the insole, and there was no chaffing at all. Sizing wise, because they are a closer-fitting style, my 'usual' shoe size (38) fits perfectly, whereas I wear 40 in Mudees and 39 Tundra boots. 5 stars for Howgills then - they're super comfy, water-resistant, grippy underfoot, plus pretty cool-looking. They're a little less 'sock-like' than in the photographs, and - unlike a lot of barefoot shoes - I think they look fine with a frock! And I love the khaki colour..

I have two other shoes from Freet, the Tanga and the Tundra. The Tanga I have in size 42, Tundra size 43. Based on recommendation from Freet support I got the Howgill in size 42, same as the Tanga. The fit is snug, they are narrower than the Tanga for sure. Not noticeable when walking, but if wearing while you're sitting you do sense a bit of squeeze. This feeling is much less pronounced with thin socks. The material used for this shoe is quite remarkable in that it is really hard to feel as though you don't have enough space in the toebox. I've tried to push down with my foot towards the front with my heel lifted quite a bit, thicker socks, even then I really don't feel that my toes are bottoming out in the toebox. I do like the snug fit as the shoe feels more like an extension of your foot rather than something additional and clunky. It's snug but the material flexes to compensate, it is a unique fit in that regard. Like the styling of this shoe. I will say the laces are very much decorative, they serve no practical purpose. This is a slip on hiker/trail-runner, if such a thing exists. Elasticated laces would have been more than sufficient. The thick standard laces do look nice, so there is that. I haven't gone hiking with these as it is much too early in season where I am located. The tread is the same as the Tundra, which I've used for hikes. Not the most aggressive tread out there, but sufficient for most scenarios. Would take extra caution coming down steep hills covered in loose rock. Overall am pleased, it's a well fitted hiker for situations where full waterproofing is not required. Looking forward to putting it to good use when the weather warms up. I don't do much trail running but would think this to work well for those that do.