
Yesterday I took delivery of a pair of Puma Manilla Hi GTX trainers and tested them out in the long grass and on a steep hilly walk. They’re not only just about the most comfortable ‘trainers’ I’ve ever worn, they’re also warm, good looking and….yes….waterproof. Completely. No I wouldn’t go running in them, but as far as any other kind of wearability is concerned they’re likely to be on my feet most of the time.
‘Gore-Tex – just in case you didn’t know - is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex is able to repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through, and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use.’
This particular trainer is a previous year’s model and very hard to find, but style-wise it’s little different from what’s on offer now, and for the small investment you need to make I suggest you snap a pair up as fast as you can. It has a ripstop nylon and suede upper, warm lining, rubber ridged sole and is fairly flat, but you can put a pair of arch insoles inside if you need these.