The Sugarpine Waterproof is a women’s-specific shoe weighing 606g. It’s touted as an allrounder and I found it suited to urban walks as well as adventures further afield. I tested them on day trips scrambling up and down the slippery slopes of Wellington’s town belts and on one of the Great Walks over Christmas.

There is no need to avoid puddles; the waterproof fabric kept my feet dry all day.

The low cut shoes are well constructed and have a fully enclosed tongue to assist with waterproofing and keep debris out. Apart from being low cut, the shoes feel more like a boot than a trainer in terms of their strong foot housing and construction.

The sturdy Vibram sole offered excellent support and traction on wet and dry surfaces. The sole is glued to a waterproof mesh, suede and leather upper with double stitching throughout promising a long life.

A lightweight Female-specific shoe

I found these shoes light and the sizing small compared with other brands of footwear I have tried and they needed a bit more breaking in than a soft trainer.

The version I tested were black, raspberry and powder blue and are stylish enough for me to wear around town.

At this price, the shoe provides reasonable value, particularly given its versatility.

– Beth Masser