Quick Verdict: The RevolutionRace Trailknit Waterproof Hiking Sneakers bridge the gap between rugged mountain footwear and daily comfort. Offering out-of-the-box comfort, serious waterproofing, and versatile grip, they excel at everything from rainy dog walks and urban commutes to technical low-level hill trails. While hot summer days reveal moderate breathability limits, their durability and all-weather protection make them a standout multi-use hiking shoe from RVRC.
They look, feel and handle just like the Revolution Race Phantom Trail Hiking Boot, one of our all-time favourite walking boots.
Introduction Revolution Race Trailknit Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Finding a single shoe that transitions seamlessly from the daily commute to rugged, muddy hill tracks isn’t easy. Most heavy-duty hiking boots feel overkill on pavement, while standard trail runners often fail when confronted with saturated bog, wet heather, and driving rain.
Enter the RevolutionRace Trailknit Waterproof Hiking Sneakers. Designed as an all-round outdoor shoe, the Trailknit promises the agility and comfort of a trainer paired with the weatherproofing and traction of a technical hiker. We put them through rigorous real-world testing—across rainy hill walks, muddy tracks, wet heather, daily drives, and urban walking—to see if they truly live up to the hype.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Zero Break-In Period: Instantly comfortable straight out of the box. | Warm Weather Breathability: Internal moisture builds up on hot days due to tight membrane seal. |
| Proven Waterproofing: Survived 3+ hours in continuous rain, deep puddles, soaked heather and long grass. | |
| Multi-Terrain Versatility: Equally stable and quiet on asphalt as it is grippy on loose mud. | |
| Roomy Toe Box: Accommodates natural foot swelling during long mileage. | |
| Customizable Fit: Includes an extra Trimfit insole to adjust volume and cushioning. |
Features & Technical Specs: What They Mean in the Real World
Rather than just listing technical jargon, here is how each spec on the RevolutionRace Trailknit translates to performance on the hill:
Hypershell Waterproof Membrane
Technical Spec:From RVRC “We have equipped each RevolutionRace garment with a premium Hypershell® membrane to suit the garment’s intended use, optimized for different activities and weather.” They do not state which level of Hypershell but it is one of these.
Hypershell® Core 5 000 – 10 000 mm
Hypershell® Performance 10 000 – 15 000 mm
Hypershell® Pro 15 000 – 30 000 mm
Real-World Impact: 100% dry feet in harsh wet weather. Tested through three hours of relentless rain, mud, standing water, and knee-high wet heather, and grass, the membrane showed zero leakage.
Innovation Soles Rubber Outsole with Multi-Directional Grip
Technical Spec: High-durability 100% rubber outsole with deep multi-angle lugs.
Real-World Impact: Confidence on unpredictable ground. The multi-directional tread bites into loose hill soil, grassy uneven ground and wet mud without slipping, yet remains smooth and quiet when stepping onto hard tarmac or concrete.
Shock-Absorbing EVA Midsole
Technical Spec: Lightweight Ethylene-vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam cushioning.
Real-World Impact: Reduced leg fatigue on hard surfaces. The midsole absorbs heel impacts whether you’re pounding pavement on a walk to work or descending rocky paths.
Hotmelt & Sewn Reinforcements
Technical Spec: Strategically placed protective overlays across the toe cap, heel, and side panels.
Real-World Impact: Enhanced durability against debris. Scuffing against sharp stones, roots, or dense brush won’t tear the upper fabric, protecting both your toes and the shoe itself.
Generous Toe Box & Trimfit Dual-Insole System
Technical Spec: Roomy forefoot geometry plus an additional removable Trimfit™ volume-adjusting insole.
Real-World Impact: Customized comfort. The wider toe box gives your toes space to splay naturally as your feet swell over long distances. If you have narrower feet or prefer a snugger fit, simply drop the Trimfit™ layer beneath the main sole. Note: not as wide as a barefoot shoe.
Dual Pull Tabs & Lightweight Build (456g)
Technical Spec: Heel and tongue pull loops with a low total weight of ~456g per shoe.
Real-World Impact: Effortless wearability. Pulling them on at 6 AM for a commute or at the trail head takes seconds, and the lightweight feel reduces overall foot dragging over long distances.
Test Kit –
Waterproof trousers – RevolutionRace Arcade Lightweight Waterproof Trouser
Waterproof Jacket – Revolutionrace Arcade 3L Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Socks – Darn Tough Micro Crew Hike Sock
RevolutionRace Trailknit Real-World Performance & Testing Insights
Comfort & Break-In
Out of the box, the RVRC Trailknit feels more like a padded trail sneaker than a stiff hiking shoe. There are no stiff hot spots around the ankle or heel, meaning zero break-in period is required before hitting the hills. Although we would always recommend wearing them on a few dog walks before hitting the hills.
Terrain Adaptability
Where many hiking shoes feel clunky on pavement, the Trailknit navigates city streets, driving pedals, and office walks with ease. Once transitioned to rugged hill paths, the lugged outsole digs in effortlessly, making it a true “door-to-trail” footwear option.
The Breathability Trade-Off
The main drawback discovered during testing comes down to thermal management. Because the Hypershell membrane creates such a tight waterproof seal, airflow is limited on warm, sunny days. One of our testing days hit 28c. While water stays out, internal sweat builds up, leaving socks feeling moist at the end of hot summer walks. For autumn, winter, spring, or rainy summer days, however, climate regulation is spot-on.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Trailknit?
The RevolutionRace Trailknit Waterproof Hiking Sneakers hit the sweet spot for hikers and daily outdoor enthusiasts seeking a versatile, weather-ready sneaker. They offer exceptional value for anyone needing one pair of shoes to cover dog walking, daily commutes, wet weekend hikes, and low-level mountain trails.
Ideal for: Year-round low-level walking, rainy day commutes, dog walkers, and hikers who prioritize wet-weather protection and immediate comfort.
Pass if: You primarily hike in dry, high-heat summer conditions where maximum upper ventilation is required over waterproofing.
https://www.revolutionrace.co.uk/shoes/trailknit-waterproof-hiking-sneakers-men?Color=2003
