Haglöfs L.I.M Mid Proof Eco Walking Shoes | Review - Outdoors Magic (2024)

Why We Chose It: Very light and nimble, eco-friendly design

L.I.M – that stands for Less Is More. This is a hiking boot that’s designed with fast and light adventures in mind, with the core essentials focussed and the materials refined to bring that gramme-count as low down the scale as possible. As we’ve come to expect from Haglöfs, there are some admirable eco aspects to it as well.

Who Are The Haglöfs L.I.M Walking Shoes For?

At 385g these are super light in weight and quite minimalist in terms of ankle support or underfoot protection and so, with that all in mind, we’d say these aren’t really suited to any gnarly mountain adventures involving overly technical terrain. They’re a good match for trail walking though – basically any three-season trips on reasonably worn paths. From a backpacking trip along the West Highland Way in Scotland to a fast hike of the Cotswold Way in England, we reckon these would suit a number of the UK’s frequently trodden long-distance footpaths.

As well as for all that outdoorsy stuff, these wouldn’t look too out of place in a city either, so they’d be handy for anyone who likes a boot they can wear pretty much day-to-day.

Design And Materials

Haglöfs appear to have used the same template they used for their hugely impressive Duality shoe here, albeit keeping things a little simpler in order to keep the overall weight down. The upper is relatively thin, with mainly just a breathable mesh with TPU reinforcements and foam padding around the ankle. Then of course there’s the waterproof membrane, which is Haglöfs’ own PROOF Eco, a fabric that’s made either from recycled or bluesign approved materials that are completely free from the environmentally hazardous PFCs often used for waterproof footwear.

“We reckon these would suit a number of the UK’s frequently trodden long-distance footpaths.”

In keeping with that L.I.M manta, the sole unit is also fairly minimalist, with just enough protection to block out sharp routes and rocks and an injected gel to bring a nice of bit of cushioning and shock absorption. There’s a large amount of flex which’ll be useful if you’re wearing these over long-distances. The outsole is much like the kind of one you’d find on a trail running shoe, with 4mm multi-directions lugs and a fairly sticky rubber compound bringing a decent bit of grip to proceedings.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“I’ve tested these over all kinds of terrain now and I’ve found them comfortable and certainly very light and nimble. From what I’ve seen, they’d make a good walking shoe/boot for anyone who wants something they can wear casually during the week and then out on the trail during the weekend. I think that low weight and comfortable fit and feel should make the LIM Mid Proof Eco perfect for taking on certain long-distance trails in summer too.

“For me, the fit was fine in my usual size with no niggles to report. I’d say there’s definitely a trainer-like, relaxed feel here. The grip’s decent but has its limitations on super steep and slippery slopes. I’d definitely recommend looking to Haglöfs’ Duality or Skuta boots if you want something similar but with a bit more bite.

“I’ve found them comfortable and certainly very light and nimble.”

“The waterproof fabric did its job for me. Though I did find it quite hard to stop the top of the ankle cuffs from bellowing open and on one day walking in these in some very rough weather, I did find it hard to stop rainfall from getting siphoned into them. No matter how tight you pull the laces in, it just seems these aren’t designed to hug closely up top. Again, the Duality does a much better job in that department.

“Ultimately, I’d say these are a great option for those who want something either for quick, nimble-feeling hikes or for long-distance walking over light summer trails. If you want something to take on technical stuff, like I said above, the Duality or Skuta would be the ones to look at instead.”

Ash Routen, expedition writer and photographer

“Haglöfs pitch the mid-cut version of this lightweight boot firmly in the trekking shoe category. I took them out for a spin in the rugged Rhinogydd mountains in Snowdonia, and for less taxing countryside walks. The first thing you notice, is that the Eco’s are very lightweight. They look like a boot but have the weight of a trainer or fell running shoe. Inevitably with the low weight, the mesh fabric construction gives a nice flexible and soft fit, and the lightweight soles some nice cushioning.

“They look like a boot but feel like the weight of a trainer or fell running shoe.”

“I found this perfect for flat walking on less rugged ground, but as soon as I hit steeper rocky ground (particularly on the descents) I felt they had reached their limit.

“While I wouldn’t fancy using the Eco Boots in prolonged wet weather, I’d be very happy using them where there is some wet ground underfoot. I’m looking forward to using these for summer walking in the Peak District, which is the sort of more gentle terrain I feel they’re tailor made for.”