Lee Jones, known online as 'Welsh Man Walking', is an enthusiastic hiker from the South Wales valleys, and his passion for the outdoors spills over into the free guides and adventures he shares, inspiring others to embrace nature.
The MUDDY VIBE Si-14 Lightweight Low-Top is a hybrid hiking shoe designed for breathability, comfort and all-day wear, whether you’re on light trails or walking city streets.
The Verdict
The MUDDY VIBE Si-14 is a great-looking, lightweight shoe that’s ideal for light countryside walks, city commuting, and everyday wear. It’s not built for wet, rugged trails or winter hikes, but that’s not what it’s trying to be. What you get is a comfy, breathable, and surprisingly grippy hybrid that feels more like a trainer than a hiking shoe, with enough support to keep you confident on dry paths and long pavement walks. If you’re after something versatile that can handle both trail and tarmac, and still look smart with jeans, the Si-14 Lightweight Low-Top is a great choice, I’m really happy with mine.
Product’s Purpose in a Nutshell
The MUDDY VIBE Si-14 Lightweight Low-Top is a hybrid hiking shoe designed for breathability, comfort and all-day wear, whether you’re on light trails or walking city streets. It’s built more like a chunky trainer than a traditional hiking shoe, with a focus on grip, style, and a lightweight, responsive feel underfoot.
It’s clearly aimed at hikers who prefer a lighter shoe for countryside walks, and urban travellers who want something comfortable for clocking up the miles on hard surfaces, from train platforms and busy streets to the occasional off-road detour into offices, cafes and shops.
My Experience: 3 Different Terrains, One Pair of Shoes
I live in South Wales and spend a fair bit of time in London too, so I was genuinely excited to get a pair of these off MUDDY VIBE and put them through their paces. I tested them in three totally different settings, in the countryside, on mountain trails, and along busy city streets, and they handled each one surprisingly well.
1. Wales – Countryside Trails & Farmland
I took them out close to home on a mixed route through Welsh farmland, over stiles, crossing uneven lanes, and walking over gravelly trails covered in loose stones. They gripped well and stayed comfortable throughout, even when the ground got unpredictable. Something to point out, over the stones I was expecting to feel the stones coming through as I have with larger hiking boots, but there is enough there in the outsole to prevent this, which was very impressive, and I also felt balanced and wasn’t picking stones out of the grips at the end, really impressed with this from a light shoe.
2. Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) – Easy Mountain Trail
Next up, I went on one of the easier routes in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. It had short, sharp climbs, rocky outcrops, and dusty descents. It’s the kind of terrain where poor grip shows itself quickly, but these handled it no problem. I was genuinely impressed with both the traction and underfoot comfort on steeper sections. As I mentioned above, on these trails, grip is essential, the trails are muddy in winter and dusty and loose in the summer, and although you have to be careful as any boot will slip, I didn’t feel as though the shoe was going to let me down going up or down. Then over the rocks it held well, and again I didnt feel unsafe or needed to over compensate for safety.
3. London – City Streets & Hard Surfaces
Finally, I wore them for a full-on day in London, driving into the Chiswick, running between meetings, hopping on and off buses and trains, and clocking up miles on hard pavements. The shoes felt great. They’ve got a nice bounce to them, its a noticeable feature, you really do feel the comfort coming through especially in the heel, and I did find myself focusing on it. After a long day walking around London my feet didn’t ache once, and then returning home the SpeedLace system made them easy to kick off, and that system stays firm all day, I dont remember having to tighten them up once. Bonus points: I caught more than a few people checking them out. They look smart, and I’d happily wear them with chinos or jeans, not just shorts or hiking kit.
Product Weight
The weight listed on the product page is 330g each (EU 43), and when you have them in your hand they feel noticeably lighter than a classic hiking shoe. I weighed them myself and each shoe is 313g (EU 42), which is very light and that is a huge positive when it comes to light trails and also urban wear. Definitely not a shoe you’ll feel dragging on your feet after a few miles.
Confident Grip on Light Trails
The outsole has a trail-inspired tread that offers just the right amount of grip for light countryside walks, gravel paths, and urban parks. The lugs aren’t overly aggressive, but they’re well placed to keep you steady on dry, uneven ground. Ideal for spring and summer hikes where you’re more likely to be dealing with dust and loose stones than deep mud or wet rock.
Lightweight and Trainer-Like
These feel more like everyday sneakers than traditional hiking shoes, which makes them spot on for lighter adventures or days when you’re racking up the miles around town. If you’ve ever worn trail runners and liked how nimble they feel, these are a natural step up in terms of support without adding weight.
Designed for Dry Days, Built for Versatility
While they’re not made for snow or heavy rain, these shoes really shine in dry, mild conditions, perfect for summer hikes, city exploring, and everyday wear. The low-cut design and breathable upper make them comfortable even when the temperature climbs. And with their street-friendly look, they work just as well with jeans in town as they do with hiking gear on the trail.
