'These are so comfortable': The sandals every jet-setter and hiker is wearing this summer - and they say they're the best they've ever owned
A pair of lightweight sandals are being hailed the most comfortable shoe of the summer - and they're a winner among hikers and travellers.
Shoppers looking for sandals to help them rack up 10,000 steps a day this summer are being recommended the ECCO Offroad sandals time and time again. Functional yet fashionable, the supportive sandal has been designed to carry you through various terrain - whether that's exploring European cobbles streets or mountains.
The £100 lightweight hiking sandals that travellers love could be your ticket to blister-free walks this summer.
Tested over hundreds of miles and across various terrain by jet-setting shoppers, the ECCO Offroad sandals have come up trumps by those looking for comfortable sandals that are up to a challenge.
Lightweight and supportive, the Offroad sandal range promises superior comfort, whether that's everyday walking or comfort on longer trails. And with a choice of 12 colours, it's no wonder why shoppers are coming back for more.
Finding a pair of sandals that won't rub throughout the day is no easy feat, particularly when you don't have time to rush back and change your footwear. But Danish brand ECCO seems to have cracked it, and it has racked up a loyal list of fans.
Sleek Danish design combined with comfort orientated features and benefits has meant the ECCO Offroad sandals are continuously being toted as some of the most comfortable sandals out there.
'Extremely comfortable, stylish, hard wearing,' raved one shopper. 'Wouldn't be without a pair of these sandals.'
This is all thanks to its function forward design. Far from your bog-standard, often thin-soled sandal, these have been created with a moulded EVA footbed for supreme cushioning and superior stability so can deal with hillside walks and city streets alike.
'These are so comfortable,' agreed another. 'I find them my first choice to wear, even if not on an 'walk'. I wore them for the first time on an 12 km walk, with no problem. The soles are thick enough to protect against uneven paths, and I like the look.'
This 'look' is part of the 'gorpcore' trend, which embraces the technical elements of a hiking, climbing aesthetic but with a fashion twist.
The ECCO Offroad has a chunky design with grippy sole that embodies the revival of 'dad' and 'gorpcore' sandals and has gone on to be widely celebrated for their retro, pragmatic appeal.
If you want to navigate summer with a high step count, then scores have given these their seal of approval.
'Perfect for long walks and travel, they are comfortable from the first time,' added one shopper. 'A durable supporting sole and good range of strap adjustment. I like the colour range and may consider a second pair'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
38 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The best fire pits of 2025 for summer nights in the garden, tried and tested
There's no better way to cap off a fine summer's day than cosying up with family and friends around a fire pit. From the earthy aroma of the fire to the crackling sound of burning wood and the drift of the smoke, the best fire pits engage all the senses and provide a relaxing focal point for evenings in the garden. Although they have been around for a while, their popularity is now rocketing along with that of solar garden lights and garden chairs as we spend more time outdoors, notes Martyn Wilson, an award-winning garden design expert. 'Perhaps it is something deep within us and the primeval need to create fire,' he says. 'It can be relaxing staring into the flames and just zoning out for a short while. Fire pits can extend the use of the garden later into the evening and offer a more ambient feel than patio heaters. They are also great for socialising – and you can cook marshmallows with the children.' Many people take small fire pits with them when they go camping, especially ones designed not to scorch the ground. I've tested this year's best designs in my own garden and you can read my reviews below, followed by some advice on how to use and care for fire pits. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top five: The best fire pits: At a glance How to choose the best fire pit The first thing to consider when buying a fire pit is size. Larger fire pits can usually deliver heat to a wider area, which is ideal for larger groups, whereas smaller models require less fuel. Portable models should be lightweight and easy to disassemble, so they can be taken with you on your travels. If a firepit is heavy or can't be taken apart quickly, it's probably supposed to stay in pride of place at home. Also consider which extra features you might like. Some fire pits come with a grill accessory for barbecuing, and certain models reduce smoke via a secondary combustion design. How we test fire pits I judged the fire pits from the moment they arrived on my doorstep. How heavy were the boxes? How easy were they to unpack and assemble? Were the fire pits stylish? Did they have extra capabilities like grilling? I tested a variety of sizes and styles. Once I lit them, I noted how much heat and smoke they gave off and how quickly they cooled down. Other factors included how much wood they needed, how safe they were, how energy efficient and how easy they were to clean: you should never leave ashes in the bottom of a fire pit to get wet. If you want to spend more time enjoying your garden, you might also be interested in our guides to the best rattan furniture and inflatable hot tubs. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best fire pits of 2025 1. Best Buy Fire Pit: Recycled Kadai Score: 9/10 We like: Family-made from recycled oil drums in India A kadai is a traditional Indian cooking vessel designed for curries, with curved sides and a deep, flat base. The company Kadai has taken inspiration from the silhouette and transformed it into an authentic fire bowl. This one is made from recycled oil drums by family workshops in India. The result is a rustic-looking fire pit made from metal plates welded together, with drop handles at the side. The handles don't get hot, so you can move the fire bowl without burning yourself. The kit also comes with Kadai beads, which makes it unique. They're tiny clay beads which lie at the bottom of the bowl to help with rainwater drainage and to stop any ash falling through to the ground. My only complaint is that the tiny drainage hole does frequently get clogged. The fire bowl comes with a removable grill so you can barbecue on top. I grilled some thick pork chops, which cooked through within half an hour. You also get some tongs and a wire brush to help with upkeep and fire-building. I'd recommend using kiln-dried logs with this excellent fire pit; otherwise you risk smoking out your companions. Key specifications 2. Best Value Fire Pit: BillyOh Astral 2-in-1 Fire Pit with BBQ Garden design firm BillyOh, possibly better known for their sheds and log cabins, have excelled with this 2-in-1 BBQ model, complete with laser cut moon and stars. It comes with a removable cooking grill, so you can easily cook over firewood or charcoal. There are drawbacks. The log capacity is not huge and there's no easy way to remove the ashes, except by waiting until they're cold and scooping them out. As a barbecue, there's no form of ventilation control, so you are basically cooking caveman-style over the embers. But the price is reasonable, the build quality is decent and you can bolt it together in 20 minutes. The perfect family fire pit on a bargain budget. Key specifications 3. Best Smokeless Firepit: Winnerwell Secondary Combustion Portable Grill Minimal smoke and convenient heating are top priorities for a firepit at home or on the campsite. This portable model from Winnerwell delivers on both. Its legs fold out, bringing the top up to camping chair height. You can also purchase some extension legs (£65.98, Amazon). All of the components feel robust and nicely finished. Speaking as someone who's not much good at lighting fires, this makes it easy work. The tall walls provide good protection against strong breezes, while the bottom vents let helpful airflow feed the fire. It burns brilliantly, providing plenty of warmth at a distance of several meters. I cooked a classic: Flump Minis, which toasted quickly over the flames. This model burns cleaner than most and produced relatively little smoke, even when I used scrap wood with a high moisture content (although performance was best when I burned seasoned firewood). This is all thanks to its secondary combustion. The effect, common to most 'smokeless' fire pits, is produced by a two-walled design which directs airflow to both the bottom and the top of the firepit. So, it burns your wood fuel inside the firepit and also combusts escaping smoke and ashes. It kicks in when the firepit gets hot, after around 10 to 20 minutes of heating. The extra flames are visible around the top edge of the firepit. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this firepit. It's highly convenient, lights easily and looks great on the paving. As with other firepits, it's important to wear heat-resistant gloves during use. Save the toasting for your marshmallows (or Flumps). Key specifications 4. Best Fire Pit and BBQ: BioLite FirePit+ Score: 7/10 We like: The excellent hibachi grill function We don't like: The noise of the fan £187.93, Amazon The BioLite is a compact and portable fire-pit-and-cooking grill combination that can burn either firewood or charcoal. It arrived beautifully packaged and was simple to assemble – just two handles to screw in. The instructions on how to get it working are detailed, but very user friendly. It's small, so you wouldn't want many more than two or three people sitting around it. It would be ideal for small spaces like an urban back yard or a balcony. It's not as pretty as some others, but it has a unique selling point: a rechargeable battery that powers 51 air jets inside the chamber. These jets create a more uniform temperature and improve combustion. That means more reliable heat, but also less smoke – a common issue with fire pits – so your neighbours might be pleased if you choose this one. The fan is fairly noisy, so this model is better for a lively urban environment, rather than quiet spots. It really comes into its own if you fill the unit with charcoal instead of wood and use it as a hibachi-style grill. It cooks well and it was fun to bring grub to the fire pit experience. By combining the functions of fire pit and BBQ, the BioLite cuts down on expense and space. Those who love to have technology connected with everything in life will enjoy controlling it remotely from their phones. However, others might find that the design – a bit like a robotic dog – and the technology run against the spirit of the fire pit, which is communing with nature. Key specifications 5. Best Luxury Fire Pit: English Country Fireball (800mm) This is a very pricey fire pit and I was curious to see if it had the x-factor to justify the cost. The makers have hand-crafted beautiful countryside scenes into into a 6mm-walled steel ball, forming silhouettes of foxes, stags and trees that seem to move against the flames. The way the smoke swirled around the art evoked a late summer/early autumn woodland evening, making an enchanting focal point for the garden. In short, it is both of use and an ornament. The first downside you'll discover is that it's very heavy – my lower back was crying out the moment I began to lift it. It also needs a lot of wood, so the expense continues after you've forked out for the pit itself. However, the sculpture is so stunning that you're getting value out of this one even when it's not lit and it would be the perfect centrepiece to a large garden. You can buy an LED lighting kit so that it glows at night. The company also offers comfortable matching stools so you can look the part as you while away the evenings and dozens of other Fireball designs, including bespoke creations. (One wag commissioned a Death Star.) Key specifications Fire pit FAQs Are fire pits legal in the UK? Yes, fire pits are legal in the UK. 'But you do need to be respectful of your neighbours and be sure that you are not causing a nuisance with smoke,' says garden designer Martyn Wilson. He also recommends checking local legislation to see if you are in a smoke free zone. What is the best fuel to use in a fire pit? 'Try to use woods with a low moisture content, such as kiln-dried woods or well seasoned hardwoods,' says Wilson. Bio-ethanols formed from plant-based materials such as fermented sugar and plant based starches are also used for some more contemporary fire pits. 'They will tend to burn with less smoke,' Wilson says. Other units use gas or coal. How should I look after my fire pit? The good news is that most fire pits can be left outside. 'If you have a fire bowl, try leaving on its side or upside down in the winter to prevent rainwater building up inside,' says Wilson. He also notes that a layer of sand in the bottom of a fire pit can help radiate heat and prevent burn of the metal. However, he suggests that we avoid leaving ash or embers in the bottom. Once fully cooled, the ashes should be removed and disposed of safely. 'Wood ash can be good for the garden!' he said. With that said, some fire pit models will benefit from indoor storage, especially if their materials are prone to rusting. What safety precautions are needed when using a fire pit? Never leave a lit fire pit unattended. Wilson suggests keeping a bucket of sand nearby, in case you need to extinguish the fire in a hurry. 'In light of the recent record temperatures, it is really important to be mindful of the weather and make sure there isn't any dry grass or foliage nearby that could ignite from embers,' he says, 'particularly so if it is windy and there hasn't been any rain.' It is also important to consider the space around the fire pit and allow plenty of room to move around. Keep children and pets away, and always read and follow safety instructions. Are gas fire pits better than wood-burning ones? Gas fire pits have some advantages over wood-burning fire pits; they tend to be easy to use, with an in-built ignition that should light the propane/butane fuel from your connected gas canister (which will be sold separately) at the flick of a switch. Gas produces a 'clean burn' with little smoke or airborne ash, so you and your guests can enjoy the fire without worrying about singed clothing, eye irritation or smoky smells. With that said, for some users, there's no replacing the rustic experience of using real wood on a wood-burning fire pit. If you like the idea of building your own fire and you enjoy a smoky atmosphere, a wood-burning model is the way to go. How do 'smokeless' fire pits work? Smokeless fire pits burn a hard fuel such as wood pellets while producing low volumes of smoke relative to traditional wood-burning models. This type of fire pit reduces smoke by burning at two levels: primary combustion of the hard fuel at the bottom, and secondary combustion of remaining smoke and ashes (material which is not properly burned at the first pass) at the top. The two levels of combustion are facilitated by airflow through the fire pit. Some smoke is still produced, but much of the visible smoke and ash from primary combustion is incinerated. Using a low-smoke wood fuel or well seasoned firewood will provide the lowest attainable levels of smoke. Gas-fuelled fire pits also produce little smoke relative to a traditional wood-fuelled fire pit, so they can be considered as an alternative 'smokeless' option. How long will a cast iron or steel fire pit last? The lifespan of a cast iron or steel fire pit can vary depending on the thickness and quality of the material, as well as on your usage habits, storage and maintenance. Retailers' estimates on the longevity of high-quality models range from around seven years to 25 years and longer. Steel and cast iron are both susceptible to oxidation, and the level of rusting often greatly influences the lifespan of a fire pit. The material will be likelier to rust if it is left in wet conditions or filled with moisture, or if the surface is scratched, dented or otherwise damaged. Try to find out the warranty terms via the manufacturer or retailer. This will guarantee a minimum lifespan, although many cast iron and steel fire pits can comfortably outlast the warranty period given proper care. Should I cover my fire pit when I'm not using it? Water and detritus can easily accumulate inside and on top of an uncovered fire pit, leading to rusting and uncleanliness. So, most models will benefit from being covered while not in use. To ensure effective coverage, choose a suitably sized waterproof cover that can be secured tightly over the fire pit. Many fire pit manufacturers offer purpose-made covers as an additional purchase, while generic covers are available via retailers such as Amazon. Allow your fire pit to cool down completely before you handle or cover it.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel expert - these are the hotel rooms you should always avoid and how to spot if you've been booked into one
After a long day of travelling, there's no better feeling than arriving at your hotel, tossing your suitcases to one side and falling onto the bed. But what if your peace is suddenly shattered by the sound of constant noise from the corridor - from the slamming of doors, to the deep rumble of the lift, to the clanging of cleaning equipment as staff dash from room to room? According to a travel expert, this common issue is often experienced by guests who have been allocated a specific room - and it can all be avoided with one simple booking strategy. Javier Sobrino, founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform specialising in curated accommodations, said: 'After staying in hundreds of hotels, I've learned that a room number on your booking can make or break your entire stay.' He revealed that rooms ending in "01" are located right next to lifts, stairwells, and service areas – essentially the noisiest areas on the floor. While this setup is practical for hotel operations, it creates a less than enjoyable experience for guests hoping for a quiet stay. Sobrino said: 'These rooms catch all the foot traffic from other guests coming and going at all hours. 'You'll also hear the housekeeping staff starting their rounds early in the morning, with carts being rolled past your door first, and supplies being restocked in nearby service areas.' He revealed that rooms ending in "01" are efficiently located right next to lifts, stairwells, and service areas – essentially the noisiest areas on the floor He warned that late-night revellers stumbling back to their rooms, early risers making their way to breakfast, or the constant use of the lift will eventually become 'the soundtrack' to a guests' stay. The reason why hotels rarely advertise this information when guests are making a booking online is because every room ideally needs to be filled. Sobrino added: 'Hotels are in the business of selling all their inventory. They're not going to volunteer information about which rooms might be less desirable unless you specifically ask.' He urged guests to be an 'informed traveller' and be aware of which rooms are located near noisy areas, as this helps to avoid a potentially disruptive stay. Beyond rooms ending in "01," Sobrino warned guests to steer clear of alternatively problematic areas, such as rooms directly above or below hotel restaurant and bars, which can be noisy either early in the morning or well into the late night. He added: 'The same goes for rooms facing busy streets or located near loading docks where deliveries arrive early in the morning.' For families with young children or for those planning an early night, Sobrino also advised booking rooms located a good distance from stairwells, as these tend to have heavy doors that slam when people use them to access or exit corridors. Sobrino urged travellers to 'make smart requests,' when inquiring about a room, to call the hotel directly after booking online, and to 'mention any special occasion, even if it's just that you've been looking forward to this break for months'. He added: 'A simple "I'd prefer a quiet room away from elevators" works wonders. Front desk staff want you to enjoy your stay and will note your reservation. If you're in their loyalty program, mention it – this often improves your room assignment priority.' It comes as a safety expert has issued a warning to guests staying in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to watch out for five spots in rooms that contain the most dirt. As millions of Brits plan to stay in hotels this spring, experts caution that even the cleanest-looking rooms may harbor germs. In fact, surfaces in the average hotel room are found to be dirtier than a typical home, an airplane, and even a school - while hotel showerheads contain 25,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Major brand is selling under the seat cabin bag for £4 cheaper than Primark & it's approved for Ryanair flights
TRAVEL lovers have been lapping up a big brand cabin bag that's even more penny-pinching than Primark's own version. There's nothing worse than getting caught out by militant measures - and here's the answer. To avoid paying for an overpriced cabin bag, shoppers have been going potty for the Robert Dyas Underseat Cabin Bag. Available in black/red, it comes in at a savvy £7.99 and is ideal for short breaks or business trips. The travel companion is priced even lower than Primark's £12 Underseat Bag. High Quality Cabin Carry on Holdall Bag Duffel Under Seat. Additional sleeve section on the back to fit over trolley case handles. Adjustable shoulder strap and top carry handle. Happy customers reviewed online: "Great bag to take on plane." A second added: "Underseat travel bag. Perfect size to use when travelling. Strong bag, easy to fold and store away." A third praised: "Looks good and roomy, ideal to take onboard a plane and lots of compartments for important stuff." "Perfect lightweight bag, just what I wanted," applauded a fourth. "Excellent quality and value," wrote another. "Very good. Correct dimensions for small bag to take as cabin bag. Love it!" penned another. Moment drunk Scots passenger dragged off Ryanair flight after 'BOMB THREAT' forcing diversion "Very sturdy, great quality bag. Amazing price. Perfect for Ryanair 's ridiculously stringent sizing policy. Managed to ram more into it than I envisaged," advised a fifth. All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you. All over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available put in the hold for a fee. Anyone wanting to bring another bag, you'll need to upgrade and pay extra for priority and two cabin bags or checked baggage. Many angry passengers have been caught out by Ryanair's strict baggage allowance for flights. However, the Robert Dyas lightweight bag has a 20L capacity with dimensions H:25 x W:40 x D:5 cm and fits perfectly under the seat. With a front zip for passports and essentials, it features carry grab handles with an adjustable shoulder strap. Made from strong polyester, it also offers a one year guarantee. 2 Advice for flying with Ryanair All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport Anyone who loses their card at the airport will have to pay a £20 reissue fee Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit The worst seat on Ryanair's Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.
