Great Walks put ECCO’s new Biom 720 Breathru hiking shoes through their paces on some local bushwalks.
Many bushwalkers are choosing lightweight, flexible hiking shoes over more traditional bushwalking boots and there are good reasons.
Modern materials and designs are offering these newer lightweight options plenty of pleasing features and ECCO’s new Biom 720 Breathru hiking shoe is no exception. Straight out of the box, these felt broken-in. I slipped them on and immediately noticed how naturally they hugged my feet, with no stiff spots or awkward pressure.
The cushioned, flexible sole really stands out; it absorbs impact with each step and rolls smoothly, which makes longer walks feel surprisingly easy. ECCO’s ENCORE cushioning and BIOM design are clearly doing their job, giving that soft yet responsive feel underfoot.
What impressed me most is the lightweight BREATHRU mesh upper. It keeps air moving around your feet, so even on warmer days I didn’t get that overheated, sweaty feeling you sometimes expect from hiking-style shoes.
I’ve been using them on modest Australian walking trails — nothing too rugged, mostly packed dirt and gentle inclines — and they’re very comfortable for that kind of terrain. The grip is solid and because they’re so light, I never felt weighed down.
Overall, these are easily some of the most comfortable trail-ready trainers I’ve worn. They strike a nice balance between everyday wear and light hiking, especially if comfort is your top priority.
Beyond comfort, the build quality feels reassuringly robust, with neat stitching and a supportive structure that still allows natural movement.
The fit stayed consistent throughout the day, with no rubbing or hotspots developing, even after several hours on my feet. I also appreciate how easy they are to slip on and off, making them a practical choice for quick outings as well as planned walks.
While they aren’t designed for very technical terrain (I wouldn’t wear them in the Snowies or the High Country), they handle everyday paths with confidence and comfort, making them a reliable option for casual outdoor use and travel alike.
If you’re after a versatile pair that blends style, breathability and dependable cushioning, these are well worth considering for daily wear and relaxed adventures alike in most conditions. Now I didn't get to test them out in the rain but they look like they would handle inclement weather fairly well.
I reckon they would make a great shoe for a long-distance Camino on footpaths and dry dirt tracks and I’ll be interested to see how they are in a year after rigorous use - but all-in-all ECCO’s new Biom 720 Breathru hiking shoe is very pleasing to wear and worth the fairly hefty $350 investment.