Aldi all-weather shoes at £14.99 land 4 September: will you grab sizes 7 to 12 before they go?

Brollies up, boots down: autumn throws rain and warm spells at once, leaving wardrobes and feet negotiating tricky ground.

Shoppers now want footwear that breathes in sun and grips in showers. One budget pair promises to bridge that gap without roasting toes or soaking socks.

What’s landing and when

Aldi is introducing Avenue Autumn All‑weather Shoes as an in‑store Specialbuy from 4 September, priced at £14.99. They come in chocolate brown or grey, in men’s sizes 7 to 12. Stock is limited and will not be routinely restocked. The design looks like classic trainers, so they suit work‑from‑home days, the school run, and light weekend walks.

£14.99, two colours, sizes 7–12, in stores from 4 September: expect queues and early sell‑outs.

Build and materials

The uppers use chrome‑free suede. Traditional chrome tanning can release harmful chromium compounds into wastewater when poorly managed. Chrome‑free processes rely on vegetable or chromium‑free metal tannins, which reduce hazardous effluent and improve end‑of‑life biodegradability. That choice signals a shift towards lower‑impact leather with fewer toxic outputs.

Underfoot, a TPR sole balances flexibility and wear resistance. TPR behaves predictably in cool, wet conditions, which helps maintain traction on damp pavements. It also keeps weight down, so steps feel light rather than clunky.

Inside, a memory foam insole cushions each footfall by spreading pressure across the heel and forefoot. People on their feet for long stretches should notice less hotspot fatigue, especially on hard surfaces such as station platforms and supermarket aisles.

Grip and comfort

The sole pattern aims to channel surface water away from the contact points. That can reduce slips on smooth paving and tiled concourses. It is not trail‑runner aggressive, but it is more confident than flat, fashion‑led trainers in drizzle. The memory foam layer returns to shape between steps and helps deaden impact when pace picks up.

Memory foam softens the first strike, spreads load through the step, and supports a calmer roll‑off for tired feet.

Who these shoes suit

The last is men’s, yet the design works for anyone who fits sizes 7 to 12. The two understated colours align with autumn palettes, so they pair with jeans, chinos, joggers and school‑gate coats without fuss.

• Commuters who want breathable trainers that cope with showers.
• Parents dashing between car, bus stop and playground on damp mornings.
• Casual walkers mixing pavements with park paths.
• Bargain hunters testing lower‑impact materials without spending £50+.

Limits to know before you queue

These are all‑weather casuals, not fully waterproof boots. Suede resists brief showers but can darken and absorb water over long exposure. A water‑repellent spray boosts protection; reapply periodically. If they get soaked, stuff with newspaper and dry at room temperature, away from radiators, to preserve the leather’s structure and the adhesive bond.

Half sizes are not listed. If you sit between sizes, try both ends and bring your usual socks. Memory foam feels plush on day one, but it can compact over months; consider an aftermarket insole if you need firmer arch support. The sole grips well in the wet, yet thick mud or slick leaves still require care.

Specialbuys move fast: if you want a specific colour or size, plan an early store visit on release day.

How the value stacks up

Comparable chrome‑free suede trainers with cushioned insoles typically retail between £35 and £75 on the high street. At £14.99, Aldi undercuts that by a broad margin. Durability remains the unknown; materials look sensible, but long‑term wear depends on gait, mileage and care. A simple way to assess value is cost per wear.

Urban miles typically wear soles faster than park paths. Rotate pairs during heavy rain weeks to prolong life and keep interiors fresh.

Care tips to stretch the lifespan

• Apply a suede protector before first wear and after every few wet outings.
• Brush nap with a suede brush to lift water marks and restore texture.
• Blot puddle splashes quickly; avoid heat sources when drying.
• Use cedar shoe trees overnight to wick moisture and reduce odour.
• Wipe TPR soles with a damp cloth; packed mud reduces traction.

Sizing and fit advice

• Measure both feet late in the day when they are slightly larger.
• Try on with the socks you intend to wear through autumn.
• Check thumb‑width space at the toe and ensure the heel does not lift.
• If using orthotics, remove the memory foam insole and test the fit with your device.

Sustainability context

Chrome‑free tanning reduces chromium pollution and improves end‑of‑life characteristics for leather. It does not make the product fully biodegradable because soles, glues and dyes still present challenges. TPR can be recyclable in some streams, but mixed‑material shoes rarely enter a closed loop. The simplest gains come from choosing durable designs, caring for them, repairing scuffs promptly and extending active use before replacement.

If you plan regular wet commutes, combine these with a small repellent kit and a spare pair at the office. If you log serious trail miles, a dedicated waterproof walking shoe will better manage standing water. For everyday British autumns—showers, leaf‑strewn pavements, school runs—this £14.99 pair hits a useful balance between comfort, grip and cost.