Walking boots- lightweight, widefit and waterproof enough for muddy walks

[DelphiniumBlue]

Any recommendations?

[DelphiniumBlue]

Bumping

[FantasticFestiveBeasts]

Have a look at the Merrell site/sale. I have got proper walking boots but also have some high merrells. They are light and 100% waterproof. My dog walk includes seven bridges/streams and I can walk through 5" of water with my Merrells on and stay completely dry, I will look for a link.

[littlepinkseals]

I'd like to know this too, particularly ones with good grip. I've wasted £35 x 2 on trainers from Karrimor and Mountain Warehouse and they have no grip whatsoever. I would be better off wearing normal shoes than these - they are both lethal on wet ground.

[FantasticFestiveBeasts]

www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/azura-mid-waterproof/17060W.html?dwvar_17060W_color=J24326#cgid=merrell-sale-womens&start=1

www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/crestbound-gore-tex/17580W.html?dwvar_17580W_color=J64074#cgid=merrell-sale-womens&start=1

I prefer the Merrells to my Brasher and Asolo boots these days. Mine are like the first pair but when my other boots needed replacing I will go for something like the second pair.

[DelphiniumBlue]

Thanks, those first Merrells look light and comfy. Has anyone seen anything slightly cheaper but similar?

[bingohandjob]

I really rate Merrell and Ecco. I've got similar to these -m.shopeu.ecco.com/uk/en/ecco/trace_12561482/12561483?navId=192&group=listing warm, waterproof, light, comfy, can walk for hours in them . They've got some Ecco on sale on sportpursuit at the moment - good price.

[JakeBallardswife]

Decathlon? Great range & prices

[PossumInAPearTree]

I was going to say Asolo, really like mine.

Also like my Meindl boots.

[Wolfiefan]

I love my Meindl boots. I broke my ankle years ago and can't tolerate Saloman or any boots right round my ankle. Meindl ones comfy from the first outing.

[DelphiniumBlue]

Those Ecco ones are nice.
But are you all saying I need to be spending around 100 or so for decent boots? Was thinking more of around 50 - is that a false economy?

[PossumInAPearTree]

At least £100. No way would you get decent boots for £50 and you'll struggle for £100 unless in a sale.

[PossumInAPearTree]

Go outdoors have some in the sale for around £100

www.gooutdoors.co.uk/sale/womens/footwear/walking-boots

Karrimor, hi tec, freedom trail are a waste of money. North ridge shit as well.

Scarpa are likely to be a narrow fit.

I would say the Solomon, meindl boots will be the better quality, followed by Merrell then Berghaus. Don't know anything about Mammut boots.

[CallarMorvern]

I have Aigle walking boots, very light, Gore-Tex, have had them a long time and they are fab. DFiL has Ecco and swears by them. DH had very expensive Asolo and the soles perished and fell apart. DD has had Hitecs that were dreadful. I've also had Clarks, which were fine, just not the best fit for me.

[DelphiniumBlue]

Possum that's really useful, thank you.
I am v unfit at present, do occasional walks of about an hour, but am planning on a walking holiday in the summer, so think I will need something decent for that, and for the practice I need to get in. I had been considering Karrimor or similar, so appreciate the advice. I do like Ecco generally, so will look at them and am checking out Aigle as suggested by Callar.
Thanks for all your replies.

[DomesticAnarchist]

Go to Cotswold Outdoor & have a proper fitting. They shouldn't do a hard sell, but if you do buy from them they should be able to make lots if adjustments to the boots to make them fit from the start.

They'll price match any other retailer too.

They have very comprehensive boot fit training. They'll know the different brand shapes and will be able to advise which are likely to fit better than anyone here can.

I got my Meindls from them about... 6 or 7 years ago, stretched to fit my wide feet, gave alternate lacing instructions to support ankle but not squash feet, and they're still super-comfy.

[notagiraffe]

Thanks for starting this thread. DH promised to get me some boots for Christmas but I said wait for the sales. Those Merrells look perfect.

[caroldecker]

Agree you are looking at £100 mark minimum. Also agree Cotswold outdoors - they tried a number of different insoles and heel inserts with mine to get the right fit, took around 2 hours. Great result in the end.

[Shiningexample]

Keen are known for a wide fit
www.keenfootwear.com/en-gb/products/shoes/women/141,3475_132,3320

[PossumInAPearTree]

OP, do you need boots? Have a think about trail walking shoes as well. I rarely wear my boots now and am a shoe convert. You can still get gortex lined fabric shoes. They will be lighter and cheaper.

A boot will give your ankle more stability but unless you're going somewhere very rough then it's not needed. I frequently go up to the top of the high fells in The Lakes in shoes. I tend to stick to paths and even though the paths can be rocky/stoney I've not found myself wishing for boots.

I'm also planning on walking from Mexico to Canada including through the high sierras and will do that (like everyone else does) in very basic trail running shoes.

[youllneverknow]

I know people are saying you need to go for more expensive boots, but I tried on lots of different brands on my last walking holiday in the Lake District. I have really wide feet and the only pair that felt comfortable from the start were these from Trespass. They look similar to that Merrell pair and are lightweight. They keep my feet dry and have a good grip too. They are currently half price so might be a good starter pair for you
www.trespass.com/merse-womens-walking-boots

[DelphiniumBlue]

Wow, lots more replies, thanks so much. Lots to think about.
I think I want boots- was wanting something multi purpose, that would do for everything, including snow! My son has had several pairs of Firetrap Rhino boots and wears them all year round, am wondering if they would be supportive enough for longer distances, or even if trainers would be better! Lots of research to be done, I think!
It's really helpful to hear what has worked for other people.

[FrustratedFrugal]

I don't have wide feet but I wear Salomon walking boots a lot: they are waterproof, light, comfy and I can walk long distances in them without tiring. They are also fine in rain, ice and snow! Five recommendation but please try your lical outdoor store - if you try on several boots, you'll find something that ticks all the boxes. These cost about 80€.

[eurochick]

I have quite wide feet and have some great Berghaus walking boots. Blacks often have similar in the sale.

[FrustratedFrugal]

Posting a pic of my boots - they will be on sale somewhere!

[PossumInAPearTree]

If you want waterproof then you need gortex lined boots. Ime other, cheaper lined boots won't last from a waterproof point of view.

But it depends what sort of walking you're going to be doing,....hills, even boggy tracks or grassy fields you need waterproof footwear. Tarmac paths or gravel bridleways you can probably get away without.

Afaik firetrap are a style brand not an actual walking boot. Bit like timberland.