Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to take boots to Scotland for a rainy weekend?

61 replies

LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 13:54

WIBU to take boots for the weekend? I’m going to Scotland and it is rain/19 degrees. I want to look nice but think it might be too cold for the sandals I’ve been wearing at home in the south.

Not unreasonable — yes take boots, everyone is wearing them up north in perpetual winter.

Unreasonable — don’t be weird, just wear your sandals.

OP posts:
owlpassport · 02/07/2026 15:47

bananaapplepears · 02/07/2026 15:08

Where are you meeting them? At their home or out somewhere? A t shirt dress and leggings isn't very stylish.

Show quote history

I would agree. I'd go for wide-leg/barrel trousers or jeans with trainers.

BashfulClam · 02/07/2026 15:41

Haven’t worn boots since February.Decent shoes will do.

hahabahbag · 02/07/2026 15:41

Have at least one pair of boot or trainers you can walk on grass etc in case you go for a walk, it’s not a big city, there’s open moorlands right there, better to be prepared

Silverbirchleaf · 02/07/2026 15:40

I’d wear trainers. Good luck in meeting your in-laws.

Iggi999 · 02/07/2026 15:38

OP might just be sitting in a bungalow somewhere، we don't know she'll be ok cobbles etc. I wouldn't suggest removing your leggings in front of the parents 😃

Ultravox · 02/07/2026 15:27

Boots will be overkill in Edinburgh tomorrow- I’d take the sandals (if they’ll cope with cobbles?) but smart comfy trainers would be my go to for this type of thing. Yes to layers. Don’t think you’ll need a raincoat though. Hope it goes well!

Ihaveausername · 02/07/2026 15:20

Just outside Edinburgh here. Shorts and strappy tops, bare feet and flip flops have been my staple for weeks

Throwmoneyatit · 02/07/2026 15:16

LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:30

No, it is a city break in Edinburgh

Loads of walking in Edinburgh. Wear the comfiest things you have

AgnesX · 02/07/2026 15:13

19C is positively balmy in Scotland 😁. It seems a bit overkill given those temps but you do you. There are so many different styles noone will pay any attention and if you're comfortable that's the main thing.

chirrupybird · 02/07/2026 15:11

At least sturdy shoes if you are intending to go walking, if you are in a city the same as any city really and it doesn't always rain in Scotland

bananaapplepears · 02/07/2026 15:08

LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:42

Amazing name @BauhausOfEliott

I’m thinking a tshirt dress type thing with removable leggings and trainers; and jumper in bag. And little raincoat in bag too. Maybe boots/sandals as backup shoes?

Where are you meeting them? At their home or out somewhere? A t shirt dress and leggings isn't very stylish.

Lemonade2011 · 02/07/2026 14:52

I just walked through Edinburgh on my way home from work, very busy with lots of tourists etc all conceivable shoes on, from boots, hiking shoes, sandals etc same with outfits from summer dresses to jumpers and jeans, even someone with a woolly tartan scarf. It’s quite mild just now but had a lovely walk through the gardens but glad to be getting home now good luck meeting the parents, am sure they’ll like you whatever you wear. Take the boots you could take sandals too just in case it stays nice and dry

Original poster
LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:45

I just need to look decent to meet my partner’s family. I’m nervous and I’m going tomorrow.

OP posts:
Beamsss · 02/07/2026 14:44

CruCru · 02/07/2026 14:00

I am someone who hosts visitors a lot. Please bring the boots, having guests who don’t bring what they are likely to need is a nuisance. There’s nothing like someone who wants to go on a muddy walk but her only shoes are designer suede.

I'm not sure the OP means nice practical walking boots, but yes OP you should take your smart boots and if you're not staying in town, something useful too.

Original poster
LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:42

Amazing name @BauhausOfEliott

I’m thinking a tshirt dress type thing with removable leggings and trainers; and jumper in bag. And little raincoat in bag too. Maybe boots/sandals as backup shoes?

OP posts:
Yetone · 02/07/2026 14:42

LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:30

No, it is a city break in Edinburgh

Yes I get that now. I was too late to edit.🙈
Sorry. I hope you have a great time.

BauhausOfEliott · 02/07/2026 14:40

GasPanic · 02/07/2026 14:14

You'll need thick boots to stop the midge bites getting through.

If you wear sandals thousands of them will feast on your feet.

Midges aren't a problem all over Scotland. They're mostly found on the west coast, the Highlands (mainly in the west and central parts of the highlands I think) and the Western Isles. They're not going to be a problem on a city break - I suppose Inverness might be a bit midgey at times but I've never been bitten there in when in the city centre in the 23 years I've been visiting.

Iggi999 · 02/07/2026 14:37

I've been wearing sandals all week, gone back into trainers today. Haven't worn a coat for a while, but an umbrella is very useful!
There will be no issue with midges. Bring your sunscreen my dc got burnt at school last week.

fingfong · 02/07/2026 14:34

well I've got Birkenstock Bostons on without socks and my feet are freezing (Edinburgh). Trainers are your friend ☺️

BauhausOfEliott · 02/07/2026 14:33

There's nothing wrong with wearing boots in summer. Loads of women wear, eg, Doc Martens with summer dresses or shorts or cropped jeans. Just take whatever you want; you're really overthinking this!

Original poster
LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:30

No, it is a city break in Edinburgh

OP posts:
Yetone · 02/07/2026 14:28

We holiday in the Scottish Highlands every year for days of hill walking. We always walk when in is raining because otherwise we might not walk. You just have to have decent waterproofs.

Iggi999 · 02/07/2026 14:19

In which city in Scotland are midges a big problem?

GasPanic · 02/07/2026 14:14

You'll need thick boots to stop the midge bites getting through.

If you wear sandals thousands of them will feast on your feet.

Original poster
LarkspurBlues · 02/07/2026 14:13

Haha @Iggi999 I put that in tongue in cheek, but yes I agree.

OP posts: