What should I consider when buying ladies’ hiking boots?
Fabric
Generally speaking, leather boots are the most waterproof and durable, so are a good choice if you’re a regular walker and will be tackling wet walks and rugged terrain. Leather is also naturally breathable. The payoff however, is that they’re likely to be heavier and more rigid, something you may feel over long distances.
Synthetic fabric boots, on the other hand, tend to be lighter and more reactive, and as such they’re probably better for long distances. They’re also more breathable (letting out moisture helps prevent blisters). They do tend to have a shorter lifespan and you’ll need to look after them well to prolong it. Synthetic boots are also more difficult to clean.
Waterproof v non-waterproof
Waterproof linings do compromise breathability to some extent, so if you're a fair-weather walker or want a second pair of boots for summer walking, you might not consider waterproofing a priority.
Flexibility and cut
To protect your ankle from sprains, you’ll need boots that neither feel too rigid nor too loose. Mid-cut boots protect your ankles and are ideal for shorter walks. If you’re tackling hills or tougher terrains, you’ll want a higher-cut boot to give your feet and ankles more support, but bear in mind it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as a mid-cut. If you’re planning on lowland walking, then you can go for a more flexible mid-cut boot.
Weight
Leather boots tend to be heavier, but you’re getting more durability for that too. They can give you more stability on more rugged terrain, but on longer walks, you can find that they zap your energy, so you may want to consider a synthetic boot for these times.
Price
If you’re not a regular walker, or you’re just looking for the best boots for dog walking, you won’t need to spend as much and features such as waterproofing perhaps won’t be as important. However if you’re looking for a pair to really go the distance or tackle tougher terrain, you’ll need to invest a little more for a more durable pair. But bear in mind, the more you wear them, the more the price-per-wear comes down.
What makes a good walking boot?
Let’s face it, walking in the UK comes with a high probability of rain. Nothing can ruin a walk like a damp foot, so a waterproof boot will probably be high on your list of priorities. You should also consider breathability, so your feet don’t overheat on long walks. Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable lining that keeps your feet dry while allowing air to pass through and sweat vapour to escape.
The outsole of a boot is the strip of rubber that lines the bottom of the shoe. You’ll be looking for a touch of flexibility, while offering stability and grip. Vibram soles are the benchmark of this. They are rubber soles with optimally designed tread patterns that offer extra grip and stability, good impact absorption and are extremely durable and comfortable.
Finally, comfort is obviously very important. Whether you’re racking up miles or doing regular short walks, you’ll want a boot that feels good to wear. Insoles can help to provide better support or comfort, so if comfort is starting to wane, that might be something to consider.
How long will boots take to break in?
Breaking boots in enables them to mould them to the shape of your foot. As a rule of thumb, leather boots will need some breaking in, but that’s not to say that all boots do. New flexible materials such as memory foam on the ankles mean there’s less breaking in to do, but it’s still wise not to embark on a significant walk before wearing them around the house for some time.
You can break boots in by wearing them around the house for a few hours at time. Make sure you wear thick walking socks. Over the days they should start to loosen up and feel more comfortable. If they haven’t, and they’re pinching your toes or rubbing your heel, then they may not be right for you.
If they feel ok, take them out on some short walks outside, and then up some hills. How long they take to break in will vary, but the agreed consensus among boot manufacturers and expert blogs is between one and four weeks.
If you’re buying boots for a particular trip, make sure you get them in plenty of time to allow you to wear them around the house to get a good feel of them and return if necessary. The last thing you want to feel is the pang of a rapidly forming blister when you’re halfway through a big walk.