Anyone know anything about walking boots?

[LisaRoundTheMulberryBush]

I need to buy a pair.

Wouldn't have a clue where to start.

They need to be waterproof, that's all I know.

I assume you get what you pay for, but I don't want to get the most expensive pair as I'll probably wear them a maximum of a couple of times per year. But obviously when I am wearing them I want them to do the job.

Thoughts? I'm clueless.

What sort of walking do you intend to do and over what terrain? Most outdoor shops will advise you and allow you to try several pairs for fit.

Fit can vary so much between walking boots that the 'best' for you are not necessarily going to be 'best' for someone else. The fit is the most important thing, find a shop and try lots on.

Karrimor are decent for the money. www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/KM492/Karrimor-Womens-Bodmin-Mid-5-Weathertite-Hiking-Boots-Dark-Grey-Cochineal

Depends what you want to do in them, dog walking on a muddy day is different to the annual hike up a Scottish mountain with friends.
That said, there are some decent cheaper boots out there, there is an element of getting what you pay for but lots of boots stop working, as it were, because they are not cared for very well so the waterproof membrane inside gets damaged.

Comfort and suppprt are as important as waterproof.

A lot of cheaper ones are fabric, the waterproof doesn’t last but if you only use a few times a year, that doesn’t sound like a problem.

Somewhere like Cotswolds usually have excellent staff and stock good value stuff eg for DoE. And a ramp so you can check movement and toe fit going downhill

Also think about the ground you expect to cover. Steep ground or mud, then you don’t want a rounded heel, good deep tread better

Karrimor are not decent - the brand name has been bought by Sports Direct. Karrimor don't exist as a business any more.

Agree with others that walking boots are so personal there not much advice anyone can give. The fit is the most important thing and that's individual.

Thanks all, even the advice that it's completely personal is great advice for me, because I really had no idea. Now I have a plan.

There won't be any hills involved (non-UK) and I'll be walking for a couple of hours. I may do it again in six months time. It's just that trainers/wellies won't cut it and it's been raining so much, we're bound to get wet feet.

I'll pop to the shops and try some on.

Karrimor does still exist as a company, but it probably doesn't make the sort of stuff that would interest the OP.

karrimorsf.com/

What are you going to be using them for a couple of times a year - that'll help with suggestions?

I'd agree with AskMeHow about Karrimor, they are cheap and cheerful, but I wouldn't buy a pair, the quality isn't there. My favourites are Salomon. They are lightweight and well made, and you can sometimes get good deals on the previous year's range. Merrell and Keen also worth a look. You also need to think about whether you want shoes, mid height or full height boots, that will help narrow the choices down.

Go into your local mountain warehouse. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful they also have a wide selection and have some good sales on just now

Check that when you are going down a slope your toes don't touch the end of the shoes and that when you are going up your heel doesn't lift out of the boot. A good shop should have a ramp where you can play. Lace them properly when you're trying them on, don't be half arsed or they won't feel right.

Boots are made on different lasts, so the same brand different boot might have a different fit. Ask which ones suit your profile if you have especially narrow, wide or high instep feet. If you're only walking for a couple of hours remember that the first few times you use them they might not be very comfy, good boots can take a while to wear in. Try and use them for half hour walks to begin with.

Gaffer tape on your heel and on the outside of your sock can save a fortune in expensive walking socks and prevent blisters if you have a narrow heel that slops about. I always try to get well fitted boots but I've never managed it yet!

I second Salomon and also Scarpa. The other thing to think about is whether you could get by with a good pair of what are known as ‘approach shoes’. Basically they are supported walking shoes. I’ve got a pair of Solomons with GoreTex for waterproofing and they are great.

If you do go for boots I would try to go for quite lightweight ones as it does not sound as if you will be doing anything too tough. But always make sure they are fully waterproof.

You will grow to love your walking boots

Oh and Compeed blister plasters

Yes, Salomon and Scarpa are both good, also Merrell I believe although I've never had them myself.

Testing on a ramp is important as a PP has said. Also, try them on with proper walking socks. That's what you need to wear them with. I like Bridgedale .. not cheap but very comfy and will last for ages.

In a good shop they should be willing to take some time and let you try on several pairs and advise you on how to make sure you have found a pair that fit you properly.

Another vote for Scarpa, the basic, entry level ones would be fine.

I’ve had several very good fittings at Cotswolds outdoors - they have a slope, lots of brands and great expertise. I ended up with the cheaper, lighter boots as for what I wanted (walking on footpaths, 3/4 weeks a year) that was going to be just as good as the ‘better’, more expensive boots that also fitted well.

My Scarpa boots have just died after 20years. They aren't cheap but worth the money. Go outdoors tend to have ramps for trying boots on, you need to get a discount card but if you have a scout in your family you can get 10% off purchases.

Based on the fact the op said she’d be a) wearing them a couple of times a year and b) doesn’t want an expensive pair, I didn’t think she’d particularly appreciate being sign posted to boots that cost £150 🙄.

Karrimor will absolutely do the job. We’re not serious hikers but have had them for years without issue.

My Gore Tex walking shoes are Clarks. They are brilliant, very waterproof and comfortable and I walk in them (coast path sort of walking) at least weekly.

However, I know that Clarks fit my feet very well. (Rather long, narrow feet, so I need something that doesn't get stupidly wide in a size 8, as many do)

I also have some Le Chameau wellies that I walk in in the winter/extremely wet weather and they are great too.

It's horses for courses and you need to try several brands to see which suit your feet the best.

Normally on walking boots I would suggest going to a specialist outdoor shop with properly informed staff.

If you're wanting a pair of general wear outdoor shoes then anywhere like Go Outdoors and get a pair of trail approach shoes rather than full boots. Look for gortex and buy some waterproofing wash to keep on top of them

I have kids own brand ones from Mountain Warehouse. Cheap (no vat) and comfy. I do a lot of walking (on hills as well as on the flat) and they are completely waterproof and have never even given me even the vaguest hint of a blister

Personally I’d go for a second hand pair of berghaus or scarpa. If you have smaller feet you can often pick up barely worn but good brand boots on eBay (probably from DoE use)

Karrimor will absolutely do the job. We’re not serious hikers but have had them for years without issue.
You have just explained what the issue with Karrimore is. You have had them years.
They used to be fabulous and I used to have a lot uf their kit back in the day.
However in recent times the product quality is pretty dire.
Facebook forums about walking are full of complaints about them.

I think it is useless people saying Scarpa Brasha, Meindl's whatever are the best. It's all about individual fit.
My friend loves Solomon, they kill me!

A god store will look at your gait, your foot width, and try different styles on and see what kind of walking you are doing.
Get expert advice and a good pair of walking socks.
Take care of the boots, clean them and reproof them and they should last years.

Dare l suggest Hotter. They do Goretex waterproof shoes and boots. If you send for them you can walk around in them indoors for days to see if they are comfortable. But, do get them when on offer, always having sales.

Decathlon do some decent walking shoes and are very reasonably priced.