Potentially boring thread alert....Walking attire

[ImFree2doasiwant]

Hoping that o continue to get a child free day per week, I am going to start walking sone of the circular routes nearby.

I think I should probably invest in some proper footwear, and possibly trousers. Any recommendations? On a budget.

Is this a city walk or a country walk? City walk - no special attire needed - just comfy shoes.

Country walk - Mountain warehouse sell stuff more affordably than a lot of places - could get some walking boots there. If you will be walking in all weathers, you could buy a waterproof jacket - though be warned - they are expensive and the waterproofing does not last that long. If you are walking places where you don't need your hands free - you would be better off with a decent brolly (though obviously this is no good in bad weather).

I wear leggings and trainers

Oh, and wear trousers that dry quickly if it rains - not jeans!

by bad weather for the brolly - I meant very windy weather - sigh - should learn to proof read before I post.

Country walks, coast, woodland etc.

I have jackets (I have horses, reasonable quality)

I'll be going all year round as long as it's not pouring, I'm not a fair weather person, so feel trainers won't really cut in (or leggings, nettles, bramble etc!)

Trousers with elasticated waist yikes, but they are so comfortable for walking. Decent trainers with support, I use any old sort that are comfortable with decent grip. When worn out buy more. I wouldn't spend a lot, it's around the area not climbing in the Lakes! (Well maybe there are some hills on your route, I dunno!).

Rain jacket in your backpack, you can get great ones in Primark that are dead cheap, fold up neatly for your backpack and the water just drips down them and they never get soggy. Fab.

Mountain warehouse is a good option, they have a variety of price points. I would suggest a waterproof rating on your jacket, it will last years. I have both full boots and shoes, both are suitable for different terrains but they have own brand mid quality boots for around £50. Get some waterproof trousers too if you are going out in all weathers, mine were £20 last winter. Finally get hiking socks, mine are sports direct

Oh and my hiking trousers are cragstoppers

I’ve got a couple of pairs of Acai walking trousers. Shower proof and really stretchy. I love mine. They also do winter weight with a brushed lining, great for cold morning walks.

In all honesty, I've done several thousand miles in jeans over the years. They are a pita if they get wet but for shorter (less than 2 hours), dryer walks, jeans have been as good as anything, for me. I've also walked a lot in normal leggings. My walking trousers tend to only come out if I know it's going to rain or if I'm out for a longer walk and need the extra pockets.

Ditto any comfy, cushioned pair of trainers. Walking boots have a place but trainers can be better for you on shorter, easier walks. If you specifically wanted walking ones (can be good for grip, depnding on the trail) then you can often find bargains in the sales around the £20-40 mark. e.g. www.sportsdirect.com/outdoor-footwear/ladies-outdoor-footwear#dcp=1&dppp=120&OrderBy=price_asc. Other retaoilers often have similar.

I would, however, look a a few decent pairs of walking/sport socks. Nothing too professional but something to keep your feet protected and wick sweat etc.

I would only buy more kit once you've got a few walks under your belt and get a feel for how much, how often and the types of walks you will want to do longer term. Terrein, length, frequency, walking style, weather all make a bit of a difference to the type of clothing/shoes you might want.

If you definately want walking trousers, I really like the Cragstoppers Classic Kiwi II.

I do live my Rohan bags (trousers). Will be very sad when they finally die.

I have Scarpa walking shoes if it’s dry and the ground is not water logged and walking boots for if it’s wet.

Waterproof rain coat with a pocket big enough for an OS map is good. I’ve got a Paramo which is getting on for about 15 years now that’s still doing a great job with a twice yearly NikWax wash and reproof.

www.gooutdoors.co.uk/womens/footwear/multisport-trail/ examples of the type of shoes
Trousers I would wear anything comfortable on a fine day, but walking type ones dry more quickly and have better pockets. Personally I prefer slim cut ones with a bit of stretch or leggings, you can get water repellent ones. Those wide legged ones can just end up muddy.

Waterproof walking boots, either above or below the ankle. They will keep your feet dry and supported. If its dry you can get away with decent trainers or if it's hot then those outdoor walking sandals are a godsend. But nothing worse than soaking wet feet after 20 yards because your footwear isn't waterproof.

Another vote for acai- I have a pair of their thermal trousers and they are v cosy. If you set up an account and leave the item in your basket for a day or two, they will email you a discount code.

I got some Karrimor boots half price in a sale at Christmas - the guy in the shop recommended them as a really good budget brand.

But nothing worse than soaking wet feet after 20 yards because your footwear isn't waterproof.

I have never come across a pair of walking trainers/boots that are truly waterproof when faced with longer, dewy grass and, once wet, waterproof versions take longer to dry back out again than non waterproof.

It comes down to preference, I realise, but one of the great disappointments in my own walking is that waterproof doesn't really seem to mean waterproof.

I do lots of walking locally as we are on the edge of the Peak District. Trail running shoes are waterproof and grippy if you don't want the ankle support of hiking boots - no need to spend a fortune. TK Maxx and Decathlon are good for outdoor wear. If they're still doing it, you can collect Decathlon orders at Asda. Wear layers as once you get going you get hotter than you might think.

For colder days ski gloves are waterproof and usually have clips so you can clip them to your jacket or bag when you aren't wearing them - I have small hands so buy kids' ski gloves and save on the VAT. A separate hat is often more comfortable than putting the hood up on a jacket - I find hoods fine in rain, but a bit restrictive compared to a separate hat.

I have Scarpa boots for winter and Teva sandals for the rest of the year. I don't like close toe shoes much (I have wide feet) so I try to stay in the sandals as long as possible. Obviously this means the occasional nettle sting but otherwise they're great. I've taken them on proper mountain climbs and hikes in the Alps this summer, no diffculties.

Otoh, the shoes I bought in Mountain Warehouse broke within a week in two separate places. Won't be going back there in a hurry!

I have one pair of proper walking trousers, but I rarely/never wear them. Jeans do me year round. They do get very wet, but then I get home and take them off and get in the shower. The only time I would avoid jeans is when I'm doing a walking holiday and it's essential to have things which will dry out overnight. For a day walk, jeans are fine.

How far would you walk?
What would you routinely wear at home but not wear on a walk, OP?

I have a pair of Mountain Warehouse walking boots - leather ones - that are fab. I used them to walk the dogs (when we had them) as my wellies hurt my feet. It depends on how far and where you are walking but I wouldn't walk in jeans - they don't stretch and if they get wet when walking through crops or long grass they rub. Cotton trousers or leggings in cooler months are great but beware that if you wear leggings and walking boots you may look like a Tweenie character!!

@Crosspatchy

I’ve got a couple of pairs of Acai walking trousers. Shower proof and really stretchy. I love mine. They also do winter weight with a brushed lining, great for cold morning walks.

What’s the sizing/ fit like on these? I’ve been thinking about getting some. TVM

Waterproof trousers are always a good idea.

The walks won't be too long as I will be doing them in school hours, and some are an hour's drive away. 2.5 to 3 hours to start with.

I really don't like jeans, I wear them day to day but seem to spend my life pulling them up. I'm not comfy in them.

As for what I wear day to day, the jeans that aren't comfy, or jodphurs. I have few casual clothes having not bought any for years and lost weight 'recently, so am buying new things, and figured I may as well buy walking specific stuff. We spend a lot of time outdoors so it won't go to waste

Goretex walking boots or shoes. I love how relaxing waking is when I don’t have to worry about avoiding the puddles. We walk in the Lake District a lot so I also have walking trousers and a goretex jacket.
If you are going to get wet and then carry on walking a pair of walking trousers are so much more comfortable than jeans. I have North Face and Jack Wolfskin trousers.