Can any walkers/hikers help me pick some boots?

[smudgemylife]

I started walking in lock down, initially in my sketchers trainers then when the weather changed my wellibobs.

It's really done a number on my feet, the bridge is sore and my ankles are beginning to feel tender on the sides too.

It's not too bad, but I'm worried I will cause some damage if I carry on like this.

I usually do about 10km, mostly flat, sometimes road, sometimes grass, sometimes rocky, often a bit of mud and sometimes light incline on rocks.

I am on a budget and really don't want to spend a ridiculous amount. I'm a little embarrassed to go into a store and ask for help when I know I don't have the kind of money to buy the boots they offer.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I walk solo and have no one IRL to get advice from on this.

Proper walking trainers will be fine for the kind of walking you do - you don’t need boots. Do you have a Mountain Warehouse locally? They should be able to help you choose a pair that are not too expensive.

You are right that you can’t carry on walking in wellies, though!

So this sort of thing.

Do you live anywhere near a decent outdoor shop? I’ve always found them very helpful, worth 40 minutes on the bus for their advice and special walking boot trying on slope. They were happy for me to go away and have a think, and also pointed out that if I found the same pair cheaper online they’d match it. This was Cotswold Outdoors, but I’ve also had a good experience with Blacks.

I’d say try a few, explain you’relooking at budget options as these are your first pair and you’re working out what you need, and then go home and order online when you’re sure.

have a look at decathlon.
take thick socks to try on.
hiking shoes/boots usually come up small, don't be surprised if you need one or two sizes bigger than usual.

Decathlon would be my recommendation as somewhere to start

@TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross I don't mind trainers but just fancied the idea of boots as I hate getting cold feet. One of the bonuses of wellies is I can layer up wooly socks and stay toastie

I'm not far out of Manchester City centre so will most likely have these kind of stores to call into. Defo have a decathlon near by.

What kind of low-end budget am I going to be looking at? I think something around £50-70 would be my absolute top tbh.

Trainers are definitely the way to go. They are lighter and easier on your feet. Something like these: www.sportsdirect.com/running/running-shoes/trail-running-shoes#dcp=1&dppp=120&OrderBy=rank&Filter=AGEN%5EWomens%7CAPRI%5E%C2%A320%20to%20%C2%A350

Just checked out those trainers, I was not expecting to be able to spend less than £30 to get something quality so that has really surprised me! Maybe I've been overthinking it a bit.

What shoe size are you, I bought kids ones for half the price of the adult version, I’m a size 5 and bought a 5.5, perfect fit. I can try and find a link, most comfortable pair I’ve ever had, Gelert.

Also if I'm stomping through mud do I need waterproof? Or is that not possible in a trainer?

Mountain warehouse will have walking boots for your budget. I've bought them for £20 sometimes in the sales.

I got a great pair of walking boots from mountain warehouse for £30-they have a sale on

Do you do a lot of Hill walking and hiking?

I’ve got karinoor walking boots which have a lot more and much needed ankle support
I also have some lighter walking shoes by then and some trail running trainers depending on the terrain it makes sense to have the correct shoe / boot especially as you’ve caused some pain and damage to your feet already

I’ve got these, waterproof and high enough to protect ankles from mud, slips and high grass with ticks. I can wear them for hours. www.sportsdirect.com/gelert-horizon-mid-waterproof-walking-boots-juniors-094091#colcode=09409169

I was going to say good cross-trainers too, because they are a lot lighter. If u go for boots, look for lighter version, makes a massive difference.

If u like the trainers but soles are hard (often are), u can get specialist arch support inserts - I recently "upgraded" fairly basic but comfy trainers with an arch support inserts.

If you are size 7 or over buy bloke shoes or boots, stuff designed for women is lower quality and higher priced. Do not walk any distance in wellies. Don't buy anything labelled 'fashion'.

Mountain warehouse or sports direct stuff is fine if you aren't hiking Ben Nevis.

Here are some examples

Approach shoes (heavy walking shoe / trainer type things) are waterproof but that’s not much use if the water is coming over the top, either puddles or long, wet grass. Boots deal better with that, and provide ankle support.

I generally wear boots in wet conditions and approach shoes for dry ones, unless it’s a really slippery or rocky route where I’d want the ankle support of boots regardless of the weather.

So it depends on how much of a fair weather walker you are

I wonder if a pair of lightweight textile walking boots would suit you. I see a lot of people wearing Salomon boots like these and have a pair for muddy dog walks/light hiking. Reasonably waterproof, space for socks, a bit of ankle support, good sole, can be rinsed off if they get muddy.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/salomon-xultra-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots/_/R-p-X8614698?mc=8614698

They are not very cheap but Decathlon, Mountain warehouse etc would all have their own brand versions. I wouldn't go for the very cheapest, but you should be able to get something in your budget. Most important is they are comfortable and the right size so do try on.

OP, don’t get walking trainers. If you want to go through mud etc, then you need to keep your feet dry. A boot will also give your ankle a bit more support in the event of a fall.

Good for you for walking solo and getting into it.

When the world opens up again, you might like to try a walking holiday. They’re very good fun and there are plenty of singles ones.

Defo not just a fair weather walker, so will be out in rain and snow too (though hopefully not too much of the latter going into summer).
Definitely hilly with paths leading to the fields which have long grass, rocks, steep inclines and a tiny bit of climbing every now and again.

Really daft question, can you wear thick warm socks with trainers? Or would they look daft poking out the top? Is something like a trainer sock more appropriate?

I'm a women's 5, normal width foot.

@rainallnight funny you say that, I'd love to join a tour walking/climbing Mount olympus next year as a 'well done' for pushing myself to try new things and getting out there

I got some walking boots from mountain warehouse for £35. They are waterproof too which makes a huge difference. I always wear them with normal socks and then walking socks on top. I’ve gone over on my ankle several times when tired but the boots have massively helped with this because it doesn’t twist as far.

I’ve found hi tec walking shoes are really good, considering the price you can find them at if you hunt around on the internet. I’ve never really got on with walking boots, hate the snugness on my ankles. Keen are also really hard wearing and comfortable, but are pricey.

That sounds fantastic,@smudgemylife! When I was hiking solo I used to go with Explore and Exodus. Mount Olympus sounds a bit specialist for them but I bet there are treks you can join.