Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Walking boots

38 replies

Squishedpickle · 12/07/2021 11:31

Hello,

My beloved Karrimor walking boots have finally given up. I need some new boots but have heard that Karrimor is not such good quality any more. Please can you give me recommendations for a long lasting, flexible, waterproof not too heavy boot? Price not particularly important if they'll last.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Cowbells · 12/07/2021 18:02

@TheRosesOfSuccess

I love Salomon boots, they are great for narrower feet, if you've got wide feet, they probably won't work for you. DH had Meindels which lasted for years and did the coast to coast, but his new pair are Salomon as he wants something a bit lighter and more flexible now.

Can you get to a specialist walking shop to get some advice and try on lots of makes?

I love Salomon too. They feel like they have a spring in their step and excellent grip. Mine have climbed a few mountains and literally hundreds of hills in filthy muddy weather and are still going strong years later. Lightweight, waterproof, man-made not leather and about £200. FWIW, my feet aren't that narrow. But I like the feeling of close fitting around the sides - good arch and ankle support but wiggle room in the toes for long downhill stretches.
Masdintle · 12/07/2021 19:18

I've just bought a second pair of Meindls as the sole fell off my first pair. However they were 17 years old so didn't owe me anything. I have wide ish feet and they're an excellent fit. Around £200 though

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 12/07/2021 19:26

I had a pair of Scarpas that were incredibly comfortable but sprang a leak after ones season.

I know have a pair of Meindls that are little restrictive over the end of my big toe but otherwise v comfy.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Camping Clothing
Cowbells · 12/07/2021 22:52

@EnglishRose1320

I having exactly the same issue, my lovely walking boots, that I had for over 10 years and got lots of use out of finally gave up. I've been to Cotswolds and had a fitting session and they couldn't find anything for my big wide feet :(

I bought two pairs that seemed okay ish and tried them on at home for a few days and they both went back because they weren't quite right.

Keens seem close to what I like but again not that really comfy fit I'm after, good ankle support but not too hot.

I'm starting to think the boot I want doesn't exist.

Do you size up with the boots and get really good hiking socks? Spending on the right socks and having a larger boot is key to comfort I think. Bridgedale socks... like walking on pillows.
NCnotmyusualone · 12/07/2021 23:54

Keen boots and shoes are amazingly comfortable (and seem to last forever).

BrioLover · 12/07/2021 23:57

My Meindl boots are you wonderful. So comfortable and going strong 20 years later. I also have Solomon walking trainers and they've held up well too.

ErrolTheDragon · 13/07/2021 00:04

I need a wide boot (large 'toe box' for an enlarged big toe joint) - berghaus suit me.

sauvignonblue · 13/07/2021 00:10

Another one who has Salomon which fit nicely on more narrow feet. Mine are so comfy that it is hard to persuade me to wear anything else outside the house!

Having said that, I'm mulling over getting leather ones next time and wearing them in.

GoingGently · 13/07/2021 00:39

@TheRosesOfSuccess

I love Salomon boots, they are great for narrower feet, if you've got wide feet, they probably won't work for you. DH had Meindels which lasted for years and did the coast to coast, but his new pair are Salomon as he wants something a bit lighter and more flexible now.

Can you get to a specialist walking shop to get some advice and try on lots of makes?

That's funny...I have wide feet and Solomon are the only ones that work for me. They have a wide toe box and are heaven!
NatMoz · 13/07/2021 09:29

I have leather Scarpas. Best walking boots I've ever had!

ThatsNotMyReindeer · 13/07/2021 09:31

I always get measured and fitted at Cotswold Outdoor

SweatyBetty20 · 13/07/2021 09:36

I have big feet (although annoyingly I'm not tall!) - I'm in a size 9. I have:

  • Salomon for trails, easy walking
  • Hanwag for Lakes, boggy, wet, and long days in the hills - amazing, and they do special fits for things like bunions etc.
  • La Sportiva for my scottish winter/crampon walks.

Don't know where you are but I've used the following shops who do a great fitting service:

  • Mountainfeet in Marsden - ring and speak to him before you go and he'll order stuff in for you to try
  • Whalley Warm and Dry - Lancashire
  • George Fisher - Keswick - massive amount of choice and a good fitting service.
GlencoraP · 13/07/2021 09:37

I have some Colombia ones which have been life changing . So much lighter than my old ones

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread