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Original poster

DofE - best walking boots ?

13 replies

ServeBacon · 15/01/2022 09:28

I need to buy my DS some walking boots for his DofE - there's such a vast range out there and such a vast range of prices.

Help me whittle down what we are looking for. Maybe let me know what boots you personally recommend.

I know it's a case of go and try on etc as everyones feet are different - we are planning a shopping trip tomorrow.

Would love some ore shopping advice though.

Thanks Mumsnetters. 😊

OP posts:
MajorCarolDanvers · 15/01/2022 09:31

If you go to a good outdoor shop the staff are reasonably knowledgeable you can have a chat about your needs.

Try them on is a must and then wear them constantly in the house for a few days before going out and then lots of breaking the, in before the expedition.

You don't need to pay more than about £50 for a good pair.

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 15/01/2022 09:32

I love merrell boots, I had a pair last me 12 years and they were super comfy! But yes, try loads on and then get them well brown in before the expedition!

FrenchyQ · 15/01/2022 09:33

If you look at the Dofe website there is a recommended kitlist. We got the Hitec eurohike boots from Go outdoors

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saleorbouy · 15/01/2022 09:56

I always had the old type leather boots but since getting more lightweight boots I wouldn't go back. I have had Merrrel and Salomon boots and both have been great.
Get goretex lined ones so they're waterproof. A rubber covered toe cap also extends the durability.
Definitely get some good quality walking socks, they make all the difference and are worth the expense. Bridgedale are fairy expense but blister free cosy feet are worth it.
www.bridgedale.com/

whiteworldgettingwhiter · 15/01/2022 10:17

You don't need to spend a fortune. How far does he have to hike for DofE? Good socks are important. My ds has Hitec boots. Go to a Millets or similar and try some on! And don't forget to break them in at home before your ds goes out on a hike.

CharSiu · 15/01/2022 11:15

I have Braysher boots but they were really expensive quite a few years ago. Just get ones that have good ankle support and go to an actual outdoor shop for advice. He really needs to wear them a lot before he has his trip to break them in . He also needs two pairs of walking socks. There is nothing worse than damp socks when out walking.

reluctantbrit · 15/01/2022 11:46

You need to go into an actual shop and try them on. DD and I have the same shoe size but very different shapes so my shoes are too wide for her and hers too narrow for me.

We normally buy from Ellis Brigham but I don’t know how how widespread the shops are. Cotswolds is a good chain with knowledgeable staff.

GoOutdoors can be good for your purse but I don’t know how good the staff is advising you, every time we shop there, there is absolutely no customer service so we only buy things we know what to buy ourselves and so far never boots.

DuesToTheDirt · 15/01/2022 11:52

I don't find that modern boots really need breaking in. Yes, try them on, and if possible in a shop that has a slope to test going up and down.

I find Cotswold Outdoor pretty good, and I like Merrell boots, but it just depends what shops and nearby and what fits. Set yourself a budget (which may depend on whether his feet are still growing) and see what's available within that. I go mainly for ankle support and waterproofness.

blobby10 · 15/01/2022 13:10

I took my son to mountain warehouse and they were really helpful- said it wasn’t worth getting the expensive ones I was going for (so they would last) until he got serious at gold level . Ended up with some around £65 which have only just worn out almost 8 years later!!

Cookerhood · 15/01/2022 13:14

I have Decathlon own brand ones & they have been brilliant. They have quite a range so go & try them if you have one nearby. Get proper walking socks too.

CMOTDibbler · 15/01/2022 13:30

Book a fitting at Cotswold Outdoor. They were brilliant in fitting my very difficult to fit DS (wide, high feet) and you got a free footwear kit for booking the appointment and a DofE discount

Original poster
ServeBacon · 15/01/2022 13:30

Sorry - I should have said - this us for the GOLD exhibition. Feet pretty much grown by now I imagine.

OP posts:
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 15/01/2022 13:47

Currently we have
DH- Altberg
Me- Peter Storm
DD1- Cotswold
DD2- Quecha (inherited from DD1)

The Altbergs are the highest quality but £££. Worth it for DHs dodgy ankles though.

The rest of us we go on comfort. DD2 does inherit DD1s, but only when they are in good nick and comfy for her too. She's only 8 though, not walking for more than a few hours at a time.

Dont forget to wear actual walking socks when trying on.

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