What Walking/Outdoor Shoes do your family have?

[Bootothegoose]

A bit of a boring thread I know but we all need some new outdoor shoes and I'm wondering what everyone has!

Since lockdown I'd say we've become quite outdoorsy, we're out most weekends and I wonder is there a particular brand/type we could look at?

Both DH and I have a heavier pair of Mountain Warehouse boots that are like lead.

I've recently invested in some Adidas Trailmakers and they're brilliant now the weather is turning.

I'm possibly looking into Merrell but they're very expensive and I'm wondering are they worth it?

As for the children (primary age) both had this pair www.mountainwarehouse.com/drift-junior-waterproof-boots-p15896.aspx/grey/ of walking boots last year that were fine but as we've rebought in the size up DD now finds them heavy and DS says they hurt his ankles and they're both reluctant to go walking and wear them. Both have quite flat feet like their Dad and whilst they'd happily wear trainer I want to make sure they've got properly supportive shoes for if they're up and down steep hills/uneven terrain. I've been more inclined to get them boots are they offer more support but I'm wondering are walking shoes better?

I don't mind investing a little more as they'll get so much wear especially over summer but I'm mindful I also don't want to throw good money after bad again.

Thank you all in advance!

@AnaVanda

I've got quite wide feet due to a bunion. I find that the mens shoes fit me better. All the women's styles seem to taper in at the end.

@AnaVanda I’ve also got really wide feet and generally look at mens shoes. But I would really recommend going to Cotswold outdoor and getting a fitting - he measured my feet, took notes, disappeared out the back and came out with two of the best fitting, comfiest walking boots I’d ever tried. Miles above anything in the three or 4 shops I’d been in earlier. I had been browsing the mens but the fitter also brought out wider fit ladies ones - I wasn’t at all bothered either way, but it showed that wide womens are possible too. The pair I didn’t buy were actually described as “bunion fit” which made me laugh but they were v comfy!

What kind of walking, how far, how cold, how wet, how muddy, how steep?

DC manage almost everything (including hills) in trainers, but we live in a relatively dry part of the England, usually out for ≤ 2 hours, & wouldn't be out in worse than persistent mist/occasional shower. I wear sandals if warm enough, rarely do we have any snow.

I struggle to find well fitting boots and shoes (wide toes and narrow heels). I tend to find that the mens shoes fit me better than the womens too.

Go to a half decent place, I used to use field and trek or snow and rock. Cotswold Outdoor if you have one near you. Try on lots and lots. Merrell come up narrow which might suit you. My heaviest duty hiking boots are Meindl, wide fitting. Reasonably light and I can wear them all day with ankle support. I also have Columbia hiking trainers which are ugly but comfortable, a pair of Brasher Nubuck walking shoes which are very firm and supportive but much less flexible.

@TheAbbotOfUnreason

I struggle to find well fitting boots and shoes (wide toes and narrow heels). I tend to find that the mens shoes fit me better than the womens too.

I have exactly the same issue.

I never buy any footwear online. I need to try everything on first.

I have Merrell walking boots because they fit my wide feet well. However, I do find them to be quite slippy when walking downhill.
I also have La Sportiva approach shoes, which are good for scrambles/rocky paths but I find them too heavy for proper hikes.

I'm hoping to upgrade my walking boots at some point this year but am indecisive about whether to stick with boots or tail shoe trainer style. I have seen some nice innov-8 trainers/boots which look like a good option but I need to try them on first.

I'd definitely recommend getting a proper fitting though. Sometimes it can just be the lacing method that makes a big difference to the comfort and good fitters should be able to help with that

@RampantIvy

I’ve found that once I’ve found a particular brand & style in store once then I can usually buy again online. Until they discontinue them (which is usually too soon).

I did get caught out once with some Merrells because there was a seam across the base of the big toe joint that made them slightly tight, but a couple of weeks with shoe stretchers did the job.

I have men’s Mizuna golf shoes because they do the fit that suits my feet - I often find wide fit are wide all the way from toe to heel. DS has the same problem but with huge feet, so was glad to find that Sketchers do a “relaxed fit” with a roomier toe box but doesn’t go wide in the heel.

DH and I both wear Salomon boots. Our kids basically live in walking boots when not at school - they've both found regatta boots really good. We did have a foray into adidas boots, but they were an expensive leaky disaster. Now DD has size 5 adult feet, she's got a pair of merrells which were on offer at Go Outdoors.

I have Merrells for dry walking and they're fine but I don't expect them to last forever. About 20 years ago I bought some ankle height Meindl leather walking boots for hardcore walking in the Lake District and whilst my walking isn't nearly as hardcore nowadays (Derbyshire hills now), they are still brilliant and waterproof.

My husband wears Meindls too but the higher calf ones...again great and long lasting.

I have Keens..Great for the wider foot and wide toebox as well..but not the lightest
Dh has merrells as slim foot but ghis pair not lasted as long as previous pairs..
DC have decathlon...not the cheapest pair as found they weren't v waterproof..

I have a pair of North face which are lightweight for the summer but knackered now so looking for waterproof/lightweight...for square feet...some good ideas on here..

Thank you all so much for your suggestions.

For some reason the fact I could take the children to get properly fitted for walking shoes had never occurred to me so I'm taking them to town this weekend. We have an outdoor shop so hopefully they'll be some in store that are on the recommended list!

I wasn't aware Keen did children's shoes and after looking online I think they will be perfect for DS as even the walking boots don't come up too high.

As for DD I think a waterproof walking trainer would be more the way to go as has been recommended.

We've found some Meindl shoes that DH likes the look of (again I'd never heard of the brand) so hopefully they'll be a good match and after summer I'm probably going to splurge on the Merrell's.

Thank you again, you've all been so helpful!