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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Walking boots

56 replies

anothernameagain000 · 07/10/2018 21:30

So I’m thinking of shedding out on a pair of debarry boots, but is that crazy? Aibu to ask - what boots you wear for walking?

OP posts:
mindutopia · 07/10/2018 21:40

I’ve only ever worn Merrills for about 15 years. Comfortable, last with regular use (current ones about 5 years old) and not stupid expensive.

mindutopia · 07/10/2018 21:44

I think if you want to spend stupid amounts of money, do it on something you’ll take good care of (mums at school wear them on the school run, certainly not on a 10 mile trek!) or something you need in terms of technical gear. There are lots of supportive good quality boots to splash around in the mud that won’t set you back silly amounts.

pictish · 07/10/2018 21:45

The most comfortable ones. At the moment I’m using a pair of Scarpa boots which are brilliant.
This question often gets asked on a hillwalking forum I’m a member of...”what boots should I buy?” And the answer is invariably the same; the ones that fit the best because comfort comes first, never mind what brand.

mistermagpie · 07/10/2018 21:46

I have a pair of Dubarrys which are brilliant but they are not what I would consider my 'walking boots'. I do wear them to walk in obviously, but I wear them more in situations where you might wear wellies but they are just a lot nicer than wellies!

For walking (as in, actual 'hiking up a mountain' type walking), I have a pair of Scarpa boots which I would highly recommend.

Didntwanttochangemyname · 07/10/2018 21:48

Dubarries aren't for proper walking, if you want boots for hill walking etc then get a pair of walking boots. Merrill are good.
I wear my Dubarries every day because I live rurally and walk through mud to get from my front door to the car. I wear my walking boots to walk the dog etc. As they have much better ankle and arch support.

adaline · 07/10/2018 21:49

What kind of walking are you planning on doing?

pictish · 07/10/2018 21:50

Ahh...I just googled Dubarry boots. We are reading from a different page...those are not what I would think of as walking boots. They are very nice and I’d love to have a pair for strolling around the woods and posing in. I would not wear them on a ‘walk’.

HeronLanyon · 07/10/2018 21:50

I do a lot of moorland coastal path walking. Swear by grisport lady hurricane. Have tried loads of other brands. These boots are all I have bought for years. Have an old pair 6 years old which have done 100s miles and still waterproof. Now have backup second new pair. Comfortable out of the box. I buy a size bigger to accommodate walking socks/feet getting hot etc. Blissful boots.

HeronLanyon · 07/10/2018 21:52

Oh grisport I bored on about are walking boots - just seen you might be looking for slightly less full on boots.

Autumndayswhenthegrassisjewel · 07/10/2018 21:52

Scarpa. Not expensive if you calculate cost per wear (mine lasted ten years before replacing and I walk miles daily)

mistermagpie · 07/10/2018 21:56

I've had my Scarpas for five years and they are still going strong. The dubarrys look the part and are very comfortable (and goretex to be fair) but don't have the support of walking boots:

Maria1982 · 07/10/2018 21:59

Pretty much what pictish Said - I try on a few in the shop and get whichever are most comfortable.

Having said which my last two pairs have been Scarpa. I love them and they suit my foot (others rubbed at the heel).

Pickupthephone · 07/10/2018 22:01

I get on really well with Salomon ones but Merrill are also good.

Nerdybeethoven · 07/10/2018 22:01

I have 15 year old Scarpa boots. Just had them resoled and I'm overjoyed that they have a new lease of life! They'll hopefully last another 15 years!!

Crocky · 07/10/2018 22:02

I have grisport. Have had them for a few years now and they have done a fair few miles up hills.

Relaxdontdoit · 07/10/2018 22:31

I have Solomon walking boots. Fantastic boots! Great ankle support ect. I didn't like walking boots as I always found them to tight. But these I live in. Not dear, well made, comfy, had them for 4 + years done many miles in them (and also bike rides lol) defo Solomons x

UpstartCrow · 07/10/2018 22:36

Does anyone else find Merrill come up half a size small?

HeronLanyon · 07/10/2018 22:46

Yes re Merrill coming up small. Also I’ve found them stuff and take forever to break in. Ha ent bought for ages though. ScArpa were comfy I remember but they tend to stick treads on rather than full mold. Some treads sheared off and let me down badly (fast!) climbing down cliff. Got refund but was shocked they’re were glued not molded. Wedded to adored grisport but increasingly aware that many cheaper brands are actually great. Very reluctant to ever think of more expensive brands again. Wasted too much money over the years on them although may have been unlucky. Will also never buy my own size again. Always a size up for walking for me.

Queenofthestress · 07/10/2018 22:51

Salomons for daily walking and grisport for hikes for me

Pieceofpurplesky · 07/10/2018 23:00

They will be fine if you are not walking very far and have lots of money

Deadbudgie · 07/10/2018 23:10

Brasher hillmasters lasted me 12 years still going strong

Bloodybridget · 07/10/2018 23:17

I love my Salomon boots, my feet are big and hard to fit. Different brands suit different people; go to a shop with knowledgeable staff, get your feet measured and tell them any particular foot issues you have.

Stupomax · 09/10/2018 01:09

Does anyone else find Merrill come up half a size small?

Yes! I'm in the US and I'm a women's 10.5 but no one actually makes that size so I have to buy an 11. So I bought Merrills. I actually went to LLBean and said "I just want to try on all your hiking boots until I find a pair that fit."

I just spent a weekend hiking in them and they were really comfortable.

Sciurus83 · 09/10/2018 03:42

Berghaus/Brasher superlites

Notatallobvious · 09/10/2018 04:36

I've had solomans before which I found really lightweight and comfy, but I've had two pairs that started to let water in after only a few months. Couldn't be bothered with another pair after keep returning them so I've switched to scarpa. Not had them long but they are very comfortable. As others have said, the most importanat thing is to get a pair that suit you, so try somewhere like Cotswold outdoor and test lots of pairs out. Also depends what type of walking you plan on doing, walking shoes rather than boots can be a good option.