Recommend me some walking boots with arch support and bunion issues?

[Figmentofmyimagination]

Can anyone help me in my search for comfortable walking boots that are wide fitting (bunions aargh) and also have arch support (to prevent Achilles tendon pain in one ankle)? I’ve made some expensive mistakes and I’m venturing into the sales as I’ve a walking holiday later in the year. Tried FitFlop but too narrow. Are there any other good quality ‘orthopedic’ brands (UK)? FitFlop was recommended by my nhs physio. There seem to be quite a lot of names out there so some help would be great.

I have Salomon X Ultra mid wide walking boots and they are very comfortable and supportive. You can also take the insoles out and change to a different insole if you need to

I bought DD some in Cotswold. I can't remember the brand but they were incredibly helpful. They looked at her feet and based on their size and shape recommends two models, both of which fitted.

Also you can get 15% in there if you are a member of the National Trust, English Heritage, YHA, probably Ramblers Association and (apparently) pretty much any other outdoorsy organisation. I got my discount with last year's English Heritage card.

dibbler Thank you! Super helpful.

Hanwag do walking boots specifically for women with bunions. I've not had those but I've done a couple of 100+ mile walking events in Hanwag boots and never had any issues.

Meindl brand boots have a nice wide toe area and are very supportive. Stocked by Cotswold outdoors. Also Keen are good for walking trainer type shoes that are a bit less serious. Again with good support and wider toe area

I got my last pair in Cotswold unfortunately. They were superhelpful and I went through all the measuring etc and parted with £150 (Loewe) but when I took them walking they were a complete fail due to Achilles problem grrr. I know it is possible to find footwear to fix this because I’ve found trainers that work. I was a bit unimpressed with Cotswold actually because although they go through all the rigmarole of lovely customer service, the range, unless you are a very standard size, is pretty limited, and you end up feeling ‘invested’ in buying what’s on offer after all the palaver and the display of expertise etc and when I actually went walking in them it was obvious pretty quickly that the arch support was inadequate and that they were not ‘lightweight’.

Thanks for these great suggestions.

@Figmentofmyimagination , waking boots all fit a bit differently. A good outdoor ship will help you find some that fit your feet, and their problems, and help you with insoles and lacing patterns. Invest a good hour or 2 and go to somewhere like Cotswold, or an independent shop and try different boots on.

Salomon make great boots as Dibbler said. They just really don't fit my feet. I'm a Scarpa girl - they are comfortable bioxfresh, but I have to lace them specifically. I have low arches and wide feet.

These look nice. Going to Slovenia in May - ‘moderate walking’.

www.ldmountaincentre.com/walk-hike-c1/footwear-c18/shoes-c62/hanwag-banks-low-bunion-lady-gtx-p42671/s252396

Please don't set your heart on boots until you've tried them on.

ibiza you are right. It’s probably a false economy to buy online. I wouldn’t normally and I can’t really afford to make another mistake. I think I just have to bite the bullet and find a good independent retailer who isn’t busy with a good range. These brand suggestions are so helpful.

My Meindl boots are so comfortable for my wide feet and aching arches. I actually look forward to putting them on ! Got them from Cotswolds.

I bought online as was confident I had finally found a good pair of boots (I researched thoroughly )

I have some very comfortable hotter walking boots. They are the only brand of footwear I can find that will accomodate my bunion. They sell online and also have some shops but the shops don't always have a full range of the extra extra wide which you can get online

If you have specific arch support issues I would have thought replacing the insoles in your current boots best to suit your needs. You can buy all manner of insoles separately.

Would it be more helpful to get customised inserts rather than focusing just on the boot. It sounds like you did everything to find the right fitting last time and the boots still weren't comfortable. There are a number of companies around which mak customised inserts.

My DD says replacing the insoles is sensible too - but do you actually remove the existing insoles? Not sure how this works.

Do you mean 'walking boots' as in boots you'd go hiking in, or just general everyday boots for walking in?
If the former, I'd find a decent, independent outdoor retailer (NOT Go Outdoors / Blacks / Milletts) and have a personal fitting. If you're in the West Country, I'd strongly recommend Taunton Leisure (they have branches in Exeter, Taunton and Bristol). If you don't have an independent retailer then Cotswold Outdoors are usually ok.

Try somewhere like here?

www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/

i have some of these, as does my sister - they are amazing

Yes usually you just remove the current insole and replace. One of my dc has orthopedic insoles so does this with every pair of shoes and walking boots they own. I took the insoles our of my walking boots and used shock absorber ones. Best thing ever.

Another vote for Whalley Warm and Dry. You book an appointment for a fitting and they really know what they're talking about. They're based near Clitheroe. There's also the Altberg factory shop in Richmond who might be able to help. Or going to somewhere like the Lake District where there are lots of independent retailers might help.

@Figmentofmyimagination where in the uk are you? Maybe people could sugguest shops.

With insoles - yes, you can take out the insoles of most walking boots and replace with different ones for arch support, shock absorbency etc. these will be a seperate purchase - around £30.

Hello everyone, just coming back to update you all and thank you for your help. I bought customised 3D printed insoles (shockingly expensive but comfortable) and I also visited Whalley’s Warm and Dry. What absolutely superb service. Amazing. A fantastic recommendation, so thank you! I am so excited about my new boots - Meindls. I’m really looking forward to my holiday now.

Yes @Figmentofmyimagination !!

That is brilliant. Glad you took the good advice here and got properly fitted!! May you walk many happy miles in your Meindles.🥾