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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask walkers for boot recommendations

69 replies

NewDayNewBeginnings · 12/01/2023 22:44

I walk the dog daily and I'm going through walking boots every few months. They start off great, but after a few months they start taking on water and by the time I get home, my toes are wet, cold and wrinkly. Can anyone recommend a boot that lasts a decent amount of time?

OP posts:
popyourcollar · 13/01/2023 13:33

Love my Scarpas - I've had them for five years and they haven't sprung a leak. They are also lovely and warm. They cost about £140 but I consider that a great investment over the period of time that I'm likely to have them.

Original poster
NewDayNewBeginnings · 13/01/2023 13:45

I'm leaning towards Scarpa ATM.... The socks are expensive at £20 or more, and I'd need at least 3 pairs as they need to drip dry... So may as well just get the decent shoes

OP posts:
MrsMitford3 · 13/01/2023 13:47

I love my blundstones!

Elphame · 13/01/2023 13:48

NorthernAndSouthern · 12/01/2023 23:59

All those recommending Scarpa and Meindl, how much did you pay?

How much should I expect to pay for a decent pair?

My last pair of leather Meindl cost me around £200 and I think DP paid much the same for his Scarpa. Sorry I can't remember the exact amounts as it's been a good few years now!

We do a lot of walking on very rough terrain and leather is the only material that stands up to it. I've always had trouble with Gortex after a year or two.

Elphame · 13/01/2023 13:51

NewDayNewBeginnings · 13/01/2023 13:45

I'm leaning towards Scarpa ATM.... The socks are expensive at £20 or more, and I'd need at least 3 pairs as they need to drip dry... So may as well just get the decent shoes

Both DP and I find our boots are so comfortable that we don't need the thick specialist walking stocks any more. Ordinary day to day socks are perfectly fine (even when climbing in places like Tryfan).

SlipperyLizard · 13/01/2023 13:54

I got some hanwag boots last year for walking the dog, got those ones as I need a flexible boot for foot problems (and arch support so wellies make the problem worse unfortunately!)

The shop gave me some nikwax conditioner for leather to apply after cleaning to keep the leather supple & waterproof. So far I haven’t had wet feet (walking on very boggy ground!).

Can’t remember the price but think at least £200, but worth it as I wear them everyday now the weather is bad.

I had waterproof socks for cycling years ago - they worked but I wouldn’t want to walk in them (they may have improved!)

countrygirl99 · 13/01/2023 13:59

It's all very well people recommending the boots they like but having the right ones for your foot shape makes a massive difference. Best to go and try a few on before parting with your cash.

Bayleaf25 · 13/01/2023 14:01

I’ve had my leather Brasher ones for probably about 8 years. I’ve also got a pair of gortex merrell shoes that I wear in summer.

They were probably both over £100 but I wear every day for dog walking so they get a lot of use.

dcbc1234 · 13/01/2023 14:05

www.altberg.co.uk/

Alaimo · 13/01/2023 14:10

The thing to remember with most waterproof boots (except wellies) is that to get the best performance out of them you need to re-proof them regularly with something like this www.nikwax.com/en-gb/waterproofing/.

If it's just for walking the dog, I'd get a pair of wellies or something like this rather than paying for a pair of technical hiking boots: www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-warm-waterproof-high-snow-boots-sh500-x-warm/_/R-p-324197?mc=8738750&c=BROWN

OneTC · 13/01/2023 14:13

My meindl were about £230 I think but I've had them for about 15 years and worn them as winter boots around town as well as using them for walking, camping and climbing. Keeping them well treated is really important, as is treating them prior to ever using them

OneTC · 13/01/2023 14:16

Also Lowa and Haix.

The most important thing is fit for you though. I don't tend to get on with Scarpa or Salomon. Prefer the fit from Haix and Meindl

LadyDanburysCane · 13/01/2023 14:19

My hiking boots are Meindl - current pair are over 10 years old.

General “going for a walk in the local woods” are Dubarry boots. Pricey but OMG they are so worth it!

Theoscargoesto · 13/01/2023 14:21

I walk about 10 miles a day and my Merrells seem to last. Also good results with Oboz boots if you can find them. I think you’re right, you may need to pay more than £40. And Sealskin socks are amazing!

LadyDanburysCane · 13/01/2023 14:22

countrygirl99 · 13/01/2023 13:59

It's all very well people recommending the boots they like but having the right ones for your foot shape makes a massive difference. Best to go and try a few on before parting with your cash.

This is very true. If you can get to a branch of Cotswold Outdoor they are very helpful with getting boots that are right for you. (Plus, if you are a member of RSPB, National Trust or English Heritage you get a decent discount too.

wishuponastar1988 · 13/01/2023 14:23

I have scarpa and would recommend them

PositiveLife · 13/01/2023 14:24

I've had a pair of Merrells for 7+ years and haven't treated them carefully but they're still fine.
I've just treated myself to some Inov-8 ones that are much lighter to wear. I'm going to make more effort with these ones and have a Grangers footwear care kit to treat them.
I also wear waterproof socks with them. I really love the 360dry socks - around £30 and hand wash only but very comfortable.

2bazookas · 13/01/2023 14:58

I've had mine since last century, bought from a builders/workwear supplier no idea what brand. Leather with a goretex lining, and totally waterproof; I can and often have walked through shallow water (not over boot top) with dry feet. They get dubbined 3 or 4 times a year.

Gandalfsdaughter · 13/01/2023 15:10

Scarpa wearer here too. Love them , really comfy. (Paid around £180 at Go Outdoors)

However, my first pair did start leaking as I hadn’t looked after them at all. I’m a daily dog walker too, and walk a lot through muddy fields. If you let the mud dry up on the boot, the boot will eventually crack! So I do now rinse m off quickly, or use the mud daddy that I use for the dog anyway. Not a thorough clean, but just a quick rinse.

I also own some lined wellies and if it is raining, or I expect a lot of mud, I wear my lined wellies. I got a pair at cotton traders for about £50, and they are very comfy too.

JussathoB · 13/01/2023 15:18

I had fitting advice from Cotswold Outdoor for a fantastic sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes from Salomon, lasted five years. They don’t make these anymore so now I have Lowa, very good so far

scottishnames · 13/01/2023 15:22

I agree that you need to find a brand that fits your feet. In my experiece, Scarpa have a narrower fit than Merrell, for example.

grannycake · 13/01/2023 15:25

My DH has a pair of waterproof boots from Decathlon which he rates highly - around the £75 mark. I wear neoprene wellies for muddy terrain and they are great as well but we're dearer as I struggle to get comfy wellies as I have thin legs but very wide feet

Puddypuds · 13/01/2023 15:44

Paid £120 for Scarpa, so the cheaper end, and they have been abysmal. The seam has come away and the soles have worn away in just over a year. Currently wearing Grisport, again £145 down to £120, and absolutely love them. Have waded through puddles in them!

jammywagonwheel · 13/01/2023 17:09

I had a pair of dubarry boots that lasted me five years and we're worn day in and day out. They eventually cracked but we're still waterproof. They were expensive so have been trying dupes like Dubliners they last for a couple of years and are waterproof. They are around £100.00
I do use walking boots in the spring and autumn but find I need a longer boot in the winter with all the mud. Dubary changed their sizing and went European and haven't quite been comfortable enough to spend the money ... But have to say I would walk 10 miles a day without issue and they were comfy 😊

BluesandReds · 13/01/2023 17:18

Brasher or Berghaus. Go for Goretex and they won't leak at all :) £100 a pair but they last years!

Or... dunlop wellies! I need ankle support on hikes though.