To ask walkers for boot recommendations

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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?

Lots of different things to consider it seems, I can't wear plain wellies as I have plantar fascitis so need some arch support. Also never knew that owning mud on the shoes would cause them to split... That's what I get for being lazy I guess 😂

You definitely need to go to a shop to try them on. Like a PP, I found Scarpa far too narrow and uncomfortable. My previous pair were Merrell and lasted for many many years, but both online reviews and the chap in the shop said they are no longer as good and to avoid. I ended up with a pair of men's Salomon boots at about £170 (because the women's were too narrow even in this brand - I'm used to being barefoot/'barefoot'-style shoes). They have been great in the 2 years I've had them so far: warm, dry, happy feet!

I have a pair of Berghaus boots that must be at least 15 years old and still going strong. Totally waterproof without any maintenance.

I have a 2 year old pair of inov8 walking boots which are fab, lightweight and still waterproof but you do need to be diligent about cleaning after every walk to stop dried mud and dirt causing splits or rubbing in to the material and causing holes, whatever make you buy.

Inov-8 Roclite 345. They're very light walking boots, almost more like a high-top trainer, goretex lining, lovely and comfortable. Fantastic grippy soles that work on rock, mud, scree, wet grass etc. You can pick a pair up for about £80 if you look around.

walking boots - altbergs are the best by a country mile, but expect to pay about £300.
HOWEVER if it a fof dog walking and wanting to stay dry I think you’d be better off going for some really quality wellies, like le chamu

Len Chameu and potentially dubarry would
offer you enough support, not all wellies are created equal!!

Even with expensive boots you have to look after them or they won’t stay waterproof. Do you nikwax your current ones? I nikwax mine once a week to keep the leather supple to stop it cracking and keep them waterproof

£300 boots to take the dog for a walk.
only on MN?

check out Cotton Traders website for waterproof boots also.

I bought these FitFlop Chelsea boot style wellingtons late last year and they are v comfortable - not sure I would use them for a long walk but ideal for dog walks in the wet. This brand was recommmended by my physio because I have Achilles problems and bunions.

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/wonderwelly-chelsea-rain-boots-p-FE9#090

mine are black but they do lots of fun colours. They are not in the sale anymore so they must be popular. £80. I bought mine for £75 in about November.

so far so good. V comfortable.

So I need orthotic inserts and if you have pf you can (I assume) get inserts for any boot? I have Meindl boots for proper hiking but a pair of eBay nearly new gortex Timberland boots for dog walking in winter. They are pull on and only laced at the top (a zip would work too). I also rate Woden boots for comfort and water repellent need..They are often on sale.

I walk in a pair of Le Chameau wellies. Warm, flexible, comfortable and totally waterproof.

Meindl if you have wide feet. Scarpa are slightly narrower. Alt berg also great.
A good pair should last decades with re soling as required.
Go to a proper boot fitter. I can recommend Whalley Warm and Dry if you are in the North.

Wellingtons, even expensive stylish ones are not great for serious walking at all.
Spend your money on a good pair of walking boots instead.

Another vote for Merrells mine are Goretex and indestructible.

I had some Brasher ones that lasted years and were very good, some Berghaus ones where both soles came completely off after about 5 years but DHs Berghaus ones have been fine.

At the moment I have some North Face boots which seem ok, half price from Next Clearance, always worth a look there if you have a Next account, DH got some Hunter boots from there also. I also just bought some Sorel boots from John Lewis sale which I hope will be good

Normally I would go higher end but currently I’m wearing a pair of Peter Storm ones for dog walking and I’ve been really surprised by them. No issues with waterproofing at all and it’s been a year.

I've walked hundreds and hundreds of miles in my Caterpillar boots, feet have never gotten wet, they're still in reasonable condition after nearly a decade, you'd need thick socks though, I remember them bruising the backs of my calves when I was breaking them in, only time they've ever been uncomfortable though. They're not 'trendy' but they were cheaper than a lot of alternatives at the time and they've been practical

Go to a reputable outdoor shop and get fitted. Cotswolds offer this service.
All boots fit slightly differently.
Think of it as more like buying a wedding dress than buying a summer dres off the peg. What fits my wide flat feet won't fit my sister with long thin high arch feet.