Walking boots

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Hi, inspired by the 100 best walks on TV today I’d like to do a few walks in a bid to get fitter. Was looking at walking boots - are these a must and if so any recommendations for a decent pair that won’t break the bank ?

Hi,

I like berghaus trainer boot type:

www.blacks.co.uk/womens/034567-berghaus-women-s-expeditor-trek-2-0-waterproof-walking-boot.html

But it's quite a personal thing I think, go up half a size & make sure you get decent socks and that whatever boots you get are waterproof.

Different brands are good for different foot shapes, so I would recommend going somewhere like Cotswold outdoors or Ellis Brigham and trying on lots of different pairs. They will have ramps for you to walk up and down on to check the fit. Good walking boots can be expensive, but I think they are worth investing in as they last for years - I just retired a pair of Lowa boots that I've had for twelve years, they've been all over the world and I've never had a blister and I also wear them in snow and ice every winter, so price per wear they have been well worth it. I've replaced them with scarpa brand boots.
You can get much cheaper boots at places like sports direct but I doubt they would be as comfy, supportive, waterproof and long lasting.

That’s great thanks for your advice and recommendations. Had a quick look online but will definitely go to outdoors shop to try first

It depends what you want them for. For more gravel track type walks and footpaths then you'll be fine on approach shoes (more like hardy trainers), but if you want to do more technical things you'll need full boots round your ankles.

Somewhere like Cotswolds would be your best bet.
Go Outdoors can be good on prices but in my experience the staff don't know much about what they are selling.

I read around a lot on the internet before buying some walking boots and in the end went for these: Hi Gear Snowdon walking boots although these seem to be the mark II version. Mine are great, a little small as I can't wear two pairs of socks with them but I don't need to as they are incredibly warm and most importantly, waterproof! Took a tiny bit of wearing in just round the ankle at the front as they were a bit inflexible there to start with, I found not using all the lacing hooks helped and they soon softened up. The rest of the boot is super comfy from the first wear.
They get my vote.

After decades of lots and lots of walking days I have firmly settled in grisport lady hurricanes. Not expensive. Light and comfy. Long lasting.
Top tips -

• you need vibram soles (yellow vibram label will be on sole) for grip in wet etc. Makes bug difference.
• feet swell when walking (and you can end up in pain with black townauls - been there done that) so don’t get boots that ‘fit’ in shop. Wear walking sock when trying on. I always buy at least half size up but this is slightly dependant on brand. I am a 5. With grisport I buy a 6. I wear medium walking socks.
• once you have boots a good trick if you are having trouble getting laces comfy is to use two pairs of laces cut down. Can then eg have lower lace a lot looser or tighter than upper lace. Can make big difference.

Have fun !!

Try loads on and size up as PP have said.
I do think you get what you pay for. I like scarpa boots and mine last ages.

Go to a shop with a good range such as Go Outdoors. Different brands and models will suit different feet.

I wear shoes on flat to lumpy ground such as the local woods. Boots for the ankle support on proper hills/ mountains, rocky, uneven ground and deeper mud.

nannyr best (and also best looking!) boots I ever had were a pair of lowa around 20 years ago. Miss them to this day. Like gloves.

As per pp, go to a shop, try on with walking socks, walk up and down their ramp - buying online unless it's the exact same model as one you know fits is false economy.

For walking in the countryside in the U.K., I'd always go with a boot... apart from support etc just for mud and crossing small streams. For those reasons always goretex or similar.

A good pair of comfy boots is worth paying a bit for - they should last years.

Which brand/model works for you depends on the shape of your feet so one person's recommendation won't work for all.

Thanks all for the replies - your advice is great !

I think I’m definitely going to go for boot for a bit of ankle support (had some bad sprains in the past) and yes to going up half a size. Had many black toenails and painful from running so determined not to cause any new ones by walking ! Will go and have a try on this weekend