Walking boots or trainers for marathon walk?

[savingherlife]

Hi,
I'm hoping to do a 26 mile walk to raise money for a cancer charity and was wondering whether people would recommend wearing walking boots or trainers? Any particular makes of boots/trainers better than others? Any hints or tips gratefully received.

Thanks

Well having done a nine miler in my trainers yesterday and ending up with ankle pain, I'm going to suggest boots. I wear scarpa gtx but you need to find some that are comfy for you and fit well, and break them in well before your walk. I'd recommend a visit to cotswold outdoor for fitting. When is this walk?

Is it on roads/good paths? If so, a pair of robust trainers. Walking boots are heavy, hot and hard work on the road.

If it is hill walking or very muddy/rough then boots. If it is summer, I'd go for something fairly light.

Highly recommend twin-skin socks (in either case) - IMO they are the best blister protection.

Thanks, it's in the Lake District so all terrain. I'll go and get fitted properly and make sure I wear them in properly. The socks sound good too.

Salomon walking boots! I did a hike a marathon and these were amazing, not 1 single blister.

They were Salomon quests

I’d go for boots if it is all terrain.

I’ve got scarpa boots I’d wear for what you’re describing. They’re light but supportive and super comfy.

Boots for all terrain. Also, if walking a marathon you’re going to be out for a pretty long time so you need something that will keep your feet dry if the weather is bad.

The only time I did a 26 mile walk I did it in hiking boots - ones that were nicely worn in, with a good couple of hundred miles on them.

I got some fabric goretex boots for my Macmillan mighty hike a couple of years ago. Much lighter than leather ones.
Also really recommend injinji socks.

Whether you get blisters is down to the fit of the boot on your foot (and it definitely sounds like boots will be better than trainers). Get properly fitted somewhere and wear them in fully. You might need to do practice walks in th and you might be surprised at how heavy they are

Definitely walking boots, for the support. If they are hot or heavy, they are the wrong boots for you. I second Salomon (mine are mid height), they are light, supportive, breathable and waterproof if you buy goretex ones. If you can get to a specialist walking shop, they should give you good advice. If not, don't be afraid to send for multiple pairs and choose from them. If it helps, Salomon are generally a good fit for narrower feet.

Take some spare socks and change them every few miles

I did the Lyke wake walk in North York moors (42 miles) and did this at every 8-10 miles and it really helped
Especially if your feet get sweaty or wet

I would definitely say sandals or trainers in a city but lightweight boots for rocky slippy muddy hills, with sandals for part of the walk, maybe. I love walking sandals. I need to go find some mountains just to have an excuse to wear them.