Walking / hiking boot recommendations please

[Lottapianos]

Going to Orkney in June for a few days and need some decent walking boots. Not a clue where to start so would be grateful for recommendations about sizing and reliable brands. Thanks

Go to a really good outdoor shop. They'll measure your feet and will be able to advise you on the best boots to try and will check the fit for you.

Meindl - German boots - lightweight, strong, excellently made, last about ten years. I bought mine thro eBay and there was an added £56 import charge on top which I could have done without. I think you can get then in the UK tho, online. They really are good.

You need to try them on, and they need to be comfy in shop, good shops provide good advice, also invest in good socks a thin pair with a thick wool pair over.

Nothing quite like trying them on. They need to fit and be comfy and so really hard to buy online unless you know the brand that works for you

Better to recommend a shop: Cotswold outdoor, Go Outdoors, Decathlon, Blacks, independent walking shops. Somewhere you'll get help fitting them. Do you think you'll continue to use them after your trip? Good walking boots are typically in the £100-£200 range.
I would beware of the ultra cheap ones as they are often not very waterproof. If you are not actually mountaineering, "high trainer" type boots like Salomon may be a good bet.
Also, you may think walking trainers are just as good, they are...fine until you get to a deep puddle or peaty bit, as I found out last year.

You may have to size up to allow for cushioned socks and room for toes, and you can adjust the fit with insoles as well.

I agree, you need to try them on as everyone's feet vary. Some brands are good for wide feet, some for narrow.

Things to think about. Waterproofing, I always buy Goretex boots. If there's a chance you'll be using them on rocky terrain then look out for vibram soles. Then try them on.

I've got annoying skinny feet but I also have bunions and nerve damage so my feet hurt very quickly in walking boots. I really wanted to get some leather Scarpa's which are considered a good brand. Turns out they were just the wrong shape for my foot.

Try Hoka. They are so lovely and lightweight compared to my leather Scarpa (which are also amazing for rocky winter hikes)

I love Scarpa walking boots. Very comfortable and waterproof

Y’see I hate my Scarpa boots; they feel clumpy to me.

You really need to try boots on to see whether they’re right for you.

I love my Salamon goretex boots

Merrell Moab - they don't need breaking in, they're waterproof, and most importantly, they're extremely comfortable. They're also great to wear in snow as the traction on the soles prevents slipping. I have the walking boots and the walking trainers, both are great. I've had no issues with sizing, they've been a perfect fit

Agree looking for waterproof/goretex.

Had Brasher boots back in the day before the brand got bought out I think. I love my Adidas Terrex goretex shoes. Sportsshoes.com is worth a look for a bargain.

Thanks all. Will head to an outdoor gear store and try on some options

@yoshiblue these are the same boot as the Brasher lites, exactly the same thing post buyout.

OP the best boot for you is one that fits well and designed for your purposes. I’ve only had four pairs of actual boots all my adult life ⬆️, those up there. They fit me perfectly, light, waterproof and plenty of support. I get ten years out of them normally. I actually wear them to walk to work in in the icy/cold/wet winter and change them when I get there.

Mine are from decathlon, can't fault
Them.

I've worn out a pair of goretex ones (holes in the top letting in water, so have just upgraded to leather Scarpa. They're great so far (and recommended by many of my walking friends). I actually got a great deal at Milletts who were having a 30% off sale and I got a further member discount, which brought the price down to about £125 which was brilliant. BUT I'd be sure on the ones you want before shopping around.