Anyone know about walking boots?

[Radley]

DD1 (6) is going on her first school holiday and they have recommended they have a pair of walking boots, should I just get her normal size, or, should I get a size bigger so that she can wear thick socks?

Are you going to try them on in a sports shop before buying? In which case I would recommend bring walking socks with you. IME most walking boots are sized to allow for reasonably thick socks though.

If you're going to buy online, I recommend Hawkshead for both boots and socks.

Oops, just seen that she's 6 (not size 6 which is what I first read), I'm not sure that Hawkshead do socks in childrens sizes.

I would take some thick and normal socks along to Millets or Blacks and get her to try some on. Where are they going ?

If you have a TKMaxx near might be worth checking out there too as they do good cheap walking boots there sometimes. And yes I'd def buy a size bigger. Bring socks with you when trying them on tho.

Do they really need walking boots for KS1 school trip? Sounds a bit OTT to me.

My boys have walking boots, and use them a lot; but they grow out of them very quickly, and I wouldn't have thought it would be worth it unless you are planning to do a fair bit of serious walking yourselves.

If you do get some, make sure you get her to wear them for a few half days - even if it's just around the shops - to wear them in, and make sure they're comfy, and she's used to them.

I agree FG - proper walking boots are pricey if they're just going to be used once

I just bought dd a very nice pair of walking boots in Oswald Bailey for £14.99 reduced from £30 - worth a look if you have one locally as they have several children's boots reduced at the moment.

Don't risk just buying a size bigger without her trying them on - walking boots have a very different fit and feel to ordinary shoes and boots, and different styles feel and fit differently too. Get her some thick hiking socks first from an outdoors shop, and get her to try the boots on wearing them. I would recommend getting them from an outdoor gear shop as they know what to look for regarding fit, and can give you good recommendations as to which type of boot would be best for her. Whichever you buy, get her to wear them around the house for as long as you can before she wears them outside.

I would suggest at her age that you don't get her hard, stiff leather boots - look for the sort that look a bit like trainers but with the higher leg and a thick tread on the sole. They're often cheaper, and are usually more comfortable and need less "breaking in" than leather ones.

Take her with you and have them fitted. You may be able to buy a larger size and use an insole but it really depends on the boot and the fit. Agree get the fabric/suede ones - they are lighter and more flexible - and spray with a waterproofing spray.