Ermm, nice walking shoes that aren't dorky.

[navyeyelasH]

Why is is that everything practical is ugly?!

I need a the holy grail waterproof coat with hood and walking shoes/boots.

Why is it so hard?!?!?!

see it's impossible

I like Ecco shoes for the 1 mile walk to school.. some are a bit fugly, but also some less so...

Give us some ideas of non-dorky walking shoes you have worn/loved in the past. Will give us an idea of your style.

I'm always on the look-out for these things too, btw, and always hope to benefit from someone else's research and suggestions.

am interested also
I have been living in my fitflops since spring as they are fab for my plantar fasciitis
wish they did a nice winter version

Can't do shoes, but for coats you need this threda

www.merrell.com/UK/en-GB/Product.mvc.aspx/W-F-F/15575W/49642/Women/Footwear/Filters/Womens/Siren-Sport/Black-Perfect-Plum/J16338

I love these. Probably really dorky, but they are for walking, and amazingly comfy.

polkydot, that's exactly the style I mean by dorky, they are good waling shoes though!

I never owned a pair of real walking shoes before as I thought they were too dorky looking and normally just wear wellys on a long walk but I've recently got into geocaching and really need some real walking shoes/boots.

They just look so, I dunno, "I love map reading" esque IYKWIM.

Habbibu thanks for coat thread, missed that one!

I'd be happy with just striaght forward plain boots that are design for walking, I'm thinking like Timerland style boots like these here

I've worn out a pair of Blundstone boots - heaven only knows how many miles I put on them. They are non-dorky (I think), in a classic sort of way.

Here is what i mean:

www.shoeland.co.uk/html/body_classic_styles.html

There are lots of places that sell them (just google), and lots of different variations (work boots, walking boots, shiny leather, etc.)

Salomon are the dog's as far as I'm concerned.

The timberland ones don't offer enough support, and you would be more likely to get blisters. Walking shoes are for people who: don't want blisters and don't want to twist/break their ankle. The keeping the feet dry and not slipping over can be done in other shoes/boots.

Wellys are awful, they make your feet cold and give lots of blisters. Okay for walking the dog, but not serious walking.

But then I don't wear heels anymore because I'm an old lady who values comfort over style!

nickoftime, "embrace your inner dork" - no, no, no, no, no! Although it looks like I might have too!

Mummytime, I wear my wellies all the time with proper walking socks and don't find they give me blisters at all, they are those mud boot type wellies not some cheapie ones if that makes a difference. But yes not really appropriate for longer walks.

Earlybird, I really like those, but they don't say if they are for walking. It's the support in the ankle I'm worried about as I have 1 weak ankle from a fracture a while ago.

How about these or these or these

Who are you worried about looking dorky in front of when you are out for a walk?

Go to sportsworld and get some Karrimore Ladies Chameleom Orkney 2 boots. reduced to 30 from £100. So comfy, lightweight, waterproof, bought them, went for a 15 mile walk the same day and no blisters, amazing vibram soles... I can't recommend them enough.

here

Dude!

You like geocaching. Your feet may well be the least dorky bit of you.

Agree with all the others. If you were some horny-handed daughter of the soil who normally stomped around the place in workboots and a mac, and you'd just got into cocktail parties, you wouldn't be asking for a pair of gladiator sandals with Vibram soles and a locking lace system "so you don't look too smart".

Form follows function. Get some Merrells or Salomons, try Javari as they do free 24hr delivery and returns, and often have special offers and stuff.

"Dude!

You like geocaching. Your feet may well be the least dorky bit of you."

Fantastic!

lol @ brux, she speaks sense!

i wish i was american and could say dude!

AS Bruxeur says

I wear the MAgnums for work they are really comfy, mine are about 5 yrs old now.

I have these

www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Womens-Bodmin-Shoe-Taupe/dp/B003CHAN3W

in grey.

I walk the dog after the school run, and need something comfy and waterproof,esp with winter coming.

Sadly if you want nice comfy, waterproof shoes/boots for walking then these re the sort of thing you'll need. They are good in snow/ice etc too.

Mine look fine with my jeans/combats, in fact just look like a pair of normal trainers.

I'm not in the least bit dorky, honest; other than this one thing! It's like a giant treasure hunt and I'm a big kid, what's not to like? I know form follows function but the thought of spending good money on a pair of shoes I can't bear to look at doesn't fill me with joy.

I don't think you'll find a pair of walking shoes that isn't entirely wholesome. What do your fellow geocachers wear on their feet? I can't imagine they are shod in anything more avant garde than the sensible options linked to above.

Buy a pair of cheap and sensible clodhoppers, then at least you won't resent the expense.

they all wear their trainers but I don't think that's very wise!

Think I might have to bite the bullet