Walking shoes - not stylish or beautiful!!

[doglover]

We're off to the Alps in late spring and I need appropriate footwear. I have problems with my knees and feet - Fitflop sandals and boots have been my salvation for the last year. Could anyone recommend any suitable footwear - lightweight yet hardy etc. Many thanks.

Obviously not popular, either!!!

Boots best because they protect your ankles. I'd go and try some on at an outdoor shop like Cotswold or Tiso and see what is most comfortable. The people there are usually pretty knowledgeable about the pros and cons of different makes. FWIW I just got a new pair of North Face boots for Xmas and they are great, but they're winter boots really, so you might want something a bit lighter if you're going in Spring. If you're not doing anything too hard (ie some of those lovely 'go up in a cable car and walk along a nice flat path' you can do in the Alps) a pair of approach boots/shoes would probably be fine.

Go to an independent outdoor shop with a couple of hours to spare and explain. A good shop will recognise and understand your problems and know how different styles and makes of boots and shoes will help.

Where in the country are you?

Many thanks for your replies. BRS, I'm near Southampton.

I would go and try lots on, it depends a bit on your foot problem as good ankle support tends to mean heavier

I really would recomend Peglars in Arundel. Not cheap but a specialist walking shoe shop. I've bought from Cotswolds Hedge End and Snow and Rock Port Solent which are fine if you know what you want, but for a specialist fitting service Peglars were brilliant.

OK, I don't know the south coast very well, but can you get to Arundel? Peglers have a very good reputation (DH used to be a boot fitter in an outdoor shop in the Peak District, and Peglers were talked about in hushed tones of awe).

Cotswold Outdoor used to be very good too, but have grown hugely in the years since DH worked in outdoor retail, and he is a bit cynical about them (although I am happy to be corrected). There's one in Hedge End.

Avoid Go Outdoors - they are a big warehouse that sell stuff, rather than provide specialist advice. Similar Blacks and Millets, but their shops are nicer. The big chains, tend to employ retail people, rather than outdoor people.

Be prepared to spend time and money and you will love what you get, but don't be pushed into getting something you are nto 100% happy with.

X post with Sacha!

Great minds....

I have some Merrells and a dodgey ankle and they are the most comfy boots I havve ever had,light and not too chunky. I've had them 3 years and they look like new.

Just checked in and seen the later messages from last night. Many thanks for your input - will investigate the shops you've mentioned. Much appreciated.