Footwear for walking - please help

[merryxmasyafilthyanimal]

What do you all wear?

I'm not about to join the hard core ramblers and concur mountains but I like country parks and National trust places with their wet and muddy paths.

My pale coloured, canvas pumps aren't really cutting it but I don't really need serious walking boots either.

I'd go for a nice pair of wellies but my calves are ENORMOUS so simply wouldn't get them on.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

these are a not so obvious walking shoe. I haven't seen them in the flesh but recently got Bryce boots from Keen and they are fantastically comfortable.
The price for the walking shoes is really good too.

Fitflop boots?
I have Skechers Chugga ankle boots. I luffs them.

these are a not so obvious walking shoe. I haven't seen them in the flesh but recently got Bryce boots from Keen and they are fantastically comfortable.
The price for the walking shoes is really good too.

Post flop.

Merrells?

actually you do need decent walking shoes/boots, not silly fashion ones, but you don't need to pay a fortune. Find an outdoor supplier (Mountain Warehouse are good) and see what is available in your size.

if you are 7 or above go for the mens' shoes or boots/better made and cheaper. Wellies are not good for more than going round the garden.

pair with good socks and you are off.

www.sportsdirect.com/ladies/ladies-walking-boots

Sports direct is the place to go. I got some Karrimor ones which are waterproof, comfy and were cheap.

Thanks everyone. Will check those out. May well go for men's shoes as I have fairly wide feet!

hiking

If you scroll down the page various hiking boots are on offer - I bought a pair last year and they are excellent. They have very good customer service as well.

Tried some shoes on earlier in Sports Direct. Do they stretch a lot? Some were slightly too small and some slightly too big. Wasn't sure which to go for!

Have also had a look around andHunter have some boot things

I have berghaus boots for 'hard core' but some karrimor shoes (from sports direct) for other times - they're ideal for NT type places.

Always get walking shoes a bit big and wear with two pairs of socks - a thin pair eg coolmax inside a thicker pair.

In summer, walking sandals - mountain warehouse or Cotswold usually have a decent selection.

Got some waterproof men's shoes for £25 from Mountain Warehouse today and some warm socks. Looking forward to trying them out tomorrow - as long as it doesn't rain too much as I don't have a waterproof, d'oh!

How can anyone who likes country parks etc not have a waterproof?

Once you have good waterproof shoes and a goretex coat (or similar - there are decent alternatives now its out of patent) with a good hood (yes, I know this does not belong in S&B!) then you'll appreciate the truth of the saying 'there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing'.

The final item, which is a step too far for some is goretex trousers so you can sit anywhere and admire the drizzle view.

I know Errol, I know!! I'll have a look at coats. Really would like something that does belong more in S&B as I would like to look half decent!

The price and frumpiness puts me off.

Have I already mentioned I'm fat too? (Hoping to do more walking to help with that) So the size of a decent waterproof is an issue.

Is Berghaus any good? Am looking at sale stuff

Yes :)

My current walking coat is Berghaus - it certainly does the job but the Velcro tends to stick where it shouldn't which annoys me. This may be a general problem with Velcro rather than the brand though!

Come to that, DH and DDs coats and DH and my walking boots are all berghaus too and we all stay warm and dry.

I have a lovely pair of walking shoes from hotter. They are purple, wide fitting waterproof and so so comfy.

Berghaus are good walking jackets, properly waterproof and with decent hoods. I've got one called the "Annika" jacket which I picked out for its decent hood. Better ladies walking jackets are cut quite "active" i.e. with a bit of shaping, which makes them more flattering. Choose a colour that suits you and get accessories to match.

Field and Trek have a lot of discounted jackets to choose from (they are part of Sports Direct). Or just hang around some outdoor shops during the sales at this time of year.