not stylish, but need Walking boots! help meeeeeeeeee!

[nomorebooze]

that is all, apart from they need to be hard wearing and waterproof any recommendations please?

Merrill boots are very comfy and last a long time. Quite waterproof too. About £60-120 depending on which ones. I have the oslo ones and they are three years old and sill look good.

Go to Cotswolds, they have great fitters who measure your feet, know their boots well and have an incline for you to walk on just to check the fit properly.

I have coleman boots and they are very comfy. When you go to try them on make sure you take walking socks with you and have a walk around in the boots. It sounds silly but I found that boots that started off feeling fine when i was standing still were not comfy when i was walking up hill so it is best to go to a specialist shop that inclines for you to walk up .

Salomon and Raichle also do really comfy boot. As others have said make sure you go to a proper outdoor shop where you can try them on inclines/rough ground etx

Ones to try, mid range boots £100-150, all different fits.
Scarpa ZG65 (excellent all rounder, narrower fit) or Baltoro (newer model). I love Scarpa, but I have little feet that suit the Italian brands.
Salmon Comet (trekking style) or Quest (quite high on the ankle and a bit stiffer sole)
Berghaus Explorer Trek (the favourite duke of edinburgh award boot)
Brasher Hillmaster (leather, classic boot, wider fit) or if still available Kiso /Kenai (got excellent reviews, but IMO was priced too low(!) and people didn't believe it could be that good for the money)

Most shops will have at least some of these.

Very few boots don't have a waterproof lining of some sort. Some brands use their own, but most buy in Goretex. Goretex is usually the most breathable, the trade off for waterproof boots is sweatier feet so breathability is important.

As said above do go to a shop, a local independent will probably give you the best service, and get fitted, be prepared (and expect, if they're doing it properly) to be there a while.

Thanks everyone, will take a trip to some walking shops next weekend! my berghaus leather walking boots gave up the ghost after 6 yrs! they were like slippers:) as you all say I need to try some on first! don't mind spending a bit as they are well used, and need to be substantial.

if your feet are big enough don't discount the men's ranges - often better made and cheaper. If you are about size 8 the best plan is to see what boots/shoes they have in that size and then go from there. Choice can be limited.

Mountain Warehouse are good. Wear the right socks and test on the slope/steps. If they hurt, don't buy.