It too expensive walking boots

[Fridgeandkitchen]

Looks like we are heading into a winter with plenty of walking. I just wore trainers during lockdown late March and pair did get pretty much destroyed. Most of our walk ways are farm tracks so can be muddy if it’s been raining. Very few concrete paths or pavements to walk on.

I am looking for a stylish pair of walking shoes or boots. Must be waterproof, warm and comfy. Can anyone suggest anything? I’m not into long walks usually but I think this will be the only way to be out of the house over the next few months beyond work. Budget £100 or so.

Thank you.

Our local Blacks seem to have a permanent sale going on - perhaps there would be something suitable? Or Decathlon for reasonably priced walking boots.

The last time we bought walking boots, they were proper leather ones from Cotswolds outdoor shop and were well over £100 (for a teen and had to be properly fitted, otherwise I would definitely go to Decathlon myself).

Mountain Warehouse have a lot of perfectly good very cheap options (you’re not going to be trekking the Andes after all so you don’t need anything too specialist) but they’re almost all hideous. Blacks seem to have some more attractive offerings within your budget.

The problem is that the classic hiking boot look which I think is more attractive will be more difficult to find the right fit if you’re looking online. The hideous multicoloured quasi-trainer styles are more forgiving as to fit.

I bought these a few months ago and they’re super comfy. In store they were on sale for £110 too. www.mountainwarehouse.com/034060-odyssey-waterproof-womens-vibram-boot-p27950/brown/

I would think if you walk enough to destroy a pair of trainers then you walk enough to get fitted for walking shoes / boots even if just in muddy fields and woods.

Different makes suit different feet and because they are sturdier than trainers you can find that they can rub in various places and make your feet sore very quickly. Waterproof boots can be even stiffer.

I recently got these -

www.schuh.co.uk/kids/youth-dr-martens-2976-leonore-dark-brown-boots/2401386120/

In a kids 5, much cheaper than the ladies. They’re been on a couple of long walks through wet muddy fields so far, and have kept my feet dry and comfy.

[quote Bookaholic73]I bought these a few months ago and they’re super comfy. In store they were on sale for £110 too. www.mountainwarehouse.com/034060-odyssey-waterproof-womens-vibram-boot-p27950/brown/[/quote]
Thanks. Just been looking at these.

@BessieSurtees

I would think if you walk enough to destroy a pair of trainers then you walk enough to get fitted for walking shoes / boots even if just in muddy fields and woods.

Different makes suit different feet and because they are sturdier than trainers you can find that they can rub in various places and make your feet sore very quickly. Waterproof boots can be even stiffer.

Thank you. I have been fitted for running trainers before so will consider this.

Arcteryx shoes are fab

My DP and I were both fitted for walking boots at Cotswold Outdoor & recommend very different brands - I have v narrow feet and he's the opposite. Then I had heel & sole pads for a perfect fit. We basically could walk all day now. Spent about £120 each a year ago & boots are still perfect.

were recommended, I mean.

I’ve got a pair similar to this
www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/capra-gore-tex/22263W.html?dwvar_22263W_color=J32446#cgid=womens-activity-light-hike&start=1
I find them easier to wear than walking boots- they are like a heavy trainer but will withstand the mud and rain

My DH and I went to Blacks on separate occasions and both came out with Merralls. Some surprisingly knowledgeable staff in our local store - not sure if it's the same all over.

I have these, if you look around can sometimes get them for about 100. I’ve had mine for a long time and still going strong (walks every weekend). My mum is a dog walker and they are the best boots she had, really long wearing

Forgot link...
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/berghaus-womens-supalite-ii-gtx-boot-B2122474.html?channable=00ff7369640038333137305f313433f0&colour=143&utm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_campaign=Clothing%20Mid%20Priority%20tROAS-BOFU-PLA&gclid=CjwKCAjwrKr8BRB_EiwA7eFapjtzg_tcEc0cMd7gaoXcg7vQJhjbIGGb6UXbsOTT5wkUe0mI5gk8ZhoCQfIQAvD_BwE

I really think, if you are investing in good walking boots, you need to go to a hiking sort of shop that has a big range an an experienced fitter. Some do ski stuff in winter and walking in winter.

For example I tried a few and due to shape of my dainty little trotters wear a woman's boot. However it is not pink and does not have high heels so no-one would know.

As a walker who lives in the Lake district , and will walk the high fells as well as low , bad ground ( boggy , muddy,stoney and rutty ) you really do need good solid walking boots. Look for leather , can be washed and dubbed ( means polishing, treating to protect the leather and waterproofing )
You need a boot with good ankle protection for that if you go over on your ankles they are ok . We have always bought Mendl boots and buy ones that are a fair bit over £100 but you might find cheaper versions on their website.

Definitely get them fitted, try them out. Dd2 got Hi tech walking boots from millets for d of e that sadly didn't go ahead. These were under £30 (in the sale) but were the most comfy for her, even we were willing/ expecting to spend more.

I have Scarpa leather walking boots. They are brilliant- comfortable from the off, fully waterproof and warm.

Not sure how stylish they are but I wear them with tights and skirts and they look fine!

I've currently got a pair of Artist yard boots that have lasted well.
The previous pair were from Keen. Only got rid of them as I had destroyed the heel cup in one boot.

@Fridgeandkitchen Highly recommend Ecco, Grisport or Merrell 😊

I like Keen boots. However I'm not sure if you're really after proper walking boots? How about these from Clarks which come in black or brown. Their Trigenic range is really comfortable. These are a bit over budget because they're Gore-tex, but you might be able to get a discount code.

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Tri-Path-Day-GORE-TEX/p/26152309