Walking boots/shoes

[Tamtam86]

I'm looking for a new pair of walking boots, hoping to pick some up in the sales. Are there any brands that you recommend? (I'm clueless, I got my last pair from the middle aisle of Aldi!)

You need to give us more information. Define walking boots ?
We are hikers , and hike 10-15 miles in rough , and sometimes boggy ground so have sturdy ( non stylish ) boots that suit that job.
What distance do you walk ? Is it over rough / mountainous ground ? How much are you looking to spend ?

I've got a pair from decathlon, they were £30 fully waterproof and unbelievably comfy

Sorry, very vague! I am not looking for style in this instance, definitely something practical. I walk 7/8 miles once a week at the moment as well as a few shorter walks - over fields but not particularly hilly, haven't been doing so many longer walks recently as I have a 1yo and 2yo but I'm trying to get back to 12is miles once a month or so. I see some people with walking shoes that look more like trainers and wondering how they compare to boots.

If you're a casual walker, pootling up to 10 miles at weekends, look for more or less anything waterproof. I've had some great boots by Trespass, Regatta and Karrimor that have done me a year or 2 at a time.

If you want to do more regular walking and are OK about spending money, Merrell are good.

As we cross streams , go through puddles, rough terrain etc we have always gone for leather so they are fully waterproof. The brand we go for are Mendls and they last years ( with good care ) but they are not cheap.

@helloxhristmas

I've got a pair from decathlon, they were £30 fully waterproof and unbelievably comfy

Can you please link to the ones you got? Thanks!

I also recommend Decathlon

Mine are Keens, really comfortable and fully waterproof in a sort of heavy trainer style. So good, I bought them twice

My walking boots and waterproof trail shoes are Berghaus. I find them very comfortable and the waterproofing is 100%.

If I could only have one or the other, it would be boots every time because of mud and occasionally crossing small streams or bad puddles. I really only use the shoes on pavements or good tracks.

The thing about boots is it really does depend on the shape of your feet. What one person finds great, another will find uncomfortable or liable to rub. If you're ordering online make sure you can try them indoors - including on a sloped surface which may be tricky to organise - and return if they're not right.

I’ve bought grisport (Italian) for the last few pairs. Love them. Lady hurricanes and wolf are both comfy totally waterproof etc.

Also lowa but they can be hellishly expensive. I always buy one size bigger to accommodate walking socks and swelling in long walks. Will never forget one long ‘strenuous’ walk on coastal path in boots not big enough - my poor toe nails !! Black and blue for weeks - surprised I didn’t lose some.

They seem to be out of stock on the mountain warehouse website but I got these the other week and so far I’m very impressed. Really comfy and haven’t needed breaking in.
www.next.co.uk/style/ls154458/R06175#R06175

Thank you everyone! This is really helpful. I'm going to have a good look at all these recommendations once kids are in bed!

Salomon are pricey but excellent. 2 year no quibble warranty.

I recently sent them a pic of my 20 month old worn every day boots where the stitching was starting to fail on one toe. They sent me a 150 pound voucher the next day. (I only paid 85 in a sale for them new!)

I have Scarpa boots. Great all year round but especially winter boggy walks. Had Decathlon ones before and always got wet feet!

Keen are brilliant - super warm, sturdy and light.

Merrell are also good and have a sale on.

Anatom

I have these. Very sturdy with a good grip and ankle support. I also have a lighter pair of Salomon boots but the ankle support isn’t as good (bought without trying on during lockdown so entirely my fault) and they are lighter so will wear for good path/pavement walking in Spring.

I have scarpa boots as well. I’m out in fields and along bridleways most days. They’ve been underwater right to the top and still stayed dry inside. Definitely worth the money.

Scarpa here too, last for years.

I bought these and they are very comfortable, seem great quality for the price.

Wolfskin Women's Vojo Hike 2 Texapore Mid W Wasserdicht High Rise Shoes smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D9ZSM2W/ref=cmswrcpapifabcMHm6FbADD4Q0B

I have Adidas terrex walking trainers. I go walking in the lakes a lot as well as locally through the woods and beach's with the dogs and they do the trick!

I haven’t tried them myself but planning on purchasing later in the year, Sorel. They are supposed to be very good.

Karrimore every time

We regularly walk 10-15 miles sometimes tricky terrain (though nothing super advanced). I traded in my 9 year old Merrells for Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX and have been impressed with them. Didn't need any wearing in and are super comfy. Tried some Meindl but found then a lot less cushioned. The Salomons come as boots or shoes too

These karrimore were around £30, suit my wife feet, true to size and wore them and walked 3 miles the first day I had them without them rubbing at all. I love them.