Walking boots

[SecretOfChange]

Not quite style and beauty, more like just shopping question - what are the best (most comfortable) walking boots? Buying for my 13y old daughter. I'd usually go with cheap(er) karrimor but without being able to try them on for size/fit in the shop, I really don't know if it's worth the hassle! I think better brands are more reliable in this sense. Salomon? Catepillar?.... What else?

I'm on my second pair of karrimore mid rise. You get what you pay for - so mine only lasted a few years. But....I bought a second pair as I know they are comfortable and knew they fitted without going into the shop and with all shops shut....

(When I bought the first pair I did have to try several brands and several styles on to find a comfy pair. - they weren't as cheap then either because I tried on cheaper boots which weren't as comfy).

Mine are Salomon, very comfortable, also have merrel walking shoes and mountain warehouse boots suitable for crampons

Walking boots are really something you need to try on. Different styles and different manufacturers fit differently. People have different feet. I’ve been hillwalking for about 35 years, and I know that Salamon and Zamberlan boots just don’t work for me, but there is no denying that they are decent boots on the right feet. DH was a boot fitter on an outdoor shop for a couple of years too.

I’ve literally walked the soles off my walking boots in the last year. They were 20 year old Scarpas. Non essential retail opens on Monday (assuming you are in the UK). I am planning a trip to our local independent outdoor shop to dedicate some time to finding my next boots.

I agree that you get what you pay for too.

For a 13 y o whose feet are still growing I'd go for the ones recommended for D of E- HiTec seem ok. My 13 y o always wears trainers to walk anyway- can't bear heavy boots- however wet it is!

My decathlon ones are fab, comfy, lightweight and we're only about £25 I think.

Agree they are something you need to try on.

I presume that a 13 yr old will still be growing, so, in 6 months - a year's time they won't fit, so I wouldn't worry too much about going for really expensive lasting comfort and endurability.

It depends a bit if you are talking about some major mountain climbing long distance walk, or if you are talking about a few rambles.

@BikeRunSki

Walking boots are really something you need to try on. Different styles and different manufacturers fit differently. People have different feet. I’ve been hillwalking for about 35 years, and I know that Salamon and Zamberlan boots just don’t work for me, but there is no denying that they are decent boots on the right feet. DH was a boot fitter on an outdoor shop for a couple of years too.

I’ve literally walked the soles off my walking boots in the last year. They were 20 year old Scarpas. Non essential retail opens on Monday (assuming you are in the UK). I am planning a trip to our local independent outdoor shop to dedicate some time to finding my next boots.

I agree that you get what you pay for too.

Will you buy Scarpa again?

@BlueTiles, I will certainly consider Scarpa again, but there are several new comers to the market since I bought my old Scarpas - that I want to at least try on. I’m also aware that age and pregnancy has made my feet a bit bigger than they were. I also don’t know if Scarpa are using the same lasts as they were (DH understands the codes printed on the inside of boot cuffs).
I certainly wouldn’t be unhappy with more Scarpas, I’ve had fabric waking boots (the ones that need replacing), leather boots and plastic winter mountaineering boots of theirs over the years. I’ve never set out for such brand loyalty, but they’ve always gutted really well.

My Karrimor leather walking boots have been going strong for 12 years and have been used regularly for hiking/hillwalking. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair when this current pair give up the ghost.

@idontlikealdi

My decathlon ones are fab, comfy, lightweight and we're only about £25 I think.

Thus is a good point. The DC have Decathlon walking boots and they have been excellent, and cheap enough to replace every 6-12 months. We do 5-8 mile walks in the Peak District, used to visit the Lakes, Yorks Dale’s etc too.

They come up quite narrow (this is good for DS (12), but maybe not for everyone), and I’d size up. I’d still try them on though.

DS is a size 8, he’s previously had adult size 8 HiTec boots, but the fit wasn’t great because the boots just had too much volume for his feet.

I like Berghaus walking boots. I currently have their Hillwalker II GTX ones and have also had the Fellmasters in the past. I only buy leather walking boots as I don't find Goretex ones waterproof or sturdy enough (I live in a very wet, mountainous place though!).

All good advice - hoping to be able to try them on in the shop soon. I didn't realise some shops are open from the 12th. I thought it'd be June or something like that before we're able to go and buy in a 'normal' way again!

I have karrimor in the walking shoes and size 7 is true to size, no rubbing or issues wearing in, and much cheaper

Nice one! My daughter is size 7 and I agree they're more affordable.