Hiking boots

[PollyThePony]

There was a similar thread on here recently, where someone wanted hiking boots which would work for walks and also in the pub, but I can't find it!

I'm trying to decide whether I need my black lace up nice-ish boots, (they are a bit like classic DM boots and go with everything blah blah and I really like them), AND hiking boots for hiking, or if I can find one pair of boots to do both jobs?

I like the look of the Vivo Barefoot trail boots, but I don't like the sound of the thin soles. I have bony, claw like, feet, which I'm sure you'll agree, makes me sound very attractive . So, I don't think thin soles would work for me.

@Salanda, I was given them. They are probably about 30 yrs old but almost as new. They had another outing today, but I need insoles I think.
They're not heavy but after years in trainers they will take a bit of getting used to. They look great and are very sturdy.

They are no longer made. The image is similar but mine are dark green suede.

Those look great @ILoveShula.

Adidas Terrex are worth looking at (if Adidas sizing suits your feet) for boots/shoes that you might still want to wear in a non-hiking situation

Ah hello @keeponkeepinon! Yes, I think it was your thread I saw before as think I remember your username

Yes, I think I want something similar from my next pair of boots. I am always trying to reduce the number of items in my wardrobe, so if shoes can do more than one thing, that's better for me.

My current, non hiking, leather, lace up boots though, could definitely get taken out for dinner somewhere reasonably nice...do hiking boots exist that can do that? I think probably no?

I think I'm probably going to go with cross trainers this time, which can be every day trainers, running shoes and hiking shoes in one. Then I'll hang on to the current lace up boots. I know in normal times, when I do go out a bit, I like boots which keep the cold and rain out but don't look too sporty / outdoorsy at a pub or whatever.

I sound like I'm massiveky overanalysing this! But I do tend to do that with clothes

It is certainly not a foregone conclusion that your feet will get wet. I only wear leather walking boots for that reason. Dd had Goretex ones until recently and she was the only one out of the four of us who ever got wet feet on walks. We live in Cumbria, so it's very very wet!

Trail trainers are fine for dry conditions and even surfaces, but I wouldn't wear them for a long hike on rugged terrain. Boots are more resilient, hard-wearing and much much more supportive in the foot and ankle. I wear Berghaus ones - I've had Hillwalker and Fellmaster ones, both great.

Thanks @lazylinguist. Tbf, even my cheap old hiking boots did manage to keep my feet mainly dry on hikes. I will probe friend to see why his feet are always wet on hikes and camping trips!

I've never found that goretex shoes or boots keep feet dry in properly wet conditions. I'm talking deep, unavoidable puddles and very boggy ground, because we get a lot of that here! In my experience, goretex (even when repeatedly sprayed with waterproofing stuff) will not cope with being submerged, but leather will.

Joining a bit late but thought I’d share my recent purchase

www.mountainwarehouse.com/036815-pilgrim-womens-outdoor-walking-boot-p31096/brown/

They are Lightweight so you can wear them all day, keep my feet totally dry, took no breaking in and have a slightly retro style that I like :)

Oh interesting @lazylinguist! My friend has been recommending Merrells which I think are mainly goretex(?). I bet that's why his feet get wet.

Those look lovely @Shylo.

I agree that only leather boots are actually waterproof. This is from my experience and also what I’ve been told in an outdoor shop. Gore Tex is better than nothing and can usually cope with walking through a bit of wet grass, but it won’t keep your feet dry through mud and puddles.

Thanks @PollyThePony.

@chipsndippy

If you're thinking about going on hikes, then looking stylish in the pub for lunch afterwards, it rarely works as your boots get covered in mud anyway. We usually pack a spare pair of trainers in the car to wear into the pub. As far as boots go, I've found scarpa gtx unbeatable.

Yes to this. Most boots end up looking the same once they're covered in mud and sheep's pol. I always keep a pair of shoes in the car to change into.

Also agree Scaepa are good.

I also can’t drive easily in thick-soled walking boots like the Scarpa Terra, though my Merrell walking shoes are fine, so if I’m out in my boots I keep a pair of shoes in the car foe that purpose alone. Plus when you’ve just done a long hike, having a different pair of shoes to change into is absolute bliss

I pretty much only wear Merrell these days, these ones mainly, I have high and low top versions.

www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/siren-3-ventilator/36288W.html?dwvar_36288W_color=J52910#cgid=Siren&start=1

For heavy duty walking I have some Aigle boots, which are great, but I rarely use them.

I've never found that goretex shoes or boots keep feet dry in properly wet conditions. I'm talking deep, unavoidable puddles and very boggy ground, because we get a lot of that here! In my experience, goretex (even when repeatedly sprayed with waterproofing stuff) will not cope with being submerged, but leather will.

I've only worn my Aigle walking boots in really bad conditions, they are Goretex and are not leather, they've never leaked. Waterproofing spray is irrelevant to Goretex boots anyway as the Goretex is usually a lining under the surface of the boot. The boot's surface may well be sodden, but your feet should stay dry. Any boots that leaked would be going back to the store.

do you like these?
www.mastershoe.co.uk/brasher-by-berghaus-womens-supalite-ii-gtx-waterproof-boots-brown

they are good for a narrowish foot and aren't too in your face I think
They are also very good quality