Walking shoes/boots for the New Forest?

[Eesha]

Going away for a romantic week in the New Forest and plan to do a lot of walking/strolling.

I'm embarrassed to say ive never been a huge walker, just wearing my trusty supergas and Nike trainers for say a 40min school run each day. I didnt realise i needed anything different here! Could anyone recommend some walking shoes that wouldn't break the bank or where to go get them?

You don't need anything fancy but the new forest can be quite muddy, even when it's been hot recently. Try sports direct for some cheap karrimor walking boots. I think they are about £40.

That's all you need as above PP recommended.
And take some Compeed with you just in case.
The terrain is really easy for walks so it won't be strenuous.
Don't forget a water bottle if you intend to do good size walks.
Enjoy!

@Melstarrynight I was thinking something like this? I'm not fit either so I didn't want anything too heavy

I walk the dogs in the New Forest most days. I get my shoes (and pretty much everything else for dog walking) from Mountain Warehouse www.mountainwarehouse.com/footwear/walking-shoes/womens-walking-shoes/ You won't need anything elaborate as the tracks are easy, any halfway decent trainers should be fine. The most they'll have to cope with is uneven stony paths, sandy areas, and fording the occasional shallow stream so I'd advise against anything with mesh panels.

It's beautiful here, you'll have a lovely time.

Decathlon is also great for walking shoes boots- a good range from very cheap up. I have these- very lightweight and super comfortable
www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-waterproof-walking-boots-nh150-mid/_/R-p-171852?mc=8493370&c=BLUE

@MontyDonsBlueScarf Thank you! Now torn between these and the Karrimor boots! I assume I'll need decent socks (again I have crappy trainer socks)

If you have any recommendations of places to go eat/see, that would be great. We are staying near Burley and are going to the Pig one day, no options for other days.

Yep I'd go for decathlon too.

I tried on about 10 pairs of walking boots before I found anything comfortable. Anything lightweight and waterproof should be OK. Be prepared to spend a bit of time trying on several pairs. I ended up with some cheap Jack Walker ones from Amazon and they're amazingly comfortable. Have a brilliant time

I’ve bought serious walking boots before but for a few days in the forest sturdy trainers will be fine.

in terms of places to go, there are little car parks everywhere to stop and go out for a walk. Generally north of the A31 it’s a bit less tree-y - I ike walking in the Ashley walk area up there.

i also like it down at Lepe, which is by the coast and there’s a five mile loop which is nice.

Buy an OS map, don’t rely on your mobile! But if Walking With A Purpose is your thing, find a geocache trail.

if you ride bikes you can hire them from Brockenhurst or lyndhurst. Generally I’d say avoid Lyndhurst, it’s a tourist and traffic nightmare.

In the summer I tend to wear sturdy trainers unless going anywhere particularly difficult or wet. Something like light hiker or approach shoes.

Get the Os map app. I walk there frequently and it’ll be fine. In summer you don’t need boots

The Rockingham arms is a nice pub. You can do a circular walk around there.

(I find the NF a bit weird tbh )

why weird? @KarlWrenbury

It's very easy walking terrain, any old trainers will do.

I like keyhaven- and walking out to Hurst castle.

Lymington is lovely.

I was going to say decathlon too. Don't buy walking boots, trainers or walking trainers will be fine.

Watch out for ticks. Put some insect repellant on your legs