Hiking boots

[WartyWartFace]

I need a new pair of hiking boots for an upcoming holiday/ hiking in Scotland, and then next year we are doing the Inca trail. So, it needs to be a serious pair.

I’ve looked at North Face and the high street boots but am unsure whether they are more of a fashion brand than a proper hiking boot.

Any recommendations? They will take a hammering, so need a very decent pair.

Also, regarding fit. In running shoes I go up a size at least, from a 6 to a 7. What about hiking boots? I thought my current size 6 boots were a bit snug, but then don’t want to fork out £££ to find they are too big.

thx

Look up same reviews - Trail magazine and Country Walking do good ones.
What’s good for you depends 100% on your feet and the terrain you’ll be on, but for what you’re planning I’d say avoid cheap stuff and go for one of the serious brands (I’d call North Face a serious one but models vary for all of them).
Go to a good outdoor shop with trained fitters, try loads on and make sure you’re wearing the socks that you’ll be wearing on the trail.
Which region do you live in? (in case I can recommend somewhere - I’ve been walking/ trekking for decades and have bought many pairs of boots for self and family).

Go to a good outdoor shop with trained fitters, try loads on and make sure you’re wearing the socks that you’ll be wearing on the trail.

This. I went to Ellis Brigham and they were excellent.

I like scarpa terras and meindl because I have wide feet.
I got measured at tiso.

Me too! And sent my DH - now we both have very comfy boots!

Earlier this year I needed new boots and got Lowa Zephyr. I work as a gardener and in woodland so spend my days tramping about in all sorts of places and I love these boots. They are so comfortable, even wearing them all day, and excellent quality.

I use my Berghaus Supalites for absolutely everything, incredibly comfy, really versatile and never once let me down despite walking through streams and really boggy mud.

I always buy Merrells the women ones are formed for a womens foot to help spread weight out properly when carrying a heavy pack. I've always found them very comfortable.

Go to a proper outdoors shop, or order several pairs to try on at home.

I always buy Merrells the women ones are formed for a womens foot to help spread weight out properly when carrying a heavy pack. I've always found them very comfortable.

Go to a proper outdoors shop, or order several pairs to try on at home.

Just looking and they're cheaper here: lowamilitaryboots.com/lowa-womens-zephyr-mid-boots-gore-tex-dark-brown

I recently bought a pair of Salewa Boots. They are very good. They do lots of different types.

I’ve got fussy diabetic feet so I can’t risk blisters etc. I have these and they were super comfy from the very first time of walking in them. I took my usual shoe size and they’re perfect. Not cheap but I expect to be wearing them for years.

Just spotted this too: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/outdoor-clothing/article/walking-boot-brand-reviews-anvzq7H9IiwB
Zamberlan are great quality but no good for my wide feet. I have Altberg and find them fantastic. Brasher also good. DH who also has wide feet has Meindl. DD who has door problems has Aku.

For low level footpaths in the UK I like a pair of low to mid ankle softer boots that are a bit cheaper - Regatta or similar. For rocky trails and long days you need a more rigid boot, with a firm midsole. Soft sounds nice, but your feet get tired in a soft boot and you’ll feel every stone by the end of the day.

Just saw this too https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/best-walking-boots/

Hope this isn’t too much! It’s something of an obsession of mine 😁partly because I’ve done a lot of miles on rough terrain in all seasons (including in the Himalayas), partly because I have feet that don’t fit most boots, and partly because I learned the hard way to start with and have been in serious foot pain.

One more thing, you may need different footbeds than the ones supplied. I couldn’t survive without Superfeet footbeds - expensive but essential for me.

I wholeheartedly recommend Scarpa - completely waterproof and strong. They also come in half sizes. They're not the cheapest but at price-per-wear they will prove their worth.

I had a pair of North Face - we’re decent but seem to be more of a fashion brand these days for many of their models. I hiked to Everest base camp in a pair of Salomon which lasted me years. Current pair are Hanwags which I got two years ago after suffering with toe jamb. Got measured at George Fisher in the Lakes and they were amazing.

Had a convo with a friend this weekend who has just trashed a really expensive pair of books while dog walking. Look after whatever pair you get. Break them in, use Boot Bananas, dry them out if they get wet, and proof them with either Nikwax spray or cream regularly depending on the fabric of the uppers. The Inca trail is a well worn route so won’t be technical so you won’t need a techy boot, but something that is comfortable above everything else. And don’t forget decent socks - I use Bridgedale.

For that sortof walking you need to get properly fitted. I can tell you I love my Meindls until the cows come home but if they aren't the right fit for your feet you could end up with painfully blistered feet and when you have paid out for the Inca Trail you really don't want that.

I adore my Meindls and I have wide feet. Brashers were too narrow after walking a mile or two. My meindls were £200 though, but worth every penny.

I second going to a proper outdoor shop with a Rocky test walk thingy, they will look at your gait and recommend the sort of boot that will fit well.

My daughter is currently in Borneo backpacking between camps for several weeks.

You need to look for something lightweight, but also breathable and waterproof! Go somewhere where they will fit them and you can try lots of pairs on. My daughter was advised to get some ankle support so she has boots rather than trainers.

She bought these ones:
www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15989477/merrell-women-s-accentor-gore-tex-mid-boot-15989477

I have a pair of Brasher's which are incredibly comfortable and have lasted well so far.