Walking shoes that aren’t walking shoes

[Magpiesalute]

I do a lot of dog walking in muddy woods and it’s so slippy I need a shoe with a decent grip. I don’t like the look of traditional walking shoes though. I do have some fur lined calf length boots for when it’s colder but it’s this sort of in between weather I’m looking to have something for. Trainers plus dog plus mud will end up with me on my arse.

Do you need to wear them anywhere but dogwalking? Walking boots in the right conditions look right. People falling on their arse in useless inappropriate footwear look stupid, no matter how stylish the shoes in a non-mud covered scenario.

But anything with decent lugs should work. Timberlands?

Wellies?

I bought a pair of timberlands in the Office sale for about £60 a couple of years ago. They still look brand new and I've used them in all sorts of weather/conditions.

I suppose I don’t need to wear them apart from dog walking but still can’t bring myself to get walking shoes. Timberlands might be an idea!

What do you mean when your say walking shoes? What is it that you don't like? You mention your wear trainers and plenty of walking shoes look like trainers. Look for ones described as trail shoes or trail runners and they should have grippy soles.

I have snow boots and find them slippy on mud.

Colombia have some pretty good looking walking shoes on sale atm, some look more like trainers.

If you want waterproof, good grip, lightweight and breathable shoes that won't get destroyed, then just buy walking shoes. There is a reason they look the way they do, and the fabrics are chosen for a reason. For something like dog walking comfort would be my priority tbh

I agree. When it comes to walking in muddy woods practicality is a far higher priority than style.
Who even looks at people's feet when walking in mud anyway?

My walking shoes are trail shoes and just look like sturdy trainers.

Scarpa Mojito are great, I have them in black, they look like trainers, but they are colour sensitive. Low rise but waterproof.
But I wear proper walking boots for off road walking, anything else and I get wet muddy feet .

I’m glad you agree with me. I reckon OP problem bit the bullet and bought something with a proper sole about 11 months ago.

Practicality surely should be the priority? I wear Merrell walking shoes, I certainly wouldn’t dog walk on rough terrain in a fashion shoe, just not worth the risk.
I’m pretty sure no one looks as what people are wearing on their feet normally but I bet they would notice impractical footwear!

@TwoWeeksislong 😂😂thanks - your comment alerted me to the Zombie strolling amongst us in hopefully, comfortable shoes .