Stylish, comfy boots for walking many miles sightseeing?

[Northernlassie1974]

Help!
I recently went on a trip to a city where we walked 40,000 steps over the course of the weekend. Had a fab time but…… ow.my.feet!
I had blisters on the bottom of my feet! I wore boots that I’ve worn lots of times for walking around a lot, but they clearly aren’t any good for this kind of walking. A friend has a pair of Dr Martens and says she swears by them. I tried a pair on but found them clunky and restrictive around my ankles (although only wore for a few minutes so feel free to tell me to persevere)

I want a pair that I can wear for sightseeing, comfy AND stylish so I feel smart going for meals etc while sightseeing. Hence not considering traditional walking boots.

Please can you recommend what you have that fits the brief above?
Thanks!

I have some Pikolino lace up boots that are super comfy and don't need breaking in. They don't have the exact style have but some very similar.

www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/aviles-w6p-8560.html?dwvar_aviles-w6p-8560_color=BLACK

Just to add I have 3 different pairs and they are all comfy, you just need to find some you like as some are nicer than others.

I agree re Doc martens - I like mine but I couldn't do a day in them. I like my grenson boots but they do take some wearing in, my current favourites which are surprising comfortable are josef seibel sanja boots - kind of cosy too. Various colours and styles all seemingly on sale. Eg - https://fhwbrands.com/products/womens-josef-seibel-sanja-18-boot-ocean?variant=43275119526105&currency=GBP&utmmedium=producttsync&utmsource=google&utmmcontent=sagorganic&utmmcampaign=sagorganic&gaddsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAnL-sBhBnEiwAJRGigvafwqf67cRWoHIDjvkoBzm-lXG06yy1887mND77vvBp8voVFpMfxoCVHgQAvDBwE

I have these from Moshulu, they have comfortably carried me over 12 miles a day on city breaks
https://www.moshulu.co.uk/ladies-biker-ankle-boots-p262#attribute%5B1%5D=217

Wear trainers

I agree I would wear trainers. Plenty are stylish enough for going to a meal but as comfortable as a sports trainer (or nearly).

Or you could go for something that’s a trainer/boot hybrid - a bit like these

I have several pairs of boots by Lanx.
They are amazing for walking and everyday wear. I have walked miles round cities in them and found them great.
https://lanxshoes.com/collections/womens-boots?filter.v.availability=1

There are quite a lot of leather trainer type shoes that look quite neat and shoe-like
White / Green Multi | Switch Shoes |Hotter UK)

They aren't 'stylish boots' but sore feet aren't stylish anyway

I wear these often, and for the whole day, and have never had an uncomfortable moment in them. Not cheap but really comfortable and well made.

https://www.lowa.co.uk/products/renegade-gtx-mid-ws

You need boots that lace up, so they hold your feet firmly in place. Blisters come from the foot moving around inside the shoe.

Also, wear good thick socks. I get blisters on my little toes, and find that toe socks helps me to avoid this, but for blisters on the balls of your feet, probably socks with good underfoot padding would be best.

Make sure you put on plenty of foot balm as you put on your socks.

No one really sees your feet in a restaurant, once you’re sitting down, so wear a nice sweater, top or dress, rather than a frumpy fleece, and you’ll be grand.

I haven't tried them but fitflop do some lace up boots that look ok.

You need boots that lace up, so they hold your feet firmly in place. Blisters come from the foot moving around inside the shoe.
This. Shoes and boots need to fit properly. Laces let you adjust the shoe during the day.

Someone here previously recommended Ara shoes (German brand, got them sent no problem and did a return, also v easy).

I would only wear trainers

I'd recommend Hoff trainers.

Campers and Wonders.

I have those boots. They are extremely comfortable. I wore them everyday last winter and they are still going strong this winter. No breaking in required.

Another vote for these boots. They are so comfortable and hard wearing. Mines must be five years old now and still going strong (they have been reheeled and resoled, but I must have walked thousands of miles in them)!

Surprisingly, I got my mother some black waterproof Chuck Taylor All Star City Trek boots for her daily long walks and they’ve been a hit.

They blend in well with black clothing so can look smart and are reportedly extremely comfy with a thick sole.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-chelsea-flatform-ankle-boots/p/clp60548898?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I can do endless miles in these, including cobbles and umpteen towers on our last trip. Then wore them with a sparkly dress and a leather jacket for Christmas lunch!

Mine are Seasalt. They work best with a thin pair of socks plus a thicker pair on top.

I agree that trainers are generally more comfortable, but I also find them a bit slippy if it's raining (and it's currently always bloody raining).

DMs take so much breaking in (you can get DM socks specifically for the purpose!) but once there, they mould to your feet and are like slippers. I don’t wear anything else now, including for work. I just rotate between pairs.

I wear Josef Seibel boots,I have 4 pairs and have never had to break them in.Can walk miles in them,my favourite pair have a paisley pattern,love them.

Life is too short to break in DMs.
Try Rieker, they have some that look like Docs but are comfy straight away.

I have these and have walked literally miles in them, they’re like slippers.

https://www.gaborshoes.co.uk/womens-c1/boots-c3/prissie-ladies-ankle-boots-p42597/s702483