Not stylish or beautiful but

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I’m in the market for some walking boots/trainers and a waterproof coat/jacket that is more substantial than a pac-a-mac thing, but not winter coat weight. Think March in the UK.

They don’t have to be stylish or beautiful but they do have to be not ‘snazzy’ or crazy coloured. Ideally grey, black or possibly a dusky pink.

This is very much out of my usual comfort zone, but ideas/brans/links greatly appreciated. I will probably be wearing them with straight rolled up jeans or with Sweaty Betty leggings/yoga trousers for walking on footpaths up to about 8 miles, I think.

Oh and if anyone can also recommend a good lightweight flask too, even better!

It’s ok! It’s just a pair of shoes and a jacket!! Go and try a few pairs on. Sorrel are good, but I have very high arches, so need a good insole. I had a pair of Tretorn fur lined short wellies that are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and can walk miles in them - that could be an option?

I think a normal Mac will be fine, that way you can wear layers underneath and it will easily stow away if the sun comes out.

I’ve just got this in the sale for dog walking and it’s great https://finisterre.com/products/womens-organic-cotton-litus-jacket-black

properly waterproof and feels like it’ll last forever

I already had a lighter one from there for hiking

These are the best flasks I’ve found for no leaks https://uk.frankgreen.com/?utm_source=google-search&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=fmd-performance-max-uk-key-focus-hot&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=15768341985&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23102538704&gbraid=0AAAAADo3cW76oMDiJjMjaximd2q4Bikic&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI69rVp8HOkgMVAItQBh340TNAEAAYASAAEgLpEPD_BwE

you can just chuck them in a bag and not worry

I like that a lot but have a similar long one from Seasalt. I think I want something shorter, but if I can’t find anything I can use the Seasalt one - the problem is that the hood is far too big for my silly little head, but that might be a problem on most of them.

Thanks for the flask link, too.

Just adding a link for some really good walking leggings. I have these and really recommend them. The Goodmove range at M&S is excellent.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/go-discover-stormwear-high-waisted-leggings/p/clp60727257

Thank you. I’ve got some GoodMove running leggings plus a pair of SB leggings and a pair of slightly bootcut SB yoga pants, so I think that will be enough. Otherwise, those look great.

I know you want to stay away from North Face but I have North Face Hedgehog trainers for this kind of thing. They are light and very comfortable and waterproof. Also get yourself some decent socks - I like Bridgedale.

As for hoods - I wear a wax hat with a brim.

I know it's obvious but do break in any shoes on a good few walks first. Nothing worse than blisters on your first walk and then having to again the next day when they're painful.

Thank you.

I really need a proper rain hat of some sort, but my tiny head causes problems there too!

Sealskinz waterproof baseball cap is adjustable.

Thanks again for all of these. I think I’m going to have to limit myself to things I can actually go and try on. Fingers crossed!

These are absolutely my level of walks too - no mountains in sight!

For coats, I have a Unisex one from Craghoppers which is on the more functional side. If you want slightly more of a mac style, look towards Rains or Stutterheim.

For boots, I wear my Blundstones all the time for these walks (they don't offer the ankle support of your usual walking boots, so if you are doing 'hikes' more than walks, these aren't for that!). They have a great Instagram page to check out!

For that sort of walking a berhaus jacket from Mountain warehouse and sweaty betty wicking leggings will be fine. Try on walking shoes as well as walking boots when you're in MW as you may find them more comfortable.

Thank you both.

Walking shoes/trainers would be fine; doesn’t have to be boots.

I’ve looked at Rains before, but I don’t like the fabric.

There will most certainly be no mountains!

Ha! I have a giant head so have the opposite problem.

😂

For walking boots you really don't need to go mad and spend a heap of money. I'm getting the impression this is for recreational hikes, not an Everest expedition. Go somewhere with a broad range (Decathlon or Mountain Warehouse as others have said) and try a few pairs on. Mine are mid-range from Decathlon, and were comfortable straight out of the box.

Recreational only - with a bribe of cake or a pint at the end (or in the middle and at the end!).

Does Millets still exist? They used to be good for that sort of stuff. I have a Helly Hanson waterproof, plain black with a white zip, light, waterproof and not hideous, and timberland walking boots- walking ones,not the popular black or tan ones (have those too though!)

Millets | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment | Warehouse Clearance Now On
Blacks | Outdoor Clothing, Footwear & Gear | Warehouse Sale Now On

I thought Millets had been dead for years!

I think it was taken over by Blacks.