Going to the mountains - what do I need for my feet?

[Thingsthatgo]

We are going to the Swiss mountains at Easter - not necessarily skiing, but some snowy family fun (we are visiting relatives). We are going to be walking in snowy areas, (depending on what the weather does), but nothing extreme - well trodden paths rather than mountain climbing.
What do I need for my feet? I want to be comfortable, practical, safe, warm and stylish!
Any suggestions?

Timberlands or blundstones

Some proper walking boots rather than fashion shoes would be a good start! Have a trip to Go Outdoors or similar and explain what activities / terrain you'll be covering and ask for their help. You want something with good ankle support and good grip!

Comfortable hiking boots or should be fine. We went to Switzerland in December and I only needed snow boots at the highest altitudes (mountain tops) and most of my relatives wore hiking shoes. Trainers are generally fine for towns and villages too.

I mainly wear Merrell walking shoes in Switzerland but we tend to go from May onwards when there isn’t quite so much snow apart from at the highest points. Going at your time I think I would be more likely to wear my hiking boots for the ankle support.

You’ll need a walking pole / poles too - super helpful for coming downhill, of which there is lots!

Walking boots. I’ve got some good ones from decathlon.

I'd get actual hiking boots. Probably really plain design in black or brown leather so they looked ok with jeans and then they can be worn in UK winters to the pub on wet and cold days.

Start wearing them in now.

I have proper hiking boots that look like hiking boots but I am not particularly stylish! I lean a bit granola girl most of the time I am on a holiday!

You need something waterproof or your feet will be MISERABLE

New shoes/boots (you have time to make sure they are comfy before you go) tend to perform best, the waterproofing doesn't usually last as long as the boots themselves.

And you want a good grippy sole. Sliding when you intend to is great, sliding when you don't mean to can be a literal pain in the arse/elbow/ankle/dignity and really spoil your fun.

Hovering trepidatiously on the sidelines because you're in the wrong shoes is not much of a look!

Proper walking boots or, walking shoes would be fine if you are going to be on well trodden paths and it's not going to be more than a light dusting of snow. Get Goretex ones if you can afford them to keep your feet dry. I find that fabric boots are more forgiving and don't particularly need to be broken in.

Goretex adidas walking boots are fantastic

Proper, waterproof hiking boots. They are timeless and look the part in mountainous regions.

Would waterproof leather be ok? I quite like the Barbour walking boots - but I’m not sure if they are really intended for walking in snow. Sorel boots are nice….
I would quite like some I could wear again.

🤷‍♀️
Get whatever you think looks good instead of boots that are made for the job if you want. I’m sure everyone will be thinking how stylish you look despite your freezing wet feet.

I have a pair of Berghaus Supalite II GTX Walking Boots. They are goretex leather, last for years and very lightweight, look good with walking gear and jeans too.

I’m in Canada. It’s -40 today with the windchill and we had another 15cm of snow yesterday. I wear Ugg Adirondacks, as do a lot of other women here.

Get a proper Goretex walking boot mid weight (not a mountaineering boot). Most importantly you have to try on lots of brands and be guided by what suits your feet shape and not what looks nice. Also get at least a half size up. Break them in. You can get light weight leather and fabric ones.

@MagpiePiis that no to waterproof leather? Or Sorel and Barbour are no good?
I was only asking if there was a compromise so I am not spending £100 on a pair of boots that I will only wear for 5 days.

The Barbour ones look nice but are perhaps not what I’d want to actually hike/sledge/sink in a snow drift in, but if you’re just wanting to walk paved paths, get into cable cars and then to a viewpoint or restaurant or whatever then I’m sure they’d be lovely. The Ugg Adirondack or Sorel snow boots would be good, more practical, and a pair of leather or Goretex walking boots would last forever but if you’ll only wear them in this trip perhaps a waste of a purchase?

Comfortable, practical safe and warm get proper goretex walking boots. Easter snow is wet, and puddles will be everywhere.

Stylish, leather boots, but very soggy socks and feet

up to you OP

Why woukd you only wear proper walkong boots five times?

Would people mind posting some links to what they consider sensible, please? Especially if they don’t cost £200. Thanks!

You can get decent gortex walking boots in Go Outdoors or Mountain Warehouse. My stop gap boots from MW lasted me about five years and I walk a lot. About £100 in the sales

I have no idea about the suitability of Barbour or Sorel boots, but seeing as nearly every PP here is suggesting proper walking boots, and no outdoors shops sell them, I doubt they’ll be up to the job.

If the people you are visiting spend any time in the outdoors they won’t be thinking how stylish you look, they’ll be wondering why you’re wearing unsuitable footwear and you’ll be miserable with cold, wet feet.

Why not buy some proper walking boots, wear them for your holiday then sell them on Vinted when you get back and spend the money on some fashion boots that everyone in the pub will admire for their style?

Sorel boots a good idea - and you will look fashionable vs walking boots.

See if you can try some on, I find some styles quite heavy.

As to ‘will you wear them again’ - that’s down to your personal style.

I also really rate Sorel boots.

Agree that some Sorel boots are very heavy and bulky. I have tall Joan of arctic boots that are fine for apres but would be useless for walking in.

I got some Sorel Tivoli for £25 on Vinted though that are good to walk in. Size up though.