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?

I also have the Berghaus Supalite, and
they are really light and wearable when not hiking.I got them on sale on Amazon. Admittedly not worn in heavy snow.

www.berghaus.com/women-s-supalite-gore-tex-2.0-boot-brown/17415237.html?affil=awin&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&cm_mmc=AWIN--104504--Deeplink-_-Generic&affil=awin&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=104504&utm_content=Comparison+Shopping+Service+%28CSS%29&utm_term=104504%20&aw_affid=104504&awc=6844_1771600044_3dc862d8599d13419d956092a2995cc3&gad_source=7&dclid=CjgKEAiAqeDMBhD-1oiD7s-95UwSJAC59DKe8rjlO9EzwpEBSPYQnwTIvduytRtlxXohSGm9_1xUefD_BwE

Sorry for that horrible link. I don't know how to compress it.

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?

I agree with the above. People won't judge you for not looking "stylish", but they will judge you for wearing inappropriate footwear, and you will spoil your holiday and everyone else's if you have cold, wet feet.

When it comes to tramping about mountains, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions takes a much higher priority over style.

I think the OP is getting a bit of a hard time. Waterproof walking boots at £200 a shot are a big investment and not everyone has the sort of lifestyle that justifies it.

Team Sorel here!

I've yet to find truly waterproof (heavy rain or snow) footwear at my price point.

I use waterproof socks with warm, comfortable walking trainers (Mountain Warehouse and <£50) which have good grip. I have some sealskins socks but I actually prefer the cheaper ones I got in the middle of Lidl for less than a tenner a few years back)

You have to really look after leather if it's getting soaked repeatedly and I know I'm to lazy for that. Synthetic uppers dry quickly and need much less care.

Another vote for Sorel. So warm and comfy. I’ve got a few styles but the Whitney are my go-to for light snow.

OP, I would ask your relatives what they advise for the time of year and activities you plan, and ask what they wear.

Buy sorel, they hold their price quite well and if you’re size 6 or smaller you can get kids’ ones which makes them a bit cheaper. I’m in Austria at the moment and have been hiking as well as skiing and they are great.

Walking boots. There will only be significant snow on glaciers and higher areas, resorts and walking routes will be cleared.

This is the best advice. You need to go out and try loads of them on until you find a pair that actually fit your individual feet then go at least a half size up. This is the same principal I apply to my trail running shoes. I couldn't care less if one was blue and the other red, as long as they're comfortable and fit properly. Also, break them in properly before you go!

I think it was in response to the OP asking for something stylish when practical is much, much more important. I like to look stylish, but I recognise that sometimes being warm and dry takes a much higher priority, and being stylish just doesn't matter.

True. And taking walking and other sports shoe brand suggestions from internet strangers is not the best way to go.

If you have a Cotswold Outdoors near you then they can scan your feet to suggest the right size, shape and fit of walking shoes / boots.

Some of the outdoorwear specialist shops have knowledgeable staff who can advise you on what you need. Just avoid Sports Direct.

Goretex waterproof hiking trainers. But if you do not want to spend 90£ + then If you wearing for 5 days only just buy some basic snow boots .
Unless you happy and ready to have wet but stylish feet

https://amzn.eu/d/0b1c1m8z

if you’re doing any hiking at all you’ll want proper hiking boots - mine are Salomon and i wear them a lot on all sorts of mostly UK walks. I also have sorel boots for snow which are waterproof and thermal but I wouldn’t want to walk all day in them. They are what I wear on a ski trip and also on a wet sports touchline as they are very warm and dry. Sorel make lots of types though so you may find something with more treads. So it depends on exactly what you will be doing when you’re there.

I wear Scarpa hiking boots. Waterproof, good grip & comfortable

Not necessarily. I needed snow boots in resort in April last year as there was so much snowfall.

What socks would you recommend to go in the hiking boots?

I’ve got these at the moment
https://www.very.co.uk/the-north-face-womens-hedgehog-mid-goretex-hiking-boots-grey/1601085857.prd?cm_mmc=google--PLA+-+Generic---_-__%5BAdID%5D&utm_campaign=Generic_Fashion+Clothing+%26+Footwear+-+Womens+-+PMAX+-+Medium&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20397404629&gbraid=0AAAAAD2k1i1j9R8mTp9sgH3Xr5vZw8C7a&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqeDMBhDcARIsAJEbU9SXVFFk9-GLjaJFHylbzYzO9c1K9N9PAXenP6jDSpBIjnH0QswOb_0aAgBMEALw_wcB#sku=sku28712323

Got these as my feet are very shallow and my ankles are narrow.

if you have slim feet Salomon fit well but you need much bigger size than you expect

Meindl, Keen are both good for wider feet

Once you know what you want, look on Amazon for pairs with free returns and you can find some bargains of old stock

Meindl do some great wide fit options, but they’re expensive so you’re going to want to wear them regularly to get your moneys’ worth.

Your best bet is to go to a specialised shop like Whalley Warm and dry or even Go Outddors if you want boots on the cheaper side.Tell them what your needs are and let them select for you.
We can recommend brands all day but until you try them on you won’t know what is a good fit and right for you.

Hiking socks, from the same shop as the boots. You can get own brand ones which are fine, but the really expensive ones are fabulous and worth every penny when you have been hiking all day.
get ones with merino wool in them as they stay warmer even when a bit wet.

not in the least bit stylish, but totally practical and warm and they prevent blisters, so utterly safe

Just seconding Decathlon, they do warm waterproof boots for less than Sorel / Merrell prices. Get the proper supportive ones with laces not the cheaper pull on ones.

If you think you will wear them after the trip then it maybe worth buying the pricier brands. I have some from Columbia that I bought as snow boots for a ski trip but I end up wearing all winter in the UK if it’s wet.

And yes to thicker longer socks to go under them. I like the ones from BAM.