I walk about six miles a day...should I get trainers or walking boots?

[SpawnChorus]

Can't decide which would be better. I'm assuming trainers would be comfier and perhaps better for my back and knees, but they wouldn't be good in the rain.

The terrain is flat but puddly.

What do you think?

whatever, six miles is hardly a marathon is it

I would get trainers much more comfy.

I've got some Teva trainers which are more like walking shoes - wouldn't run in them but great for hiking and walking. Do everything from a few miles to 30K. Good grip etc. Lots of different companies do similar ones.

I would go for a cross-trainer with a Vibram sole. You need the flexibility and spring of a trainer, with the robustness and water-resistance of a walking shoe. I don't think you would need the ankle support of a walking boot.

Merrell do some good Goretex cross trainers. Peter Storm (Millett's own-brand) look good, though don't have Goretex so you would have to spray them - but OTOH are much cheaper.

SEA - depends on your physique and general health. 6 miles a day would be a marathon for me. I walk at least 4 miles a day at the moment, and want to try to increase that. I'm also considering exactly what SC is, because I suffer chronic back-ache and foot pain, and I'm prone to knee problems, that in the wrong shoes I would end up walking less.

i always walk distances in either trainers or Blundstones (when weather is bad).

SEA - what an odd comment! Of course it's not a marathon. However, my usual boots are not cutting it (sore wet feet, aching back), and I thought the seasoned school-runners on here might be able to recommend some comy footwear.

I should add that I'm pushing two pre-schoolers in a buggy and carrying a large baby in a sling (why the fuck am I having to justify this??!).

Thanks to the other posters for the sensible answers

comfy

sorry spawn, in a sarcastic mood today, so probably should stay off mn.

Ah we all have days like that

And I'm abandoning the plan for trainers/boots in favour of waders.

On a happier note the vigorous exfoliation treatment from the hail has minimised my pores nicely.

Gaiters?

SC - I walk alot less than you do - just the morning rush to work (train/tube). But I have tender feet - they ache quite miserably, so looking for comfy shoes to walk to work in before changing into formal shoes. So what are waders? Which ones did you get? Are you happy with them?

Considering how cold and icy it's become, I'd definitely suggest a pair of winter walking boots. I got a pair for £45. They're warm and they do the job very well.

I have these

they are very solid and feel weird when you first put th em on but my God they are comfy. No matter how far I walk, my feet never ache when I've had tehse on.

In fact, Dh has hte mens pair and the kids have kids versions!

I've got Meindl walking boots in lightweight fabric - they have a flexible rubber, air cushioned sole.

Walking boots - nice thick soles mean insulation from the cold ground, and just enough height to beat a layer of wet.mud on the ground

I'd buy some light weight, gore-tex style boots, a bit like these

Warning: boots will get v comfy, and you may resent wearing other more attractive footwear.