[Closed] Walking boots?

Your feet will hurt regardless at first. But better boots are better in the same way that better bikes are better.

You need to find the boots that fit your feet. All the quality and features in the world are no good if they don't fit properly. For me, Salomon are a favourite, but ONLY because they fit my feet well. Different manufacturers make to different foot shapes, for some reason. No idea why it's like this, it's not like that with clothes or bikes.

There's been a few threads on this recently.....and I think that it was discussed in the hillwalking thread too.

Trail running style shoes might be perfect for you if you're only out for a few hours. However in winter it prefer a proper 'boot'.

Trail running trainer style I use Salomon Ultras, then I have Ultra Mids for bigger mountain days....although I think that I preferred my Scarpa Terras. Every other person that I see currently seems to be wearing Innov8 trainers, so I guess that they must be good?!

As ever though, it depends on your feet so I'd recommend getting into a shop to try some one and see what fits.

Spending-wise, what do you call 'loads'?

I treated myself to a pair of Meindl Bhutan a couple of years ago. They do different widths and half sizes so you can get the fit absolutely perfect (I have wide feet, like a gibbon). I got a bargain with them at £140, reduced from £200+, but I can walk in them all day (and frequently do), they're gore-tex so my feet are warm and dry and I expect they'll outlast me.

I'd be inclined to go into a decent shop, get your feet measured and try a selection on and see what feels best

I found Zamberlan boots were very comfy straight out of the box, although obviously it is dependant on foot shape. They work well and take a fair bit of abuse. I'm looking at some Inov8 Roclite G's as a lighter pair of walking/approach trainers once they are back in stock.

My Lowa Renegade GTXs are the most comfortable boots I've ever had. I think a few other people on one of the recent threads liked them too. Available in three widths.
But the most important thing is to buy from somewhere that knows what they are doing and can fit you properly.

I've just picked up a pair of these Adidas Terrex which I got another 20% off using a voucher code (they always have them if you search).  I've got them for dog walking, not hill walking and the tongue is not sealed for full waterproofing, but for 2 hour walks if the size fits it's a good price for a comfortable set of shoes. Note I have to size up 1/2 size in Adidas.

Have a look at Altberg. Fantastic range footwear in all weights and sizes. Even better if you can get to the factory in Richmond. I think they are the last British boot maker.

These guys make boots in the UK: https://www.rufflander.co.uk/product-category/heritage-footwear/town-and-country-boots/

My walking boots are some Salomon mid height approach shoe things from SportsPursuit, been very pleased with them so far. I go for the lightest and most trainer like I can find, but with a GTX lining for wet days on the fells. I think they're all much of a muchness so just buy whatever SP has on sale...

I'd just keep wearing your gelerts until they wear out or start leaking like a sieve then replace with something better if you find your walking more.

But you don't want that sensible advice... You want a pair of scarpa active sl 😉

As always, Haix Combat High Liability Cold Weather.

Basically, the boots that the Army use, but buy them second hand from your army surplus store of choice. Waterproof, comfortable, long lasting, £45.

one pair of boots? One pair?

You need several 🙂 . I currently own a pair of zamberlain winter boots, a pair of Salomen 2 season boots, a pair of merrils that I imported from the US to get them without a goretex membrane for hot climates and a pair of hi techs for local walks and the next pair will be the innovate ones

Lots of boots here. Three pairs of scarpa crampons rated boots, plus meindls and merrell.

But I also wear shoes for quicker or shorter walks, like taking the dog to the local park

Hard to give advice, you really need to try some on. More expensive often helps, but not always. If you're not looking for ankle support, a pair of trail running shoes could work well

Fabric boots from the likes of salomon or merrell are usually comfy

I like Italian boot companies for 'proper' mountain boots, but the French and Germans are also pretty good here

Haix.
Awesome boots & approach shoes, I have 7 pairs of them!

Another vote for Meindl boots here. I bought a pair of their Burma pro boots 15 years ago and they are still going strong with use every week.

Whilst they are not cheap (£200), I can't stress enough the comfort and value in these over time.

A mate that I regularly walk with is onto his second pair of boots in 3 years (Hi-tec and Berghaus) which equate to around the same cost overall, and guaranteed he'll be buying again in the next few years.

In addition to my initial post....yup 3 pairs minimum!

Trail running shoes
Summer boots
B3 rated Winter boots

Hard to recommend - go to a shop, try them on, and buy the boots that fit your feet. I've got a cheap-ish pair of Karrimor that are way more comfortable than an expensive pair of Merrell.

But don't expect to walk loads of miles even with a pair that feel comfy just walking around the house. Build it up gradually.

Meindl. Your feet will still be thanking you long after you've forgotten the cost. Mine were resoled after 15 years and they look as though they'll do the same again.

I like my Zamberlan boots but in truth they’re overkill unless I’m heading into the hills. A pair of trail running shoes, Nike Pegasus Trails being my preferred option, are a better option for the shorter and lower stuff.

Meindle here as well, at least for dry weather; my most worn boots, and I have four pairs, are their Desert Fox boots, as issued to the British Army for desert use. Fantastic boots, so damned comfy, I’ve walked many miles in them, and because they’re Army issue, you can find them on eBay for really good prices, I don’t think I’ve paid more than £40 for any of mine, in fact I think the most expensive were £38, and they were pretty much unworn and came with two sets of laces and a special care brush.
They retail for £170/pair...
I do like the look of those Haix boots, mind...

I find North Face Hedgehogs do me fine for most things. Anything from wanders along the beach to up Munros. I find actual boots to be overkill in most situations. Exceptions would be proper hills in winter and maybe a few other times.

That's very much a personal choice thing though. Lots of folk like the ankle support of proper boots.

Main advice is go to an outdoor shop, find a good assistant (chap in Tiso spent over an hour with me) then wear them at home to be sure you are comfortable in them. If not take them back.

Getting the right shoe is the single most crucial thing in walking so worth the effort to get it right. Not maybe such a big deal if it's just a couple of hours, but you'll probably quickly find you want to do more.

Thanks all.
I have some trail trainers for summer, some more sturdy trainers for wet days and the Gelert boots so the collection has started already. 🙂
The walks are countryside rather than mountainous.
I'll give the gelerts another couple of goes to see how the feet are, if no better then time to spend.
Had a quick butchers in Go outdoors today and there were quite a few there by the looks of.

Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX. Comfy, very light (for me like a boot/approach shoe hybrid in this sense), and surprisingly hard wearing.

I use Salomon boots and love them. I can honestly say I've never had a comfier pair of walking boots. I found it's important to get decent socks as well though. You'll be surprised at the difference once you've got decent footwear sorted out.

Go to your nearest outdoor shop and try some out, remember to wear the same socks you normally wear, walking socks can be thicker.

I find breaking in boots can be sore on the ankles but do offer better support over rougher ground compared to shoes. Shoes are lighter though so less tiring.

Agree with anyone who has said go to a shop.

It is exactly like ski boots.

If you go in with a brand and model you want you can guarantee you'll walk out with something different.

Get feet measured and take the boots that fit.

Do you need boots?

I've done a bit of long distance trekking and it's all about the gore tex trail running shoes with a rock plate for me.

Boots are just to big, heavy and stiff for me.

If your feet are taking a bashing then keep it cushioned, flexible and lightweight. Asics do some great options.

Hoka. Excellent IMO.

Going against the general theme of 3-4 season mountain boots or trainers and fabric boots - a lighter weight fell boot style like the Altberg Fremington might be worth a look. Depends on the balance of hill / mountain vs field and lane. I'm guessing you aren't doing year round big days in the mountains and even a heavier three season hill boot might be more than you want.

Yes I'd say lighter footwear for the walks I do -fields and woods etc and was thinking boots really for the bad weather.
Meant to say if there are any links that would save me some time.
Thanks folks.