[Closed] Walking boots - fit the most important thing?

Yes. Possibly buyya size 0.5 bigger if you intend on wearing thick socks, but obviously comfort is the most important factor.

Yes, and the second most important thing as well.

Try and get some time to break em in before you set off on a ten mile walk, you wouldn’t fit a brand new saddle and set off on a century ride eh.

Meindl are nice, if a bit pricey.

Merrell are nice, a little cheaper.

North face are nice, prices somewhere between those two.

Forgot to add, ive had a pair of brashers leather boots ive worn to work for the last four years.

And they still look and feel fine, id say the sole was about 50% worn, not bad when you consider I weigh 20 stone.

Lowa are also very nice (basically try loads to find the one that works for you)

Ah, good info. Confirming what I thought.

The walk is penciled in for April. Looking at getting footwear soon to allow time to break them in. Going to plan some 10mile+ training walks in them too.

Great stuff. Getting excited now.

I did the three peak about 4 times last year (twice as continuous and then about twice as single/twin walks). Meindl are the boots that me, my wife and daughter all love. BUT they take about 100km of walking to truly break in. At first I thought the insole was too hard (killed my big toe), but like fine shoes from Northampton, after a while they feel like second skin. I bought mine from Go Outdoors and it was a toss up between Meindle and the Scarpa equivalent. Scarpa felt wider and nicer to me. In the end I went a size up in Meindle and they were really good. 200km+ of walking later and I am glad I bought and persevered with these boots. They will be doing the three peaks many times again this spring and summer!

OP is called 'UrbanHiker' and yet has never owned a pair of walking boots? Whatever next? A mountain biking forum populated solely by those who never ride?

The mind boggles...

Should also add. Go Outdoors do a fantastic price beat offer. I have two pairs of walking trousers due to this and wish I knew about the offer when I bought my Meindl's as I could have saved £20 or so.]

Double post

Which Three Peaks?
You don't necessarily need boots, some suitable shoes may be more comfortable.

You need to know how they feel walking down a slope

Which Three Peaks?

You don’t necessarily need boots, some suitable shoes may be more comfortable.

This. I've never worn anything more sturdy than approach shoes to do the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. It's pretty much entirely on good ground these days.

As above, buy on fit.
I bought some Meindl Bhutan's back in November after trying on lots of others. They just felt good. Bought on the Monday, wore them indoors Mon, Tue & Wed evening. Went to the Lakes Thursday morning and walked in them that afternoon, all Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No problems at all.

Also bought from Go Outdoors on price match + 10%.

I consider the three peaks to be the Yorkshire three peaks, as in penyghent, whernside and ingleborough. Even if you're doing the Snowden, scafell pike, Ben Nevis, non of the terrain is that challenging. I've done them all in essentially a pair of trainers (actually some inov8 trail roc shoes).

I find it strange that fell runners are happy to run over the hills in very minimalist shoes, yet walkers insist on big boots. I was always in the big boot camp but since doing for more running I'm now in the minimalist camp.

obviously if you are carrying a very heavy pack or going over really wet terrain I'd wear boots, but the three peaks ( Yorkshire or national) is pretty easy. I think some walking shoes would be perfect.

"Lowa are also very nice (basically try loads to find the one that works for you)"

Quality is a bit iffy. I'm on my third pair of Renegades in two years. Cotswold replaced the first after they split with no quibbles, offered me my money back on the second but I opted for a new pair instead. Six months later the third pair are going the same way. They're shit!

As you're looking to purchase additional footwear isn't it N +2?

"You don’t necessarily need boots, some suitable shoes may be more comfortable."

This is true. I've had the same boots for 15 years, they've been resoled in that time and they're about as comfy as leather boots get but this year I decided to try some trainer style walking shoes and they've been great. I did around 30 longish walks last year and didn't wear the boots once. it feels like the shoes give me an extra couple of km range before fatigue starts kicking in.

An in response to the original question. Yep, fit is the most important thing.

I did toy with the idea of adding in "of Yorkshire", but assumed the assembled STW massive to be purist enough to assume it to be the case 😉

I've done quite a bit of walking, and never really used much more than approach shoes. But did a two day Dartmoor hike last year and the boot wearers in the group definitely had a nicer time of it in the wet. I'm taking it for granted there will be some damp bits in April. And likely to do other walks. So just an excuse really.

there is only one answer to a thread like this

in one word

ALTBERG

I have 5 pairs of their boots, never had to break a pair in at all !

you can go to their factory shop in richmond, book a proper fitting, and they will help you out 110%

I pretty much top off every time i drive up to scotch corner and buy a pair

Agree Altberg after trying a lot of the others mentioned above these have been the best.

<p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.2em; color: #444444;">there is only one answer to a thread like this</p>
<p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.2em; color: #444444;">in one word</p>
<p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.2em; color: #444444;">ALTBERG</p>

EDIT ^WT actual F^

I'd maybe agree - trick is finding a well stocked seller though - they work with at least 3 different lasts and one of those comes in several width fittings too.

I find the A-Forme last really fits me well but it took quite a bit of travelling - finding the fit in one style of boot in a shop in Kendal and then tracking down the style of boot I wanted built on that last in Edinburgh to get the boots I wanted.

I bought a size bigger as feet swell and when you walk down steep surfaces you slide and avoid mashing toes.

I buy orthotics at the same time which can help some people - life saver for me.

Gortex for waterproofing and evaporation = feet breathe and avoid sweating.

Hilla I use high boots to support ankles from sprains.

Flat walks - just use shoes.

Make sure the laces are solid and do not become loose or undone even with double knots.

Ignore people who recommend their favourite pair of boots.  Their favourite is likely not yours.

Fit is vastly more important than anything else.  No point in having slightly grippier soles when you're crippled.  I'd rather walk in comfy trainers than agonising boots.

The different manufacturers have different shaped boots generally, so find the one or two brands that fit your feet and shop from there.  It makes it vastly easier. I have a narrow heel, so Salomon fit me well.  Try on every brand in the shop until you find the one that fits well - you'll know.  Also when doing this take or borrow thick socks.

Also get some gaiters, they are brilliant in the wet.

Whalley Warm and Dry provide an excellent service for Altberg for Nortwest / Lancashire.

If it is 3 peaks Yorkshire then get a pair of light walking trainers boots like Adidas terrax, Salomon, no need for heavy boots it is a mix of limestone rock, paths and  bits of grass and bog, we do it fairly regularly with friends and work colleagues on their charity walks or just want to do it for their 40th or 50th or 80th and I have been round in inov 8, Salomon,Adidas, five twns , and meindel boots. Meindel do not fit my feet and it was a horrendous walk, so

Fit fit fit

Oh Adidas terrax are better imho over a range of surfaces unlike five ten which are lethal on grass!

Whilst fit is of utmost importance don't overlook eva midsole cushioning - with something like the 3 peaks you'll be mostly   sticking to well trodden hardpack footpaths and you won't be carrying a huge pack weight - Maybe a good trail runner would be better than  a hiking boot?  - Ultimately it's on you - My own recommendation would be the Salewa Mtn Trainer Mid GTX - Not only does it score very highly in reviews but Salewa issue a 'no blisters guarantee' : If you get blisters in the first two weeks you get your money back . .  Couple this with silk sock liners - some plasters / tape and some walking poles and things should be good - Can't recommend walking poles enough - they really do help with fatigue.

<p style="padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.2em; color: #444444; margin: 1rem 0px !important;">I find it strange that fell runners are happy to run over the hills in very minimalist shoes, yet walkers insist on big boots. I was always in the big boot camp but since doing for more running I’m now in the minimalist camp.</p>

Fit's kind of a prerequisite, in that any walking boot, no matter how well made and designed, is useless to you if it doesn't suit your foot shape.

What sort of walking boot you go for is pretty much down to personal preference. There's a continuum all the way through from minimalist trail shoes through to fully-stiffened winter boots designed mostly to work well with crampons.

Unless I know I'm going to be on technical winter ground where crampons and kicking into neve are a factor, I'd rather go light and flexible for comfort and nimbleness, but some folk prefer stiffer soles on rocky ground. Mostly, i reckon, because they're clumsy 😉

The idea that boots support your ankle is a bit of a myth, stability comes mostly from having a well-fitting heel cup and a sole unit with adequate transverse stiffness. Being low to the ground also helps. Mid and boots will stop your ankle getting scuffed by passing rocks, hedge-hogs and badgers though.

The downside of shoes is that small stones tend to get into the shoe more easily thanks to the lower ankle cuffs, but you can always fit scree gaiters if that gets irritating.

My fave pure walking shoe is Salomon's X Ultra - kind of a cross between a running and hiking shoe - which is super comfortable for me, but as per the original question, it's down to fit.

Find a shop with a wide selection of brands and try a load on. And do it in the afternoon wearing the socks you'll use for walking as your feet swell up slightly over the course of the day.

I find it strange that fell runners are happy to run over the hills in very minimalist shoes, yet walkers insist on big boots.

Well runners need to move fast and accurately place their feet, cos they are doing a different activity.  Walkers are looking to save energy usually so plonk their feet down.  I've climbed mountains in approach/light walking shoes and it's fine, but after a while on big rocks or difficult terrain I noticed tiredness in my ankles (as well as everywhere else).  Not an issue except that a tired ankle might be more likely to turn and give you a sprain which could then become a problem.

Even if you’re doing the Snowden, scafell pike, Ben Nevis, non of the terrain is that challenging. I’ve done them all in essentially a pair of trainers (actually some inov8 trail roc shoes).

Me too. Did Crib Goch in Inov8s last year, and have previously done Aanoch Eagach amongst other stuff in them. You certainly don't need boots, though some people may be more comfortable in them. Once upon a time I was a hillwalker and used boots to go up the hills - however I've spent so much time running up the hills I've got comfortable with "trainers" and now find boots uncomfortable. Tried wearing boots a couple of years ago for a walk up Snowdon with some others who were definitely walkers not runners - my feet ached so much afterwards I've not worn them since, despite being back to just walking rather than running now due to injury.

Like BWD I think the only reason I'd use boots now is for proper winter stuff involving crampons - I pretty much agree with all of BWD's post.

Walkers are looking to save energy usually so plonk their feet down.

Which might be lazy, but not necessarily saving energy. Being nimble and placing your feet carefully tends to be a better way to save energy in the long run. TBH it's on difficult terrain where I'd actually have a greater preference for light flexible shoes to help with agility.

I do find it funny the gear some walkers seem to need - you see them up the Malverns with the heavy boots, waterproofs and big packs when I've been up there running in normal trainers wearing shorts and t-shirt without any pack at all (clearly proper mountains are a different matter, but lots of people still carry far too much stuff).

Salomon for me.
Their trainers have always seemed to fit like a glove for my feet (if that makes sense). I moved onto their walking boots about 6 years ago and I don't buy anything else.

Proper socks are just as important as the boots. Bridgedale for me. I wear light hikers for 8 months of the year.

As above - whatever you buy, don't take them out of the box in the car park at the bottom of the trail!

Being nimble and placing your feet carefully tends to be a better way to save energy in the long run

Running is pretty different to walking, especially on hard ground.  You have to use your foot a lot more and be on your forefoot when going up hill or down on rocks; you could walk like this but it would be very tough indeed after a few hours, unless you're one of those people who walk on tiptoes all the time.

Runners use less kit but it's not because they're innately superior.  It's cos it's not a big deal to carry more when you are out strolling - spare jumpers, picnic, thermos, SLR camera etc, and your priorities are different.  That much kit would make running much less fun than it already is plus you're not likely to stop for a picnic or some photography.  That's perfectly reasonable behaviour for a walker.

The 3 peaks are part of my regular weekly exercise (one at a time). I generally use something like inov8 terroc with a custom footbed, but something like a flyroc i found way too minimalist on what is pretty much now 90% aggregate, rock, stone, paving slabs and tarmac (depending on which route you take). So my only advice would be to make sure it has a reasonably substantial sole ie boot /walking trail approach type shoe rather than xcountry runner and I very much advocate quality footbeds in general.

Salomon trail shoes for the Three Peaks. No need for heavy walking boots.

<p style="padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.2em; color: #444444; margin: 1rem 0px !important;">Running is pretty different to walking, especially on hard ground.  You have to use your foot a lot more and be on your forefoot when going up hill or down on rocks; you could walk like this but it would be very tough indeed after a few hours, unless you’re one of those people who walk on tiptoes all the time.</p>

The whole thing about walkers 'saving energy' by just plonking their feet down sounds like fake news to me... Honestly, how would that save energy? I think they just have bad technique that stiff soled boots allow them - mostly - to get away with. And they waste energy lugging heavy boots around all day.

Lightweight mids are quite a good option if you're put off by shoes / have spent years being indoctrinated by traditional walkers and Trail magazine into the idea that walking up a hill without wearing fully-stiffened leather boots with Vibram soles will kill you more or less instantly 🙂

And no-one is suggesting that wearing shoes means you have to walk on your toes. You just need to look where you're putting your feet a little more carefully.

Boots have improved immensly in recent years - lightweight, fabric boots with well-cushioned shoes mean you have no need for heavy, cumbersome leather boots these days unless you're out in winter conditions. 30 years ago we used to sneered at by diehards when we'd run of hills in trainers, often carrying our boots before getting to the snowline. I ran up the Ben in the summer for the first time in 30 years in a pair of Hokas, they were perfect.

Ignore any recommendations for particular brands on here - try as many different brands as possible for yourself. Seek advice in a proper outdoor shop that has a boot-fitting specialist - you'll do best somewhere like Betws-y-Coed or similar outdoors-y town.

I like my walking boots to be waterproof and comfortable.

Decathlon usually fits the bill and  a reasonable price to boot (see what i did there?)

Tell me about walkers with too much gear? I went for a run today along the canal towpath in Hampshire - people with big, heavy boots, gaiters and big backpacks - WTF are they prepared for? I'm doing an unsupported race in the arctic in 3 weeks and will have less gear!

Running is pretty different to walking, especially on hard ground. You have to use your foot a lot more and be on your forefoot when going up hill or down on rocks; you could walk like this but it would be very tough indeed after a few hours, unless you’re one of those people who walk on tiptoes all the time.

As I mentioned, I'm mostly walking nowadays due to injury. Yet for me running shoes are still way more comfortable and efficient than boots. Yes running is different to walking, but that doesn't mean running shoes don't work fine for walking - I'm not sure what the forefoot thing has to do with anything, I didn't tend to be on my forefoot the whole time when I was running (that's a modern trend and you'll still find plenty of very good fell runners doing heel striking), though that's what I'll be using going steeply up boots or shoes. No reason why you have to be on your forefoot just because you're in running shoes - and if you're doing technical stuff on rocks then you have to place your feet carefully whatever footwear you're in.

Runners use less kit but it’s not because they’re innately superior. It’s cos it’s not a big deal to carry more when you are out strolling – spare jumpers, picnic, thermos, SLR camera etc, and your priorities are different. That much kit would make running much less fun than it already is plus you’re not likely to stop for a picnic or some photography. That’s perfectly reasonable behaviour for a walker.

I've found that carrying lots of unnecessary kit makes walking less fun than it already is! Sure it's a question of priorities, but I know runners who take an SLR with them (for most of us a phone is fine as it is for most walkers) and you don't need a wicker basket for a picnic (though most people with big packs don't have an SLR or a proper picnic). Having less kit is innately superior for the majority of the time you're out if the purpose is to go for a walk. The thing is, recently I've been walking more with groups than on my own, in which case I tend to carry "leader" kit, but I still have a smaller pack than a lot of people - having done the running thing makes you realise how little you actually need (though my attitude changes a bit - when running mountains I carry enough to survive a night, when walking with a group I carry enough for a couple of us to have a reasonably comfortable night).

Unless the weather is going to be torrential rain, you don’t need full leather walking boots, if the weather is that bad I’ve done a nine mile walk in a pair of Muckboots!
My default footwear is a pair of Meindle Desert Fox leather and fabric boots, in fact they’re the standard issue boots the British Army use for Afghanistan and Iraq, and they’re incredibly comfy, in fact I’ve got four pairs!
My first pair I’ve had for around five-six years, still wearing them although they were re-soled last year, they were as new when I bought them.
Second pair were worn and a bit grubby, but the soles were fine, so they alternate with the first pair, the other two pairs are the replacements for when the first two pairs fall apart, they’re both in perfect condition, the last pair even had two pairs of laces and a special brush to keep them tidy
Thing is, they all came from eBay, and I didn’t pay more than £33, the cheapest pair were £28; retail they’re £170!
I’ve got a pair on right now, in fact, I can’t say enough good things about them, like wearing slippers.