[Closed] Walking shoes

www.google.co.uk

have had both salomon and north face walking shoes both gortex. They'll never be as waterproof or last as long as boots will but they're handy in summer if theres perhaps a dewy morning etc. The Salomon seem to win it for me despite having challenged their warranty a few times, in terms of comfort they always win hands down and the same is true of their boots as well which I own.

Waterproof plse

Resistant is the best you can hope for. There's a big hole in the top of all shoes.

Cheap Karrimor approach shoes?

Awaits flaming from all the Sports Direct haters

Sarnie - thanks for the advice is is [i]literally[/i] useless.....

Cheers all others.....salomon being perused at the mo.......

I've had a few pairs of Salomon and north face, both goretex, Salomon are far better, more comfy and more durable. On the small size though so may need to size up.

Going to be looking for a pair of walking/boots shoes myself shortly mind. The trainers are good but for longer distances a good pair of shoes will offer more comfort/protection. Particularly on rocky terrain. I always find my feet get fatigued after a while with trainers.

Went with a GTX Salewa......good reviews and good price on Amazon

good reviews and good price on Amazon

How comfortable are they? The last was, I assume, the right shape for your feet?

I guess we will find out....good thing with Amazon returns....makes smart comments look weak.

No, not really. The good thing about trying shoes on is that you know if they fit. You also don't need to wait around for a delivery, or faff around with a return.

Still, all the better to trust online reviews, isn't it?

Yes, yes it is.

Well, jolly good for you. Oh, and Sandwich is entirely correct. Literally.

Have fun sending them back. Or, as with so many online purchases, just put up with them being a bit crap* but tell everyone that they're awesome. After all, you couldn't have got it wrong, could you?

*Unless they're not. Of course.

Just out of curiosity, where / what sort of walking are you planning on doing?

I pretty much just use trail shoes (Salomon Speedcross currently) with Seal Socks. Unlike Seosamh I find boots leave my feet wrecked and the precision and lower weight of trainers enables me to look after my feet for longer.

Still, all the better to trust online reviews, isn't it?

Can't trust folk online, shitesters the lot of them

Can't trust folk online, shitesters the lot of them

No we're not.

Oh. Hold on.

I am loving the attempted alpha in you CFH.....the italics of my literally earlier was to make a point that whilst he was literally correct, he was also literally offering nothing of value to any potential debate.

So, carry on puffing the chest out....

piemonster - Member
[b] the precision and lower weight[/b]

I definitely agree with this. When I say I'm looking for boots/shoes, I'm looking for something just a bit more robust than the likes of salomons, but not too much, I wouldn't want to have a heavy pair of shoes. Tbh I don't particularly like boots either, I always find ankle support to be useless, ankles we're made to move, not be strapped in. It's essentially more protection on the soles of the shoes that I need, personally.

I've not started my search yet mind you, so nothing to recommend as yet, I'd a pair of new balance walking shoes, that were good, but poorly made.

Had a pair of merrel shoes for some 10 years......kind of burst seams for some time now....so lots of wet walk / bike cleaning sessions over last 2 years.....

.....thought it was time for a new pair of somethings for family walks in Peaks and general tidy up duties....

Wanted, ahem, waterproof......to help a little in snow times......

Agree on the trail shoe....was originally looking at salomon.....they also look good.....was a close run thing......got the boot type to help with water over the tops.......

Got some of these recently and they seem comfy enough and mostly waterproof. Sure I only paid £35 for them though... http://www.decathlon.co.uk/forclaz-flex-3-mens-waterproof-walking-shoes-grey-id_8298765.html

Must be a slow evening when a thread about shoes can descend into petty bickering. Excellent work all concerned.

Started out looking at Decathlon......amazon was just as cheap for some branded lines though.....

If these are not right.....then the speedcross GTX from Salomon will be ordered....

TK MAXX always pretty good for walking shoes - pertaining to the fact I'm guessing that too often walking shoes are aesthetic monstrosities and thus bargain bin stock - I picked up some Vibram sole Keen for £20 last Autumn - Personally I wouldn't get too hung up on waterproof/GTX shoes owing to the fact that a shoe in practical terms generally lets water in over it's (low)top anyhow - Get boots if you need waterproofing - A good woolen sock that stays cosy once wet is IMO a more pragmatic route ..

I've only just recently begun using GTX walking shoes* (cross-trainers), prior to which I used (exclusively) either boots (with membrane or not) or non-water-resistant trainers/shoes.

The difference I've found (compared with none GTX trainers) is appreciable - notably that they keep the foot bone dry in (say) medium length sodden grass, mud, heavy rain, shallow water etc. Neither do I have to spend forever drying them out and they don't smell like an old hamster cage. Obviously I still have to avoid deeper water but soon get used to the limits imposed compared to boots. The trade-off is lightweight, fast walking and running. I don't feel any of the wearysome/tiring stuff associated with a day in boots. I'm really enjoying these and would buy again**

*The North Face Litewave GTX

** One reservation - would prefer a longer-lasting compound for the outer sole as tread is wearing down after 3 months (near daily) use. At around £90 you would expect 6 months surely?

Adidas Terrex are worth a look. There's quite a few different styles and the GTX gore-tex lined ones are great. I had a standard pair of approach shoes with stealth soles which were great and the wife has a pair of GTX which she uses a lot in the wet and they do a great job of keeping her feet warm and dry.