[Closed] What’s the go to walking shoe?

I have been very impressed with the quality of my Asolo walking shoes. Had them for a couple of winters now, and they show no signs of wear and are very comfy

For that spec, literally anything.

I'm loving my La Sportiva's for doggo and mountain hikes mainly because they were reduced by £100.
Previous to that were two pairs of Haix approach shoes - brilliant shoe with quick lacing but mainly because they were £30 from the Polish factory shop.

Conclusion - any decent shoe that's reduced in price.

Boots not shoes, but Salomon Quest 4 GTX are the comfiest things I've ever had on my feet. Tried the equivalent Merrell's and they weren't comfy (to my feet) in the slightest

Another Salomon fan here (*started using as they fit me really well) but really impressed with my xa trainers (comfort and durability) and quest gtx boots (ditto).

I succumbed to the social media bombardment I was getting and ordered some ridgemont light hikers. They're very comfy ande I wear them all the time. Can't comment on longevity or comparitive value, but might be worth a look.

I totally overthought this last year when looking for similar. Ended up sticking with Meindl as that was what I was used to and was comfy.

For dog walking on canal paths? You don't really need Alpine standard footwear.

I use these for walking the dog (on tougher terrain than canal paths). 28 quid, they keep my feet dry and they're comfy:

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Sole-Comfort-Grey-Hiker-Shoes-/139002828-Grey?searchTerm=:newArrivals&searchProduct=

I walk the dog in Approach shoes, lighter than formal walking shoes and, to me, more comfortable when I tried both. On my second pair of Scarpa's now. Probably three rather than four season, but come winter, it will be boots or wellies anyway.

https://www.scarpa.co.uk/approach-shoes/

I wore down some Highballs over two years and now sport some Mescalitos (not Gore Tex). The Vortex were too rigid and really just a fabric walking shoe. the lacing helps my narrow feet too.

..

Salomon Quest 4 GTX

True to size , straight out of the box in the past 4 wears String edge , Ben Nevis in dry ice and snow . Ben Ledi and Glencoe. all done in the last 6 days. best footwear ive ever worn. And Happy fell run in them too

I bought a pair of Muck Boots Muckster II in black for just this, which have been perfect for general dog walking and general mucking about outdoors.

After reading this thread Another walking boot thread

Walking the dog in approach shoes sounds like an expensive habit , and not to everyone's taste as they have some of the cushioining removed esp. at the toe so they climb better. Mescalito's Zodiacs are nice shoes, but not cheap. As everyone says, Salomon makes some nice shoes, I have some Scarpa shoes, plenty of other options

My Merrell shoes are due to be retired to the bin after 7-8years and not sure whether to go for the same brand or something new

TBH if I'd got 7-8 years out of a pair of shoes worn daily I'd be inclined to get the same again.

What are Rock n Run flogging cheap on the approach shoe page in your size? Buy those.

If they are anything like mine one shoe will be grubby due to a combination of slobber and mud from ball transfer.

Whatever fits your feet. Go to Go Outdoors or similar and try a load on, buy whatever is comfy that's on sale.

I'm a Salomon fan, I've just retired my previous pair after several years of daily use - literally the only thing I wear outdoors* - and they're still good for scruff duties like going out riding. I didn't get on with Merrell at all. Your feet may be different from mine.

(* - on my feet)

TBH if I’d got 7-8 years out of a pair of shoes worn daily I’d be inclined to get the same again.

Not if you'd bought a pair of Merrels in recent years you wouldn't.

Two pairs in this house, both have had the uppers split from the soles in a way and within a time that is not acceptable for the cost. Mine only really get used at the kind of level the OP describes, anything wetter and nastier has me reaching for proper boots. I might have thought we were unlucky but there was a similar thread to this a year or so back where a fair few others had had bad experiences.

They're comfy, the shape is right (something I struggle with) and I still don't think I would buy another pair despite really liking them to wear. Mine are currently being kept going with a hot glue gun until they won't hold together any longer, Mrs GD consigned hers to the bin at less than two years old.

Meindl fan here. Have some approach shoes sold as low level walking but I use them for munro bagging as I'm not a fan of clumpy boots and have seen someone break their ankle in proper boots anyway so why bother with the discomfort and weight?

Nike Pegasus Trail 3, GTX if so inclined.
They’re trail running shoes in theory, but are super comfy for long walks and last ages.

I use a very old pair of Innov8 Roclite GTX. They are lightweight hiking boots so a bit overkill if buying just for dog walking. Mine are starting to give way in places after 12 years of use, including hiking across places like Patagonia as well as the local woods. I'd like to replace them with the newer version but can't justify that spend just for dog walks so will probably go to Decathlon or similar

Not if you’d bought a pair of Merrels in recent years you wouldn’t.

Two pairs in this house, both have had the uppers split from the soles in a way and within a time that is not acceptable for the cost

That's not good if the quality's fallen like that. I last bought a pair about 5 years ago and they're going strong, the only issue with them is the liner is starting to come apart, the outer part is still sound.

I've never worn out a pair of Merrels and currently have my dad's old pair (Dead Man's Shoes) for gardening and local stoating about. They'll never die (unlike him).

Had my own Merrels previously and fell out with them being heavy and clunky after years of wear, they would still be going otherwise.

I think I'm saying - get Merrell again.

Edit: not that I think approach shoes are what you want because they don't last well. But

https://www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/catalyst-storm/194917005958.html

These get good reviews and are leather, not the best looking though.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/waterproof-leather-walking-shoes/p/clp60464551?color=BROWN&prevPage=srp

Go Outdoors have an extra 15% off just at the moment.

Apropos Muck boots - I'm a bit reluctant to buy them on the interwebs without having found my size. Who has them for sale in actual shops (preferbly in Geordie-land)?

@DrJ

Apropos Muck boots – I’m a bit reluctant to buy them on the interwebs without having found my size. Who has them for sale in actual shops (preferbly in Geordie-land

I have quite wide feet and ordered my normal size (10), but I’d say they that they fit slightly larger than a 10, more like a larger 10.5. Plenty of room for winter socks etc and very comfortable for walking the dog in.

I ordered from Shuperb’s eBay store and the same boots were loads cheaper with free delivery than they were from their own online store with super quick delivery. Go figure.

There was a very limited selection of Muck Boots in my local Go Outdoors last time I visited. Maybe enough to give you some idea of size?

My wide feet like Keen.

Sadly, they only seem to last a year before falling apart now.
Frankly not worth it at £80-£100 a pop.

Bah - they used to last three times as long.

I'm on meindl due to the wide fit options

My Merrells fell apart fairly quickly. Meindl were good, currently using some leather goretex Clarks shoes which are comfy.

currently getting my meindls resoled by meindl themselves, I know other resolers are available but they have a policy of keeping boots alive so am quite pleased with them

currently getting my meindls resoled by meindl themselves, I know other resolers are available but they have a policy of keeping boots alive so am quite pleased with them

Yep, they did a great job on mine but that was for leather hiking boots.

Frankers
Free Member
My Merrell shoes are due to be retired to the bin after 7-8years and not sure whether to go for the same brand or something new. They are worn for general dog walking duties on tarmac and tow paths. Any recommendations would be appreciated 👍🏼

pair of 40 quid nike runners should do ye. 😆