Boots that keep my feet dry - help pls

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi

Hoping for some recommendations. I do quite a lot of outdoor stuff and I am desperate for something comfortable that I can walk fairly long distances in (long grass rather than mountains) that will keep my feet completely dry.

I have wasted money on walking boots that are supposed to be waterproof but arent.

I dont want anything heavy and clumpy but other than that I just dont know what to buy. Price isnt too much of an issue within reason if they are good quality and properly waterproof.

Any suggestions?

faerie~spangles

See this link for Crocs https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4174353

I'm planning to invest in a pair of their boots.

santer_2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Womens-Explorer-Trail-Hiking/dp/B001VH6G9A

Cheaper here

http://www.shop-outdoors.co.uk/berghaus-wmns-explorer-light.html#649

katehesk

Hunter Wellies but the short version for a more light weight feel? M&m have plenty in stock relatively cheap (for hunters). They are comfy too.

pinkteapot

What sort of walking boots have you bought?

Gore-tex boots from a decent make should be waterproof, though the gore-tex lining wears out eventually.

The main cause of wet feet in walking boots is water getting in over the top of the boot. I wear waterproof trousers that come down over the top of my boots and my feet stay dry...

lindseylocket

timberland are great

loads of styles that don't look like your typical waterproof boot

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi thanks for the replies. I have a pair of boots from a make called Grisport which I bought from a local shop about 10 years ago. They used to be waterproof but even after spraying them now the water seems to go straight through.

I then bought some Hi-Tec walking boots (OK probably not the best brand) and they are supposed to be waterproof but my feet still get wet.

I did think about some really good quality wellies or maybe stretching the budget for some of those Toggi boots that horse-riders wear. Maybe both of these would help keep my legs dry as well.

Oh and just had a quick look and there are some really nice Timberland boots, didnt know they made waterproof options. Thanks for that.

Barneysmom

Have a look at these, I've got some of their Xert ones and they're really comfy and light but waterproof too. I've had mine a couple of years and I don't think they're going to wear out just yet

I might treat myself to some of these, I haven't had my birthday present yet from hubby


http://www.regattaoutlet.co.uk/buy/lady-alpha-pro-vxt-boot-258852

Barneysmom

Wow have you seen these

http://www.regattaoutlet.co.uk/buy/lady-piste-boot-258846

milliemonster

I used to have some timberland waterproof boots that were absolutely rubbish and totally NOT waterproof, if you are going to go for boots, don't buy the fabric style ones that have loads of stitched panels on them you need to really go for a full leather boot with decent rands. I have a pair of meindl's that I bought a few years ago (to replace the crap timberlands) and I never have wet feet in them no matter what the conditions are

pinkteapot

Agree completely with milliemonster - decent walking boots are well worth the cost. I also agree re full leather being better than fabric, though they are necessarily heavier and tend to be warmer (consideration in summer).

Leather boots, treated with a proper wax, will be naturally near-waterproof anyway. You can get leather boots with gore-tex which are fully waterproof. Gore-tex in boots only lasts for a limited period of time though because it ends up giving way around creases that the bending of your foot causes.

The rand is the rubber bit round the edge which partially covers the leather. I also prefer a boot with a high rand (so the front of the toe is covered in rubber. This stops the leather getting scratched on rocks etc.

Sorry but Timberland are fashion boots. You won't find them in the proper outdoor shops. The best makes of boot are Meindl and Scarpa, but they are inevitably expensive. North Face also do good boots, which are slightly cheaper.

My husband has Meindls and they are fab but they cost around £175. I have a pair of North Face Jannu's and I love them - you can get them for £90-100. Had them five years and they've taken me up a LOT of summits in the Lake District and the waterproofing is still working fine (I like standing in streams in them ).

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/cgi-bin/psAffiliateSet.cgi/206317|froogle?gclid=CPnfsJvKt7ICFYTMtAodmGIA-w (with pic)

http://www.gaynors.co.uk/products/shop-by-category/walking-boots/womens-walking-boots/details/i/378-44brw/n/the-north-face-womens-jannu-ii-gtx.aspx (cheaper )

Essential to try walking boots on and find the make/model that suits your foot. It's also usually advisable to go up a size - when you walk downhill your toe should never touch the front of the boot, even with walking boot socks on.