Walking Boots

lisa701

I'm looking to replace my walking boots as my old ones are starting to fall apart but I'm completely lost when it comes to best brands etc. We don't have any small independents in my local area either so good quality advice is pretty limited.

Funds are limited so whatever I buy has to be reasonably priced but built to last more than a few months. They need to be suitable for a variety of ground types - muddy forest trails, uneaven stoney ground, some hill walking.

Can anyone suggest any decent brands that might fit my criteria?

BlueC

What budget are you looking at? £40? £80? £120? It makes a big difference.

Do you prefer a full leather boot or a synthetic one? Full leather can last longer but can take a lot of breaking-in before they are comfortable - takes a while for the leather to adapt to your foot shape. Synthentic can often be immediately comfortable, but cheaper ones may be less waterproof and less hardwearing.

At a low price point Hi-Tec (surprisingly!) and HiGear can be good budget contenders but anything cheap is going to be a risk. I'd stear clear of Karrimor and Regatta.

Mid-range, I really like Berghaus Explorer GTX boots - they aren't the most hard-wearing but are exceptionally comfortable right out of the box which is important for me.

At the top end, Scarpa, Meindl and Salomon are all good brands and an expensive boot will last a lot of miles.

Brasher are an interesting wild-card - wonder if anyone else knows about them? Some of their boots can be picked up well below (supposed) RRP at Go Outdoors.

Go Outdoors have some good prices on at the moment, especially if you buy their discount card.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/walking/footwear/walking-boots

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/brasher-hillwalker-gtx-womens-walking-boot-p189390

All this said, I'd never buy a pair of expensive boots without trying them on first, so if you can get to a local shop then do so. Large Sports Direct shops often have a good range at good prices.

milliemonster

Totally agree with the above, it also depends what kind of walking you're going to be doing, are you a fair weather walker? or are you hardcore?, low level tracks and trails or mountain?, are you going to be winter mountaineering in them and need to be able to fit crampons to them?

I have a pair of meindls for 3 season use that are fantastic, I've had them a few years and they are like a pair of slippers, I've climbed a lot of the mountains in the UK (and even on some of the high trails in the alps) in them and they have never let me down and I have never had wet feet, I have La Sportiva for winter mountaineering but they were ridicuolously expensive. However my Meindls cost £200. Hubby has Scarpa which he swears by but again they were over £200 and they don't suit my feet as they are a narrow fitting.

My kids both have Brasher boots and they are good boots, waterproof unlike the Karrimor/mountainlife cheap rubbish they had before.

But yes, you need to try them on, decide your budget, what you're going to do in them then go to an outdoor shop ask for advice and try a few pairs on.

SallyD

I have just replaced my trusty, very comfy Ecco walking boots, that have been totally waterproof and breathable they were £125 three years ago and worth absolutely every penny. I have recently been checking out the Ecco website and managed to get a new pair of Yak leather ones in the sale for £65 (lucky last pair womens 8) Ecco boots are light, sizing is excellent and the build is designed around comfort. Over the years I have worn other brands but for comfort,waterproofing and breathability I thoroughly recommend Ecco first and a not so expensive option would be Hi-Tec.

lisa701

Budget is around £75, need something suitable for all weathers and moderate hill walking, but I don't need them suitable for use with crampons. Had Regatta ones in the past that were fine for a few years but then started to let in water hence my need to replace them asap.

Its probably going to be Go Outdoors as its the only place local to me. Just be nice to actually wear them out and about for a few days to see if they are suitable - tried several that feel fine in store but then are really uncomfortable after a few hours of use. Don't know anywhere that does try before you buy. Bit reluctant paying £125 only to find they cripple me after a short walk outside!