Walking shoes

ShirePiskie

Hi Fit MSEs

I am fed up of ruining my swearing trainers - actually my running trainers, but I swear more when I'm out wheezing and coughing, so have renamed the activity accordingly.

I go walking a bit when the weather is good (very fair-weather, me) around woods and the coast path, so nothing too difficult on the terrain front, but am looking for a pair of walking shoes that will cope with the odd boggy bit of path, enough grip for a steep cliff path, or even to cope with some frost for the winter walks.

I know I could spend anything from £20 to £200 and would like something that will last, but also reflects I'm not a hard-core trekker!

Any recommendations gratefully received, plus tips on sizing (have quite wide feet, squashed out by all the pasties I eat).

Thank you.

Horace

You need to go to a shop like Cotswold Outdoors where you can try on a variety of boots and hiking sandals. The only way you will know if they fit is by taking their advice and trying some out - I do know that the Cotswold Outdoor shop do have a test pad for trying out boots in store.

I have a pair of Brasher boots that I have had for the last 15 years they are comfy, I also have so heavier boots but they are (Karrimor) Goretex for summer (I don't wear them so much because I think they are too heavy) but I tend to live in my TrekMate hiking sandals which are so comfy it is like wearing slippers. Given the choice - I prefer my aged Brasher boots for winter walking (I wear gaiters to keep my legs dry) and the TrekMate sandals for the summer - I have walked in woodland and along coastal paths in them without a problem.

HTH

ShirePiskie

Thank you Horace. I think next time I'm in civilisation an in-store trip will be necessary as buying online without trying doesn't seem a sensible option. Bizarrely living in Cornwall with some wonderful places to walk, we're quite short on places to buy things to walk in!!!

Horace

Hope you find some soon.

geri1965_2

Merrell are usually quite good for wide feet.

force_ten

I like North Face shoes and have been wearing them for years, I put a new pair on a fortnight ago and straight out of the box i wore them all weekend and walked many miles with no problems at all

if you want something a bit more substantial than a shoe i also like the north face boots

also as above merrell shoes and boots are very good as are the Brasher shoes and boots

I often buy on-line unseen and untried and have only once or twice had to send them back most times i get it right

anotherbaldrick

If you are going to be walking where there may be wet undergrowth or long grass make sure the tongue of the boot has a gusset weathering it against the upper of the boot , if not you will get soaked feet. I bought some Timberland boots only to find they are not gusseted and only good for a dry walk.
The best boots I have found are Clarks , they are dead comfortable and needed no breaking in.

jackyann

Not sure of your gender OP. I began wearing Merrells as they were the first I came across that made shoes especially for women, and I found them so comfortable that I am a fan ever since - I believe some other manufacturers take account of this now.
Brasher are too narrow for me.
I also find that I need the flexibility of modern boots - leather last better, but I can't balance as well as I did when I was younger and find modern boots give me more "feedback".

Johnmcl7

I would also agree with the recommendation to try on some shoes as I find even within the same manufacturer some shoes fit me well and some do not. My personal preference is Merrell as I find some of their shoes fit well, they seem reasonably durable and work well on a variety of terrain.

John

NigeWick

I treated myself to a pair of Merrell "barefoot" Goretex lined shoes. Most comfortable footware I've ever worn.

cinderfella

I live out in the sticks as well outside the UK. I buy all my stuff from the UK including walking shoes.
Sports Direct offer some good discounts on shoes & boots but you have to read the amazon reviews before you buy. That will warn you as to whether your purchase will be true to size or in need of the next size up.
They sell poor to very good products so put some time in reading the reviews. You should save a fair bit that way. Why not save a bit of postage & visit your local shop.:T