good value hiking boots?

flybynight

I also echo the timeberlands are more "keeping your feet warm at the football " boots than walking boots.
I wear lowa mountain gtx and my only complaint with them is that in warm weather I need a shed load of foot powder to stop em getting too hot and sweaty (that'll be the goretex) but they have lasted well despite having taken a hammering. My alternative strolling boots are meindl lavis which I think were a millets purchase.
but asking random people is not the greatest way to choose boots, you need to try a load on. different foot types work with different boots. my mate swears by altbergs, I borrowed his for 20 odd Km and was in agony ( I think I have higher arches and got no support)

Hedgehog99

Try them on, with the socks you'd want to wear for walking.

Cotswold Outdoor staff are good for advice.

Part of the price-step is whether or not the boots are suitable for use with crampons - you're not planning on serious ice walking are you?

For normal walking, I've been very pleased with my Berghaus Goretex suede & fabric boots and my North Face Hedgehog Glides (Goretex trainer-like shoes with a walking sole) for low-level walking & days out etc.

Peccary

I echo what everyone else has said, going to a shop is necessary for a first pair. The wrong boots will turn a glorious walk in to a torturous experience! I used to prefer shoe style ones but need more ankle support now. I have some light Merrells which cost me around £65 with a Go Outdoors discount card. I also had some North Face hedgehogs which i wore to death, bit pricier though.

RichardD1970

Another vote for Go Outdoors.

We've just bought each of us a pair of Berghaus walking boots and the staff couldn't have been more helpful, bringing load of different ones to try, no rushing us or trying to push a sale.

We were there probably an hour and the girl helping us still hadn't got fed up of us (not that she showed it anyway )

belfastgirl23

If price is an issue and you have a bit of time to look, TK Maxx is worth a go. I got my first walking boots there - merrells half price v comfy and fine for my hillwalking in slightly rough terrain.

Duckyduck

Good boots are something it's worth spending a bit more on as something comfortable and supportive will make all the difference on a long walk. Mountain Warehouse is usually cheaper than the other outdoor shops, the shops aren't as pretty, staff aren't so forthcoming in their helpfulness (though plesant if you ask for help) but everything Ive got from there has been good quality.

indesisiv

dilby00 wrote: »

Hi all -

I'm on the lookout for some new walking boots; mostly for walking around the brecon beacons here in Wales so they need to handle water and snow okay, but I'd like something lightweight.

There really seems to be a market gap however between all the cheap stuff that google throws up that all seems to be in sports direct, and then the really expensive designer brands.

Its not about designer brands, more like do you want waterproof boots vs non waterproof boots.

If you are walking in snow or water then get some decent waterproof boots or your feet are going to be cold and wet. Simple.

If you buy cheap boots then you just have to go out and buy better ones after you ruin your feet (I have done that before) so its better to just put that £50 towards a better pair.

No recommendations from me as boots are all down to your foot shape. Both my summer and winter pair are scarpa. The rest of my family use salamon however they just don't fit my foot shape.

Go somewhere that will measure your foot properly. Personally I normally start at Cotswold in Keswick as their staff are really good. But there will be places local to you that offer a good service.

tensandunits_2

Brasher used to be a very good make, but not cheap!

onlyroz

A good pair of Brasher or Scarpa boots will last you the rest of your life.