Hard wearing boots/shoes

Manxman_in_exile

OK.  So for walking as a form of exercise and general use.

Is there any reason why you seem to have an initial preference for a boot rather than a shoe?  Do your ankles need (or is it that you "think" they need) the extra support from a high top?  Unless there is a good reason for a boot style rather than a shoe, most people* would opt for a shoe rather than a boot on the basis that it gives your ankle greater mobility.

For what you are talking about, I would definitely be going for a trail walking type shoe (or high top boot,) probably with a fabric upper, rather than say a pair of trainers.  Trainers are generally designed for running (that's a very broad generality I know) and not for walking.  Not being funny, but if you are walking only about 3 - 4 miles per day (plus walking to the pub) I don't understand why you are so concerned about durability.  I'd expect a decent pair of trail walking shoes to last at least 24 months at that rate - probably a lot longer.  Perhaps I'm being snobbish, but I would be reluctant to buy a pair of own-brand boots/shoes from Mountain Warehouse, and I can't believe any of them represented value for money at £150 (or even £75!).

You should be able to find a well known brand name good quality pair of trail boots/shoes for a really good price at Cotswold Outdoors, GO Outdoors etc and they'll last for yonks.  Look at shoes on sale from Merrell, Scarpa etc, even Hi-Tec are good shoes.  But you really do need to try them on before buying.  Comfort is key.

Look at these for example from the place I buy all my running shoes and tennis shoes from:  https://www.startfitness.co.uk/mens/footwear/walking/merrell-moab-2-mid-gore-tex-mens-walking-boots-green-j06059.html  Those are just one example from the "mens footwear/walking" section of their website.  There are 55 different walking boots/shoes there.

*I do a lot of hill-walking and I prefer boots to shoes as I think they'd give me better support than shoes.  (In the last few years hill walking shoes from people like Innov8 have started to replace boots but I don't like them.  I'd also prefer a 3/4 height tennis shoe too, but nobody makes them any more).  But for normal walking, unless you have some diagnosed gait propblem or some clinical ankle instability, you won't "need" boots.  If you are worried about your gait/ankles etc, see your GP and ask to be referred to a NHS podiatrist, or see one yourself privately.  (I also do a lot of running and used to have dreadful foot and leg problems because my feet are completely flat.  I saw a podiatrist who prescribed orthotics for me and the problems went away.)

Emma41

Vey nice tips here, thanks

ChardMph

I actually prefer boots over sneakers))

ChardMph

 The reason behind this might also be the fact that I live in a country where it's usually freezing, so I need to be warm at all times. But, I also find boots to be way more comfortable for walking and provide more stability to my ankles.

Pollycat

The OP was looking for advice in July 2020.

And last logged on to MSE in May.