Walking boots

[LizziePope]

Looking for a new pair of walking boots to take on your caravan holidays? We've put eight pairs (four men's and four women's) to the test – take a look.

 

[Martin24]

Whilst you can tell a lot from spec sheets and reviews, there is only one way to find out if they are right for you. Try them on. If there is any sloppiness, tightness, sore points etc walk over to a different pair as none of this will alter over time. Do not use innersoles as a substitute for poor fitting boots or any shoes come to that, if they don't fit they don't fit. Price point is another thing to ignore in many ways, the fit is what matters first and foremost. Many years ago I learnt about the fitting of footwear, especially walking boots for my second Saturday job in Milletts and I've lived by the whole fitting and comfort thing ever since.

 

[DrZhivago]

Gratifying that the Karrimor brand does well as I bought a pair without much knowledge of the subject a while ago, mainly because I recognised the brand as one that made saddlebags, and the price was sane. I did not recognise any of the other brands, and they all seemed to be made in China anyway. They have been fine, and I walk the dog about a mile or more every day through forest (including wading through undergrowth), wear them about two hours a day in the garden, and also for all exterior house and car maintenance.

One point though : I have frequent garden bonfires, and found that if any sparks fall on cloth parts of boots (and cloth inserts seem to be in fashion) then the sparks burn a hole. I therefore keep to all-leather boots.

 

[Craigyoung]

I think we have got the Karrimors , i think we paid bout £5o.oo for them a few years ago , comfortable boot and good for walking and going to the fields we got the daughter of pair for about £3o.oo when we were down at the Peak District at Castletown and picked up a bargain for my son from Sports Direct he got little boots with reduced from £25.oo down to £10.oo which fitted him no bother and done the job till he grew out of them !

 

[Kevin2306]

we do a lot of walking and the best boots by far that I have had are Brasher Hillmasters (made by Berghaus now).
very good leather construction and comfy out of the box.
most important point about walking and walking boots is to get good quality socks (1000 mile socks being my fav)

Regards

Kevin

 

[ProfJohnL]

Good socks yes, but I 'd suggest even more important is to break in the boots, and paying particular attention proper post walk cleaning , and if leather using the manufactures recommended cleaning and replenishing waxes/oils to keep the boots supple, waterproof, and properly supportive

And to help prevent blisters progressively build up distances over a few weeks.

 

[Kevin2306]

Good points there prof.
I learnt a lesson last week in the snow.
We walk a lot, always in great quality leather boots, heavy but comfy, always cleaned and treated, same type of 1000 mile socks.
Last week, we had very heavy snow, put a thick pair of woollen socks on and my work rigger boots and off out to dig the cars out. An hour later, back in the house with a huge blister on one foot which has been quite painful and is taking ages to heal.

Kev

 

[KeefySher]

Rubbing a banana skin round the touch points helps break them in.

 

[Mel]

Rubbing a banana skin round the touch points helps break them in.

Is that the touch points on the boots or the touch points on the feet?
😗
Mel

 

[CarlosGee]

I use Meindl Vakuum for all season fell walking in the Lakes and Meindl Merran for general dog walking.. Both are a leather boot and if waxed regularly are totally waterproof.. Have hadBerghaus GTX; Brasher Hillmaster and Solmom Quest 4d gtx before now..The Berghaus boots were poor in wet underfoort conditions The Brashers were ok but not great ankle support.. The Salmons very comfy and light but lost waterproofness due to being a fabric boot... But as said before the best boot is the one that fits you best...and get a good pair of walking socks as that really does make a difference.