Anyone recommend some decent hiking/walking boots?

peige

peige

peige

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I've got a pair from the local Mountain warehouse for about £30 and they have the grip but are not in the least water proof or even resistant.
I only really use them when on breaks in Wales 2 or three times a year, my first pair were soaked through within minutes of setting foot on the hills of Wales. I've now got water proof socks so my feet stay dry but the boots soak through and suck the heat from my feet.
Budget max is 100 really, any more than that I will just continue to suffer :D
 
Take a look in Decathlon. I find with most sporting/outdoor activities you get the most "bang for buck" by shopping there.

Alternatively, have you thought about re-applying the waterproofing to your boots?
 
Somewhat of a personal preference but I wouldn't discount tactical/military boots. Tend to be very functional, tough, waterproof and have moved on a lot in terms of comfort and weight, can get a decent pair of Magnum boots on Amazon for under £40 for certain sizes with free returns.

Personally have a pair of Converse (yup, was surprised myself) combat boots which I got for a bargain price in US, fit me like a glove and are obscenely light. It's a desert boot but found it more than waterproof/resistant enough for British weather. They are now unfortunately discontinued though so can only find them for ridiculous prices. I've also appreciated the ankle support when climbing Scafell pike, would have twisted those ankles at least twice particularly when climbing down exhausted. Serves me right for climbing when severely hungover :p
 
Ignore everyone. Go to a shop and try on as many as you can get the ones that fit best and offer what you want. Try them on with nice thick socks, i usually wear a liner sock and a pair of those thick heat socks, there very soft inside and allow the liner to move around never had a blister with that combo even on 50+ mile walks.
 
I bought some Hi Tech waterproof hiker boots direct from them before going to Canada.

Worked great hiking the mountains in sun, rain and snow. Did not need to wear thick socks as they were comfy already.

It is all down to your preference though, no ones feet are the same and size, fit and comfort is subjective.
 
robj20 said:
Ignore everyone. Go to a shop and try on as many as you can get the ones that fit best and offer what you want. Try them on with nice thick socks, i usually wear a liner sock and a pair of those thick heat socks, there very soft inside and allow the liner to move around never had a blister with that combo even on 50+ mile walks.
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I did go and try on the last pair, but its the water aspect that didn't work out and you can't tell what thats going to be like in the shop.

I will follow the recommended names from this thread and see if I can try some on in town.
 
Another recommendation for Hi Tech if you don't want to spend a lot of money. Factory shops often have them so you can try them on before you buy.
 
If you're looking at around £100 you should be able to pick up a decent pair on sale around this time of year. Bought my gf a pair of Haglofs for £90 (half price) and they are excellent.
Check out snow & rock/cotswolds/etc websites and look at their 3 season boots (4 totally pointless in the UK unless you're up mountains a lot) but be sure to try on in store before purchasing. If you have "odd" shaped feet I'd also reccomend the Superfeet insoles as they can make an ok feeling pair of boots feel perfect.
No brand is particulary better than another at the £100+ price point - all down to personal preference really. Goretex lining is a must in the UK imo though.
 
I always go to a small indy store with staff that are knowledgeable for decent hikes you need a good fitting boot
 
I got some north face boots been very happy with them, tried various other makes but these were a good match for the odd width of my feet, got some footbeds for them too, very advisable if you plan to do a lot of walking :)
 
Switched from boots to hiking shoes a while back and not looked back. For me the reduction in weight makes hiking/scrambling much more enjoyable. Not noticed any issues with the perceived loss of ankle support.

Picked up my last pair of (totally waterproof) salomon XA Pro 3D GTX (snappy name) for <£70 from an onine cycling shop. They typically last 3 years in my experience.
 
The Darkness said:
Switched from boots to hiking shoes a while back and not looked back. For me the reduction in weight makes hiking/scrambling much more enjoyable. Not noticed any issues with the perceived loss of ankle support.

Picked up my last pair of (totally waterproof) salomon XA Pro 3D GTX (snappy name) for <£70 from an onine cycling shop. They typically last 3 years in my experience.
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I've done the same, for scrambles and easy rock climbs in the summer if it's dry I generally wear a pair of approach shoes (Scarpa Crux). If I'm slogging for miles or it's winter I'll wear a pair of boots. I've got a few pairs of La Sportiva and a pair of Scarpa boots that have done me well. For general three season use when it's wet and I don't need crampons, I bought a pair of Scarpa R-Evo GTX which are very comfortable and have kept me bone dry.
 
I swear by Scarpa and the missus uses Salomon, both great makes and cant go wrong. Just make sure you get something with a Vibram sole and goretex lining and you should be reet. Plus always get one size up than you usually wear and use decent walking socks.
 
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