Walking Boots

Walking Boots Guide

If there's one thing that can really ruin your day, it's a pair of ill-fitting walking boots, or simply ones that aren't quite right for what you're doing. Over the years we have gained a huge amount of experience in supplying walking boots that fit just right for thousands of our customers. What's more our Zero Hassle Returns policy and highly trained experienced customer service team make buying walking boots on-line a breeze. Look out for our Fit Tips when deciding on your perfect boot.

Different Fits
There's no such thing as the 'right walking boot', just the right boot for the shape of your foot. Different brands make walking boots in different shapes and volumes based on what they believe the typical buyer will want. That means Italian boots such as Scarpa may be narrower than, say, American boots like Keen. English Boots like Brasher are somewhere in-between. The shape the manufacturer chooses is called a 'last and is actually a wooden or plastic artificial foot, which the boot is designed and constructed around. You want the brand who's last is closest in shape and volume to your foot.

Leather or Fabric Walking Boots
Leather is a great walking boot material. Your leather boots will last for ages and become tried and trusted old friends out on the hills. Modern hides use a special tanning processes to give a durable, highly water repellent finish while maintaining toughness and breathability.

'Fabric' boots on the other hand, tend to use a mix of Nylon or Cordura and suede leather and can include a waterproof liner. Fabrics tend to be lighter and can be more comfortable at first, allowing for very little wearing in time.

More and more walking boots are lined with a combination of wicking fabric and foam. High quality foam will give an immediately comfortable feel and minimise breaking in - not generally an issue with modern boots anyway - but fit is still crucial, so feel for those tight spots and potential rubbing zones when you try the boots on at home.

Waterproof Linings
Many more expensive walking boots are made with a breathable and waterproof lining. This tends to be made from a branded and reliable material, like Gore-Tex or Event, but excellent alternatives also exist from some brands, a good example being KEEN Dry.

Whilst leather is naturally very water repellent and more so when it's been specially treated, in bad weather non-lined boots will eventually lead to wet feet. Simply adding a plastic lining to a pair of walking boots would lead to very hot feet, which is why a special membrane is so important.

Fabric boots are far more likely to allow water to penetrate, so if you're likely to be walking in wet conditions it becomes more important to choose a fabric boot with a waterproof liner.

One thing that is often not understood is the effect a waterproof membrane lining will have on the overall breathability of your walking boots. The bottom line is simple, a non-lined boot will always be more breathable. If you get hot feet and don't plan on using your walking boots in a wet environment then save some cash and opt for a pair without the lining.

Construction
Most walking boots are made along the same lines; an upper designed to encase the foot and protect and support it, a stiffener or shank element which gives the boot lateral stability and torsional rigidity, which you need to walk on uneven ground, a mid-sole to provide cushioning and an outsole of lugged rubber which provides grip and protection.

Some of this is visible from the outside, however much of it isn't and it's often the invisible bits which give the better walking boot brands an advantage. Here's a simple three step guide to checking the basics:

1. Pinch the heel area of the boot upper between thumb and forefingers. You're looking for a stiff, supportive heel-cup which is essential to stability. If the area feels soft and pliable, your heel is more likely to shift around leading to overall instability.

2. Grasp the front and rear section of the sole and try to twist in opposite directions. There's should be minimal give. If the sole twists easily, it will give limited support on uneven ground and when carrying a heavy pack.

3. Try bending the forefoot. You're looking for a flex point that corresponds to where your foot bends. Good walking boots don't need to be massively stiff, but they need to flex where your foot flexes.

Get these three right and you're on the way to a good pair of walking boots.