Choosing a pair of boots for casual walking - By: Brigette Federico

The most two most important ingredients in a great day outdoors are somewhere beautiful to walk and a good pair of boots. A poor quality or ill-fitting pair will ruin your day faster than a sudden downpour, and there is absolutely no need for a pleasant walk to end in blisters or foot pain. However, if you don’t plan to climb mountains, you don’t need a pair of boots that are specially designed for that.

First of all, think about what sort of walking you plan to do. If it’s just going to be flat terrain and paths, you can probably get away with a pair of sturdy walking shoes rather than boots. Shoes are lighter and will make you less tired, but if you might encounter hills, rocky patches, or be rambling off established paths, choose a boot so you get ankle support. Even coastal wandering can involve a lot of hills- Britain’s South West Coast Path has more up and down than the Pennine Way. If you don’t like high ankles, there are plenty of mid ankle boots around.

Good quality leather is the material of choice. It can be waterproofed by waxing and is breathable, so your feet won’t get too sweaty. Fabric shoes with a waterproof liner are great, but they can be heavy when the outside gets wet and they won’t be as breathable, so your feet might feel hot inside. Leather is also easier to clean and will stay looking new for much longer.

The sole should be suitable for the terrain. Lots of mud means you need a shoe or boot sole with fairly deep lugs to maintain grip, and the rubber should be durable so the lugs don’t wear down and disappear. Quality is important here too- choose a brand you know or have heard of.

The fit should be comfortable and the arch supported. Try the shoes or boots on with the socks you plan to walk in, and if there is any pinching at the heel when you walk or any constriction across the toes, send them straight back and exchange for another pair in a different size or style. Walk around the house in them too, and make sure your feet don’t lift out of the boots at the back or hit the front at the toe.

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