What I have learned about walking boots

Published: May 28, 2024 by

I have done a few long walks, but I would still call myself a novice when it comes to hiking. I’m still learning about different equipment and what works for me, but I want to share what I have learned so far about walking boots to try and help other beginners who are getting into walking and hiking.

Avoid ordering online if you can

In this day and age where online ordering is so popular it’s easy to order some shoes for next day delivery, wait for them to arrive and then start wearing them on a walk.

I did this myself for my first pair of walking shoes. They were cheap, easy to order and came the next day. I did little to no research but read that they were waterproof and were a brand that I recognised. I was happy with them when we went walking around the local area on paths and tracks, but when we went on our first walking weekend I soon realised they were not up to the job.

The waterproofing wasn’t bad, but the soles were very weak and I could feel every stone I was stepping on. This was very uncomfortable over a long days walking.

As they were shoes rather than boots, they also lacked support for my ankles. This made me dubious about walking on loose rocks for fear I might twist my ankle. Luckily I was fine and didn’t suffer any issues.

They lasted for a couple of years and then the soles wore out. I got my monies worth out of them, but now I was aware I needed some proper walking boots.

Buying in a shop

This time I did a bit more research online and then went into a shop to try some on. I had narrowed down my choice of boots to two pairs that I liked the look of and that both had good reviews. I asked the shop assistant if I could try these two pairs on. They asked if I wanted any more pairs to try on, but I confidently said I knew what I wanted. I tried the two pairs on and one was clearly much more comfortable than the other, so I chose the more comfortable pair and bought them.

Long story short, I should have listened to the shop assistant and tried on more pairs. The pair I chose really rubbed my feet and ended up in large blisters. Other people had left great reviews for these boots, but now I realise that they weren’t the right fit for me.

When you are out in the middle of the countryside you need to be able to rely on your boots. Take your time and try on a few different pairs, even if just to rule them out. A good outdoors shop will probably have a little test area for you to walk around in to try going up and down in. I was a bit nervous to try them out on this so I just walked up and down around the flat floor of the shop, but by using the test area I probably would have noticed that the pair I picked wasn’t quite right for me.

Shoe Sizes

I have now learned that you need the right size for your feet. Obvious, huh! By this I mean not just the right size you normally buy, but a bigger size so that your feet have some room to expand when they get warmer and not touch the end of your boot.

I am normally a size 9, so I went for a size 9.5. I realised after a long walk one day that I should have gone for the size 10. One of my toe nails was rubbing ever so slightly against the end of the boot and after 12 miles of this I was lucky to still have a toenail attached to my foot. So buy the right size that give you some space, but still provide the right support (and ensure you trim your toenails before a long walk too).

Wear walking socks

When you try on boots, make sure you have a decent pair of walking socks to wear. This makes a massive difference to the fit and feel of the boot.

When I went to buy my next pair of boots the shop assistant was excellent and explained a lot about the boots. This time I listened carefully to every word they said. They explained that blisters are generated from rubbing, so you want a good fit where it’s not too tight, but also not too loose so your feet don’t move around and rub.

With my walking socks on, I tried on more pairs of boots this time and I couldn’t believe the difference in fit between the same sizes in different brands. I put one pair on and instantly knew they were the one for me. The fit felt excellent and comfortable.

Different types of walking socks

I recently had to buy a pair of walking shoes for my son and some walking socks to go with them. I went over to the wall of socks and I was instantly overwhelmed. I didn’t know there were so many different types of socks to choose from.

I’d previously bought them online by searching for walking socks, picked one of the top results, selected my size and bought them. Now I realise I should have given them much more thought, perhaps as much as for the walking boots they go with.

Luckily for me the shop assistant saw my mild panic and came to my assistance. They talked me through what I needed and found the right size for my son. They pointed out the different length of socks, as well as the different thicknesses available.

I have to say that it’s probably worth buying a few different types of socks and trying them out to see what suits you best for your type of walking boots, the type of activity you are doing and for the time of year too. Who knew socks could be so complicated!

Lining socks

The shop assistant also pointed out some lining socks, which I didn’t even know existed until then. These are socks that provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort between your skin and the thicker, outer walking sock. They have the benefit of being quick drying and help wick moisture away from your feet and out to the outer sock.

Needless to say I picked up a pair of these lining socks for myself and I have to say, my new boots feel even more comfortable than they did before.

Summing up what I have learned

So overall, yes, do your research online, but go into a shop and try the boots on, ensuring you wear your walking socks. Listen to the advice from the shop assistant and take your time trying a few pairs on and choosing the right pair for you.

Photo by Alex Holt on StockSnap