Walking Boots or Walking Shoes?
For more casual walks, a pair of walking shoes should suffice, but when taking on more challenging terrain, a pair of walking boots is the way to go. Walking shoes boast a lightweight, easy-to-wear style that's perfect for those everyday strolls. Walking boots on the other hand are more robust. With cushioning, ankle support and deeper treads, walking boots are built to provide comfort and support when exploring rocky and slippery terrain.
What fabric should you pick?
Walking boots are available in a host of materials including suede, leather and mesh - and the fabric that's right for you is all down to personal choice. Fabric boots come with the benefit of being lightweight, but whilst leather boots are considerably heavier, when properly cared for, they tend to last much longer. Leather boots are also particularly good at protecting feet through those harsher elements.
Are walking boots waterproof?
If you really want to test how your new walking boots feel whilst walking, have a stroll around in them. Test them out in different terrains and do a bit of uphill and downhill rambling. This will allow your feet to get used to the way the boots feel and also start to break them in.
How to fit into your boots?
Socks, socks, socks!
Most walking boots are designed to be worn with thick walking socks. This is to help protect your heels and joints from blisters. Always try on new boots with your usual walking socks to ensure a comfortable fit ahead of any lengthy hikes.
Lace them up!
Always ensure the tongue of the boot is central and that the laces pass round all the eyelets on the boot. Firmly pull on the laces and tie them properly. Never tie your walking boots too tight as this can impede comfort.
Leave room at the end!
It's important to always leave a little bit of room at the end of the boots around your toes. This is something you should always consider when buying boots as it will reduce the amount of stress on your feet. Walking both up and downhill forces your feet into different angles, and this additional room allows ample space for your feet to adjust.
Take a stroll!
If you really want to test how your new walking boots feel whilst walking, have a stroll around in them. Test them out in different terrains and do a bit of uphill and downhill rambling. This will allow your feet to get used to the way the boots feel and also start to break them in.
Aftercare Tips:
Taking great care of your walking boots will help extend their lifespan and keep them looking good for longer. To help keep your boots in great condition, we've pulled together this handy 5-step guide:
1
Allow your boots to dry naturally for at least 24 hrs. Whatever you do, steer clear of radiators! Drying your boots using a radiator may accelerate the process, but that high heat coming into direct contact with your boots will weaken the adhesive bonds in the sole, permanently damaging your footwear.
2
Using a damp cloth, wash away any dirt or grit from the upper and outsole. We'd advise removing laces beforehand as this will enable you to clean the sole and eyelets of the boots thoroughly.
3
Use a shoe care brush to lightly brush away any dried dirt stuck in the stitching on the boots.
4
To help protect your boots, a water-repellent spray can be applied in between thorough cleans. Just be sure to test a small area of the boot first and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
5
For leather boots, be sure to use a polish to help maintain the look and feel of your footwear. We'd recommend opting for a colour polish that's closest in colour to your boots. Please note that dark polishes will darken the colour of the stitching as well as the leather itself.