While hiking is a great way to get your steps in, be one with nature and improve your overall mental health, walking in inferior footwear will do more harm than good. A great pair of walking boots should be at the top of your shopping list before you embark on your next adventure, keeping you steady and supported as you navigate tricky terrain.
Specifically designed to provide stability, protection and traction, a decent pair of walking boots should keep you safe from soggy and sore feet, dreaded blisters, and even injuries. Your favourite pair of winter boots just won't cut it.
As we head into spring, more of us will be raring to get outdoors to combat the stresses of modern life, so make sure you're starting out on the right foot with our top recommendations for walking boots that get the job done and look good while doing it.
SHOP: The Best Walking Boots For Women
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Perfect for UK hillwalking conditions, the soft leather upper is incredibly comfortable straight out of the box, and the revised stitching pattern makes it even more dependable. With over 1700 excellent reviews, these won't let you down.
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Another well-known brand, Meindl's Bhutan walking boots, are one of its top best-sellers and have been for over a decade. Suitable for year-round use, they're constructed from premium Nubuck leather and a Gore-Tex lining. The Air-Active footbed eliminates unwanted moisture, and a Memory Foam System (MFS) encircles the ankle to create a compression zone for unparalleled comfort.
www.ariat.com
Versatile and stylish, these short boots from Ariat have a multi-surface traction design and are fully waterproof with a recycled rubber sole. Ultra-comfortable straight out of the box, size up by half a size if you want to wear thick socks.
The North Face Women's Hedgehog Futurelight Hiking Shoes
While these hiking shoes from The North Face look like trainers, they're waterproof, shock-absorbing, stable and suitable for technical trail tracks. Enjoy the best of both worlds - comfort and functionality.
www.merrell.com
The Merrell Moab has been a popular hiking boot for over 15 years, loved for its out-of-the-box comfort, durability and versatility. Featuring a GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry while still allowing your feet to breathe, a supportive insole, a soft, cushioned midsole, and a best-in-class Vibram® outsole. It's also the most environmentally friendly Moab ever, utilising recycled materials in construction.
www.columbiasportswear.co.uk
Designed for stability and style, the Newton Ridge from Columbia has a lightweight cushioned midsole, breathable seam-sealed membrane construction and Omni-GRIP™ rubber outsole to help you put your best foot forward. Size up half a size as these can run small.
www.salomon.com
Created with the bottom unit and chassis from one of its best-selling trail shoes combined with a new upper made with Gore-Tex, the X Ward boots from celebrity favourite Salomon, provide maximum stability, comfort and durability as you roam the great outdoors. Weak ankles? This mid-cut version is the one for you.
For a budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with these Hike walking boots from Mountain Warehouse. With a ripstop mesh and PU upper, breathable mesh lining, deep lugs for high traction and heel and toe bumpers for added durability, they're a great option for those just starting out hiking. Plus, they're made from recyclable fabric. You may need to size up half a size or one whole size if you want to wear thick socks.
muckbootcompany.co.uk
If waterproofing is your main concern, these short boots from wellies maker, Muck Boot, might be up your street. Made with breathable mesh lining to provide protection, flexibility, and moisture management, they also feature durable metal hardware with speed hooks for rapid lacing and a neoprene collar for extra comfort.
What to look for in a pair of walking boots:
We spoke to Cotswold Outdoor's footwear and equipment buying manager, Chris Nichols, and experienced walker Laurie Newman for some tips and advice on buying your first pair of walking boots.
• Buy the best boots you can afford, as poor footwear is the surest way to ruin your walk, expedition or trip of a lifetime.
• Get the right product for your trip and the conditions you'll be in. You will need waterproof boots for most UK conditions.
• If you can, attend a fitting with an expert in-store.
• Ensure the boot fits your foot type. Some brands offer a wide fit, notably those from Germany. Listen to the boot fitter, who will help select the boot that best suits you.
• Get the right socks for your boot/foot combination. Consider a footbed to help stabilise the foot and provide all-day comfort.
• Ensure you have the right products to look after your boots and maximise the performance and life of the product.
How to care for your walking boots:
• Always clean your boots after use. You can clean them with a damp cloth or water if really muddy. After a major clean, they will need to be reproofed.
• A fabric/leather boot can be resprayed with Grangers Footwear Repel or Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proofer.
• A leather boot will require a wax application such as Nikwax, or Grangers G Wax. Shoe polish will also help keep the leather from drying out. A leather conditioner will also maintain the leather effectively.
• Let the boots dry naturally rather than placing them in the airing cupboard or on a radiator. It will crack the leather.
You can put newspaper inside to dry out the inner, or something like Sidas Cedar Wood Shoe Dryer Bags.
Top tips every walker should know:
• Stock up on snacks. Try to keep your sugar levels up to avoid hypoglycaemia. Fruit and nuts are specifically good to keep you going.
• Always take two pairs of walking socks. Change into your second pair when your feet start getting hot / half-way through your walk to avoid blisters.
• If you're really getting serious about your walking, invest in some walking poles. They'll help take the weight when you get tired.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Grazia, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she’s not writing about beauty products, gym leggings and chic homeware items, she can usually be found on a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.