Best shoes for walking in.

Well I do a lot of walking so I bought a pair of 'good' leather walking boots but since I have been wearing them I am getting quite considerable pain in the ball/toes of my right foot. I did a google search on this and apparently this isn't unusual, I think it could be because thy aren't pliable at all. So what do I wear? If it is wet I can wear my Hunter boots, but I am at a loss now what to purchase. Any ideas anyone, or has anyone else experienced this with walking boots?

Val

 

I think if you choose proper walking boots, the general rule of thumb is to buy a size one size up from what you normally wear, and wear proper boot socks with them. The proper boot socks are more padded than regular socks, especially meant to avoid the sort of problems you describe. I think walking boots are made with the assumption that the wearer will use them in conjunction with the the proper socks.

 

Do you get the same pain if wearing plimsolls or similar flat shoes?

 

Try some safety boots with the mild steel in sole, you can get lady's safety boots now

 

I can completely recommend Ariat Field boots....comfortable,totally waterproof and not 'heavy'....i swear by them ...last for years....i wear them from now to flip flop time..well worth the money

 

I have one size up and also wear the socks.

No I don't, and I haven't got any pain once I am wearing my slippers.

I looked these up Loli but they all appear to be long boots and I would find them too hot, but thank you anyway.

 

I had some Zamberlan, never had any problems with them...

 

Val , I have always worn fabric type walking boots and walking shoes ( instead of trainers ) . They seem to be flexible , breathable and sometimes waterproof . Why they make walking boots that are not waterproof beggars belief ! I have bought my last two pairs from SportsDirect ( shoes and boots ) and I do like the Karrimor range. But always check they are marked as Waterproof !
http://www.sportsdirect.com/ladies/ladies-walking-boots

 

BTW, I can't say for sure, but I think many walking boots will have a Vibram sole. From what I understand, these soles are designed to mainly flex in one direction. Do yours have this sole? If so, this might be the cause of your problems?

 

Just had a look at the Ariat and Zamberlan prices ! WoW
I buy my wedding / funeral shoes from Next , Wynsors and Sports direct do for everything else

 

Val take a look at equestrian stores
I have these for the garden and, general muddy walking, (not long distance fell walking)
http://www.rideaway.co.uk/dublin-yardmaster-touch-tape-boots

Jack McH

 

I do a lot of walking and I've always found Brasher walking boots extremely comfortable and durable.
http://www.brasher.co.uk/

My last pair lasted for 12 years and I still use them for gardening and a bit of walking.

They're comfortable from the first time you wear them and they also do 1/2 sizes. Not cheap, but like most things, you get what you pay for.

 

Thank you all so much for your helpful suggestions, Trunky the Brasher boots are almost identical to what I already have, HarryS that link to sportsdirect is brilliant doesn't cost a fortune to try them out either, I shall definitely get some from them, the half sizes is good too, thank you thank you for taking pity on my poor feet!!!!! relief is on it's way!!!

Val

 

Berghaus Explorer are very comfortable and light too. I bought a pair a couple of years ago and they were well worth it. Not really suitable for prolonged winter walking but ok otherwise. Paired with merino wool socks (they really are the cat's whiskers of socks) they're just about as comfortable as you'll get.
I've also got some Brasher leather boots for winter but they are much stiffer and heavier.

(Vibram rubber is good for boot soles where the walker/climber needs non-slip soles. I bought my first pair of climbing boots about 50 years ago when vibram soles were were replacing leather and tricouni nails for climbing.)

http://www.milletsports.co.uk/more-...dium=organic&gclid=CMzZ2_WHuLoCFfHKtAod5GoAyA

 

Sometime shortly before my daughter was born (so after I stopped winter climbing, taking 'risks' and my ice axe and crampons have been gathering dust ever since) I drove to the Lake District for one of my regular winter camping/walking trips, but halfway there suddenly panicked when I realised I'd left my boots behind, sitting on the mat by my front door!

But then I realised I was wearing my Berghaus Gortex 'lightweight' boots and they coped perfectly OK.

These days I wear http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/meindl-mens-burma-pro-mfs-boots-p133572

I never get them at the full price in that link as I either wait until they're at a lower price plus purchase on a 20% off evening/weekend, or find them slightly cheaper online elsewhere and then get Go Outdoors to better that price by 1o% using their 'Price Guarantee'. Oddly enough, last pair I bought I had to wait until a Go Outdoor's 15% £off promotion had finished so their price went £1 above Rutland Outdoors to then get them for Rutland's price less £15. NB they take P&P into account so the lower price either needs to have it added or be with free P&P. I got £20 off my daughter's boots that way.