Choosing Walking Boots

Dorset has a wonderful network of countryside footpaths and bridleways to explore, as well as spectacular views from the South West Coast Path that hugs the coast line. For both the experienced and causal walker a choice of correct walking equipment will add to the enjoyment of this healthy activity, prevent sores, and ensure you’re left wanting more.

So how do you go about Choosing a Pair of Walking Boots?

Sturdy walking boots to protect and support your feet are probably the most important piece of your walking equipment. Before you purchase a pair of walking boots it is essential that you try them on first and you are strongly recommended to visit a specialist outdoor clothing shop where experts can offer advice on the most appropriate choice and ensure that you are correctly fitted.

Wearing the correct footwear is essential to protect your feet and to help you feel as comfortable at the end of a long day as you did at the start. The wrong choice of footwear could lead to aching and bruised feet. A specialist will help you to select the right shoes based on the level of support and protection needed, the terrain you plan to walk and your foot size and shape.

Walking Boot Styles

Walking boots are split into four categories and you should match the style of boot that you use to the type of walking that you will be doing.

Low Level and Approach Walking Boots

If you will only be doing low level trail and hill walking you will not require specialist Mountaineering style boots, which are too stiff and inflexible for walking comfortably on low level trails. These low-cut hiking and walking boots or shoes, are flexible and provide adequate support and grip for easier terrain, paths and trails .

Hillwalking / Trekking Walking Boots

These boots made from leather or fabric with a waterproof liner will have an aggressive tread pattern, a medium level of support and will offer a level of waterproofing for use in wet conditions. They provide greater ankle support than Low Level and Approach boots, are more suitable for rockier steeper trails, and will provide enough support for carrying full rucksacks.

Four Season Walking Boots

These boots are usually made from full grain leather and offer high levels of waterproof protection and support. The boot is generally a high cut boot offering plenty of support for moderate scrambling and for walking in winter conditions. It also offers the support needed for longer backpacking trips where heavy rucksacks will be carried.

Mountaineering Walking Boots

Mountaineering boots have a fully stiffened sole ideal for alpine and winter climbing and generally made from either plastic or leather, These boots have high levels of all round support, it is essential that these high performance boots are broken in gradually due to the stiff sole.

Try Before you Buy

Because it is vitally important that your boots fit correctly, you should try on quite a few pairs before settling on the best fit. When trying on boots always wear the socks that you will be walking in, since walking socks are thicker than your normal socks and will increase the size of your feet. As a rough guide your walking boots should be a size larger than your normal footwear.

Walking Boot Aftercare

After using your walking boots always rinse off any mud and dirt with plain water. Dry your boots naturally over time in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. It is advisable to regularly treat your boots with a suitable waterproofing treatment applicable to the type of boots that you have. The best waterproofing treatment to use depends upon the type of leather that your boots are made from - you can usually us Aqueous Nikwax, Nikwax or G-Wax.

Which ever boot you choose, it is essential that you use a boot which is tough enough to cope with the type of walking that you will be doing and that you wear adequate clothing when walking during the winter months. If in doubt, always seek the expert advice available from your local outdoor clothing stockists.

The Outdoor Store stocks a range of walking boots in its Weymouth store. We also hold waterproof jackets, walking accessories, maps and boot aftercare products.

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