These boots are made for walking

[CommanderJameson]

New boots required for the winter - my current walking shoes (Hi-Tec Buxton Low) have been absolutely brilliant for the couple of years I've had them, but they're looking very tired now, and I need more ankle support. Went up Ingleby Bank yesterday evening (shameless Flickr pimping: http://flic.kr/p/ftK5Hz ) and had to take it very carefully over the rough terrain.

Based on the experience of these shoes, I'm thinking of getting a pair of Hi-Tec Buxton Mid - if they're anything like the Lows, they'll be well-made, light-weight and genuinely waterproof.

In this price bracket (I have a Go Outdoors card, so they're ~£50 to me), are there alternatives I should be seriously considering?

[Happy82]

The North Ridge range are quite good at Go Outdoors, I have had a pair for a couple of years which ave lasted well and are very comfortable

[rhinochopig]

If they're comfy and you like them I wouldn't even bother looking at other makes TBH. However, that sort of fabric boot will probably offer only marginally more ankle support. You really ought to be looking at the heavier boot designs if ankle support is your primary requirement.

Typically with boots, you're better off ignoring brand recommendations - apart from reports of shoddy build quality - and buying purely on fit.

[Don1]

I swear by my Scarpas. Stunning things.

[Odie]

I used to be a big fan of hi-tec boots (had the original trails when I was a kid in the 80s) but I dont think the quality is what it once was. I prefer Lowa these days which are a bit more expensive but seem to fit better and are better made.

[MYOB]

I have these - highly recommended.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/merrell-yokota-mid-wat...

[CommanderJameson]

I'm spoilt for choice on the GO website, then I put my required size in (13).

And then all that choice just evaporates.

You strange, small-feeted people.

[MYOB]

CommanderJameson said:

then I put my required size in (13).

Is it true what they say about big feet?

As you will know, not many places cater for those with size 13!

[Don1]

MYOB said:

Is it true what they say about big feet?

Yes it is - big shoes...

[MYOB]

Here you go - might be too rich for your blood:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Walnut-J...

Similar to my earlier suggestion. Also owned by me and highly recommended.

[LordGrover]

Why is support needed, a recent injury?
If not maybe try strengthening your ankle(s) rather than maybe unnecessary support?

[CommanderJameson]

LordGrover said:

Why is support needed, a recent injury?
If not maybe try strengthening your ankle(s) rather than maybe unnecessary support?

No injury. In the pursuit of pictures, I have been going to some places that are a bit more off the beaten track, where things are a bit lumpier underfoot.

[CommanderJameson]

MYOB said:

Here you go - might be too rich for your blood:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Walnut-J...

Similar to my earlier suggestion. Also owned by me and highly recommended.

Might be doable. Won't be buying off Amazon, though - I have to try shoes on.

[WolfyJones]

Used to use lowas, then meindl civvy boots, meindl the best walking boot I have used, decent pair £150 but they will last a lifetime for civvy walking.

[Vocal Minority]

I have some clumpy old Berghaus things. They are 13-14 years old now and with proper care are still going strong. They will probably outlast the world at this rate.

[tenohfive]

WolfyJones said:

Used to use lowas, then meindl civvy boots, meindl the best walking boot I have used, decent pair £150 but they will last a lifetime for civvy walking.

Apparently the newer ones aren't quite as durable but that hasn't stopped my Mammut's with Meindl Burma Pro's recently. So far for moderate use they've been brilliant - firm, but in a supportive way. Acid test will be next month when I do a weeks walking in the Lakes. I picked them up for £135.

But footwear is a very individual thing. Some people have wide feet, some thin etc. Go to a decent outdoors shop - preferably not GO as their stock is so hit and miss - and try on a few different pairs. A decent shop should have a ramp you can walk up and down to get a feel for inclines etc. It's worth having a hit list of boots that get decent reviews but the main thing is finding out which are most comfortable. It's easy enough to check the reviews on a smart phone to find out if those uber comfortable boots are likely to fall apart after two weeks.

The other thing to consider is socks - get a decent pair of socks to go with - personally I use Teko Summit midweight merino socks as they wick pretty well but keep your feet warm whilst wet, unlike cotton and polyester socks. Make sure you're wearing walking socks when you try the boots on or you won't get a proper idea of fit.

Brand wise look at Scarpas, Meindl, Mammut's, Lowa, Altberg, Asolo - all are very reputable manufacturers that make very good boots that in most cases won't fall apart after a seasons wear. Worth spending the extra money on. I'd avoid Salomon boots though - they've got a reputation for being supremely comfortable but very unreliable, developing leaks very quickly. And Karrimor still haven't got back to their former greatness and churn out a lot of cheap tat. Hitech's I'm not keen on myself. In any case, if Mark's going to be dragging you out onto the moors every Sunday morning it's worth spending extra on boots that will keep you comfortable - I'm a firm believer in looking after your feet.

And finally if you do buy from GO then use their price match plus 10% - if a website has the same boots in the same colour and size in stock for less than the GO price then get the link up on your phone at the checkout and they'll beat them by 10% - on a £150 pair of boots that's pretty respectable.

[CommanderJameson]

Socks: I have few pairs of Marks & Spencer thick work socks and they are great.

[tenohfive]

CommanderJameson said:

Socks: I have few pairs of Marks & Spencer thick work socks and they are great.

I'm not sure how much walking you're going to be doing - if it's just the morning stroll then I'm sure they'll be fine, but I switched to merino socks as I'd sweat like buggery then stop for awhile, so I'd end up with damp, clammy feet. I still sweat now but I don't get that feeling any more.

But go with what works for you, if you find they work for what you're doing then jobs a good'un.

[CommanderJameson]

tenohfive said:

CommanderJameson said:

Socks: I have few pairs of Marks & Spencer thick work socks and they are great.

I'm not sure how much walking you're going to be doing - if it's just the morning stroll then I'm sure they'll be fine, but I switched to merino socks as I'd sweat like buggery then stop for awhile, so I'd end up with damp, clammy feet. I still sweat now but I don't get that feeling any more.

But go with what works for you, if you find they work for what you're doing then jobs a good'un.

Well, these have served me well for quite a few 5-to-10-mile-ish jaunts around the moors. I don't have particularly sweaty feet, though.

I have some "proper" walking socks, too, but I go back to the Marks & Sparks ones every time.

[Odie]

Decent socks is a good shout for me having decent socks is more important that the boots, and I agree as a sweaty bd merino wool is the way to go, for me they are still comfy even when soaking wet.