With so many types of walking boots available and such a variety of features to choose from, it's important to choose the right boots for your adventures ensuring you stay supported and comfortable for many years in the outdoors. Here we share our top tips for choosing the perfect boots.
Walking boots are made with a specific environment in mind. Characteristics such as sole stiffness or ankle height will vary depending on the terrain and conditions you will be heading into.
If, for example, you intend to stick to well-trodden and predictable paths, you can go for a lightweight boot or shoe with a reasonable amount of flexibility. In less challenging terrain, flexibility is good as it helps your foot move naturally and can aid your comfort on longer journeys. However if you intend to be moving over uneven or very steep ground, then you'll need a more rigid boot with good ankle support. Stiffer soles will provide a more stable platform to stand on, and a higher cut will support and protect your ankles.
Traditional Leather Walking Boots
Buffalo and Rocky (waterproof) Boots
The traditional style of these boots allow for a more flexibility on the ankle with the lower/ soft ankle cuffs. The base outsole being more firm allows for a wider platform to give you more stability when out walking on soft or slippy terrain- perfect for marsh/wetland areas, grassy fields and uneven or rocky terrain.
Suede Waterproof Walking Boots
Chicago Waterproof Boots
The Chicago is a little more styled than the Buffalo which has the same shape foot bed and makes a gorgeous addition of a walking boot that also looks at home in the pub afterwards! The broad foot bed allows for a relaxed feel across the toes when after a long time walking you need a little more room for spreading. When walking on parks, parkland and country gardens with or without your 4 legged friend you can see our comprehensive collection of long and short boots that are perfect for this use here
When walking on hills, particularly down hill your body weight can place a lot of strain on your knees, ankles, and feet. Your toes can knock into the front of the boot when your foot slides forward. In order to prevent blisters, sore toes and back pain occur you can:
- Lace your boots tightly to reduce the movement inside the boot
- Ensure the foot has a slight area of free room on the toes to allow movement and slight swelling
- Maintain a measured pace take small controlled steps
- Bend the knees slightly to absorb the shock
- Place each foot carefully to reduce the stress on the feet
Supportive and flexible walking boots
The Kentucky Collection
The Kentucky offers a higher ankle support when on uneven grassland with its tall ankle cuff to keep you held in position and prevent twisting. Lacing to the full foot and ankle allows for a perfect fit no matter your shape and to allow the boots to be tightened and loosened depending on layers preferred inside.
The Kentucky Storm boots are lined with a waterproof membrane, which is really useful for not only weatherproofing your boots but allowing you to enter in to wet and muddy areas without a problem on your adventures. But, to avoid soggy feet, you don’t just want to keep the wet out; you need to let it out too, otherwise your boots will be full of sweat and condensation. In other words, you need your boots to breathe. the DermoDry™ membrane in our walking boots are particularly good at allowing sweat vapour to escape and keep your feet light and fresh.
Tips to get your perfect fit in walking boots
- Think about where you'll be walking the Kentucky boots are perfect for trails, paths and grassy fields. The Buffalo for uneven ground or on hills and the Rocky for muddy and uneven rocky areas for a sure footed boot.
- Looking for waterproof walking boots? see our complete collection here
- Need to add in a more supportive foot bed for increased arch support, take at look at our AMAZING X-comfort insoles which will reduce fatigue on long walks.
- Remember to clean off all boots from mud, chemicals and acids after use to prolong the condition of leather and keep them looking best- you can read more on this on our care blog!
- Laces not only help to get in to the boot with a wide foot or high arch but allow for a secure ankle fit so if there is movement or feel snug remember to adjust your laces!
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