What makes good walking boots

A quality pair of hiking boots offers more than just comfort. They also help keep you safe by providing traction and support for traversing hazardous terrain. Rocks, mud, and dirt can become major obstacles if your feet are not properly attired. The outsole is the bottom of the boot.

The midsole is the layer directly above the outsole and below the lining on the inside of the boot. The insole is the removable foam sole that typically becomes worn and stinky. It rests on top of the lining covering the midsole. The upper refers to the materials that cover your foot and toes. The type of outsole and upper are important details when comparing hiking boots. However, the type of boot that you choose depends on the type of hiking that you plan to do. The standard hiking boot falls into one of three categories: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight.

I also see these categories referred to as trail, rough-trail, and off-trail. The lightweight hiking boots tend to feature a low-cut or mid-cut ankle. They may also be lighter and feature more breathable uppers and flexible outsoles. If you plan to hike for several days, you need something a little sturdier compared to the lightweight boots.

Support: Ensuring your feet are well supported could be the difference between a fun or painful walk. Nobody wants to head home early or endure the latter!

Lining: Especially good for those early morning treks in chilly climates, a walking boot with a comfortable, warm lining provides many benefits for your feet. The unique inner lining acts as insulation, keeping your feet snug. A well lined boot inner could also reduce the impact of friction between your foot and the material, protecting against blisters that could slow you down.

Soles: The sole of your walking boot could be deemed the most important aspect. A supportive base such EVA soles not only helps to keep your feet warm and dry, but it could also help reduce other aches and pains. This is because EVA soles help with shock absorption, meaning that impact is reduced with every step.

The cushioning effect the sole has on your foot helps to lessen the pressure put on joints such as your knees. Allowing you to walk with freedom. Comfort is fundamental to any good walking boot, especially if you are planning on getting out and about as much as possible across the year - maybe you have a goal to walk hundreds of miles? Having a boot that combines these comfort elements could ensure the happiness of your feet on those long treks in nature.

Starting with the basics, the material you choose for your walking boot is important. The Chameleon 8 has all the right features for three-season UK hiking.

This model has considerably less stitching than the previous generation Chameleon 7 boot, which ought to mean better long term durability. The lacing system is smooth and reliable. The rubber is also a good quality compound developed by Vibram.

Get the latest price at: merrell. The Salomon Quest, in its various iterations over the years, has been one of the best-selling boots in the UK — and with good reason.

The first thing to notice is how high the ankle is. It goes well above the ankle and up to the shin and this makes these boots very stable on rocky ground — the chances of going over on your ankle in them is slim. The sole has a nice bit of flex to it and plenty of cushioning and the lacing system draws in well around the foot to give you a lot of control over the fit. That high cut ankle, the Gore-Tex lining and chunky leather and fabric uppers make the Quest fairly warm boots.

Get the latest price at: cotswoldoutdoor. Italian bookmaker Asolo have created a classic walking boot with the new Greenwood. The Greenwood is a classic example of a simple yet effective option. The tough Perwanger leather and rubber toe cap keep everything protected and the cuff is soft and padded-out nicely for a comfortable fit. A lovely boot. Sizes Get the latest price at: asolo. La Sportiva have taken their climbing shoe knowledge and applied it with great success to their range of approach shoes and boots — the Traverse X line.

As the name implies, the line is designed to traverse mountainous terrain, whether that be via ferrata, mountain ridges , or easy trad climbing. Best known for their highly cushioned running shoes, Hoka One One have now started making moves into the walking boot market with their all new Sky Series of boots.

However, coming in at a measly g per shoe, these are far more nimble than your usual mid cut boots. Other useful features to note include an eVent waterproof lining behind the already water resistant leather upper, a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a neutral ramp angle of 6mm. Sitting just on the ankle bone, the height that Danner have gone for with this mid cut puts it in some kind of limbo between a walking boot and shoe.

The insole has an ergonomic feel to it, the midsole has a lovely amount of cushioning and the toe strikes the right balance between precision and long-distance comfort. It does keep your foot in place but it also looks a bit… weird. The whole design of the upper is a good one though; it makes the Trail sturdy and protective but without being too heavy or hot. Get the latest price at: global. Key features include a lightweight, waterproof Keen.

Keen have also kitted the Venture Mid out with a sole unit with 4mm multi-directional lugs that are well engineered, clamping your step in place both uphill and downhill. Sandwiched between the lightweight upper and grip sole is EVA foam which provides lightweight cushioning. German manufacturers Hanwag make exceptional boots designed with the landscapes of the Alps in mind.

They can be resoled too. We recommend wearing them a few times, for about an hour, before you try some more challenging trails. A panel of 64 testers put 21 different pairs of walking boots and shoes through their paces, with each pair worn by three different people. Testers took their footwear out in dry, wet and warm weather, covering a range of terrains to see how they fared. Waterproofing and breathability claims were checked, with further points awarded for comfort, fit, design and performance.

But they were never tight to the point of discomfort, and the toes still had plenty of room to spread for stability. The sole proved comfortable for all distances, long and short, and provided great grip on almost all surfaces. A couple of our testers found they slipped slightly on wet rocks, and found the combination of suede and mesh on the upper could be tricky to clean.

But the surprisingly lightweight design and comfort was more than enough to make up for this. Key specifications Size range: 8. A clean, classy leather design and unrivalled durability, what more do you want from your walking boots?

Testers said their feet felt stable and supported throughout each hike, easing any worries about rolling their ankles. But the waterproofing left all walkers impressed, keeping their feet bone dry throughout all obligatory British downpours. Key specifications Size range: 4. Squeezing into the high ankle of a walking boot can be a tedious affair.

Yet, somehow, the brand has made a boot that still offers a snug, comfortable fit around the heel — quite the achievement.