Boots or shoes? We know lots of people enjoy a good walk on our caravan holidays – no matter how long, or short. But, your choice of footwear can make all the difference in terms not just of comfort but in helping support your walking activities, literally.
Best feet forward
Terrain and time of year are key factors, too. Where you plan to walk and the expected weather conditions. In many scenarios, specialist walking shoes will suffice. Just note that walking boots will offer more support.
Read on for some top buying tips and our line-up of five great walking footwear ranges.
Top tips when choosing walking boots and shoes
- There’s no substitute for making time to visit a retailer with specialist knowledge in walking boots and shoes. Not only is this the ideal place for good advice, it also allows the opportunity to try on various footwear and at least get an early feel of the support and comfort levels on offer.
- Check out any brand’s pedigree before you make your purchase. There are lots of manufacturers out there with a long tradition of walking boot and shoe making.
- If you have particularly wide or narrow feet, then look for brands which have different designs to suit your feet. Similarly, if you have low arches then look for walking boots which provide extra support in this area.
- Look out, also, for specialist aspects of any particular item, such as soles from Vibram or linings from Gore-Tex. They do offer a guide to the overall quality of your walking footwear.
- Think about the time of year you go walking. Boots that keep your feet cosy in the winter might prove to be too hot in warmer conditions.
- Go for fully waterproof rather than water-resistant to guarantee you’ll keep your feet dry.
- Take a pair of walking socks along with you when trying and buying walking boots or shoes.
- Look after your footwear by cleaning it as much as possible after walking and following individual manufacturers’ recommendations.
Here we take a look at six pairs of walking boots from a range of different manufacturers…
Star Player 1
Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX
Not to be confused with the slightly less expensive Hillwalker II GTX, the Hillmaster is a classic style of walking boot that’s been going strong since 1994. As the name suggests, they’re designed for heading for the hills, but also have proven qualities for all kinds of everyday walking.
They feature an all-leather upper and breathable Gore-Tex linings, with extra comfort from features such as memory foam in the collar and tongue.
As with all Berghaus footwear (and indeed its clothing portfolio), damage to your Hillmasters can be repaired free of charge.
Typical weight is 1,461g for a pair of size 9s.
Key features Vibram rubber sole, sizes 7-14 (including halves) men’s/4-8 women’s, engineered heel support, locking eyelets, polyurethane midsole
Expect to pay £190 men’s/£160 women’s
Star Player 2
Craghoppers Adflex Boots
Adflex is a full range of shoes (marked Low) and boots – the latter offering extra ankle and heel support. There are men’s (typically, sizes 6-13) and women’s (3-8) variants, with some halves.
The boots are usually £165, but were down to £82.50 at the time of writing (May 2024). They’re part-made from recycled plastic bottles and also come with Craghoppers’ NosiLife-treated anti-insect upper and recycled padded colour and tongue, as well as a part-recycled insole and Vibram outsole.
The Arneflex Eco insole is from recycled foam and is anti-bacterial and breathable.
There’s also Ghillie lacing, a system that alleviates pressure on the top of the foot.
Key features Vibram Litebase sole, EVA midsole, rubberised toe and heel bumpers
Expect to pay £82.50
Star Player 3
Grubs Discover
An all-new shoe that includes Rollingait, designed for to help you walk with more fluidity and in optimal comfort.
It’s also 100% waterproof, thanks to its ripstop nylon upper. And breathable, care of its Hydri-Fuse lining. Other Grubs exclusive features include Derby laced opening – for maximum adjustment and a secure fit – and Stability Cradle, where the heel sits deep in the insole of the shoe, stabilising the foot on uneven terrain.
Sizes are 4-10 and 4-9, no halves, for men and women respectively.
Key features Vibram Speed Hike sole, stability cradle, waterproof breathable lining, Diamond Rip-Stop snag-resistant upper
Expect to pay £83.97
Star Player 4
Vasque St Elias
From North America, where Vasque has been making specialist walking footwear for some six decades. Its St Elias boot is one of its most popular products and this year is available with a full Nubuck leather upper (alternatives are Clay full-grain leather and Desert Taupe), in men’s and women’s versions. Also with a choice of width fittings for men – medium or wide.
As well as a particularly grippy Vibram sole, there’s an EVA midsole that uses 20% recycled sugar cane.
Key features Vibram Megagrip sole with a multi-directional lug system Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, dual-density EVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, men’s sizes 7-14, women’s sizes 6-12
Expect to pay £200
Star Player 5
Regatta Samaris II Low
A walking shoes claiming full waterproof properties, thanks to Regatta’s Isotex technology, which translates as a seam-sealed construction with an internal membrane liner and breathability to prevent your feet getting too sweaty. The upper is a 70% polyurethane, 25% polyester, 5% rubber blend and there’s a moulded EVA footbed.
Men’s sizes are 6-12, with five colour choices; women’s are 3-8 in eight colours – including some halves for both.
These are also available as a walking boot in Mid format, as well as Pro versions.
Key features Seam-sealed with internal membrane, neoprene collar and mesh tongue, rubber toe and abrasion-resistant heel bumper, “self-cleaning” sole
Expect to pay £32.95 (women’s)/£38.45 (men’s)
Star Player 6
Hanwag Coastrock Low ES
A lightweight walking shoe perfect for summer trails – that’s how traditional German maker Hanwag describes this newest addition to its extensive boots and shoes portfolio.
These are particularly lightweight – 870g for a pair of men’s size 8, 690g for the size 5 women’s equivalent.
The outer sole is Hanwag’s own product and the waterproof PFC-free membrane is EcoShell, with a suede/textile upper, plus there’s lots of cushioning
Women’s sizes or 3.5-9, men’s are 6-13, each including halves. Both come in a choice of three colours.
Uniquely, Hanwag also makes walking footwear for folk who suffer from bunions.
Key features 100-plus years pedigree, Hike Light sole, price include free delivery
Expect to pay £160
Over to you…
Got any advice on walking boots and shoes you’d like to pass on to fellow Leisuredays’ readers? Please feel free to add a comment below.
