Buyers Guide to Walking Boots

Walking boots are THE most important item in your kit!

 Ill-fitting and non-supportive footwear can make for a miserable time out in the hills causing at best; blisters. There are 26 bones in the human foot, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons – and they need protecting! We recommend coming in to see us for a proper fitting by one of our expert staff – we’ve learnt a lot of lessons with footwear over the years, so you don’t have to!

We stock walking boots from

size UK 3/EU 36 to UK 14.5/ EU 50

including half sizes in both UK and European sizes so you can get the very best fit for your feet.

(In addition, our Ambleside shop and website also stock children’s Scarpa Boots from size UK 9.5 jnr /EU 27)

Photo - La Sportiva

What am I going to use my boots for?

Before you start looking at boots, you need to think about what type of terrain you’re going to be walking on because this determines the type of boots you need. Be prepared for a lot of questions!  These days there is a boot designed for every type of terrain and activity so it may be that a couple of different pairs are what you need; you may want a lighter pair for easy walks and a heaver pair for more challenging routes. Alternatively, we can talk through with you the activities you are planning and explain the compromises offered by going for a single style.

If you do mostly lowland, forest and track walking then a pair of lightweight waterproof fabric-style boots will probably do the job. If you plan on tackling more rugged terrain including long distance trails, hills and mountains then tougher, more supportive boots are better.

If you plan on wearing crampons for winter hill walking or climbing, you need to make sure that your boots are stiff enough and compatible.

Fabric or leather?

Ah! The great debate…..

Leather is still regarded as the finest material for quality walking boots. It does, however, require care and protection to maintain its performance. The origin of the hide, the age, rearing and care of the animal and the tanning process are all critical elements which effect the finished performance and look of the boot. It is a by product of the meat industry and as such, thicker Anfibio leather is harder to come by and found on more expensive boots. Thinner calf leather, from younger animals is more plentiful and used on cheaper boots. The term Full Grain leather explains that the whole thickness of the hide is used whereas Split-grain describes the inner part (sometimes called suede) which is often used on fabric boots.

Fabric boots will often have a waterproof insert and offer a softer, lighter, sometimes more breathable option to a leather boot. If you are planning on walking or trekking somewhere warm and dry then a boot without a waterproof liner will always be more breathable by allowing sweat to pass through unhindered. They will dry faster too. Although some fabric boots offer a non-animal derivative (vegan) option it is possible that the different fossil fuel-based fabrics used may have a larger environmental footprint than their leather counterparts.

The downside of fabric boots is that they are not as durable as leather boots.

Will my boots be waterproof?

It’s worth remembering that no boot will ever be fully waterproof owing to the large hole at the top where you put your foot in.

However, just as with clothing, the design, materials and build of the boot will go a long way to keeping pesky water out. Take a look at the cut of the tongue of the boot, if there is a gap between it and the body of the boot water will be able to get in.  Check that lacing holes and rivets are placed to minimise water ingress. Waterproof liners may be a good option if you plan on walking through a lot of wet terrain or wet grass where water can be pushed through by pressure. There are many different ones available but it’s worth remembering that any boots bearing a Gore-Tex label will have been carefully tested for quality materials and durability too.

The tanning process is a critical factor in making leather water resistant. Some leathers use traditional tanning processes and ingredients. More expensive leathers like Scarpa's HS12 use a tanning treatment which forces a silicone-based ingredient deep into the leather giving improved, durable water resistance to the leather also allowing it to dry out faster when it does become wet.

Keeping your quality leather boots waxed will help them keep water out for many years whereas a waterproof insert can be damaged by stones and internal wear so that no amount of proofing spray will keep the water out over time.

Wearing gaiters can make a very big difference to how dry your feet will be while traversing wet or boggy terrain by effectively providing a seal around the top of your boots. This has the added bonus of stopping grit and stones getting into the top of your boot which can sometimes wear your boot from the inside out.

What Size Do I Need?

It’s best to keep an open mind on sizing when it comes to the fitting of walking boots.

A large number of customers find going up a size is usual, but it really does depend on the make and shape of the boot and how your foot fits into it. It’s not just the length we need to be sure of but the volume too – that means the amount of space your foot takes up inside the boot three dimensionally. It’s one of the reasons why we have a large, and possibly intimidating boot range – boots are made on lasts to a general fit but every foot is individual. Two people with the same size feet can have a VERY different footshape due to toe length, instep height, ankle width and that’s before we get onto lumps and bumps.

Your High Street shoe size will likely be different from your walking boot size because not only will you be wearing thicker socks but the upper is less forgiving to offer more support and protection. Boots are generally a lot more carefully lasted than your average fashion shoe and it is important to have enough length inside the boot to ensure your toes do not touch the front of your boot as you walk downhill.

The best time to try on boots is after you have been on your feet for a while; this allows for your feet to be closer to their natural splay as the day goes on. Your left and right foot will almost certainly be a slightly different size, so it’s best to try both boots on; and always go for boots that fit your largest foot.

If you are planning on carrying a pack while wearing your boots then bring that along too, or feel free to borrow one in the shop as weight on your back will cause your feet to spread and change shape.

We have Brannock devices available to accurately measure your feet to ensure the correct length, but we understand some folks aren’t too keen on having their feet measured so don’t worry – we have other methods!

How should my boots fit?

All quality boots are built around a carefully crafted foot shaped model - known as a "last". It is the last which gives a boot its fit characteristics. The quality of the lasting, and the time that each upper spends on the last, is crucial in giving boots their renowned shape and fit. Scarpa, for example, have 14 lasts within their range so if you have found a pair of boots in a given brand haven’t fitted you before it may still be worth you trying other styles within the brand as they could fit quite differently.

When you come into our shops we will test not just the length of the boots, but from talking with you and watching your feet as you walk we can gauge width and volume too. We have slopes and steps available and encourage everyone to take their time trying their boots indoors at home to make absolutely sure they’re right.

Essentially, you want to have enough room to wriggle your toes, enough length so your toes won’t touch the end, no pinch points and no lifting of your heel during normal walking motion.

What is the difference between men’s and women’s?

Female lasts are slimmer in the mid foot and heel areas. However, please note: a female last may also be appropriate for a slim, low volume male foot and conversely a high volume, broad female foot may be better suited to the standard last.

What can I do if I have trouble finding boots that fit properly?

As we mentioned before, boots are made to on lasts to a general fit but every foot is individual. It is not uncommon to find that some modification to the boot is required to get an optimal fit and there are several ways to achieve this:

Footbeds - There are now a variety of high performance footbeds available to suit differing needs. Superfeet offer a variety of footbeds with which you can customise the fit of your boot, offering additional support.

Volume Adjusters - This is a thin insert which can be added under the footbed to reduce the overall volume of the boot. This can make up to a half size difference in fit.

If you usually wear insoles – bring them along and try them in the boots before you buy as they will make a big difference to the fit, size and possibly style you may need.

Ideally, you should try boots on with the type of socks you usually wear. If you’re buying boots for the first time, try them with a pair of medium thick walking socks. If you prefer walking with a thin sock and a thick one over the top then bring them along to the shop, you need to wear whatever socks are comfortable for you, as long as they’re good quality and fit well.

Don’t underestimate the importance of socks – they are full of amazing science. You can read more in our buyers guide to socks.

What do you mean I should think about lacing?

Even the most comfortable boot will rub and cause blisters if it is not correctly laced up.

Believe it or not lacing is an art form, ensuring that your boot fits snugly, will prevent 'forward slip' of the foot as you walk downhill and will reduce friction that could otherwise lead to blisters. If you suffer from aches on the top of your foot, discomfort from high lacing points, pressure points or heel lift then changing your lacing pattern or tying method can make a BIG difference.

When lacing the boot ensure that you start from the toe and gradually tension the lace between each set of hooks. Lace locks allow for the tension to be held over the fore foot whist giving a separate level of adjustment and tension around the ankle of the boot.

Be prepared to adjust your lacing as you go. It is common to find that as you need to re-tension the lacing after a short distance even in boots that have been well broken-in and don’t forget that your foot shape will adjust during the day with temperature, terrain and load carried so it’s usual to re-lace during the day too.

If you suffer from your foot aching, cramping or ankle discomfort then lacing can all make a difference – you can read more in our guide: How to Lace Your Boots

Which boot will give me lots of ankle support?

Our feet are more than just a connection between our body and the ground below – they’re intricate mechanisms that are connected to the rest of the body and adapt to the uneven surfaces we walk on every day. As we mentioned above; There are 26 bones in the human foot, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons – and they need protecting! The harder your feet work the more tired you will feel so supporting your foot with a quality platform or midsole is key.

The midsole, sandwiched between the sole and the upper, is the hidden component in boot manufacture. In many ways it is the “engine room” of a boot and one of the most important parts. A stiffer midsole will protect the underside of your feet providing shock absorption, flex support and cushioning against rocks.

If the cut of the ankle on the boot is higher, when laced correctly it will naturally give your foot more support from twisting and bending, however, it is the quality and stiffness of the midsole that support and protect. Generally speaking, the stiffer the boot the better the ankle support but if you prefer something a little softer on your feet then walking poles could offer a good option for added stability on uneven terrain. You can read more about them here.

Do I need to break my boots in?

As technologies have improved, boot manufacturers continually strive to improve comfort, reduce weight, and increase performance. So, the good news is that with modern walking boot materials, your feet don’t have to go through the traditional torture known as ‘breaking them in’. In days of old, thick, stiff leathers needed to be walked in overtime to soften them and mould them to your feet. Happily, these days, boots adjust to your feet a lot more readily, however, it’s wise to wear them in the house after you buy them, and on shorter walks outside before you take them out on a long trek.

With thicker leather boots, getting them a bit damp will make them more flexible, so a short walk in wet grass is effective. Wear them for a short distance then let them dry naturally so they will mold to your feet.

Do I get what I pay for?

Yes!

Whilst technology continues to provide a variety of new materials which aid the development of modern footwear, it is the boot maker's skills that differentiate quality boots from cheaper boots.

Buy once, buy well and maintain your boots to keep them out of landfill as long as possible.

How can I make my boots last longer?

After each use rinse off mud and dirt with clean water. Remove any stubborn dirt with a sponge, damp cloth or brush. If your boots are particularly dirty you can use a cleaning product such as Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel or Grangers Footwear and Gear Cleaner.

Dry your boots naturally over time in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Drying rooms and radiators can cause natural materials to dry too fast causing cracking.

Regularly treat them with a suitable waterproofing treatment applicable to the type of boots you have. Your boots may need re-proofing whenever they get particularly dirty or when water stops beading (turning to droplets) on the surface of the boots. Steer clear of traditional leather softeners like Dubbin as these are often oil based and do not work well with modern glues.

Take care to apply treatments to tongues, D. rings and hooks too but do not over treat them as this can soften the leather and damage stitching.

Top Tips:

Try your boots on indoors, keeping them on a long time to ensure they are comfy before using them outside.

Don't make the mistake of buying brand new boots the day before a multi-day walking trip! You may find your enjoyment spoiled by uncomfortable fit or blisters.

We are all used to buying shoes on how they look. Be prepared to open your mind a little when it comes to walking boots and concentrate on fit, fit, fit.

Ask us as many questions as you can think of! Boots are probably THE most important purchase you are going to make.

Remember: happy feet make for happy adventures.

Click to listen to our light hearted podcast: Walking Boots - When Size Really Matters to help you make the right choice for you.