Walking shoes recommendations

G

Giles2373

Messages
407
Name
Giles
Edit My Images
No
Can anyone provide some recommendations for waterproof walking shoes/boots?

I've been looking at the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX which seem to have a consistent high level of reviews. Owned some Merrell Moabs in the past, they seem to crack on the front after approx 6 months.

Any other suggestions for a comfortable shoe with good waterproofing. I'm not looking to go mountaineering in them, but want something for the winter for off-road in the mud and grass that will be okay for 4-8 mile walks.

Thanks
 
Just bought the Hanwag Tatra GTX last Friday. Had a pair for about fifteen years. Great shoes! Don't know if they are for sale in the UK.
 
To be honest it's pointless advising on anything here, they all fit differently and what is great for me might well be the opposite for you.

Go to a shop with a good range like Go Outdoors or Cotswold Outdoors, try loads on and they should also have a salesperson to give advice

I did have a pair of Salomon boots, very comfy, but lost their waterproofness within a couple of years. Now got a pair of Meindl shoes that seem OK and surprisingly a pair of very comfy and waterproof boots from Mountain Warehouse
http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/footwear/hiking-boots/mens/field-waterproof-vibram-boot-p9112.aspx

Bought the boots as a cheap urgent stopgap when my others failed fully intending to get some others, but still going strong nearly a year later. Think I paid about fifty five quid or so, they were about seventy (allegedly down from £130?) but I had a 20% off voucher so a right bargain
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Nod
I know asked for 'other' but I swear by Merrell boots an shoes. I've worn them for years with no issues (y)
 
tijuana taxi said:
To be honest it's pointless advising on anything here, they all fit differently and what is great for me might well be the opposite for you.

Go to a shop with a good range like Go Outdoors or Cotswold Outdoors, try loads on and they should also have a salesperson to give advice
Click to expand...
Got to agree with this try as many on as you can I am on my third pair of Merrell's and they suit me fine never had a problem your experience obviously differs.
 
Giles2373 said:
Can anyone provide some recommendations for waterproof walking shoes/boots?

I've been looking at the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX which seem to have a consistent high level of reviews. Owned some Merrell Moabs in the past, they seem to crack on the front after approx 6 months.

Any other suggestions for a comfortable shoe with good waterproofing. I'm not looking to go mountaineering in them, but want something for the winter for off-road in the mud and grass that will be okay for 4-8 mile walks.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Off road ............. shoes may be OK in dry conditions otherwise boots.
Mud ................ Boots only.
Grass ............... shoes if dry may be fine. If wet, your feet will bet sodden with shoes.
4 - 8 miles ........... boots for support and comfort.

If you are not sure about brands seek advice in a retail outlet that specialises in kit for walkers and not the dodgepots that always have masses of stuff on sale for about a fifth of the "recommended" price.
Try on footwear for comfort.
BTW good quality socks are worth the money.
 
I have some Salomon shoes and Regatta boots but just wanted to add that I used to buy in some steel toecap trainer style shoes from a work ware company and staff raved about them so much that I bought some for myself and they're easily as good as the walking shoes and boots. I think my branded shoes and boots were in the £100 range but these workware shoes were under £20 at the time (6 years ago) and have stood up to the north of England and central asia with no problems :D

Might be worth having a quick look at the workware options and as Greg says, forces surplus too as some of these are easily as good as the branded outdoor stuff at a fraction of the price.
 
Just to hijack this slightly. Looking to replace my boots. Can anyone please advise the pros and cons between leather and waterproof fabric boots
 
[QUOTE

Any other suggestions for a comfortable shoe with good waterproofing. I'm not looking to go mountaineering in them, but want something for the winter for off-road in the mud and grass that will be okay for 4-8 mile walks.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

It all depends on how 'difficult' your feet are - mine are size 13 and broad. I buy HiTec Eurotrek and they are crap - they last about 9 months before the soles wear to a point where they start to leak. That equates to around 750 miles and it's a toss up between the laces breaking or the soles leaking first. However, they are cheap (£30) and fit me straight out of the box and that's why I put up with them :)

I wish I could find better - and believe me I have looked.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'm tending to think boots are the way to go. I haven't written off Merrell and have bought plenty of their shoes over the years, but was just disappointed with how quick the Moabs cracked. I still wear them but more for day to day use.

I'll certainly be heading to Blacks or Cotswold outdoors and discussing with them, but it can be hit and miss depending on who you're talking to when you are there.
 
Definitely go to the shop and get your boot fitted. As you say, it can be hit and miss regarding who you get. Having bought a pair of boots from recommendations and being fitted in the shop, you can still buy a boot that just doesn't suit your feet no matter how much walking in you give them. Not sure what I'd recommend nowadays, always bought berghaus and have still got a spare pair I've not used yet, pretty much done most things in those apart from climbing. I've own Merrell and past experience has been great, but they've gone downhill, Meindl were the make that tore my feet to shreds, and other makes are just too narrow for my feet. As for waterproofing the boots, you need to keep on top, clean and reproof them, the waterproofing doesn't last for ever. But definitely go and get fitted for your boots and don't be fooled by pretty colours and fancy patterns, it's all about comfortability and practicality
 
Giles2373 said:
Has anyone tried the Salomon Quest?
Click to expand...


I have the Women's Quest 4D GTX® Walking Boot & they are fan bloody tastic....they do a gents version as well & the reviews I've seen for the mens are also excellent.

Comfy from the get go, they fit perfectly, no rubbing even on the 1st time wearing them which was a trek up Catbells .Have cleaned & re waterproofed once ( not necessary to re waterproof them but trying to get into good habits) .
I'd highly recommend nipping in to your local Go Outdoors & speaking with their footwear specialist....excellent info & service from my local branch...the girly spent nearly 2 hours with me & I tried on virtually every pair of ladies boots in the shop...went in to spend £40 & came out £130 lighter but worth every penny .

HTH :)
 
Last edited:
blondie606 said:
I have the Women's Quest 4D GTX® Walking Boot & they are fan bloody tastic....they do a gents version as well & the reviews I've seen for the mens are also excellent.

Comfy from the get go, they fit perfectly, no rubbing even on the 1st time wearing them which was a trek up Catbells .Have cleaned & re waterproofed once ( not necessary to re waterproof them but trying to get into good habits) .
I'd highly recommend nipping in to your local Go Outdoors & speaking with their footwear specialist....excellent info & service from my local branch...the girly spent nearly 2 hours with me & I tried on virtually every pair of ladies boots in the shop...went in to spend £40 & came out £130 lighter but worth every penny .

HTH :)
Click to expand...
Thanks - its always good to get the opinion of someone who's owned and used a pair. I'll be going to a few outdoor stores and trying some different options, but now want to be sure that wherever I go has the Salomon to try in the first instance. I can then compare others to them in fit at least. They seem to top a lot of reviews on-line so must have something going for them.
 
pete.rush said:
Definitely go to the shop and get your boot fitted. As you say, it can be hit and miss regarding who you get. Having bought a pair of boots from recommendations and being fitted in the shop, you can still buy a boot that just doesn't suit your feet no matter how much walking in you give them. Not sure what I'd recommend nowadays, always bought berghaus and have still got a spare pair I've not used yet, pretty much done most things in those apart from climbing. I've own Merrell and past experience has been great, but they've gone downhill, Meindl were the make that tore my feet to shreds, and other makes are just too narrow for my feet. As for waterproofing the boots, you need to keep on top, clean and reproof them, the waterproofing doesn't last for ever. But definitely go and get fitted for your boots and don't be fooled by pretty colours and fancy patterns, it's all about comfortability and practicality
Click to expand...
To be fair to the Merrells I didnt waterproof them, but expected them to have lasted more than six months before cracking at the front, but I guess it's how often and where there used. As I say, I am a fan of the make, but wanted to explore other options such as the Salomon.
 
If they're anything like their Solomon snowboard boots they are a narrow fitting which is good for me but if you have wide feet watch out.
 
It all depends on how 'difficult' your feet are - mine are size 13 and broad. I buy HiTec Eurotrek and they are crap - they last about 9 months before the soles wear to a point where they start to leak. That equates to around 750 miles and it's a toss up between the laces breaking or the soles leaking first. However, they are cheap (£30) and fit me straight out of the box and that's why I put up with them :)

I wish I could find better - and believe me I have looked.[/QUOTE]

I do the same with cheap Karrimors from Sports Direct, wide fit, comfy (I know they will fit straight out of the box), water proof. I get through about a pair and a half a year, but at £20 a go i think they are great.
 
If some one wanted advice on photography where would be the best sort of place to ask ? Here or a walking/rambling type forum. Obviously here.
Want advice on footwear. Much more of that in one of several walking rambling forums. Plenty friendly folk on these, too.

Lots of helpful comment here, but specialist help is usually most useful. :)
 
I like brasher walking boots. That are comfy and keep your feet lovely and warm to boot;)
 
I've used Trezeta boots - these lasted for years and were brilliant.

Also had Meindl trainers - the best I have ever had and lasted for ages, so much so when they did give up the ghost I went for Meindl again, and had to return two pairs within 3 months because they leaked. Given the previous pair were so good and Meindl have a good name I was genuinely amazed by needing to return these 2 pairs.

Now have a pair of Hitec trainers, which isn't a name I would naturally go to, but they are excellent. The only time my feet get wet is walking in long, wet grass and then I think the water is getting in over the top.

Also have a pair of Lowa boots. The day after I bought them I did 9 rough and very wet miles in NW Scotland and they were superb.

I'd go for boots rather than shoes to cover all the option. I'm sure any decent outdoor shop will give you enough help.

Dave
 
Find a good store and try some on, that's my recommendation - footwear really is individual.
Personally, I love Salomon XA Pro 3D shoes and Brasher Supalite boots. (On my 3rd pair of both). Both light and very comfortable from first wear.
 
I've had many pair of boots Salamon have need the most comfy for me, but the weather proofing never last. Not much luck with any that have Goretex liners TBH.

Go for proper leather uppers and keep them well waxed. Lots of decent army surplus boots would fit the bill, ie Lowa, Meindl.
 
To be honest to find some good shoe you need to go in a shop and try some and try some more.... It depend entirely of your feet. If when you bend the feet it create some creases then over time these creases will became cracks. In my walking shoe i have a fin slice of foam under the insole to raise my feet in the shoe and avoid this problem. So find a good shop, with good seller which will make sure you walk away with something suitable!
 
Rosedalelad said:
It all depends on how 'difficult' your feet are - mine are size 13 and broad. I buy HiTec Eurotrek and they are crap - they last about 9 months before the soles wear to a point where they start to leak. That equates to around 750 miles and it's a toss up between the laces breaking or the soles leaking first. However, they are cheap (£30) and fit me straight out of the box and that's why I put up with them :)

I wish I could find better - and believe me I have looked.
Click to expand...
Similarly I have been using Karrimor Mount Mids, about a pair per year @~£25 because they fit me well from day 1 but I am trying to find a better boot (you want a boot not a shoe) that will last longer whilst still being comfy from day 1.
Merrell Moabs have a reputation for being very comfy but for falling apart - other Merrells don't seem to be as bad.
 
Scarpa Terra boots, comfy from day 1, waterproof, brilliant things. I bought a pair then another for the wife. I've replaced mine once when they wore out on the tread after about 6 years of daily use.

I also swear by Merrel trainers
 
I've had the Salomon Quest 4Ds for five (ish) years and they've survived everything that Iceland / Scotland could throw at them, when I do manage to destroy them I'll be getting another pair :)

For "lighter" duties I use the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX. Lighter / more flexible (can even run in them) but not as much ankle support.
 
Willem said:
Just bought the Hanwag Tatra GTX last Friday. Had a pair for about fifteen years. Great shoes! Don't know if they are for sale in the UK.
Click to expand...


I sold my Hanwag boots as been overkill for the gentler stuff I started doing. You can find them in the uk, just need to look hard
 
Last edited:
Giles2373 said:
Can anyone provide some recommendations for waterproof walking shoes/boots?

I've been looking at the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX which seem to have a consistent high level of reviews. Owned some Merrell Moabs in the past, they seem to crack on the front after approx 6 months.

Any other suggestions for a comfortable shoe with good waterproofing. I'm not looking to go mountaineering in them, but want something for the winter for off-road in the mud and grass that will be okay for 4-8 mile walks.

Thanks
Click to expand...


I have exactly the same, after having the same problems with merrel. They're great, a little cold in winter occasionally
 
I'll add my voice to all those saying that you need to go to a decent shop and try things on. Fit is everything. The best shoe in the world for ME might be the worst shoe in the world for YOU. There is absolutely no point getting other people's opinions on their favourite footwear until you know what fits you the best. In fact it can be counterproductive, as it would be easy to convince yourself that a recommended shoe fits well enough, then regret it later. It's best to go for a fitting without preconceptions.
So, despite the fact that I've tried on or owned countless walking shoes and boots, over many years, I'm not going to tell you which ones I prefer :)
 
Last edited:
Save your money and purchased a pair of Hi-tech Altitude VI waterproof walking boots with a set of Sidas insoles, in addition buy a pair of Rab Latok Alpine Gaiters
 
Giles2373 said:
Has anyone tried the Salomon Quest?
Click to expand...

I have them and they are cold, well my feet are, I use Mammut Redbourn which are more hill walking than walking as the soles are pretty stiff, but very comfy off tarmac

edit My Salomon are not the quest they are a summer shoe
 
Last edited:
mrgubby said:
I've had the Salomon Quest 4Ds for five (ish) years and they've survived everything that Iceland / Scotland could throw at them, when I do manage to destroy them I'll be getting another pair :)
Click to expand...

I have been keeping an eye on this thread, iv always worn my doc martin airbubble sole boots for my adventures which I swear by. Went down to go outdoors to try these on and very impressed, alot more fitting and feel so light. The real test is obviously in the hills but have ordered some offline for £30quid cheaper than go outdoors would do. (y)
 
Doc Martens are useless for any serious walking especially on rocks, sole is much too soft.
 
tijuana taxi said:
Doc Martens are useless for any serious walking especially on rocks, sole is much too soft.
Click to expand...


I have climed and been all over the place with mine worn the sole out with so much walking, never had an issue with rocks if im honest, yes they are not designed for walking
 
kellett said:
I have climed and been all over the place with mine worn the sole out with so much walking, never had an issue with rocks if im honest, yes they are not designed for walking
Click to expand...

Fair comment, must apologise as my words did seem rather curt in retrospect.

Many years ago I did some walking on Dartmoor in DM's, suffered badly afterwards with blisters and haven't forgiven them for that
 
Have two pairs of zamberlan boots, I'm find it difficult to get boots to fit, and though not cheap they are super comfy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top