Hiking boots

[I like Skol]

I tried to buy a pair of Grisports once. They sent me an odd-sized pair. When I contacted me the next day to arrange exchange I was told that the footwear I'd waited a couple of months for was already out of stock and I'd have to wait again.

I don't wear Grisports...

Strange! I have boots and shoes. Lad has boots and shoes. Mrs in second pair of boots. All happy customers. Did have a pair of boots that popped a lace hook out within the first few weeks but that was Resolved quickly with a new pair.
Did you deal with the UK agent in the northeast (Rymans?)

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Strange! I have boots and shoes. Lad has boots and shoes. Mrs in second pair of boots. All happy customers. Did have a pair of boots that popped a lace hook out within the first few weeks but that was Resolved quickly with a new pair.
Did you deal with the UK agent in the northeast (Rymans?)

Yes. I'm sure I was the exception, but I was disappointed that all stock had been allocated (and I'm a mainstream size 45 in Euro money/11 UK). Leads me to believe that the system they have whereby many products are not in stock and you sign up for an email when they come in is actually used a a de facto ordering system.

ETA
Oh yes, and at their (automated I assume) request I completed a review, which was factual and accurate, and complimentary about the perceived value of the product, but for understandable reasons was 2*. It was never published.

 

[Kingfisher101]

It depends on what fits your feet firstly. If you want waterproof that will last a long time I would go for leather boots with a gore tex liner.
I've had loads and the worst boots in terms of pain were Altberg by a mile, I even had my feet measured and they cut my foot in half. The shop gave me a refund on the end.
I think Scarpa make very good boots. I'd be looking at spending £100-£170ish. Don't forget you have to clean them, spray them and rub cream into them as well. I'd steer well away from Merrell if you want a waterproof boot that will last.They wont do either.
I'd get these https://www.blacks.co.uk/15895341/scarpa-men-s-terra-ll-gore-tex-15895341. You tend to get what you pay for with walking boots. Also steer well away from Mountain Warehouse.

 

[cougie uk]

Go for a weekend to somewhere like Keswick. Lots of shops to browse. I must have tried about a dozen pairs before finding the perfect fit. Best boots ever.

 

[T4tomo]

Looking for a pair of water proof walking boots. Dog walks etc . Currently using my Solomon shoes but really for spring summer. All you hikers what you wearing ? Dont mind spending a bit for something that lasts or should I say the boss is buying

Simple Hitec's, you are not going up mountains. i'm on my second pair in 30 years. £50-60 odd quid range and dri tec waterproof. They seems to suit my foot shape <- this is crucial, so try a few....

for example - good site btw

 

[PaulSB]

I didn't mention fitting and should have as others have done. I spent a lot of time visiting shop after shop looking for boots. Eventually I booked a fitting appointment with a specialist independent retailer. The young woman spent two hours with me ensuring I had the right boots. I won't bore you with the detail but she moved steadily and professionally from an initial measuring to select and discard a whole range off boots till we hit the perfect ones.

I would go back without hesitation and didn't even blink at the £235 cost as I was fully confident in her advice.

If you live within reach I highly recommend Whalley Warm and Dry

Good lacing technique is important to keep the foot comfortable and the boot firmly in place.

 

[FishFright]

I didn't mention fitting and should have as others have done. I spent a lot of time visiting shop after shop looking for boots. Eventually I booked a fitting appointment with a specialist independent retailer. The young woman spent two hours with me ensuring I had the right boots. I won't bore you with the detail but she moved steadily and professionally from an initial measuring to select and discard a whole range off boots till we hit the perfect ones.

I would go back without hesitation and didn't even blink at the £235 cost as I was fully confident in her advice.

If you live within reach I highly recommend Whalley Warm and Dry

Good lacing technique is important to keep the foot comfortable and the boot firmly in place.

I has a similar experience with Outside at Hathersage , but this was for winter climbing (C2/B2) so they really had to fit well. Luckily for my wallet they had a pair of Scarpa's that were reduced to £170 from £240ish .

This was a decade ago though .

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Fit is key but I'd try Meindl, I've had a pair of Bhutan for 5 years now and they take a battering and yet come up nearly new with a wash and a wax application. Top quality thick leather an excellent goretex liner, and a really thick and firm sole, phenomenal winter boots.

I first got onto Meindl when in the military, I was issued Hi Tec Magnum and something else for an Iraq deployment, then later I got Meindl Desert Fox to deal with a hairline fracture issue (caused by the overly soft Hi Tec), and they were superb. Finally my feet were properly supported.

Hi Tec and Merrell are just chunky trainers with a high ankle (and some level of waterproofing on some models), not in the same league as proper hiking boots. They're okay for light walking but don't have remotely the same level of foot support or protection.

 

[T4tomo]

I believe the OP only wants something decent, waterproof and more substantial than a shoe / trainer type for dog walking, I don't think they were planning a 10 day hike across uncharted terrain.

 

[Eziemnaik]

In this case any decent high street branded boots will do (decathlon, trespass etc.).
If looking for something for more serious hikes, in some cases it is better to skip on goretex as it dries out forever in the field.
If something different is needed have a look at redbacks/blundstones

 

[Kingfisher101]

Fit is key but I'd try Meindl, I've had a pair of Bhutan for 5 years now and they take a battering and yet come up nearly new with a wash and a wax application. Top quality thick leather an excellent goretex liner, and a really thick and firm sole, phenomenal winter boots.

I first got onto Meindl when in the military, I was issued Hi Tec Magnum and something else for an Iraq deployment, then later I got Meindl Desert Fox to deal with a hairline fracture issue (caused by the overly soft Hi Tec), and they were superb. Finally my feet were properly supported.

Hi Tec and Merrell are just chunky trainers with a high ankle (and some level of waterproofing on some models), not in the same league as proper hiking boots. They're okay for light walking but don't have remotely the same level of foot support or protection.

Hi Tec boots, the leather ones are perfectly fine for dog walking, the op wants them for that. They have actually improved loads in recent years as well. He/she just needs a rambling boot, they are not doing fells etc.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Another vote for Meindl here. I recently bought a pair of Meindl Respond Mid GTX and as they come fairly broad they my feet fit beautifully. Incidentally, because they're pretty broad, I ended up with a slightly smaller size. Good for light trekking, around 450g.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I got these, (sports direct link). £50. My best advice is to buy leather and use dubbin. There are so many reviews for similar ones to mine that state that they're not waterproof. But if you make sure you give all the seams a good dose of dubbin before every walk, I've gone ankle deep in water before and not a drop has come through

 

[mpemburn]

I'm a big fan of Oboz. Most comfortable for my wide, flat feet. They are built to last, too.

 

[MichaelW2]

I think the industry is missing a trick for lowland muddy dog walking style footwear.
You need a bit of grip, an ankle high enough to keep stuff out and a material that is weatherproof and durable. You don't need ankle support or cushioning around the ankle or arctic insulation.
I would like to see a leather trail shoe with a rubber rand and an extended higher upper of fabric gaiter style. Not a separate gaiter but just enough upper to keep mud out.
This doesnt fit into any current marketing segment and mud doesnt sell.