Top Tips For Choosing The Perfect Boots

With so many types of walking boots available, and such a variety of features to choose from, it's important to know what it all means before choosing your boots. Having the right boots for your adventures will ensure you stay supported and comfortable for many years in the outdoors. Here we share our top tips for choosing the perfect boots.

Where are you going?

Walking boots are made with a specific environment in mind. Characteristics such as sole stiffness or ankle height will vary dependiing on the terrain and conditions you will be heading into.

If, for example, you intend to stick to well-trodden and predictable paths, you can go for a lightweight boot or shoe with a reasonable amount of flexibility. In less challenging terrain, flexibility is good as it helps your foot move naturally and can aid your comfort on longer journeys. If, however, you intend to be moving over uneven or very steep ground, then you'll need a more rigid boot with good ankle support. Stiffer soles will provide a more stable platform to stand on, and a higher cut will support and protect your ankles.

Of course, walking encompasses many different landscapes and the majority of people will be somewhere in the middle of this scale, so err on the side of caution to make sure you're not caught out. 

Are they waterproof?

Most boots are lined with a waterproof membrane, which is really useful for not only weatherproofing your boots but allowing you to cross streams without a problem on your adventures. But, to avoid soggy feet, you don’t just want to keep the wet out; you need to let it out too, otherwise your boots will be full of sweat and condensation. In other words, you need your boots to breathe. GORE-TEX® walking boots are particularly good at allowing sweat vapour to escape, but many different and effective waterproof membranes are available to suit everyone,

Another thing you can do to keep the wet out is to use a gaiter: a waterproof cuff that goes over the top of your boot and fastens around the lower leg. This helps prevent water running down into your boot from the top as you walk through rain, snow or wet grass. They are also particularly useful when walking over scree or loose gravel, as this type of terrain can flick into your footwear.

Leather or synthetic?

Thanks to advances in materials, the differences between leather and synthetic boots are increasingly small. In the past, it could have been said that leather boots were more durable and easier to care for, whereas synthetic boots were lighter and required less ‘breaking in’. However, today these differences are less pronounced, so the most important part of your decision should be the fit, as getting the best fit is the best place to start.

Do they fit?

The right fit is absolutely essential when choosing your walking boots. Boot fitting isn't just about the size of your feet, though - the shape is also a key consideration, from the width of your heel to the flexibility of your toes.