Walking boots and clothes: advice please.

Talcum powder on your feet helps to prevent blisters. And good socks are essential.

On socks, I find the double layer walking socks work better for me than two pairs, my inner socks ride down if I wear two pairs, because it’s harder to pull them up than it is one pair of double layer ones. They aren’t expensive, and are also good inside your wellies when you’re in the garden in the winter.

Don’t forget to wear the new boots in before you venture on a long hike! 🥾🥾

I also have a lightweight walking pole that I attach to my rucksack when the weather has been bad. I don't use it often but it has come in useful even on flat heath lands where the paths have got very boggy or there are slippery down hill slopes.

Fennell Are you planning longer urban walks round the roads close to home or more rural walks?

AltBerg boots, especially if you can get to the factory shop in Richmond (Yorkshire).

I notice Siope tells you not to forget decent socks. I always wear a pair of thick walking socks over a pair of my usual thin ones. This means that my walking shoes are slightly larger than my daily ones. The thick socks help to protect my feet from blisters and add to my foot comfort. When you buy your walking shoes/boots make sure you wear socks when you try them on.

I have a pair of leather walking boots and some Gore-tex shoes. I prefer the shoes, they are lighter, the boots can feel tight round my ankles and not so forgiving on stony ground. Also the walking shoes have an orthotic insole which adds to my comfort.

Before going out walking, I always struggle to decide what to carry and what in. The weather can change in an instant. I agree with AreWeThereYet about the rucksack for longer walks. Certainly, keeping hands free is also essential for me.

I notice that others have mentioned walking poles. I have a pair of very lightweight, telescopic poles. I rarely use them but if the walk is likely to be muddy and steep, I attach them to a rucksack. Going downhill is definitely worse.

I'd also advise you to put the app "What3Words" on your phone. If you need to call emergency services, What3Words will identify your location to within 3 square meters.

I also have an app on my phone that identifies birds from their song.

Enjoy your walks - its an excuse for taking some high calorie treats with you too!

A good rucksack is a must for me - waterproof, not too big or heavy, needn't be expensive but comfort is a must. Rubbing across shoulders gets painful.

What you carry depends on when, where and how far you are planning to walk but I often carry some water/food, map/guides, glasses (to see the map with 🤣) and/or sunglasses, lip salve/sun cream (depending on weather and length of walk), small box of plasters, phone for emergencies, house keys, car keys, gloves and hats that are take off en route. Much easier than having pockets loaded down with stuff and I like to keep my hands free.

A lot depends on the type of walking you plan. Assuming, however, you’re not starting with remote high level fell walks, start with the basics.

Go to a reputable outdoor gear shop or three and ask for advice about the most appropriate footwear for what you plan to do and when. Try lots on and walk about on them - a good shop will have a ‘hill’ for you to test footwear on.

Don’t forget decent socks.

A wicking top of some kind is nice but not essential, same for walking trousers.

You can spend a fortune on walking clothes - please don’t until you are sure you are going to keep it up, and also what kind of walking and weather you will be doing.

To start, a reasonably priced water- and wind-proof jacket, with a two way zip, a decent hood, and good pockets will be fine, along with a cheap pair of waterproof overtrousers.

Hat and gloves are handy. A lightweight water bottle is, for any distance, a good idea.

There is a difference between Nordic walking poles (designed oddly enough for Nordic walking www.alpinetrek.co.uk/nordic-walking-poles/) and walking/trekking poles for general (including hill) walking www.millets.co.uk/activities/walking-hiking/equipment/walking-poles/ . I don’t use them, but friends find them helpful for downhills more than up. They are worth trying anyway to see if they suit you. Using one is common.

Maps and ability to read them are a good idea if you’re going to places you don’t know.

As you decide more about what type of walking you want to do, you can add to your equipment.

Both Merrell and Brasher are very good boots. Ours have Gortex which is breathable waterproof membrane . Mine have Vibram soles, which lessen the impact on your ankles.
As others have said go to an outdoor sports shop and get the boots properly fitted.
As for poles, I think they can be a good idea, but when we were been hill walking in Italy they guide didn’t like poles, as they can get stuck in crevasses and cause problems for the user.
Layers are always best, t shirt, fleece and lightweight waterproof jacket. A good make is Berghaus, but Mountain Warehouse do ones just as good.
Happy hiking.

I’d go to an independent shop to buy boots, and get them properly fitted by somebody who knows how to do it. Mine are Brasher, and very comfortable on me, but it’s even more important to have your boots fitted to your own feet than normal shoes.
Berghaus waterproofs are excellent, and last for years, not cheap, but whatever you choose go for breathable, and make sure you get one that’s long enough.
I’m not bothered where I buy fleeces, I’ve found they are much of a muchness, Mountain Warehouse or Cotswold Outdoor usually have a good selection.

My daughter is doing the CoppaTrek challenge (100k over 5 days) in June, raising money for breast cancer, and has bought Merrell walking boots, which have been recommended to her by fellow trekkers. I’ve found Nordic poles a great asset, and they too were recommended. Waterproof jacket & trousers and fleeces would definitely be needed. Good luck, Fennell.