Walking boots and clothes: advice please.

So much advice. Thank you everyone.
It is a little overwhelming, so it will take time to think it all over.

I know you specified clothes but I haven't seen anyone mention two things I consider essential: tick-repellent bug spray (with Deet) and a tick-remover tool in case the spray doesn't work!

Decathalon sell all you need and aren't silly prices

I recently got walking boots from Revolution Race, not cheap but the most comfortable walking boots I’ve ever had, they even come with some sole inserts to make them more snug. I’ve always suffered from blisters but no more. I agree with the posting of good walking socks. I too wear a thin pair with walking sock over the top. Layers are the key. Good luck x

Gundy, yes, I know. I lived in the US for several years, and my husband is a high-pointer.

In the UK, I would call what you’ve just described ‘walking’. One of those divided by a common language things.

American “hiking” is elevated, multi terrain, rocky/smooth, twisty/curves experience. Some look for very hilly, mountainous terrain. That’s a hike.
Calls for good boots.

In all the years I’ve been hill walking I’ve never worn two pairs of socks and have never had blisters. Buy good properly structured socks with merino wool in the mix and you won’t get blisters. Merino wool wicks moisture away from your feet.

When I think of “boots” I think hiking. You may only need a very good shoe or ankle bootie, with very good arch support, for walking

American hike = British walk. Or more accurately, British walks can encompass everything from a short stroll to the shop on the corner to a long distance, multi-day walk.

Calling some walks hikes/hiking has crept into British English though.

M&S have new trekking trousers with strap at ankle to avoid tic bites. Rain and wind proof. Try boots end of day and get a size bigger. Nordic walking is great workout for shoulders too.

When I think of “boots” I think hiking. You may only need a very good shoe or ankle bootie, with very good arch support, for walking. I did 10,000 steps everyday in the hospital in soft soled shoes. You’re taking it to the next level - outdoors.

Thick absorbent socks, long sleeved t-shirt as first layer, then tops/jackets you can peel off if you get warm. Definitely pants/leggings.

Walking stick if you have vertigo to stabilize yourself. For more of a workout-type walk there are Nordic poles. Check into that.

Learn to BREATHE properly as you stride and swing your arms in sync for maximum effect. That is so important.
Cheers!
USA Gundy

Casdon

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.

Advice numero uno. never ever wear two pairs- but one pair og good quality walking socks.

I wear merrell walking boots and trainers for summer . They’re lightweight and so comfortable. I walk with my dog and I’m out in all weathers . I also recommend the what 3 words app.

No point in buying walking boots unless you are intending to walk on very rough ground, and no-one can advise you on which boots to buy, as what suits one pair of feet assuredly does not suit another.

If you are going to buy trekking boots or shoes, most people prefer a half size larger than they normally wear, as they can then wear two pairs of socks, one thin pair and a thicker pair on top to mimimize the risk of blisters.

This, however, just does not work for me, for I cannot walk if my feet get too warm, so I have always worn shoes rather than boots or in warm weather trekking sandals.

Start off with a pair of shoes or boots that you have and that are comfortable, and do not walk too far at first, gradually increasing the distance you walk.

Do you usually use a walking stick? If not on asphalt you won't need one, or find it anything but a nusiance. On rough ground, a stick my well be advisable, but a good old fashioned staff made of a straight branch of a tree, debarked where you hold it, and shoulder high will prove far better suport.

As to clothes, wear whatever you are comfortable in, but trousers are not a good idea at all IMO as you expose far more of yourself every time you need to wee than you do if you wear a not too tight skirt.

Rain-proof clothes - yes, essential if walking in the west of Scotland, but otherwise a light weight raincoat or cape should be enough.

Plus one for Meindl; best boots I’ve ever owned, and I’ve gone through some in my time. Mine are very light though. I couldn’t put up with heavy boots.

I have been walking and hiking for many years and tend to go on Ramblers walking holidays. If you are on rough terrain, i.e. with rocks or sharp stones, boots with ankle support are a godsend. I have a pair of Meindl with Gore Tex, solid, watertight and reliable, they are however quite heavy. For lighter terrain a Gore Tex walking shoe is ideal. I usually buy Merrell. My feet get hot easily and I therefore have cool max socks (available from Amazon). I find one walking pole easier to manage than two and if its telescopic then you can collapse it down and attach to your rucksack when not needed. My waterproof overtrousers are Regatta with a side zip so they can be pulled on or off without removing your boots. A rucksac with deep outside side pockets to hold a water bottle allows you to easily have a drink whilst walking along. Its sounds like a lot of stuff but some of these things last for years. My Meindl boots have been going strong for ten years and I reckon they have at least another five or more years in them yet! Its a great hobby.

Have a look at Regatta online. They have a 70% off sale on at the moment. You can get waterproof taped seamed jackets and over trousers in different designs. I’ve just bought a pair of their lightweight waterproof walking shoe/ trainer and found them very comfortable. I find some expensive leather walking boots to be too heavy and cumbersome.

Also walking poles are very good - you can use both or just the one. With a sharp end that you can stick in the ground they are a great help going up hill or down dale.

I bought some walking boots in winter for the snow and ice I’ve got arthritis so I need some lightweight comfortable shoes I got mine off rydale and I’ve walked for miles in mine super comfortable and feet dry in all weather’s. I didn’t buy mine for walking just support to stop me falling lol

As Patsy70 says ….Merrill are brilliant…I use them , even their trainers are just , if not more comfortable than Skechers.

Such great advice here. The thing I would add is a comfortable pair of water resistant walking trousers. They really make a difference if there’s a downpour. My favourite are Brasher, had them for years and they wear and wash well as well (I always wash them in the tech-wash stuff) and they dry quickly. There’s other good brands, just Brasher fit me the best.
I wear them as they are in summer and with a merino base-layer in winter. Merino is expensive but well worth the extra for the comfort (and it doesn’t need as much washing- a good airing in sunlight really does freshen it up well). I got my latest merino things at Aldi in one of their events and they’ve been just as good as the ones I got from a specialist shop.

Nordic walking poles are to be learned. A telescopic one for sometimes perhaps.

I seem to have answered Fennells question by mistake. I have never worn shoes on long distance walks.

A walking pole or poles are useful for hills. When going downhill they can support you and help stop slipping.

Fennell

A simple and to you maybe silly...
What is difference between walking boots and walking shoes and when would you use one or other?

My husband and I used to walk at least twelve miles every week and had
walked most of the long distant walks. A good pair of walking boots with two pairs of socks. Waterproof jacket and trousers. A woolly hat. Comfortable rucksack with a thermos flask full of warm drink. Sandwiches and bar of chocolate. First aid kit.
Dress according to the weather. I have worn a sun dress and walking boots in a heat wave but extra layers in snow.

I find walking poles brilliant. They enable me to walk at a good steady regular pace, are helpful going uphill and more particularly on steep downhill terrain. You have to adjust grip and angle of the poles accordingly. My 80th birthday is on the horizon this year and I wouldn't be able to do the kind of walking I enjoy without my poles.

A backpack with room for clothing layers, use little bags [drawstring veggie] or elastic bands to keep your extras tidy. Merrell footwear is good. Go for the best mix of light comfortable and waterproof you can afford. Only small drink bottle, calorie dense non melting snack. Bridgedale socks - never been let down by them. Really need to go to a big outdoor store to see things.