Gransnet forums

Style & beauty

Gardening boots for impossible feet?

(10 Posts)
Fenbug Fri 19-Sept-25 14:50:30

This is driving me crazy, having just had to send back the umpteenth pair of footwear advertised as Wide: OK I have very difficult feet, one ankle quite wonky with oedema on the fore foot, both wide (size 8 - 9 and 4-6e width), high insteps, overpronating and a tendency to swell. Medical advice is to get out and exercise - What About Walking Or Gardening? Yess, well, if I could find a decently supportive, waterproof, shoe/boot with a bit of ankle support (that didn't need a mortgage to buy) this would be viable. Hotter used to be my go-to brand but they are definitely getting narrower, both in fit and the range of options. DB don't really do hiking/waterproofs, I've already tried Jileon - they accommodate wide calves, not wide feet. Does anyone have any suggestions? (I wear compression socks, btw, so my feet are as minimalised as they can be!).

keepingquiet Fri 19-Sept-25 15:47:23

I feel your pain. I also have problem feet and finding decent footwear is a minefield.

fancythat Fri 19-Sept-25 20:56:49

Sketchers?
A farmer's outlet?
Mountain Warehouse?

They may be rubbish suggestions. Or they may not be.

Whitewavemark2 Fri 19-Sept-25 21:04:02

I use clogs - they are very wide

butterandjam Fri 19-Sept-25 21:10:39

I wear a pair of mens size 6 workmans leather and goretex boots which I bought in a builder supplies place about 30 years ago. I used to wear them hill walking, now just for gardening. They are blissfully comfortable and supportive.

CanadianGran Fri 19-Sept-25 21:14:42

Have you tried Bogs? They are popular here in BC, and I see some are available at Welly Warehouse in UK. They tend to be rubber bottoms with neoprene upper for a bit of stretch.

Fenbug Sat 20-Sept-25 15:57:20

Thank you so much, everyone, for the suggestions, I've followed them up. Unfortunately Skechers don't go beyond an 8, ditto Siebels whose designs I love but no way will they go round my paddles. Because of my wonky ankle they have to be properly supportive shoes/boots, and in any case clogs rarely fit over my high insteps. @fancythat, Mountain Warehouse was a great suggestion, and for anyone else interested, Cotswold Outdoors also have possibilities but .... I can't afford to spend £100-50 plus on what will be mainly gardening shoes! Also, I know that if I can get up the mileage my feet will shrink, so not sure I can justify spending that sort of money on footwear that could be obsolete in 6 months time? I'll try the local agricultural supply place, they used to do clothing etc, and maybe Screwfix (don't laugh) if they'll let me try on first, but my local branch are pretty clueless - about screw sizes, anyway (that's another story ...)

Allira Sat 20-Sept-25 16:26:31

These come in various widths, Fenbug
www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/womens-wide-fit-walking-boots

I have bought boots from them and they are long-lasting.

Otherwise, could you find some with velcro fastenings so if your feet do shrink you can tighten them and perhaps put in an insole?

Allira Sat 20-Sept-25 16:27:19

Ps there is 20% off at the moment.

NotAGran55 Sat 20-Sept-25 22:05:18

I have no personal experience to share, but have seen catalogues for this company on a stand outside the podiatry department at the local community hospital.

www.cosyfeet.com/