Kit Focus: Get Happy Feet with the Right Walking Boots

This week we take a look at some of the best waterproof walking boots on the market today. Outdoor enthusiast and Frontier LHQ intern Lucas runs through your options, including his pick of the bargain buys and some great advice on what to look for in a walking boot.

Image courtesy of misspudding

In the Know:

The general trend with walking boots is that with the increase in price comes more effective waterproofing, better breathability and a more durable and rugged sole design. Typically a more expensive boot would also be a lot more lightweight and the upper boot material would tend to be leather rather than a cheaper synthetic material.

Waterproofing Technologies

eVent® fabrics get their unique properties from a proprietary and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. Sweat vents directly to the outside of the fabric in one easy step.
 

A GORE-TEX® product is created with a membrane that can release moisture vapours, whilst also preventing substances such as oil, dirt and stains, and wind or rain penetrating.

This is created with a wafer-thin expanded Polytetrafluoroethelene (ePTFE), in which each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, yet some 700 times larger than a body moisture molecule, allowing evaporated body moisture (perspiration) to escape whilst blocking the entry of rain and snow.

Bargain Basement Boots:

It is always worth looking at sale items whatever your budget to make sure you get the best buy possible, as they can be bought for a fraction of the RRP.

For those on a tight budget and maybe only going on a short-term project, have a look at these excellent and hugely discounted walking boots from Karrimor:

Karrimor KSB Tour eVent II Walking Boot Mens & Ladies

• eVent fabric membrane
• Suede Cordura and Synthetic upper
• Vibram Sole
• £39.99 (RRP £110)

-The Karrimor KSB Tour II eVent is a completely waterproof and breathable walking boot, that uses the eVent membrane system to keep you comfortable while walking all day.

-The boots allow perspiration to evaporate out of the shoe, while keeping water from rain and precipitation away from your socks and feet.

-The rugged Vibram sole gives great response, stability and support, providing shock absorbtion and cushioning for comfier feet and better posture, while the grippy deep tread lets you cope with rougher terrain.

Mid-Range Boots:

The North Face Syncline GTX Hiking Boot Mens & Ladies

• Waterproof nubuck upper with breathable air mesh
• Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane
• Gusseted tongue
• Vibram Outsole
• Weight: 1.23 Kg (pair)
• £63 (RRP £109)

- Featuring a protective GoreTex membrane, these high performing hiking boots from The North Face offer excellent water resistance and breathability and are a great choice for long walks and hiking holidays. These men’s boots include a waterproof Nubuck upper with a breathable air mesh feature to keep feet warm and comfortable when walking for long periods of time.

- The ergonomically designed Northotic™ footbed delivers superb cushioning and support, and a Heal Cradle™ ensures extra stability by keeping the heel precisely positioned.

- This is a great boot for challenging day hikes when you’re never sure what the terrain or weather will throw at you.

Top End Boots:
     
Scarpa SL M3 Mountain Boots Mens & Ladies

• Synthetic, Wicking, Breathable Inner
• Vibram Sole
• B1 crampon compatible
• Weight: 1.45 – 1.75 kg (pair)
• £53.97 - £99.97 (RRP £184.99)

- A modern day classic, the Scarpa SL M3 walking boot is suitable for year round hill and mountain walking.

- Designed to be simple and lightweight without sacrificing support, these boots are ideally suited for hill walking on rugged terrain and are also B1 crampon compatible. This means they are suitable for walking with flexible walking crampons in an emergency, but not for climbing. 

- The extra-thick 2.8mm HS12 Sherpa Leather used in the boot's upper is more durable, water resistant and breathable than standard leather, and also dries quicker. 

- For safety and hold, the 360 degree ankle cuff gives you superb comfort and dexterity while the Performance Flex midsole provides exceptional support. A Vibram M3 sole gives the optimum blend of underfoot grip, weight and shock absorption - keeping you steady on uneven ground.

Staff Pick: Lucas – Research and Development Intern:

If money is not an issue and you want a boot that combines amazing comfort, durability and grip with being extremely lightweight and waterproof then look no further than this great pair:
 
Brasher Supalite II GTX Walking Boot

• GORE-TEX® lined for waterproof performance and comfort
• Durable, supple and abrasion resistant 1.6 – 1.8 mm full grain leather upper
• New lightweight Supalite™ sole for enhanced grip and durability
• Weight: 1.122 Kg (pair)
• £119 (RRP £140)

- The new Supalite II GTX is on another level, raising the bar for performance walking boots and presenting the lightest, fully waterproof and breathable leather walking boot available.

- With unrivalled GORE-TEX lined protection, you're guaranteed to stay dry while a shock absorbent EVA midsole absorbs all the impact from the trail to reduce leg fatigue to keep you going for longer. A Supalite sole keeps you on track with superb grip and heightened durability while a high strength full grain leather upper and improved heel support combine for the most supportive shoe for the journey. 

- Brasher are now among the UK’s most recognised boot brands, and have scaled the heights of success in helping thousands of walking and hiking enthusiasts enjoy life in the great outdoors.

By Lucas Lowe