These boots are made for walking

We get a lot of customers in Storm come in looking for a pair of walking boots and perhaps buy for the wrong reasons, some spend too little and others (even with our fair, impartial advice) spend way too much because they want the best brand for "the street".

So we've decided its about time our little blog did some "talking about walking" and genned up our blog readers in all things hiking boots!

First off, walking shoes or walking boots?

Does it really matter?
Well yes it does actually.

Perhaps its obvious but your feet are the most treasured part of your body when walking, especially long distances on difficult mountain terrain. The problem with buying walking shoes is that they seriously lack ankle support and if you are in the countryside, in woods, up hills or on English mountains then you are putting yourself at more risk of an ankle sprain or worse.

On the upside a good walking shoe that is waterproof and sturdy can be a great alternative, if on a low level walk along defined and well used paths. Avoid fashion trainers even on walks you think might be ok, if it rains you will get seriously wet feet and that makes for a highly miserable experience, just ask us!

Walking boots really are the preferred choice when walking off-road or over rough terrain. With the best in protection and usually excellent ankle protection which is an absolute minimum requirement on steep hill or mountain slopes. Even better boots are usually designed to keep your feet dry and with Gore Tex liners help them breathe too which can help to minimise blisters.

What to ask when buying Walking Boots

There are many retailers offering many kinds of walking boots and with such an array it can easily become confusing as to what is right for you. So you may want to consider asking yourself the following when purchasing walking boots:

Are these leather or fabric?

Do these boots have a Gore Tex liner built in?

Do you an incline board so that you can test the boots at different angles (this simulates walking up, down and across slopes).

Is my foot loose inside this boot?

Should I be wearing my walking socks? (Yes!)

Is my big toe pushing on the front of the boot? (This should be a no!)

Does my foot feel hemmed in or is the boot truly comfortable?

Is the boot too much for what I want to use it for?

Is it too little?

Am I buying this boot because of price/brand rather than practicality?

Asking yourself these types of questions will all help ensure you buy your walking boots at the right price and ones that will work for you. Get the wrong walking boots and its too late finding out 12 miles from your destination - trust us we've been there, done that!