Walking boots, mud and water

[Aurigan Prime]

That's a boot and a half! I was thinking more along the £10 army surplus lines, but I'm glad I don't have to wear them everyday.

[Derby_Dave]

i've had a pair oh hitec hiking boots for over ten years , wear them to festivals every year, and my feet have never been wet in them, and you can get then for under £40.

[pezzypops]

another vote for goretex hiking boots/gaiters combo.

i can't stand wellies, so uncomfortable after hours of standing watching bands and so cold too. and they pull off when you're walking in thick mud

my hiking boots are great, been through 2 glastos and dozens of fells in the lake district and my feet have never been less than dry. i was walking in the sea in them a couple of weeks ago and they stood up to that admirably

[cassandra13]

Another vote for hiking boots (worn in )and gaiters, have been to many wet festies in the last few years and always had dry comfortable feet, this year tried a pair of sorbothane insoles which were expensive but worth it.

[Lucanesque]

I live in the country, and wear wellies to go down the lane when it's muddy / snowy and they're fine for a couple of hours but unless you're a farmer and are used to wearing them all day every day I'd give 'em a miss.

I've had a pair of Berghaus Storm since 1998, and have walked round the world in them (nearly literally) and they are absolutely bombproof, couldn't recommend them highly enough. Just replaced them with some Hi Tec V-Lite Altitude Ultra, went to a 'proper' shop and tried loads of different pairs on, found what I wanted, then bought them off the web for £60.. Just come back from a couple of days of walking in the peaks and they were surprisingly comfy, stayed dry even in the torrential rain, and despite boots being leather my feet didn't feel sweaty and yukky at the end of the day.

Everyone's feet are different, so best bet is to try on loads of different pairs and see which your feet like best. Also, go along with two pairs of socks on (a thin pair and a proper cushioned pair of walking socks), I know it is extra expense but your feet will thank you

[paulo999]

Another thumbs up for walking boots. Even in the worst Glastonbury conditions, without gaiters, it's always possible to pick your way around the deep bits.

And they are all-weather. Just as good for your feet & ankles in the dry as they are in the wet. Four by Fours for Feet.

[ICGenie]

I did 2008 in wellies - never again. Walking around in mud is hard enough work without having to make sure you don't lose a boot with every step as well. I'll be taking my Karrimors this year. They've been through farming, hiking and travelling and are brrilliant. I think I can cope with my legs / trousers getting muddy if it means I can get from one end of the fest to the other without feeling like I just want to go back to bed.

[ICGenie]

Ooh, my tip if you're in the market for some good walking boots - try a factory outlet village. They have loads of camping type stores (also good for tents and other festie gear), you can get some quality bargains

[pezzypops]

if there's a Go Outdoors near you i'd check it out.

they have two prices on everything, the regular price and the saver card price, which is usually about 10% lower but sometimes a lot more than that. you have to buy the card for £4 but you'll make that back through the savings and it lasts a year.

i bought my boots there, the full price was £95, the card price was £55 - bargain!

[Boris]

My best boots are my Meindl Borneo Pro

which I have most certainly (shallow!) river-tested several times.... and they're good in hot-ish weather (maybe not proper Spanish summer when walking sandals are a must) over here thanks to no Gore-Tex lining.... weirdly they're quite cool despite the leather interior- which in fact is a bonus cause the inside never wears away like fabric interiors do....

However that's all virtual bullshit since I've never actually taken them to Glasto because they're too expensive/ too clunky to be dancing around in!

Addendum: I'm not a hiking/ camping geek. Oh no.

Edited October 24, 2009 by Boris

[philipsteak]

Just as important as decent boots (for comfort) is to buy some proper hiking socks as well. It was like a revelation first time I tried them

[Nyika]

I've never found waterproof walking boots, I took my new ones for a very soggy hike in the scottish hills and had very squelchy feet, was disappointed

[musky]

I can vouch for this line too. Army surplus second grade boots. Not bad if you dont mind wearing someones cast-offs. Already broken in for you and immaculately looked after. 10 quid and they have lasted me a long time and a lot of festivals. Comfy & waterproof too.

Never tried wellies and never been tempted. Boots all the way for me.