Walking boot fans.....

[MrsRookin]

I've been a wellie wearer for my last few fests, but thinking of making the transition to boots. And my husband definitely needs boots for this year - he has spastic diplegia (basically increased tone in his calves so he walks on his toes) and last year after a long day walking he got stuck in his wellies as didn't have enough movement in his ankles to get them off - an hour of him screaming, some baclofen and cocodamol finally did it but fairly traumatic!

So looking for walking boots this year. I know a lot of you favour them, so what do you recommend? Feed my Glastonbury shopping obsession and SHOW ME YOUR BOOTS.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I read the book ' Clear Waters Rising' where Nicholas Crane walked all the way from Cape Finisterre to Istanbul, a journey that took him 17 months to achieve. In the book he mentions that, in his opinion, Brasher boots are the best walking boots you can get. I thought to myself ' that's a good enough recommendation to me' so bought some for myself. To me they are like putting a pair of slippers on they are that comfortable. I bought their Superlight ones, which I think were the lightest walking boot you could get at that time - not sure if they still are or not. Anyway, to cut a long story short they are what I would recommend.

[balti-pie]

I'm a big fan of Merrells, mine have taken me all the way along the South Downs way, up a mountain in Canada, and along many country paths. I got about 2,000 miles out of my last pair before they died. (They then sent me a free replacement pair, the absolute bloody heroes)

Trailshoes not boots btw. But highly recommended.

[jeffie]

Doc Martins for me. Love 'em

[Brave Sir Robin]

Had a pair of Solomons, they were fine, but now got a pair of Meindl and loooove them.

[MrsRookin]

Brasher supalittes are what I've been looking at, so this is good to hear! Just need to work out how to afford two pairs now. Any idea how much breaking in they'll need?

[toppo]

Got a pair of brasher love them. And put gaiters on on the thursday last year hate wellies with a passion

[Midnight Man]

Genuine question: if it gets real muddy - which obviously it won't THIS year - don't the boots get clagged up with mud in a way that wellies won't?

I can see the advantage of walking boots in the sunshine and in dry conditions - wellies are horrible and sweaty - but in real deep goo surely wellies are easier to use?

[Midnight Man]

So much comfier and less harsh on the soles of your feet. The only advantage wellies have is easier to skip off. A good pair of gaiters sorts out the lace clagging issue. And they don't get sucked off in deep mud!

Now there's a set up for someone!

[MrsRookin]

Once a day for an hour or two should see them not too bad in a week or two.

[Alcatraz]

I have a pair of North Face ones that I've done one Glastonbury in, and walked my dog in everyday for the last 2 and a bit years. Don't have to wear too thick a sock with them which i always like

I'm still inclined for wellies if it gets muddy, but hey thats not going to be an issue this year

Edited April 10, 2014 by Alcatraz

[TheNewUnion]

I have some Salomon boots (not leather) and some Meindl boots (leather). I struggle a bit with the Meindl as they are a bit narrow. The Salomon are pretty new so not properly borken in yet but I had some Karrimor (not leather) before that and they were like slippers, wore them for hundreds of miles and about a dozen festivals.

Upshot, if you have narrow feet Meindl are an amazing boot, if you want a fabric boot I love my Salomon.

[Valka]

I do the Salomon's, pricey but soo worth it I do at least 6 miles a day in them (walking to work and back) and have used them on mountains, although i don't know how they would fair if it was like 2007 weather (but it IS NOT going to be this year)

[5co77ie]

another vote for Salomons - though my sandals are Merrills and that's all we'll need this year.

[MrsRookin]

Are the fabric ones sufficiently waterproof? It's the fear of soggy feet that is putting me off.

[Brave Sir Robin]

I have some Salomon boots (not leather) and some Meindl boots (leather). I struggle a bit with the Meindl as they are a bit narrow. The Salomon are pretty new so not properly borken in yet but I had some Karrimor (not leather) before that and they were like slippers, wore them for hundreds of miles and about a dozen festivals.

Upshot, if you have narrow feet Meindl are an amazing boot, if you want a fabric boot I love my Salomon.

[5co77ie]

Are the fabric ones sufficiently waterproof? It's the fear of soggy feet that is putting me off.

[snoopyhill]

Salomons I have are very comfortable, I've had them for about 4 years now and they will be my main footwear this year along with a pair of sandals for around the tent.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

And they don't get sucked off in deep mud!

[jonny2mad]

I use berghaus boots I have a pair of magnums that are nice but not very waterproof, with berghaus get ones with gortex liners, most of my boots Ive either found in litter picks or bought at car boot sales or were returns .

para boots are good, and most of the good makes of walking boots are better than any wellies. Make sure to do some good amount of walking before you take them to glastonbury, I do a 20 mile walk every week and your feet and legs get stronger and harder .

if you just walk a couple of miles you wont spot that they are slightly rubbing you if you can walk say 10 miles I'd say they are good to go, invest in good socks

[GlastoSoon]

Walking boots with gaiters if necessary 100%.

Once you make the change from wellies you'll never go back, trust me!

[Midnight Man]

Walking boots with gaiters if necessary 100%.

Once you make the change from wellies you'll never go back, trust me!

[Daisygrubber]

I got some Karrimor boots recently in the sale saved £50 leather and water tight proved brilliant for dog walking in the country which I do everyday and in pretty mud conditions not to mention great and secure for walking up hills, so I'm guessing they will be ideal for Glastonbury They are still on sale

http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/KM306/Karrimor-Womens-Mendip-Weathertite-Hiking-Boot

[GlastoSoon]

Interesting - might have to dig out my old berghaus boots - never felt that comfortable but maybe they need a bit more walking in.

[psychology]

You don't need to spend £100 on a pair of boots, my £50 hi-tec ones have done 4 Glastonburys and a lot of other walking and they are still fine.

Get some gators and jobs a good un.