These boots were made for walkin'
Planning your next big adventure? In your kit of essentials, make sure you have a pair of shoes that can walk the walk and keep your feet feeling fresh throughout the day. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. These are the best walking boots for countryside treks and long hikes, featuring picks from Hunter, Barbour and Merrell.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
10 Best Walking Boots for Long Hikes
Vivobarefoot
Tracker Decon FG2 Womens Shoe, £180, vivobarefoot.com
B Corp certified natural lifestyle brand Vivobarefoot recently launched a new hybrid walking boot that bridges the gap between outdoor adventures and urban living. With technical features ideal for hiking – a multi-terrain traction sole, under-foot security and maximum grip, for example – as well as a stylish design, this is a boot you’ll want to show off in town AND country.
Arc’Teryx
Aerios AR Mid GTX Boot, £230, arcteryx.com
A boot built for technical hiking and trekking, the Aerios AR boasts a durable and protective design that protects against the elements and allows your feet to breathe throughout the day. Design highlights include the use of waterproof, windproof and breathable GORE-TEX® materials, a 3D-molded Ultralon® collar that moves with and supports the ankle and a mud-shedding lug pattern on the outsole.
Merrell
Women’s Accentor Sport 3 Mid GORE-TEX®, £140, merrell.com
For the ‘sporty’ hiker, these boots from Merrell are waterproof (courtesy of GORE-TEX®) and feature a recycled mesh lining, a protective rubber toe cap and an artfully crafted air cushion to absorb shock. A structured fit that will cradle your feet all day long.
The North Face
Women’s VECTIV™ Exploris Futurelight™ Hiking Boots, £155, thenorthface.co.uk
These ultra-light walking boots from The North Face features a sophisticated support system designed to help you keep as much energy as possible while on your next hike. Other bonus features include mesh detailing for breathability, reinforced heels and toes and 4mm lugs which hold firm when put to the test on rocky terrain.
Danner
Women’s Jag Dry Weather, £170, global.danner.com
Planning your next hike in warmer climates? US footwear brand Danner has reimagined its classic Jag, a lightweight alternative to its heavy-duty hiking boot, for modern hikers. Ideal for hot and dry weather, the Jag features mesh lining for breathability and a suede leather design that promises a super durable and comfortable fit.
SCARPA
SL Active WMN, £275, scarpa.co.uk
Trekking the mountains anytime soon? These boots from SCARPA have been crafted with Sherpa leather (one of the toughest and most water-resistant leathers out there) and a soft nubuck leather cuff, providing comfort and support for those scrabbling up and down hills and mountains. A tough boot for even tougher walks.
Peter Storm
Women’s Rivelin Walking Boots, £80, peterstorm.com
British brand Peter Storm has been making high quality outdoor activewear since 1954, from coats and fleeces to top tier walking boots. This classic walking boot promises a comfortable fit and durable design, built to stand the test of any countryside stroll.
LOWA
Trek Evo GTX Mid Ws, £210, lowa.co.uk
Leather-free and flexible, LOWA’s Trek Evo is fully cushioned and lightweight to allow its wearer hours of comfortable walking. Ideal if you’re a hiking fanatic looking for a boot that can keep up with your adventures.
Hunter
Women’s Explorer Insulated Lace-Up Commando Boots, £160, hunterboots.com
These lightweight, waterproof boots from Hunter feature a shock-absorbent midsole and high-grip outer sole for multi-terrain walks, so come rain or shine, concrete pavement or muddy puddle, you’ll be good to go on your next hike.
Barbour
Stanton Boots, £135, barbour.com
A stylish take on the walking boot, Barbour’s Stanton features a mahogany leather design with a front lace-up system. But these boots aren’t just for show: a chunky cleated sole and padded collar will ensure that your next countryside jaunt is as comfortable as it is fashionable.
