A solid pair of hiking boots and a trusty pair of socks will be your best friend
Nancy Sinatra wasn’t wrong – boots were made for walking. And that’s exactly what they should do. Of course, we’re talking more steel-toe caps than stiletto heels.
From our experience, trainers will not do. When you’re hiking across a muddy field or scaling a mountainside, all types of weather conditions will hit you – hence, you’ll need to be prepared.
Boots
With the average price of £135 for a solid pair of hiking boots it’s understandable if you’re put off by the cost. The longevity of what you wear is key and how long a pair of boots will last will depend on the person, but investing in a durable and reliable pair will get you far – literally.
Mesh hiking boots would be our preferred material. It’s easier to maintain than leather and is better suited to withstand all types of harsh weather. Also, consider ankle boots when purchasing your next pair as they provide better protection for your feet and will give you the confidence to take on every puddle or muddy bank that nature throws at you. Make sure you get a pair that is a size bigger than what you’d normally get for comfort and ventilation – no one wants sweaty feet.
If you’re just starting, ask to borrow a pair from a friend. However, if you’re out shopping here’s what GORP suggest:
North Face Vectiv Exploris Futurelight: £77.50
Solomon Outpulse: £85
Socks
Let’s discuss socks. They’re a vital part of the preparation that is severely undervalued. It’s annoying when your boots give in and water starts to seep through – that’s why you need a trusty pair of socks to soak up the excess moisture. Also, another GORP top tip, don’t wear white socks unless you’re stocked up on washing powder.
Get yourself a pair of thick wool socks. They will be less likely to develop holes and will better absorb the water and sweat that you’ll gather as you walk. As with your boots, make sure they’re a size bigger than what you’d normally get.
GORP suggests:
SealSkinz All Weather Socks: £19.99
100 Mile Wool Fusion Socks: £13.99
Bridgedale Coolmax Liner Socks: £9.99
In the second episode of our podcast ‘The Great Out There,’ we took to the 365 steps climb in Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Head over to our podcast page to listen and make sure to share across all social media platforms.