HOW TO SHOP FOR WALKING BOOTS

1 FIT IS EVERYTHING

The golden rule. Reviews are helpful for objective measures like weight, width, features, performance and purpose, but they can’t tell you exactly how a boot will fit your unique and wonderful feet. It doesn’t matter how many awards a boot has won or how many glowing reviews it gets: if it doesn’t fit you right when you try it on, keep looking.

2 TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Please don’t buy boots without trying them first. Use the web as a research tool, then go and try boots on in a store. This gives the store the chance to impress you with their knowledge, service and potential aftercare, which means you might buy from them (with the added boost of supporting local jobs). If you find boots you love but the store disappoints you on knowledge, service or value for money, that’s when it’s time to see if they’re available online.

3 SHOP HOT

It’s best to try on boots in the afternoon, when your feet have warmed up and swollen with activity, giving a more accurate impression of how the boots will feel on a walk. And make sure you try them on with proper walking socks, rather than everyday cotton or nylon socks.

4 THINK VALUE, NOT PRICE

Price is a massive consideration, especially in these troubled times, but don’t let it define your search. Some cheaper boots might be absolutely perfect for your needs, especially if you’re new to walking. More expensive boots aim to justify their pricetag with a mix of technologies and features – and are (hopefully) likely to last longer.

5 DON’T GO OUTSIDE!

…not until you’ve worn your new boots round the house for at least a week anyway. Wearing them in (also known as breaking in) gives the boot a chance to mould to your foot shape, and to flag up problems while the boot is still clean and fresh enough to be exchanged or refunded.

AND FINALLY…

Perhaps the most important advice we can give you – and it’s coming up over the page…