What to wear out there
Walking doesn’t have to cost a lot. Buy wisely, and little bit of kit will see you right for mile after mile.
YOU MIGHT BE sick of us saying it now, but walking is simple. And that’s true for kit as well as everything else. The world of outdoor gear can look a bit bewildering, but the truth is, a few key purchases will make all the difference, and might be all you need. It’s about knowing what you need for the kind of walks you want to do, and shopping smartly to make sure you hit that sweet blend of quality, value for money, fitness for purpose and long-lasting reassurance. So here are the three most important items to get right, and the advice you need to buy them smartly.
1 Good footwear
If you’re comfy in your trainers, great. But once your curiosity takes you further out into the countryside, you’re going to hit some terrain that trainers don’t do so well in: muddy fields, stony hill paths, boggy moors. And to a pair of dedicated walking shoes or boots, these are all part of the job description. Tougher, comfier, more stable, more protective and more weatherproof: good footwear really is your golden ticket.
BUY LIKE AN EXPERT
1 Every foot is different, so finding the right fit for yours is Priority 1. Get your feet measured in an outdoors shop with a Brannock device, so the staff can find you the closest match.
2 Look for a waterproof/breathable membrane, which keeps rain and puddle water out while also shipping sweat and heat out. The ‘gold standard’ is Gore-Tex but it can bump up the price. Most brands offer cheaper footwear with an ‘in-house’ membrane, and Gore-Tex options for a higher price.
3 Wear your new boots/shoes round the house for a week before you take them outside. This gives you time to work out if they really are perfect for you – and keeps them pristine enough to exchange if they aren’t.
4 Even the best footwear won’t do its best work without a decent walking sock to keep your foot stable and manage the moisture. So try on a sock along with your boots; the Bridgedale
Hike Midweight (£22, bridgedale.com) is a fantastic all-rounder.
5 Give them some love. A bit of TLC after use will really help them last longer, such as a quick scrub with Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof (£4.50, nikwax.com).