Dog walking, walking to the shops, country strolls, family hill hikes, mountain expeditions, mountain hikes in winter. These days, every style of walking activity has a pair of walking boots to suit. And these walking boots also come in different styles, price brackets and for men, women and kids. So how do you know which are the right walking boots for you? 

A guide to winter walking boots

Smart but casual: These styles of boots are made for easy-going strolling. You want to look smart because, perhaps, you’re walking to the pub or to work. You will most likely be wearing the boots with jeans or similar. You need a boot that will keep your feet warm and dry and you don’t want to slip over if it’s wet, muddy or icy but at the same time you don’t want to look like you’re off to the mountains. 

The smart but casual boots come in a wide range of looks and styles for both men and women. Check out Teva Women’s Tonalea boots or Teva Women’s Velo Winter boots. For men the Teva Men’s Bishop Peak Chukka boots.

Smart and robust: Still on the smart side of hiking boot are winter boots with extra waterproofing and fur! Merrell offer a great style in their Taiga and Oslo waterproof boots. These boots look chunkier and are more robust but would still suit a social outing. For men the Helly Hansen Arctic boot could be a winner.

Trail walking: You might not need a boot for strolling country trails, and for many fairweather walkers, a pricier waterproofed option such as Goretex isn’t always essential. These would be the boots you would wear on a fine winter’s day while out walking with friends and family.  These are not meant for strenuous hiking, but for long-ish walks on countryside trails. Take a look at the Men’s Helly Hansen Basserud Mid Walking boot or the Helly Hansen Forester for ladies. There’s also the Hawkshead Chidester Mid Walking Boot. And don’t miss our great deal on Regatta Ladies Guideway Walking shoes at £22.99 a pair if you buy two pairs at once. Also take a look at Hi-tec’s Ghyllbeck boots.

Hill walking: Hill walkers will be looking for a walking boot that is more robust, grippy and waterproof. Walking in the hills in the UK has the potential for changeable weather and the ground is highly likely to be wet and muddy. You’ll need boots that keep your feet secure, warm and dry. Most serious hill walkers choose a boot with a Goretex layer. Best-sellers, because of the price and comfort, are Timberland’s walking boots for men and women. Ossippee Goretex walking boots are priced at £77. An alternative to Gore-tex is leather. H Altitude IV WP Walking Boots.

Browse all walking boots.

PS Don’t forget the free delivery on all Outdoor Look products for the full month of January.