That eternal question of outdoor footwear, the boot or the shoe, which is it to be? Well the traditional boot is more stable as it supports the ankle; therefore you won’t go over on them, simple.

Well actually, it isn’t as cut and dried as all that. In order for a boot to stop you going over it would have to so rigid in its construction that it would be like having splints down the sides of your legs to keep your ankles firmly in position. There is a boot that fits the bill exactly, but wouldn’t be particular practical for walking the hills, as they are called ski-boots.

It all depends what you need the footwear for, whether it’s a short walk or hitting the high slopes, and of course your own personal experiences and preferences, but here’s a couple of things to think about.

People, as a rule, tend to look at boots as more solid because of their appearance, and the look and feel of a boot, particularly in the area of the ankle is reassuring. However, it won’t physically turn you into some kind of super-being who will never turn there ankle again. Know that one from personal experience, wearing my favourite pair of boots, stepped off a bus and turned my ankle falling over the edge of the pavement. Very embarrassing as it was visiting my sister and her family in Australia and all she did was laugh. Boots will protect the ankle from abrasions as they keep loose gravel out more effectively being higher. They are usually heavier, due to the nature of their construction, and hotter as they cover more skin area. As they restrict ankle movement, it can be more difficult to move easily on uneven ground.

Shoes which are well designed are just as stable as a comparable boot. They are obviously lighter and because the ankle is not restricted it is easier to place your feet precisely. In effect they can actively encourage you to walk properly. With less of the foot covered it does not get as hot, making for more comfortable walking in summer. However, you do have to put up with the occasional piece of gravel getting in and of course you suffer more in the winter months.

Personally speaking I’ve always preferred boots, but that’s all there was when I started outdoor walking (back when Noah was building his first toy boat). The modern walking shoes will have to be considered, but at the end of the day when choosing your outdoor footwear it normally comes down to what the individual likes best, so why not make your own minds up and see what the latest offers are on the website.