Post Punk Kitchen Forum

I had hoped that my current boots might last me a while longer, but having arrived home with cold wet feet again I'm in need of a new pair. Any recommendations for waterproof walking boots, I'm in the UK

Salomon do good synthetic boots with goretex liners. Both me and xherbivorex have them (altho different models) for our treks. I got them about 18 months ago and find them really comfy. I can't remember if they list them as vegan tho. I think it was Merrell who listed a pair of approach shoes as vegan. There are a few manufacturers who make synthetics but as with everything you need to try them for fit.

I have the same problem. I desperately need new walking boots but I haven't found a pair that fit that are vegan. Getting a bit desperate. I know they had some good ones in Vegan Shoes but they just didn't fit my feet.

The Salamon boots (thanks for the tip) look great if I can find a 'vegan' pair which looks promising from the materials used in some of them. They get good reviews saying how light and comfy they are so looks like they might be just what I'm needing

Salomon cosmic 4d gtx and fastpacker mid 3d gtx are both definitely vegan friendly, if you can track either if those down...

Just bought the Vegetarian Shoes Snowdon boot to do the 3 Peaks Challenge in a few weeks! Taking them out for 14miles on Sunday so I guess I'll find out the hard (and expensive!) way if they're comfy. They look and feel amazing so far.

Good luck with the 3 Peaks Challenge, and I hope the boots are kind to your feet. They kinda look like my current boots which on working it out have lasted well as they must be over 20 years old!

I've some of these: http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk/hikin ... 778_p.html

They're very good. I've been on a reasonable number of walks in the lake district with them and had no problems at all.

I've had quite a few pairs of merrell vibram soled shoes and sandals over the years, which vary in comfort massively.

So my mini Snowdon Boot review (http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk/hikin ... 534_p.html)

My old Karrimor boots (bought in both a younger an omnivorous time in my life!) were a size 41, I wore them on a long-ish (~9miles) walk about a month ago and my little toe found out the hard way they were too small. Ordered the Snowdon boot in 42 - a smidgen too big but perfect with insoles. I find often boots rub me around the ankles and although the Snowdons were a bit uncomfortable to start off with they settled in nicely. On the whole I thought they were great! We got drenched in the last few miles of our walk on Sunday and they did let a bit of water in, but probably more so because I wasn't wearing waterproofs and my trousers were a bit short. The discomfort on my ankle did come back with a bit of a vengeance after they became wet but it was relieved by loosening the top. I ended up with a pretty big blister under the 'skinny bit' of your big toe where it connects to your foot (proximal phalange?!) but that isn't much of a complaint after throwing brand new boots in at the deep end and maybe was a socks problem. The soles of my feet did feel a bit 'burny' but I wonder if that's more down to socks again. All in all really good and I can't wait to break them in further!

Hope that helps - sorry if you're not such a sucker for pernickety details as me!

Thanks for the review, it's really helpful Katie. I've been to try on a pair of the Salamon boots as mentioned by cidersmurfette and xherbivorex, but the only size they had was too big. I'm torn between a lightweight fabric boot and a more traditional one at the moment

Photo from a recent hike on Sunday, old boots leaked, must get new ones ASAP!

Hello. I have the fastpackers - which are massively comfortable and showerproof I would say as opposed to stumbling into rivers proof and they did also become less waterproof overtime. And now after a year and a bit they are starting to come apart a bit. i'm going to get another pair though just because they are the most comfortable boots I have ever had. Also ebay sometimes have people selling new lots at cheaper prices than walking shops so they are worth watching out for.
I also have the trekker mk 4 from veggie shoes and would wear them for any serious hiking - excellent ankle support - they are tough though and can be made a bit more friendly on the soles of your feet by the addition of insoles.

Thanks Tofulery. I need something waterproof as even in summer (when we have one) conditions can be pretty wet here. Only downside of trying a pair from Vegetarian Shoes is the postage (£11.00 to where I live) and I'm not sure of other folks experiences but shoe sizes seem to be all over the place these days

Take em back! Or speak to goretex. They offer a guarantee on their waterproofing and would definitely offer to check them out after a year. Also, salomon are a good company too so if the quality isn't up to scratch I'd get in contact.

Chools - that scenery is amazing. Greenery just makes you feel better, I find :D

Personally I'd steer clear of anything made by Vegetarian Shoes. Obviously a great (& ethical) choice for formal/casual footwear but for anything 'technical' like running/hiking you'd be much better off going with a specialist manufacturer.

Yes the moor can look quite bleak, but in a couple of weeks time the heather will be beginning to shoot and it'll all look greener!

some more pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/chools/

I'm still taking in all your footwear suggestions - thanks

Based on what info?

I can imagine this be true for specialist running/sports shoes (i've NewBalance), but walking boots? Really?

The ones i have are far better than leather ones I've owned in the past.

i don't think he was recommending leather, just vegan-friendly shoes from another company.

Yes.

Each to their own, personally I'd just be happier putting my trust in a brand like Salomon who are experts.

Especially with something like walking boots, which have to fit well or you're in for a world of pain. Vegetarian Shoes have fairly random sizes, but at least they are honest about it and tell you "this is a very big nine" or "these are half a size smaller than they say they are".

My walking boots came from a charity shop. They aren't vegan but they are recycled, so I get to make excuses. I more or less live in them.

I've not tried the Salomons so can't comment. I do think it's a bit short sighted to exclude an entire brand without trying them on / taking advice of owners without good reason - particularly one that specialises in vegan products.

The VS boots have vibram soles, excellent ankle support and are fully waterproof. What more do you need from a walking boot? They're the most comfortable I've owned (with proper socks+liners) and didn't require any breaking in.

I've currently VS, north face, merrel and new balance trainers. Every brand suffers from varying sizes - I recently got a pair of goretex merrels that felt fine in the store but now constantly rub my toes raw. It seems they're narrower than normal and loads of people have the same issue.

yep = I can't seem to wear merrells anymore - my feet have become un merrell size/ shape friendly - all pinchy and horrid. I was a merrell devotee for years too.