Hi, I'm going to be in Ireland, Scotland, and England for the month of July, and am wondering whether to bring leather walking/athletic shoes, or the more breathable mesh type? I know it's likely we'll encounter some rain, in which case leather seems like a good idea, but I also know that when the temperature hits 70 or so, my feet start feeling hot in leather. Does anyone out there have some advice?
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Read: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html
The compromise solution is boots with split-grain or Nubuck lether paired with nylon AND a waterproof breathable membrane.
Waterproof membranes: Boots and shoes billed as “waterproof” feature
uppers constructed with waterproof/breathable membranes (such as
Gore-Tex® or eVent®) to keep feet dry in wet conditions. Downside: The
reduced breathability created by a membrane (compared to the
ventilating mesh used on some nonwaterproof shoes) may encourage feet
to sweat on summer days.Split-grain leather: Split-grain leather is usually paired with nylon
or nylon mesh to create a lightweight boot that offers excellent
breathability. Split-grain leather "splits away" the rougher inner
part of the cowhide from the smooth exterior. The benefit is lower
cost, however, the downside is less resistance to water and abrasion
(though many feature waterproof liners).
Posted by
toronto
178 posts
Goretex is your friend.
Posted by
2539 posts
My solution is breathable day hikers with merino wool socks.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Agree with Bruce. Socks are far more critical to comfort that whether it is leather of mesh. I wear wool socks year around and our walking shoes are leather Ecco. I want the durability and protection of leather.
Posted by
Hayden, Idaho, USA
143 posts
Keen waterproof shoes are great but a little bulky. Ecco and Merrell have some more stylish options, but I don't think they give as much support. Good socks are the key and Smartwool are worth every penny. They come in different weights, cushioning and heights; for the best selection, go to Smartwool's website.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
I like black Reebok Tennis shoes for men, for wearing in an airplane, and for walking in Ireland and Scotland and England. Those shoes might be stiff when they are new.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I'm on my way to buy more smart wool socks!
Posted by
3 posts
Hey lshulman,
I have been walking around Scotland nearly my whole life and speak from experience in the Scottish highlands. I have tried all different types of shoes that work with the variety of surfaces up there but I highly recommend checking out this post on the best walking shoes for men as it helped me make my decision of which walking shoes to go for.
I now have two pairs and they are both not leather. I prefer the athletic style shoes as they let your feed breath and are flexible if you are walking up a hill (which there is a lot of!).
Anyway, hope this helps.
Nim