I am taking an extended trip throughout Europe this Fall (mid-October through early December). I will be in Scotland, England, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Turkey. I am looking to buy one pair of new boots that can handle all the weather patterns (rain and cold) as well as be comfortably worn for several miles during hiking and city walking. We will be walking all the time, and don't want to buy more than one pair of shoe. I have Chaco sandals but think it may be too cold for those? Would anyone suggest Timberland's 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boots?
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2340 posts
Chacos will be too breezy for that time of year, except for maybe Turkey. Unless you're planning hikes in rugged terrain, try instead looking for a sturdy shoe that is waterproof. My personal favorite brands are Merrell or Keen. I'd even go with these Mary-jane style shoes I purchased for a spring trip next year (see here). I'd also suggest taking two pairs of shoes (not one) so that if they get wet you have a back up pair. That includes socks that dry overnight (test them before you go).
Posted by
NH
219 posts
Those Timberland don't look comfortable for hiking or for a lot of walking. I have a pair of mid height waterproof Keen hiking boots that are super light and very comfortable. They look and feel more like a sneaker than a 'boot'.
Something like this...
http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Marshall-Mid-Hiking-Emerald/dp/B00HGAF2FU/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1438224658&sr=1-5&keywords=hiking+boots&refinements=p_89%3AKeen
Posted by
1221 posts
I'd say "the ones that fit your feet the best" because there's a fair amount of variation in terms of fit/design/construction from brand to brand and style to style. I'd probably just hit REI or your local equivalent and start trying on different pairs of hiking shoes until you try a set on and you just know they're going to work well for you.
For long days on my feet, I end up rotating between a pair of Dansko clogs that seem to be made for my feet, and a pair of GoLite hikng shoes I picked up on a whim from the super clearance section because the company was revamping their product line.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8375 posts
Didn't we just have this on another thread? I suggest (again) Ahnu waterproof hiking shoes.