Are these boots adequate for most hikes?

I'm not familiar with those, but you might get more responses by posting this in the Best Walking Shoes for Travel forum here. There are lots of posts about hiking books and a lot of posters there who could potentially help you.

Lovely, I didn’t realize there was such a forum! Thanks!

I think the main issue is whether your boots or shoes are waterproof. Late September will most likely be rainy and boggy. Think about what you would wear hiking in the Olympics in February.

Cue Nancy Sinatra:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww

Mike (Auchterless)

They're not the type of boots I would wear for hiking or even walking the dog on moderate hills, they don't look robust enough and I would want a better grip on the sole. Admittedly five miles isn't a lot so they'll probably suffice but it depends on the type of terrain and I see that they're claimed to be waterproof (my experience has taught me that waterproof claims vary considerably) so they might stand up to some damp weather. As you already have them then you might as well wear them, I'm sure they'll be adequate and you've no doubt worn them in so no point buying a new pair just for moderate hiking.

In reading a description of these boots, it appears that they are very likely waterproof with a Gor-Tex layer and Vibrum soles. I don’t think waterproofing should be an issue.

These don't look robust enough to me (I live on the Isle of Skye). I wear proper hiking boots with waterproofing and ankle support. I think it depends where you intend to wear them, and I'm not sure what you mean by a moderate trail, but if you wouldn't wear them for hiking at home then I don't think they will be suitable for Scotland. Here on Skye the hiking is rough underfoot and the potential to slip or turn an ankle is real. There are few 'paths' as such and it's highly possible to end up in a bog up to your knees.

Best wishes
Jacqui (Skyegirl)

Thanks all for your thoughts, they’re much appreciated! The Danner boots I asked about are definitely waterproof in my experience, at least in inches-deep wet snow and watery slush. I guess my main concern is their tread and traction on the conditions I’ll encounter, and I don’t want to find out the hard way that they’re not trustworthy.

At this point I’m thinking I’ll just try to glue down the flappy bits and re-waterproof my trusty La Sportiva hiking boots, and bring those with me. I might have to show up at the airport looking like Heidi, but I guess in the worst case scenario, I can check a bag on the way home if I must.

Seems like half the tourists in Scotland are dressed for hiking so no need to worry about appearances. For the record, I wore lightweight Altra Lone Peak boots. I hate heavy shoes and only got the ankle-high boots because they came highly recommended. We did hikes from 6-12 miles but only one of the shorter ones had significant rocks underfoot going uphill. With multi day trips if that maybe heavier is better, but I was happy with what I brought and think sticky treads were more important than heavy duty. The boots instead of shoes is a good idea because ground there is much squishier than I’m used to. You may be more used to that.