Please sign in to post.

Do I need hiking boots for the Scottish highlands?

My wife and I are taking a 3-day highlands tour by bus and I am wondering if I need to pack a pair of hiking boot in addition to my normal sneakers for walking around. This isn't a solid 3-day hiking trip but a guided tour so I am thinking maybe the boots won't be needed. Has anyone gone this route and perhaps has some advice? https://www.thehairycoo.com/3-day-isle-of-skye-inverness-highlands-tour/

Posted by
1569 posts

Oh my, that is a lot of ground to cover in 3 days. No, I don't think you'll need hiking boots. You might need waterproof shoes however since it may be wet and there may be puddles.

Posted by
27 posts

Thanks. Yes, it doesn't leave a lot of time for all-day hikes now does it?

Posted by
7865 posts

I did some hiking when I was in the highlands last week - nothing heavy duty but certainly a decent amount in some boggy areas, and I was fine with my regular walking shoes (Obox Low Leather). They are water-resistant with a good tread but not specifically hiking shoes or boots. They got damp a few times around the bottoms but dried off pretty quickly.

So I would say no. YMMV, though.

Posted by
358 posts

That looks more like a driving tour with stops - I doubt you'll need anything heavy duty

Posted by
27 posts

I ended up trying out some Ecco Track 25 shoes and I think they'll do a nice job.