Hi there

I`ve just spent half hour or so reading through various reviews for boots

I`m even more confused now than I was before I started !

For the past 6 or 7 weeks I`ve been walking approx 10 to 12 miles each Saturday or Sunday and also walking about 4 miles or so a couple of time a week mostly to lose weight but also for pleasure. In the not too distant future I intend to slowly start increasing the distance I walk

I`m walking along canals at present as I live in the midlands & there are lots of different canals to walk along

I`ve got a pair of oldish boots that I got from an army & navy store but they were only about 40 odd quid & I want a better pair as the inners are wearing

what is the most important thing to look for ? Fit is the obvious one I know but I`m not 100% sure where to start

My budget will be about £100 ish

Once I`ve done a lot of canals I may venture more into the countryside but cannot see me mountain climbing

What is a good value general purpose boot that would suit my needs ? I`d prefer a leather boot if I`m honest 

Are good quality walking socks equally as important ? 

Look forward to any suggestions/advice

cheers

Brom

A big Q which will get you a lot of contradictory answers on here; which is good.

Do a bit of reading here ?

Then try on a lot and pick the most comfortable - for me that would be the thing that should dictate choice (not 'features'). 

Then ask lots more Qs here

For low level walking I'd go for a shoe every time (and for the mountains most of the time, but that's another argument). They're lighter, more comfortable and allow a more natural walking action than boots. TNF, Scarpa, Berghaus, Inov-8 and Montrail all do good shoes -- try a few and get the one that fits best.

If you feel you must have leather boots, go for a light pair -- something like the Scarpa Ranger or Brasher Hillmaster. There's just no point lugging a heavier boot around on your plates, and both are available for about £100, or a bit less, if you look around.

The modern hiking & trail running shoes offer all sorts of benefits over classic boots especially if you don't intend to carry large loads or tackle treacherous terrain...

But if you are after a more robust leather option, you could certainly consider the more traditional leather walking shoe, such as these or these (with or without a waterproof membrane... to discuss ad infinitum!). They won't be as 'sporty' underfoot as a modern trail shoe, but judging by the mileage my dad gets out of similar shoes (including being able to resole some models), they should be ideal for the usage you have described.

cheers for replies

 A lot of canal towpaths I walk on are very muddy

Are the lightweight fabric boots/shoes difficult to keep clean - do they need to be re-proofed ?