Walking boots - 100km range

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Shindig

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#324791 27-May-2026 08:45

Howdy.

I have a 100km walk coming up at the start of Sept. You can read about it here https://www.stcuthbertsway.info/long-distance-route/

Surface is a predominately gravel and grass, with some road walking' there are maintained paths along the route.

I'd like some recommendations on walking boots that would be suitable and stand the test of distance. Budget isn't an issue, but saying that $400 is probably pushing it as there is likely other kit to purchase too.

Go too brands, makes would be great advice and when it comes to kit brands to ignore.

Thank you.

The little things make the biggest difference.

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#3495687 27-May-2026 08:54

It doesn't seem to say what the surface is like? If it is reasonably even/smooth you probably want walking shoes. Boots great for rougher ground to support your ankles but shoes are more comfortable and lighter so less draining over distance.

https://stravaiger.com/st-cuthberts-way/gearlist.html

Shindig

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#3495689 27-May-2026 09:00

johno1234:

It doesn't seem to say what the surface is like? If it is reasonably even/smooth you probably want walking shoes. Boots great for rougher ground to support your ankles but shoes are more comfortable and lighter so less draining over distance.

https://stravaiger.com/st-cuthberts-way/gearlist.html

Yes! Sorry, meant to add that in and then forgot to! Updated the thread.

Also, that link is a great find!

The little things make the biggest difference.

wellygary

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#3495693 27-May-2026 09:09

Looks like its typical UK rolling countryside, with a few more "mountainous" hills thrown in for good measure,

I've had good wear from Solomon and Hi-tec, although the latter were only used on fairly easy terrain....

BUT , what ever you choose, buy them months before you go and wear them for a number of Hikes here before you go, the last thing you want is to have new boots straight from the box, you need to "wear them in" a bit

MikeAqua

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#3495697 27-May-2026 09:24

I swear by Salomon boots. The pair I have are most like these. They're light comfortable and supportive. Great for tramping. No blisters or chafing ever, even when wet all day. I've done hundreds of kms of proper tramping in them. They're are bit short of grip on very bad greasy mud (think slick wet clay) or proper ice. For those scenarios I have set of trail spike similar to these.

However, boots are very personal. What suits my foot shape, may not suit yours. I'm not sure where you are but the best place I've found is the outdoors shop in the bottom end of Cuba St in Welly. You need to find someone that knows how to fit tramping boots. A lot of people in the chain stores don't know what they're doing, and will happily sell you something that doesn't fit you and will make your trip miserable.

I noticed the site for that walk does specifically mention boots. Presumably there is a good reason for that. Boots are IMO essential for rough terrain, especially if you're carrying a pack or walking longer distances. The extra support reduces the risk of tweaking an ankle and or falling. People swear by sneakers for tramping but IME ... unless they're trail shoes they lack sufficient protection for the soles of your feet. You'll feel sharp rocks. The purpose designed trail shoes are good, but usually lack ankle support. I've seen plenty of trampers limping in trail shoes.

Mike

wazzageek

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#3495718 27-May-2026 10:27

I would shy away from the Mountain Warehouse own brands - I have a pair of their shoes - they haven't lasted a year. TBF, they cost ~$50, but the insoles are worn away in under a year.

(Watching this topic with interest in order to figure out my next pair of shoes).

In a previous decade, I had a pair of Asics that were brilliant - walked everywhere in them. I got them fit at the shoe clinic in Auckland, and I believe I got the best advice from them.

Handsomedan

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#3495729 27-May-2026 10:58

I've had a pair of Kathmandu hiking boots that have lasted for years and many KM of uneven and other terrain.

They're effectively these: https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/products/tiber-ngx-boot-mens-v2-flagstone

Currently reduced to $174 from $349. Similar to the deal I got

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gzt

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#3495749 27-May-2026 12:20

You can't go wrong with Solomons. Kathmandu I've previously had good wear and no issues.

Imo for a mostly formed path you want something relatively light and in UK mostly waterproof for comfort. That points towards Solomons.

Solomons lighter range don't really need a wearing in time.

Boot style tends to be good for keeping everything in line and reducing injuries. I'd go for that.

Socks can make a big difference to comfort and fit. Spend on those.

Walking poles are cheap and fold up small. Get some if you're carrying any significant weight. Also essential if you sustain any kind of minor injury or strain on the walk they help a lot to keep you moving forward to the next stop.

eracode

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#3495752 27-May-2026 12:35

Handsomedan:

I've had a pair of Kathmandu hiking boots that have lasted for years and many KM of uneven and other terrain.

They're effectively these: https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/products/tiber-ngx-boot-mens-v2-flagstone

Currently reduced to $174 from $349. Similar to the deal I got

They have Vibram soles. My last previous and current tramping shoes have those and they’re excellent IMO.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

djtOtago

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#3495844 27-May-2026 13:47

I've done the Able Tasman Track twice in the same pair of Merrell Trail shoes (Fly Strike M). So that's 120km on the same pair of shoes. I still have them and I still use them.
However, it looks like Merrell no longer make them. They do however have plenty of others to choose from in their Hiking Shoes and Boots section.

I know they recommend Boots, but I would still look at a Trail or Hiking rated shoe. It looks to be mostly on well used Paths and Tracks with little to no ankle braking boulder type sections.

roobarb

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#3495853 27-May-2026 13:56

For pure efficiency I suggest Seven-league boots, 100km would only require a few paces.

Seriously though I recommend Merrell MOAB-3

I used them walking from Land's End to John O'Groats via the Pennine Way and also from Cape Reinga to Wellington.

I prefer the taller boot compared to the shoe to give a bit of ankle support/protection.

MikeAqua

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#3495857 27-May-2026 14:07

roobarb:

For pure efficiency I suggest Seven-league boots, 100km would only require a few paces.

Seriously though I recommend Merrell MOAB-3

I used them walking from Land's End to John O'Groats via the Pennine Way and also from Cape Reinga to Wellington.

I prefer the taller boot compared to the shoe to give a bit of ankle support/protection.

Reinga to Welly is serious walk.

I had an earlier version of the MOAB boots. I found that particular version a bit short on padding under the forefoot. But I bought a half size or size up and added a padded insole. With that change, they were good boots.

Mike

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gzt

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#3495860 27-May-2026 14:27

Light waterproof Solomon option 50% off

https://salomon.co.nz/products/x-ultra-360-mid-gtx-mens-1?currency=NZD&country=NZ

larknz

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#3495931 27-May-2026 18:49

I like my Keens Targhee IV

https://keenfootwear.co.nz/products/men-targhee-iv-mid-wp-bison-black

pdh

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#3496022 28-May-2026 03:36

I'm another Keen Targhee fan - over the past 16 years I've worn out 7 pairs of the low-cut 'shoes' and failed to wear out 1 pair of the high-cut boots.

For my wide feet - there is nothing else out there that is close to as comfortable.

So I would stress the importance of your foot shape - find someone who can fit you up (in the nicest way) - rather than just sell you what's 'hot' this week.

Keens may or may not suit your foot.

I'm also more concerned with slipping on wet rock or mud than I am about turning an ankle.
I find a telescopic hiking pole to be wonderful insurance against turning an ankle.

I've done NZ Great walks in high leather boots, ankle boots (my Targhee hiking boots) and low-cut ones like my Targhee hiking shoes.
Of them all - I prefer the low cut ones.
They give me lightness, Goretex water-proofness and good sole design with anti-slip rubber and grippy grooves.
Plus I can wear them round town to get them well & truly broken in.

You won't go wrong giving shoes/boots a month of daily wear. (to tune them up for your hike)

timmmay

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#3496024 28-May-2026 07:19

Merrell is my go-to brand for all footware, but particularly off road / tramping type shoes. I'm about to upgrade the pair I purchased 12 years ago, but this pair will live on for maybe another 10 years as my lawn mowing and outdoor shoes.

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