Author Topic: Walking boot vs trainer  (Read 2344 times)

Starkiwi26

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Walking boot vs trainer
« on: 22:11:52, 23/04/19 »
Dear all,

This is probably a stupid question, I am a noob in walking still. Hope you could enlighten me please.

I started walking last year in a pair of Nike trainer - very comfortable shoes with nice insole. Trainer is comfortable, but it wasn't waterproof. As I love walking so much, I bought a pair of "Berghaus Men's Supalite 2 GTX Boot", the boot is good, but the insole is definitely nothing near to Nike trainer.

My stupid question is, is there a walking boot come with soft comfortable insole as in a pair of Nike trainer?

Thanks.
« Last Edit: 22:25:44, 23/04/19 by Starkiwi26 »

Mel

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #1 on: 22:16:39, 23/04/19 »
If the boots are otherwise comfortable and waterproof, your cheapest option would be to swap the insole of the boot for a more cushioned one. 


My Nike trainers are superbly comfortable and I think this is mainly because the sole itself is soft and flexible so I'd hazard a guess you'll never find that same comfort due to the more rigid sole of a boot regardless of what boot or what insole.


Another option could be to find a waterproof trail-running shoe (similar to a trainer but has "off road" lugs on the sole).




Starkiwi26

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #2 on: 22:25:20, 23/04/19 »
If the boots are otherwise comfortable and waterproof, your cheapest option would be to swap the insole of the boot for a more cushioned one. 


My Nike trainers are superbly comfortable and I think this is mainly because the sole itself is soft and flexible so I'd hazard a guess you'll never find that same comfort due to the more rigid sole of a boot regardless of what boot or what insole.


Another option could be to find a waterproof trail-running shoe (similar to a trainer but has "off road" lugs on the sole).


If I replace the Berghaus' insole with this Scholl Sport insole, would it help making the boot more comfortable?
https://www.scholl.co.uk/collections/mens-insoles/products/scholl-gelactiv-insoles-sport-men [nofollow]

Mel

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #3 on: 22:31:36, 23/04/19 »
Possibly, although you'll never get the same level of comfort as your trainers, whatever insole you, buy due to the structure of the midsole and sole being completely different.


All you can do is give them a try.


A lot of folks swear by Sorbothane insoles for their walking boots, although they are a pretty pricey gamble to take.

Rob Goes Walking

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #4 on: 23:11:21, 23/04/19 »
My Meindl Meran GTX boots are as comfortable in practice as my New Balance trainers but they cost £200. I'm also very heavy which might affect the performance of both items of footwear.

Ronin83

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #5 on: 23:31:09, 23/04/19 »
I find Dr Scholl gel insoles to be the best without breaking the bank.
As mentioned, gtx trail runners are an alternative for softer, more comfy shoes for hiking.
When it comes to long rough hikes and mountains, tough boots are hard to beat though and, whilst not obviously comfy at first, will be over long distance and tough terrain eg the sturdier, harder sole will protect feet from the bending, twisting and the rocks/stones on your soles.


Lowa renegades are good boots with more than average flex and comfort, might be worth trying some on. Nothing bootwise will feel like squishy Nike trainers though

zuludog

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #6 on: 23:49:51, 23/04/19 »
You could buy some better or more cushioned insoles for the boots, but they would probably still not be as soft as trainers

Have a look at trail shoes and fell running/off road running shoes. There are so many, just Search t'Net to see the sort of things available
It would also be a good idea to have a browse round a large outdoor shop, such as Go Outdoors
Or have a look at Pete Bland Sports, who specialise in fell running & orienteering

If you go for lighter, lower cut shoes or trainers it is inevitable that you will get wet feet more than in boots - that's the trade-off for lightness & comfort. Many people accept that, adopting the attitude of splashing on, but being light & comfortable even though you're wet. This type of footwear will dry out more quickly, as you wear it

You can get trail shoes with waterproof linings; their disadvantage is the higher price, and that they are still low cut, so much more likely for water to go over the top; and when that happens they will take longer to dry

Slogger

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #7 on: 17:13:52, 26/04/19 »
Nike trainers or running shoes can not be compaired to walking boots or even walking shoes, they are of a completely different structure.Nike shoes, of which i have and have had many over the years as a runner are very shock absorbant due to their 'Air' technology, the insole is a minor accesory. No amount of cushioned boot insole will reprocate the comfort and cushioning of a Nike shoe, however there are some very comfortable but more robust walking shoes and boots and as already mentioned additional cushoning can be added by inserting Sorbothane Double Strike insoles, however they add a little weight.

Jac

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #8 on: 07:46:34, 27/04/19 »

My leather boots are Hillmaster II GTX. The original insoles were very thin and hard. I intended getting something like Sorbothane insoles but the assistant in Taunton Leisure suggested I try Meindl insoles, which he very kindly cut to size for me, as a much cheaper alternative. They worked a treat.


However, as others have said these sort of boots are not so flexible as trainers so will never feel quite the same. I tend to wear Inov8 Roclites  unless the weather is really bad (wet and cold). Very light and comfortable but the GTX doesn't keep the water out all day. 'Wildwalking' has just completed LEJOG in one pair of Roclites with the new graphene soles.



So many paths yet to walk, so little time left

gunwharfman

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Re: Walking boot vs trainer
« Reply #9 on: 10:30:07, 27/04/19 »
I've just walked from Borrowdale to Edinburgh in a pair of Salomon X Ultra 3s. Except for about 30 mins on my last day, it did not rain at all so cannot vouch for the boot's waterproofing qualities but I can certainly confirm that they were very comfortable indeed. No problems at all, not even a blister! I always have inserts in my boots (Sorbothaanes) but for once I found the original X Ultra 3s inserts good as well.

They were so comfortable that towards the end of a long hiking day I was happy to just use my liner socks in them when I strolled off to the pub.

I used to have a pair of Salomon's 4D model which fitted higher up my ankle but they made my ankles sore. I certainly prefer the 'midi' X Ultra 3s as a choice.

 

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