Having the right footwear is a must for any outdoor activity, but for those who walk dogs every day, it's an absolute necessity. Dog walkers cover miles of various terrains and need boots that can withstand daily wear and tear, all while keeping their feet comfy and dry.
So, we teamed up with Tails of Bamford, a professional dog walking business in Rochdale, Manchester, to put a pair of Berghaus Expanse GORE-TEX® walking boots to the test. Can these boots keep up with the demanding daily life of a dog walker, especially one who logs an impressive 80,000 steps a week? Find out how they got on and don't miss our exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into what life is like as a professional dog walker.
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How Many Steps?
Taking a dog for a walk is an essential part of their daily routine, allowing them to explore the world and exercise. It's an excellent activity to get outside, bond with your pup and keep you both healthy.
While someone who occasionally hikes might cover around 8 to 12 miles during one session, dog walkers, who walk every day, can easily go beyond that. Keep in mind that the average adult can cover three to four miles per hour. So, during a regular 30-minute to 1-hour dog walk, dog walkers can rack up anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 steps! Just think about it – that's a whopping 42,000 steps in a week!
This doesn't mean that cheaper footwear can't hold up as well as their pricier counterparts. But it's worth considering quality footwear that'll last a long time with the proper care.
About Berghaus
Founded in 1966 by outdoor enthusiasts Gordon Davison and Peter Lockey, Berghaus has long been a Northeast England icon. Specialising in tents, clothing and footwear for mountain adventures, hillwalking and casual everyday use, its German name translates to 'mountain house'.
As one of our most popular brands, Millets boasts an extensive collection of the most premium Berghaus outdoor footwear. Whether you're looking for a lightweight, high performance walking shoe or a more tactical walking boot with extreme grip and high waterproof ability, we're sure you'll find the perfect shoe for any activity in the collection. When you choose Berghaus, you're choosing long-lasting, high-quality gear that supports your outdoor adventures.
Berghaus Expanse GORE-TEX® Footwear
In the Berghaus Expanse GORE-TEX® range are four options – a pair of shoes and a pair of boots for both men and women. All options are super stylish, perfectly complementing any outdoor attire. They boast a ton of features, such as a GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane which is designed to keep feet dry even in the soggiest conditions.
Berghaus Men's Expanse GORE-TEX® Shoes
£150.00 £155.00
The perfect companion for exploring different landscapes with your furry friend, the shoe version of the Berghaus Men's Expanse GORE-TEX® are lightweight and allow your feet to breathe comfortably. Thanks to the GORE-TEX® waterproof lining, your feet stay dry in wet conditions. The Vibram rubber sole ensures you get a good grip and softens impacts, making each step comfy. With features like the Ortholite footbed and seamless synthetic nubuck design, these shoes are ready for any adventure.
Shop Berghaus Men's Expanse GORE-TEX® ShoesBerghaus Women’s Expanse GORE-TEX® Shoes
£150.00 £155.00
The women's version of the Berghaus Expanse GORE-TEX® Shoes boast the same exceptional features as the men's version. Lightweight, waterproof and breathable, these walking shoes feature a stylish pop of teal to brighten up the shoe. Comfortable, durable and perfect for dog walks during both summer and winter.
Shop Berghaus Women's Expanse GORE-TEX® ShoesBerghaus Men's Expanse Mid GORE-TEX® Walking Boots
£165.00 £170.00
These mid-rise boots are the ultimate in lightweight comfort and breathability, offering premium waterproof protection through GORE-TEX® technology. Their special lining helps the synthetic suede uppers release extra heat vapour, keeping your feet comfortable all day. The Vibram® Opti-Stud multi active outsole gives great grip and shock absorption with each step. The Ortholite footbed adds cushioning, breathability and fights germs. And with padded heel cuffs and seamless synthetic nubuck uppers, these boots are set for your exciting journey.
Shop Berghaus Men's Expanse Mid GORE-TEX® ShoesBerghaus Women’s Expanse Mid GORE-TEX® Walking Boots
£165.00 £170.00
The women's version of the Berghaus Expanse Mid GORE-TEX® Boots boast the same exceptional features as the men's version. Lightweight, waterproof and breathable, these walking boots feature a stylish pop of blue to brighten up the shoe. Comfortable, sturdy and suitable for dog walks all year round.
Shop Berghaus Women's Expanse GORE-TEX® ShoesAbout Tails of Bamford
Tails of Bamford is a top-rated dog walking service located in Rochdale, Manchester. They're all about making dog walks fun, adventurous and comforting! Offering a range of services that cater to every pup's needs, Tails of Bamford isn't your typical dog walking gig. They believe in adventures, not just walks. Whether it's energetic dog walks, comforting dog sitting to help pups feel calm or expert puppy services that teach and play, they've got it all covered.
Tails of Bamford is more than just a dog walking business; it's a place where your dogs become family.
Heading up this dog-loving crew is Olivia Cunningham. From her earliest memories of dogs to having her own furry buddy, she knew her path was set. Armed with an Animal Behaviour Degree and experience from vet practices and doggy daycares, Olivia brought Tails of Bamford to life.
Berghaus Expanse Mid GORE-TEX® Walking Boots Review
Let's dive into the review! We sent a pair of the Berghaus Women's Expanse Mid GORE-TEX® Walking Boots to Olivia and asked her to test them out on her dog walks to see if good shoes really make a difference. Let's see how she found them!
First Impressions and Fit
My first impression of the boots that Millets so kindly sent to me were very positive. The shoe itself looks so smart and they are incredibly comfy.
The boots fit perfectly. I was so happy when I put them on! I can't tell you how many pairs of walking boots I've been through over the years of being a dog walker and they have never been right. This is the first pair that I am completely happy with!
Comfort and Durability
The comfort that these boots provide is like no other. I walk for around eight hours a day so you can imagine my feet are quite achy towards the end, but these boots have made it a lot more bearable. They give my feet a great deal of support and provide a cushion-like feel with every step.
I have been wearing these boots five days a week, eight hours a day for the past two months now and there is no sign of wear or damage to the shoe either.
Performance and Grip
The main thing I need from walking boots is that they are completely waterproof. With the job that I do, nine out of ten days I am in wet conditions. As you can imagine, the ground is always waterlogged and full of mud. To be honest, I'd almost given up on finding a truly waterproof walking boot. I've gone through so many that claim to be waterproof but aren't. So, when I completed my first walk with my new Berghaus walking boots I was over the moon. The inside of these boots stay dry through puddles, swamps, thick mud and grass. These boots also have amazing grip. With the terrains I'm walking on every day I usually slip quite a few times, but I am glad to say that I have remained on my feet since wearing these boots.
Ventilation and Protection
These boots have great ventilation and allow my feet to breathe whilst walking in them for hours at a time. On the hotter days, of course my feet are slightly damp, but the boots dry really easily.
Any wet conditions are no match for these boots. They are entirely waterproof. It's not just the bottom half of the shoe either, the whole shoe is protected against water which is a necessity in my job. I am constantly walking in deep puddles, across streams and being rained on so these boots have made my job even more enjoyable.
Stability and Traction for Handling Dogs
The boots keep me sturdy whilst being pulled by five strong dogs! I wish they had the superpowers to give me incredible strength, but the fact they keep my feet on the ground whilst regaining my stability is good enough for me.
To summarise, my favourite thing about the boots is that they are 100% waterproof. When you’re out walking for eight hours a day and your feet get wet in the first hour, I cannot tell you how horrible it is to walk around with squelching wet feet for the rest of the day. So, the fact that these boots keep my feet dry is a godsend.
Interview With Olivia Cunningham of Tails of Bamford
We asked Olivia a bunch of questions to get a glimpse into the world of professional dog walking, from how she got inspired to the most rewarding aspects of the job.
How did you get started as a professional dog walker?
I set up Tails of Bamford four years ago in 2019. The summer had ended after I had finished my animal behaviour degree, and I was lost. Like most people at that age, I had no idea what I wanted to do or what to use my degree for. One night, the idea of starting a dog walking business popped into my head. I set my business up in the October and I have never looked back.
What inspired you to choose this career path?
My dogs inspired me to begin my journey as a dog walker. Me and my boys used to go for the best adventures. Taking them on walks was my happy place, it was my hour of calm. Knowing that I could do a job which enabled me to see my own dogs all day was my inspiration. Most jobs take you away from your loved ones for eight hours a day. When you have a dog, they are your everything and you are faced with the sadness of knowing that they don’t get a lot of time on this earth. Being a dog walker let me spend a great amount of time with my boys, making memories that I will cherish forever.
What is a typical day like for you as a dog walker?
Once I'm dressed (most likely in waterproofs) and I've had my morning coffee, I head out to collect my first group of dogs, I take a maximum of five out at a time. I drive to each house, let myself in with the key and get the dog ready for its adventure. I secure them in my car with a seatbelt and off we go. I like to pick a different walk each time, so the pups don’t get bored of the same routes. Once we’ve completed our adventure, I dry them off and drop them off back home. I then move on to the next group of dogs. I typically walk between 16-25 dogs a day. Once I've dropped off the last group of dogs, I head home to get dry and cosy.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is making the dogs so happy every day. Most of the dogs that I walk are home alone for 6-8 hours. When I arrive, they are already waiting at the window wagging their tails. They sense me coming because it is their favourite part of the day. When I enter the house, they are so excited to see me because they know I come every day with one purpose. That purpose is to take them on an adventure of a lifetime. When I see the happiness within these dogs that I have caused, it is an unbeatable feeling.
What are some challenges you face as a professional dog walker and how do you overcome them?
A big challenge that I face most days is the weather. The weather conditions I face sometimes can be unbearable. To overcome the rain, I make sure to have my best waterproofs on. Once I'm prepared for the rain and wind, I just keep my spirits up and get through the long, wet day. When the weather is scorching hot, anything past 24 degrees, I must cancel my walks for the dog's safety but I offer pet sits in replacement.
How many steps does your watch/phone say you do on average in a week?
I do around 80,000 steps a week. A big reason why I quit the gym!
What's your favourite dog breed? Is there a specific breed you enjoy looking after the most?
My favourite dog breed has got to be a cocker spaniel. They are the most humanlike breed I have ever come across. However, there isn’t a certain breed that I prefer walking. To me, it doesn’t depend on the breed, it’s the personality of the dog. Every dog is so different, but I can't pick a favourite out of my team, I love them all dearly.
Have you got any dogs of your own? If so, what are their names, ages, breeds and personality types?
Oh, I do. I’ve got two beautiful boys. My eldest is Ted, he is an 8-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is very special to me; he's got one eye now due to having his other removed earlier this year because of glaucoma. He is the boss of the two but is also the sweetest boy. I am definitely his favourite human. My youngest is Henry. He is a 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel. He is the cheekiest boy you'll ever meet but he is also so clever. They are both amazing!
How do you ensure that the dogs you walk are comfortable and relaxed during their time with you?
Due to my animal behaviour degree, I am very knowledgeable when it comes to their needs. To make sure all the dogs get on in their groups and have the best time, I make sure to group each dog depending on their behaviour. A lot of dog walkers will put dogs together due to location but to me, it's much more than that. Each dog is so different, even within the same breed. So, I learn their personalities first on solo walks and then I categorise them on their behaviour and traits.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career path with animals?
Make sure you have a lot of patience and can deal with high stress situations. Everyone thinks that working with animals is a dream and is an easy job. Don’t get me wrong it has so many highs, but it can also be very stressful. The second thing I would advise is to just believe in yourself. Due to it being such a stressful job, there are a lot of moments when you want to give up but just keep pushing through those bad days. The good days are worth it.
We had so much fun hearing Olivia's feedback on the boots and learning more about what it's like to be a professional dog walker. If you're in the local area and interested in any dog walking or sitting services, visit Tails of Bamford's Website for more information. Be sure to visit their Instagram too for a delightful collection of adorable puppy pics and see what other adventures they go on!
In the world of dog walking, comfort and durability matter most. Hearing from a professional and watching them put our Berghaus boots to the test has shed light on what really works. Your dog walking adventures deserve the best gear!
To get even more out of dog walking, check out our Dog Walking Activity Guide for our helpful tips and tricks and must-have gear for both you and your pup.
