Walking Boots

Millets have one of the greatest collections of walking and hiking boots with a huge variety of performance features, so you’ll be sure to find the right footwear for you and your adventure. We offer the best walking boots in our range which are suitable for everyone's needs.

With our selection of waterproof walking boots, you will be able to walk out when the weather is at its worst, stopping water from seeping into your boot and soaking your feet. If you're looking for a walking boot that is going to stand up to whatever you put them through take a look at our leather walking boots, the traditional leather boot has been upgraded, they are now much lighter and breathable compared to their predecessors but still stick to its roots and remains to have the greatest durability of all our boots.

On the other end, we have lightweight walking boots for people who want to move fast through the mountains, the materials in these hiking boots have great breathability and also move sweat away from your feet to keep them cool and dry, they are also super lightweight so you won't feel restricted by the weight of boots, letting you perform to best of your ability on dry days. We offer the best walking boots suitable for everybody's needs.

What is the history of walking boots?

The earliest form of boot recorded was in ancient times, when the woven sandal was highly prevalent, especially amongst the armies of the Greeks and Romans before the leather boot made its way into the mainstream during the Middle Ages, although farmers tended to wear clog boots. While they were made of leather, they were nothing like more modern leather boots, having to be hobnailed to ensure traction on tougher terrains. It is worth noting that hiking or walking wasn’t seen as a hobby in those times, but rather a necessity for many to travel from one destination to another so footwear was accordingly made to last for long periods meaning they were uncomfortable and cumbersome. Vibram, a major player in outsoles to this day, was founded on the back of soles of the 1930s offering insufficient traction. In the 60s, synthetic materials made their way into the industry, offering lightweight breathability and additional comfort.

What technological and design innovations have been made in the walking boot industry?

Advancements in the technology have allowed the walking boot to become stronger, more durable, and weather-resistant allowing for function and comfort in all conditions. GORE-TEX is an innovator within the field, with their technologies allowing for total waterproofing protection without compromising on breathability and rigorously tested to ensure a longer product life cycle. The is continuously looking for innovations in technology and the market includes other exceptional technologies such as eVent®,

In years gone by, the walking boot might have been thought of as sturdy, but heavy. Improvements in design now allow for the walking boot to be lightweight and agile, implemented with versatile materials such as suede, synthetic mesh and softshell, and even leather boots have been designed to be much lighter than previously. The result of a lighter design is a much more comfortable walking experience, allowing for all-day wear whilst the agile nature of the modern design allows you to reach places and traverse terrains not previously possible.

One of the first innovations in the field was the introduction of rubber outsoles, which simultaneously reduced costs for companies whilst also improving durability and product lifecycle. The modern rubber outsole has been tweaked and innovated to withstand all tricky terrains and path obstacles, with Vibram being a popular choice within the field offering incredible traction and grip in all conditions.

Why should you wear walking boots over regular shoes?

Walking boots are essential when navigating trails and trickier terrains as they help protect your ankles with thicker padding and more durable outers. Rolling your ankle on regular shoes is much more likely to result in more serious and long-lasting injuries, so it is always recommended that you wear walking boots when the terrain is uneven. Outer soles are designed in blocky segments or lugs to combat obstacles and are much more durable than the regular soles on trainers for example.

How should my walking boots fit?

Ensure there is no wiggling of the boot, as this suggests that the boot is too big, the easiest way to check fit is to ensure you can fit a finger width between the back of the boot and the foot.

How do I keep my walking boots clean?

Ensure that you keep your boots clean and protected to keep them performing at their best for a longer time. The cleaning routine is simple and easy and takes as little as 20 minutes. Check out the full cleaning routine, check out our in-depth guide here.