Newbie here - looking for advice on walking boots & sticks!

CurlySara

Happy New Year!

Turned 50 in November- not the fit for 50 I had planned, but pushing forward have signed up to 3 Peaks (York’s) trek

I popped into a outdoorsy shop to look at and get advice about the walk - she suggested I get advice!

So here I am 👋

There are so many sticks and boots - are there any tried & tested, that doesn’t break the bank!

mum guessing the sticks will help reduce impact through joints and support legs with footing.

I was advised a mid ankle boot to support due to small elements of climb. I’m conscious I need to get moving and hopefully may pick up a bargain! Although- moving is limited due to hips atm 🙈

Anna

Hello @CurlySara and welcome to the online community,

Congratulations on pushing forward and signing up for the Three Peaks! Many of our members enjoy walking and have plenty of tips and suggestions about boots and poles. I’ve linked to one of the threads below. Other members may come along with more suggestions:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/50132/walking-boots

The Versus Arthritis website has got some useful tips about walking and exercise that you also might like to read:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/top-tips-for-walking-with-arthritis/

Do let us know how you’re getting on, and good luck!

Anna ( Mod)

Lilymary

Hi, I'm an arthritic fell walker too - now post hip replacement and sorting out a few side issues that are still slowing me down a bit, but at least I've got my boots back on! There isn't really kit that would be specific or extra helpful for arthritis sufferers, you just need to find boots and a stick that work for you and your body.

The most important thing is to simply get boots that are comfortable. What's perfect for one person will be agony for another, as feet and gait are so individual. I have several different pairs, depending on what type of walking I'm intending to do. I have some lightweight boots that come up to just below the ankle bone for "easy" walking, ie fields or low fells and not too rocky, but for anything more ambitious I prefer boots with ankle support. My heavy duty boots (which have done some very serious trekking in the past) also have an orthotic for perfect posture (can't remember if they were the custom made ones, which you can get from a good podiatrist, or "superfeet" off the shelf ones, which are also good). These are "three season" boots, so they're quite heavy, but they give great support and protection and good grip on the soles.

Do go for waterproof. Leather works best for me - I'm not convinced the gortex lined boots work. I've had some that do, but my latest pair have been disappointing. Also look for Vibram soles, designed for good grip and durability.

As for cost, usually buying the cheapest is a poor economy, they don't last, they leak, the uppers split and fray etc. Avoid fashion styled boots too - fast way to break an ankle and a waste of money. But equally don't go for the really high end technical boots unless they're the only pair you can find that are comfortable. I find Merrell and Saloman are a good mid range, but there are quite a few other makes in that range. Some makes I find are too wide for my narrow heel, but if you've got broad feet, they'd be fine for you. So just try lots on. If you can, try them in the shop rather than online. I usually find myself trying at least 6 or 7 pairs, sometimes more, before I find one that's right for me. It also gives you a chance to see how well made they are, whether the last and upper are too stiff so they're painful, or too soft and don't give you the support that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Ideally avoid boots with loads of flashy seams in the upper, and make sure the tongue is well sown in over most of it's length, to minimise leaks. I've also had them split on those seams. My latest pair are like that, and I'm disappointed with them. but they were all I could find that fitted at the time.

Get a few pairs of thick-ish trekking socks too as they cushion the impact and reduced rubbing, and lightweight liners - eg Bridgedale Coolmax, to stop friction from the thick sock. Try the boots on with the socks in the shop though!

As for walking poles, this is the one I have (below) (OTHER MAKES ARE AVAILABLE!). They're mostly very similar, and a fairly similar price at this level. I wouldn't be without mine, it's saved me from sooooo many accidents! It's light, adjustable and comfortable to use. I prefer the ones that aren't the fold-up type - I never quite trust how robust they are. Also don't go for the ones with a pistol grip - they're poor for weight transfer on slopes. You need to use the pole with your hand through the strap so that you are grasping the pole side on and the weight transfers through the strap into your wrist and forearm. Test this in the shop, as some straps aren't very comfortable. I tend to avoid the ones that are adjustable with a buckle-type thing - they rub on your hand. Unfortunately they're designed (probably by men) for men's hands (still, for heavens sake!) so some aren't a great fit and don't put your hand high enough on the pole. Mine isn't perfect, but it's good enough. The strap on mine is adjusted by simply pulling it through the pole, which is more common. I also used this as a walking stick round town and at work before I got my new hip, and it served me well. I keep the little "umbrella" round the bottom of the pole on all the time - the one that stops it sinking into bogs. It's a faff taking it on and off. When out on the fells I leave the ferrule off as the sharper metal tip would give more traction by digging into the ground better. (It wrecks floors though, so when I needed it for work etc, I put the ferrule on. Some national parks ask you to keep it on as well, so carry it with you in your backpack)

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/leki-makalu-lite-trekking-poles-pair-B4KF3A0054.html?colour=6925

The stick will help push you up the steep bits, give you balance on uneven ground, and save your knees on the downhill. You need to have it longer on the downhill stretches (they're very easy to adjust, no tools required) so you're not leaning down onto the stick. I couldn't manage without mine. I only use one stick - for some bizarre reason I fall over more if I have two! But that's just me. (Most of my two-stick-walking-friends use two and just think I'm odd 😅) Whatever works for you.

Remember to get a good set of waterproofs, head torch, layered clothing, hat and gloves and a big water bottle. And a backpack to carry it all in. Back packs are a whole other territory, but it's important to try them on, ideally with some clothes stuffed inside, as nothing is more miserable than a back pack that's uncomfortable to wear and too small to take all your kit. They make them to women's fit, so go for one of those. I spend as long trying them on as I do with boots. A few accessible pockets are important, and a rain cover, and I prefer them with a flap over the top so that you can stuff your jacket under there without having to open the entire backpack - easy access for when the weather keeps changing!

Hope all this helps - gleaned from a lifetime of trekking and learning the hard way about the wrong kit!

Woofy

Interesting post.

I have struggles with a walking pole, my Arthritis effects my shoulders, so I find holding it in the bent arm position makes it worse.

would a walking stick help. As you kind of hold your arm downwards if you get my drift. I love to walk my dog, but it’s very slippy with all this rain we’ve had.