by While it may be tempting to throw on a pair of boots as you walk your 10,000 steps daily during the winter months, many of us want to hit the trails a little smarter than the designer knee-length rubber boots. is best managed. . Furthermore, will they give you the support you need to walk that distance?
A pair of trainers isn’t necessarily the best option either, especially if you need to look a little more polished. So, following on from my summer challenge of walking ten thousand steps for five days in non-trainers, I repeated the experiment with footwear more appropriate for this time of year.
Of course, I’ve included highly practical waterproof boots in this round up, but I’ve also scattered in shoes that you can rely on for commuting to work or can enjoy wearing during the season of parties. I haven’t worn heels in about twelve years, making comfortable formal shoes one of my specialties. They come with the added bonus that you’ll excel on the dance floor without having to kick off your shoes, you can then run to catch the last train home, and you won’t have to add aching feet to your hangover morning
There are also a few pairs here that won’t work if it’s raining or snowing (and this is why they’ve come in with a lower rating even though I love them), but dry dry days are a joy celebrate the winter. while wearing clogs and a pair of chunky socks. Or even a pair of Japanese-style split-top boots which might make you look weird if you wear them, as I do, to do the weekly shop at your local country Tesco. I love nothing more than an “ugly” split shoe that can’t compete with each other for comfort.
I actually walked the steps logged in this feature in all of these shoes, and didn’t need a blister plaster.
World Secrets Kilim clogs
Upcycled carpet rugs, £155, Secrets of the World. Worn with a wool gilet, £235, with Slow love; trousers and coat, Hannah’s; ‘Mabel’ wool socks, £23, by Rock + Ruby
This is probably the most recommended pair of shoes in my wardrobe; from kids at my friends’ houses to pensioners I’ve never met in the chemist, everyone loves these cheerful striped clogs, so I’ll be damned if I’m going to stop wearing them in the winter because they’re slipons. .
I’ve given them a three out of five rating because you can’t wear them in the rain. The comfort factor isn’t off the scale, though, thanks to its cork footbed and snuggly fleece lining, and with the addition of a pair of socks, they work perfectly on a dry winter’s day.
They come with the added bonus of being completely unique, as the colorful uppers are made from upcycled antique rugs that were too worn out to be used on the larger floor. This is also a nice story to tell when you get complimented on them and it seems to resonate with everyone, regardless of the age of the audience.
Chelsea boots Blundstone
Leather and rubber boots, £180, by Blundstone at Toast. Worn with waistcoat, £95, and skirt, £125, both at Last Well; roll neck, £69, with Lawrence Hill
I have two dogs and live by the sea next to a path that floods most of the winter, so a practical pair of boots is a must in my wardrobe. I’ve been recommending Blundstone boots – or Blunnies as they’re known in their native Australia – for as long as we’ve had our older dog, which makes my original pair nine years old and still going strong (although it’s on the legs now). of one of my friends), despite being worn twice a day, most days of the year, in all kinds of weather and terrain.
Blundstones are comfortable from the second you put them on your feet, thanks to a wide footbed and spring base. They’re reliably waterproof, but they’ll also clean up a rug if they get muddled. They’re also very good Chelsea boots, making them a great alternative to wellies if you’re out on a long walk that includes a Sunday pub lunch. Available in a huge range of colours, so it’s very easy to recommend them to your partner/best friend without looking too matchy-matchy.
Tabi boots
Tencel and rubber boots, £137, with It’s obvious. Worn with organic cotton jacket, £48, by Rapánui; Cotton blouse, £129, with Cape Cove; linen trousers, £115, by Over Nine
I know, I know, you hate them. But that’s part of the fun when it comes to my Tabi boots, which I bought two winters ago and have been walking a mile in ever since. In fact, one of the first times I ever wore them was walking up about 22,000 steps on a trip to Paris, so I knew they would be perfect for this feature. Because they are a bit like a trainer, they are not waterproof, but I have worn them in the rain by accident and they dry very quickly, and you can stick them in the washing machine if they get hairy.
Split toe is about promoting balance – by freeing up the big toe, which takes twice the total pressure of the other four toes, the body’s own natural biomechanics can kick in. Tabis date back to Japan in the 15th century but were made by Maison Margiela. cult style in the late 1980s with a formal leather version, and Nike’s Air Rift split-toe trainers launched in 1995 as a barefoot running shoe. Both are very popular to this day.
My Tabi boots use sustainable TENCL for the stretchy upper material and are available in seven colours, as well as slip-on clog, boot and sandal styles. Of course, you’ll need specialist socks with these, many of which you can find on Japanese gift website Uki Uki.
Silver ankle boots
‘Cordelia’ leather boots, £219, by Mafalda. Worn with an upcycled denim dress, for a similar effort Redone Studio; leopard print top, Hannah head
The first time I ever wore these boots the day I walked 10,000 steps in them may have been a terrible thought, but my deadline was looming, the weather was awful and it got to the point where I had no choice. Since I was narrower than my usual wide – or even barefoot – styles, I took the precaution of softening the leather at home first so that it would stretch a bit around my feet. I did this by using a hair dryer to heat the inside and outside of the boots and wearing them around the house with thick socks. I did this a few times before I left the house and it worked well.
For a pair of pointy toe, narrower fit boots, I’d say these are the most comfortable I’ve ever tried. This Brazilian brand is known for its beautiful handmade shoes that offer comfort with a bit of a snazzy vibe. These particular silver boots, with their leather sole and rubber grip, would be perfect for a day when you need to make a few festive appointments – perhaps a spot of shopping followed by some Christmas drinks – without going home and changing into in something else. dresses you couldn’t walk into all day.
T-bar shoes
‘Mae’ leather shoes, £320, by Grenson. Worn with denim workwear trousers, £139, and striped top, £39, both at Kate Barton; knitted jacket, Hannah’s; bamboo socks, £7.50, by Pairs of Scotland
I have been a fan of Grenson shoes for many years, and I almost threw away my old trusty Nanette boots for the purpose of this experiment. But if you don’t already know that Grenson Nanette hiking boots are the most reliable addition to your wardrobe for comfort and style, where have you been for the past six years? So after borrowing these T-bars for a shoot, I fell in love with them and decided to try them instead.
And this style – Mae – did not disappoint. They were comfortable from the word go, and had the added benefit of transitioning many of my favorite early autumn outfits for winter; but add a pair of socks and a warm cardigan and you’re good to go. With their patent moc-croc finish, I love that they bring shoe smartness to any outfit with a nicer modern twist.
