Suitable Boots for a 40mile Continuos Hike

I've been roped into doing a 40 mile continuos walk over the South Downs for charity (medical research for kids) in July.
This to be exact.

However, not having done much in the way of serious walking before, I need a pair of good boots to get some miles in before doing the actual "walk".
I've looked at this thread and the Meindl Burma Pro's are looking good to me. I'm planning on going up to Brecon at the end of the week to try various boots, but I'm after a bit of a heads up first on what might be suitable candidates.

My list of requirements (that I can think of) are:
a, They don't rip my feet to shreds.
b, They keep my feet dry (went out yesterday and my feet got absolutely soaked)
c, They are durable (I'd like to keep the walking up after this and do more walks in the future, for both my health & charity)

Any tips on suitable socks would also be appreciated.

 

I did a 30miler last June,with a 40lb bergan. With all the training i did beforehand, I was out tabbing at least once a week from january onwards.
The boots that i used were Magnum Hitech Elite Spider 8.0. They were spot on for me. Certainly worth considering for you.
As for socks, i used,and still do use,Brasher socks. Depending on the weather,either 2 or 3 season socks.
Hope that helps
Smudge

 

Why not look in the thread on boots? Loads of stuff in there.

 

When I did the Lanyard Trophy last year (40 miles carrying 40lbs) I did them in issue boots and didn't really have any dramas. But as for socks I use Bridgedale bamboo socks. Soft, light and cushioned. Just make sure that whatever you finally go for that you put lots of practice in first to get yourself used to the distance if you've never done anything like this before.

 

Berghaus Explorer GTX

These seemed quite good. there are other boots that have been reviewed if you look in the boot reviews section

Would agree on a decent pair of bridgedale socks.

 

To be fair, he gets a plug for Charidee this way.

 

Oh ok, so I'll reply in the way of a bump

 

Alt-berg are seriously comfy, but unless you are carrying lots of weight some of the popular military models might be a bit bulky.

Altberg Bootmakers manufacture hiking boots & walking boots for hill walking also Military boots, Police boots and motorcycle boots for operational use worldwide

 

The piece of advice regarding fitting that I (stupidly) ignored is make sure that the boots you choose are long enough. I was advised that you should put the boots on unlaced and push your toes to the front, you should be able to put 2 fingers into the boot behind your heels. I ignored this and bought the size that fitted perfectly, I now have 2 black toe nails which are taking ages to grow out…..

Having said that, the boots are Scarpa ZG65 XCR lightweight goretex thingies and are for the most part extremely comfortable with no blisters, just need flat terrain……..

 

Don't go for the new Magnum-Jesus, they're pants! Killed my feet!

 

I did the coast to coast a few years back in a pair of bog standard Pro Boots, one of the legs was about 38 miles and the distance covered in total was 190 miles. Socks, get the best, Bridgedale have been mentioned a couple of times and I'd fully agree. Make sure you bump your trek nearer the time and I'll throw some quids at you, I'll pay more if you take video of you having your blisters doused in a tincture of Benzoin and crying.

 

Cheers everyone for the advice.
I will now be checking the boots review section thoroughly.

I won't be carrying any real weight (other than my own), as we meet up regularily with the support car we've got to have.
I'll be certain to bump this nearer the time, and will post a sitrep after finishing on how much I cried doing it.

Thanks again.

 

Check out the Inov-8 range mate, they're pretty new to the boot world but their trainers have been used by the fell running world for quite a while and they're the dogs.

Inov-8 Products Footwear Range

 

Wot he said about Inov-8 - I use the trail running shoes and they are the absolute dogs danglies, so even though I have yet to get a pair I wouldn't have much hesitation in getting their walking boots. Light too.

 

Nice. Nordic walking shoes might also be an idea? Nordic Walking

Salomon also do some good stuff... http://www.salomonrunning.com/uk/