What is the best footwear for my expedition?
If you’re doing your expedition on foot, walking boots and socks are essential parts of kit. It’s important to get the right ones, as it’ll make your journey a lot more comfortable and enjoyable.
When choosing walking boots and socks you can come across a huge range of brands, fabrics and styles, so here are a few important things to consider.
Choosing the best walking boot for your expedition is crucial. It pays to look around and work out what’s right for you. Get your boots early as they must be worn in and comfortable in time for your expedition practice.
Leather walking boots will cost you more than fabric boots, but they are usually sturdier and longer-lasting.
Fabric boots are lighter, cheaper, and a good option if your feet are still growing.
Make sure to invest in a good pair of boots if you plan to use them frequently, but don’t overspend if you plan on hanging them up after your expedition!
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended boots are waterproof and have high ankle support and high grip soles.
Ideally, get a FREE professional fitting at your nearest GO Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors or Tiso store (Scotland only).
Hi-Tec V-Lite Psych WP Mid Boots
- Lightweight and durable waterproof walking boots with recycled content in the upper
- Waterproof and breathable Dri-Tec membrane
- Vegan friendly
VIEW MEN’S V-LITE PSYCH WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S V-LITE PSYCH WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Aysgarth WP Boots
- Suede and mesh upper
- Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane
- Carbon rubber outsole
VIEW WOMEN’S AYSGARTH WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Summit WP Boots
- Rubber outsole
- Soft foam collar for extra comfort
- Cushioning EVA sole inserts
Hi-Tec Bandera Lite WP Boots
- Suede and mesh upper
- Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane
- Padded collar and tongue
VIEW MEN’S BANDERA LITE WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S BANDERA LITE WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Bandera II WP Boots
- Suede and mesh upper
- Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane
- Removeable molded EVA footbed
VIEW MEN’S BANDERA II WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S BANDERA II WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Ravine WP Boots
- Rubber outsole
- Soft foam collar
- Cushioning EVA sole inserts
Hi-Tec Raven Mid WP Boots
- Lightweight compression moulded EVA midsole
- Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane
- Soft shell upper
VIEW WOMEN’S RAVEN MID WP BOOTS
Along with your walking boots, getting the right socks for your expedition can make a huge difference. You should never wear cotton socks on an expedition. Walking socks are designed to minimise blisters with padding and moisture protection fabric.
Different weights of socks are designed for different weathers. A mid-weight sock will be suitable the whole year round, but a lightweight sock might be more comfortable in the summer heat. Liner socks are worn inside and reduce rubbing even more.
All DofE recommended socks and liners have technical fibres to support and absorb moisture from your feet. Hiking socks will ensure your feet stay dry and ventilated, reducing the risk of fungal infection while keeping your toes warm.
Bridgedale HIKE Midweight Merino Comfort
- Wool mix
- Durable
- All year round use
VIEW MEN’S HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Lightweight Merino Comfort
- Wool mix
- Durable
- For summer
VIEW MEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Ultralight T2 Coolmax Performance socks
- Moisture wicking
- Minimal heat retention
- For warm weather walking
VIEW MEN’S HIKE ULTRALIGHT T2 COOLMAX PERFORMANCE SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE ULTRALIGHT T2 COOLMAX PERFORMANCE SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE All Season Junior Merino Performance socks
- Wool mix
- Soft and comfortable
- All year round use
VIEW MEN’S HIKE ALL SEASON JUNIOR MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE ALL SEASON JUNIOR MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Midweight Merino Performance socks
- Wool mix
- Leg and underfoot cushioning
- All year round use
VIEW MEN’S HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Lightweight Merino socks
- Wool mix
- Underfoot cushioning
- For spring and summer
VIEW MEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO SOCKS
Bridgedale Coolmax Liner socks
- Silk
- Ultra-thin
- Worn under hiking socks
- Absorbs moisture and stops rubbing
- Take a spare set of laces in case yours break.
- Take a blister kit and make sure it’s easy to reach when walking. Prevention is better than cure, so put some plasters on where you’ve had blisters before to protect your feet from the start of your expedition.
- Try on boots while wearing expedition socks and walk around in them.
- Look for moisture-wicking properties in socks.
- Make sure your socks have padding where your feet need them.
- Remember to fully clean your boots and let them dry naturally when you get home from your expedition.
- Clean your boots with footwear cleaning gel and treat them regularly with a waterproofing solution. This will keep your boots strong and dry.
- Make your socks last longer by washing them inside out, and don’t walk them over carpets.
- Don’t spend a vast amount of boots if you’re still growing or unlikely to use them again.
- Often you can get last season’s boots in the sales and still get a professional fitting.
- If you decide the boots don’t fit, some retailers will allow you to return boots if you have only worn them indoors.
- If you need to, buy one outer sock pair and two liners. Liners can be easily washed and dried overnight, keeping fresh socks next to your skin.
- Use your DofE Card to save at least 10% on expedition kit at our recommended retailers.
How to look after your feet for your expedition poster:
No other piece of kit impacts the enjoyment of your expedition more than what you put on your feet.
