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 Jackdaw WP Boots
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Durable carbon rubber outsole offers great traction
- Recycled softshell upper with supportive overlays for extreme comfort and support.
Hi-Tec Eurotrek Lite WP Boots
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Leather upper for durability and comfort.
- Moulded EVA footbed delivers underfoot cushioning.
VIEW MEN’S EUROTREK LITE WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S EUROTREK LITE WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec V-Lite Explorer WP Boots
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Soft Suede leather upper for comfort and durability.
- V-Lite construction incorporating lightweight rubber outsole ensures minimal weight.
VIEW MEN’S V-LITE EXPLORER WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S V-LITE EXPLORER WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec V-Lite Psych WP Mid Boots
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Lightweight V-Lite Rubber outsole reduces weight but provides excellent traction.
- Vegan friendly and 100% recycled softshell upper.
VIEW MEN’S V-LITE PSYCH WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S V-LITE PSYCH WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Aysgarth WP Boots
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Suede leather and mesh upper provides durability, breathability and comfort.
- Carbon rubber outsole.
VIEW WOMEN’S AYSGARTH WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Summit WP Boots
- Leather upper for durability and comfort.
- Soft foam collar for extra comfort.
- Supportive midsole offers torsional support.
Hi-Tec Bandera Lite WP Boots
- Suede and mesh upper provides durability, breathability and comfort.
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- M-d traction outsole improves grip walking both up and downhill.
VIEW MEN’S BANDERA LITE WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S BANDERA LITE WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Bandera II WP Boots
- Suede and mesh upper provides durability, breathability and comfort.
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Removeable molded EVA footbed for added comfort.
VIEW MEN’S BANDERA II WP BOOTS
VIEW WOMEN’S BANDERA II WP BOOTS
Hi-Tec Ravine WP Boots
- Soft and oiled full grain leather upper for support and comfort.
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Cushioning EVA sole inserts for added comfort
Hi-Tec Raven Mid WP Boots
- Soft shell upper for added comfort.
- Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane will ensure your feet stay dry.
- Lightweight compression moulded EVA midsole
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
- Merino wool blend for moisture management, warmth, and durability.
- Targeted cushioning for added support in key areas, ensuring reduced fatigue.
- ‘Seamless toe closures’ helps to prevent irritation and blisters.
VIEW MEN’S HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE MIDWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Lightweight Merino Comfort
- Light, cool, very breathable and fast wicking.
- Excellent cushioning and protection for a lightweight sock.
- A casual knit allowing the cuff of the sock to fit comfortably.
VIEW MEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Ultralight T2 Coolmax Performance
- The lightest Bridgedale sock, perfect for hot weather adventures.
- Coolmax fusion technology wicks moisture and keeps feet comfortable in warm climates.
- T2 zonal cushioning provides comfort with minimal heat retention.
VIEW MEN’S HIKE ULTRALIGHT T2 COOLMAX PERFORMANCE SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE ULTRALIGHT T2 COOLMAX PERFORMANCE SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Lighweight T2 Coolmax Performance
- Coolmax technology helps ensure moisture-wicking and durability for all-day comfort.
- Performance fit helps the socks to stay snug without slipping or bunching, with a flat toe seam for added comfort.
- Advanced padding that helps support and cushion key areas of the foot.
VIEW MEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT T2 COOLMAX PERFORMANCE
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE LIGHTWEIGHT T2 COOLMAX PERFORMANCE
Bridgedale HIKE Ultralight Merino Performance
- Lightweight design with mesh zones for great ventilation and moisture control.
- Elastic arch, shaped heel, and flat toe seams prevent slipping and rubbing.
- Strong merino wool blend stays durable and holds its shape after washing.
VIEW MEN’S HIKE ULTRALIGHT MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE ULTRALIGHT MERINO PERFORMANCE SOCKS
Bridgedale HIKE Junior Merino Comfort
- Designed for young adventurers tackling long walks and rugged trails.
- Underfoot padding and merino fusion technology provide warmth, durability, and moisture-wicking.
- Flat toe seam reduces bulk and prevents discomfort during hikes.
VIEW MEN’S HIKE JUNIOR MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S HIKE JUNIOR MERINO COMFORT SOCKS
Bridgedale Coolmax Liner
- Transports moisture away from the skin to the main sock where it can evaporate.
- Extremely quick drying
- The flat toe seam minimises bulk that could cause irritation.
VIEW MEN’S COOLMAX LINER SOCKS
VIEW WOMEN’S COOLWAX LINER SOCKS
- 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.
