WHW footwear choice

[Bloostar]

Thought I’d get my monthly WH donation’s worth from everyone . Doing the WHW in June to celebrate my 20th Munro but I’m in two minds going with my good quality leather boots (heavy), getting a new pair of lighter canvassy type w/p boots or just going for outright comfort with my trusty walking shoes, usually reserved for forest trails. Appreciate it’s personal choice but short of tossing a coin, what’s everyone’s experience trail-wise?

[fhaggis]

First time I did it in Berghaus fabric boots and my feet didn't like it. Second time in salamon gtx trainers and not any issues with my feet! Obv if weathers really bad it could be a problem but I'm going to do a long distance walk in April and buying new salamons!

[nick70]

As you say it's a personal choice, but I would always advocate boots with firm ankle support.

The section north of Inversnaid along the banks of Loch Lomond is particularly brutal. If you are confident tackling terrain that is very undulating with lots of roots and boulders to climb over and step off then consider something else. My own personal take is boots with ankle support. Yes there are other sections that aren't as demanding but when I do it I am camping out for duration, so not practical to carry 2 different types of footwear.

If you are using baggage transfer service then that could be an option I guess, but again certainly for that section I would always recommend boots.

Enjoy when you do it, you will absolutely love it.

[nigheandonn]

It's generally more plain hard on on the soles of your feet than hard going in any other sense - a lot of tracks and forest roads and old military road, and not a lot of rough stuff.

I tend to go everywhere in shoes, though, so I'm not much use as an advisor

[WalkWithWallace]

I'd tend to lean towards trail shoes for the WHW, but stick with whatever is most comfortable for you.

[rgf101]

I'd say trail shoes for the vast majority of it. The tougher bit at the north end of Loch Lomond, and any extensive patches of mud (thinking of the walk up to Crianlarich, I think) may benefit from boots, but still doable in decent shoes and I don't think it'd be worth the extra weight. Although if you're using luggage transfer...

It's also worth noting that north of that, particularly Tyndrum onwards, you might be getting into more remote and wilder territory, but you're also spending most of your time on old military roads or the like, and boots will definitely be overkill.

[fhaggis]

Depends on far your gonna walk each day aswell, I dod at least 20 a day carrying all y kit which really impacted my feet in the boots, again no issues with trail shoes though

[Arthurs Eat]

The three things I would choose in no particular order would be 1. Comfort, 2. Comfort, 3. Comfort.

[abbruce]

All about the soles for me.

If your walking shoes have good sturdy soles, wear them.

As others have said, part from Inversnaid to the end of Loch Lomond is a bit rough. I find the start of Rannoch Moor from Victoria Bridge is a b*gger to walk on without good soles. Same from the top of Devils Staircase to Kinlochleven.

I'm doing it again in October & taking approach shoes & boots. I am using bag carrier service.

[Bloostar]

Cheers all. Lots to consider. I’ve got good leather scarpas for the hills and have plenty experience but they really are bulky and not good for long treks on flat roads. I’ve also wee kankles (sic) and I think I’ll need to go for support so I don’t break my bones. Lightweight boots I think is the best option and I’ll def. agree with the Salomon suggestion.. my last pair lasted 15+ years before the sole unglued itself. I’m guessing my Adidas Sambas are out though found a guy on Ben Venue in a pair last year. The wife had 2 inch heeled knee high boots

[mynthdd2]

lots of hard walking surfaces so in your boots some cushioned INSOLES INSOLES INSOLES!!! (avoid plantar fasciitis)

[mynthdd2]

PS why is your photo sideways?

[Bloostar]

Sideways? It was a steep hill

Looks ok to me!

[mynthdd2]

if that is the case then I would stick to whatever boots you are wearing in the photo