The best waterproof walking boots

Whether you're an avid walker, taking the dog out, or just fancy getting a little healthier while spending quality time outdoors, a great fitting pair of hiking boots is the place to start.

According to our friends at Country Walking, the official magazine of the #Walk1000Miles challenge, the most economical boots to look out for are three-season boots; they are called this because they'll see you through pretty much everything but the harshest of winters.

Unlike trainers, walking boots offer your ankles support over rough terrain and reduce joint strain over long distances.

They’re extremely versatile and like your favourite fleece lined leggings, they offer a wealth of features that make them perfect for UK hiking. Most three-season boots are waterproof and breathable, ideal for the unpredictable British weather.

Look out for a pair that protect your ankles and give you extra grip, while still being comfortable. After all, especially if you're aiming for 1000 miles, you'll be spending a lot of time in them!

Here's our pick of the best boots on the market:

The best women's waterproof walking boots

Carefully crafted using premium waterproof leather, the Country Walker Boots shield from water and moisture whilst allowing for constant airflow. The comfort PU footbed cradles the foot, cushioning each step for extended comfort, ideal for longer days on the trail.

Review: "Extremely comfortable lovely looking boots. Worn for first time on a 7 1/2 mile walk and not a single blister. Excellent quality with very sturdy with fantastic tread grip. Have not tried them in water yet to see how waterproof they are, but I have high expectations for their suitability in very wet weather. They are labelled as being waterproof. Very easy to get on and off feet and the leather is beautiful. Very quick delivery from seller."

The Millbeck is a breathable textile hiking boot with a waterproof lining. Better for thicker hiking socks, it has a deeper lug-depth for greater grip over wet and muddy terrain.

Review: "I’ve worn these a lot now and they are very comfy and so far waterproof, only downside is they sent blue instead of black but they were so comfy I kept them."

The Harris Dry Boot provides excellent protection against the toughest terrain and wettest conditions. They're comfortable, long lasting, washable, quick drying and very low maintenance (plus they're vegan). Our writer actually owns a pair of these myself and she loves them.

A waterproof membrane allows your feet to breathe whilst keeping them dry. The mesh lining improves breathability to help keep your feet fresh whilst out and about.

Review: "I wanted waterproof boots for walking my dog in hilly terrain with the odd boggy meadow. Must have had them for a week now so have been tried out in the rain in the beginning with a drier period recently. All good with dry feet and are easy to put on and take off. A fairly wide fit for me which probably means they're average with my narrow feet."

Made of GORE-TEX waterproof membrane this shoe provides exceptional breathability and waterproof performance. Additionally, the Kinetic Fit Tri removable contoured insole provides light support to all three arches of the foot.

Review: "These walking boots are just marvellous they are lightweight and very comfortable."

The Gore-Tex lining and Viscoflex Active Fit insole make this boot both comfortable and practical.

Review: "These boots were for more winter walking in wet dirty conditions. They were brilliant and comfortable first outing. They are so light and well padded for comfort. I love them."

Exclusive weathertite waterproof/breathable lining means this boot is perfect for all terrains and all weathers. The pop of pink adds a bit of fun.

Review: "I purchased these boots to replace a worn out pair of a different brand. After reading the reviews, this pair sounded the perfect choice for a camping trip/climbing Ben Nevis and hiking part of the West Highland Way for a challenge that I was taking on, for the British Red Cross "Miles For Refugees". These boots did not disappoint, they performed well in all terrains and whilst during downpours did get wet, they dried exceptionally quickly once back in the tent. Overall, I would highly recommend these for outdoor pursuits in all weathers. They also gave my feet good support and are a lovely stylish pair of walking boots."

Comfortable leather boots that provide support and protection across varied terrain. Made from tough full grain leather they're designed to help keep your feet dry and comfortable on all-day treks.

Review: "I tend to go for fabric walking boots as I expect them to be more comfortable, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by these. Straight out of the box I went for a dog walk. I actually ended up extending the walk, they were so comfy! There's a lot of padding inside, particularly around the heel, so your feet feel really secure. The lower fit at the back means there's good movement for my ankles too. One thing I did find was the laces are a bit stiff to tighten up. I'm sure this will get easier with time."

The best men's waterproof walking boots

If you're after some boots that are ready for adventure, look no further than Salomon's Quest hiking boot. The goretex lining and naturally water resistant leather keeps your feet dry from the outside to the inside. Centragrip technology on the sole means you won't lose grip whether you're out for a ramble or climbing a challenging peak.

Review: "I'm out walking all day with my job so I need boots that are comfortable, and I don't have time to break them in. These are perfect as they're really comfortable and great fit. I can be out and about in them all day no problem. I prefer the higher fit to my previous boots, and the grip is really great, even in wet conditions."

The new Terra improves significantly on the bestselling hiking boot with an improved construction and fit. Durability has been improved with a higher rubber content in the Vibram outsole and revised stitching pattern on the leather. And a GORE-TEX® membrane combined with the leather uppers keeps your foot dry in British weather.

Review: "I've always been a firm fan of Scarpa boots, I think they're great value and last for years. This is my first pair of Terra but I love the look and feel of them. The leather is smart and sturdy and it's great to have metal hardware. So many boots seem to have gone to plastic now and I just find it doesn't last as well. I'm really looking forward to getting these out and about more."

Pop them on, head out and be confident you’re covered with these great, breathable suede boots. Lightweight, they’re also hugely supportive right where you need it.

Review: "I'm not a fan of heavy leather boots so the fact that these are so lightweight was a huge bonus. Despite the suede fabric they are completely waterproof (tested in rainy Yorkshire!) and cope brilliantly with different terrains, I was really impressed with how secure they were."

The best walking boot accessories

Once you've got your boots, there are also some must-have walking accessories that everyone should invest in. So, here's a few of our top picks – from boot bags to gaiters.