To Boot Or Not To Boot? That is the question.

📬 Mountain Minute #05 – What Footwear Should You Really Be Wearing?

Your weekly 3-minute read for safer, smarter adventures in the hills.

Your feet do all the work—treat them well. Choosing the right footwear makes the difference between a great day out and a painful trudge home.

So— to boot or not to boot?

Boots

• Best for rough, wet, or steep terrain

• Support ankles and carry loads better

• More waterproof, but can be heavy

Approach or Trail Shoes

• Light and agile

• Great for dry, lower-level, or short routes

• Less protection, less support

Think about the terrain, weather, and weight of your pack. For Snowdonia’s ridges or boggy routes, boots are often best. But for summer valley walks or dry rock, a good pair of approach shoes is a joy.

And remember—it’s not just the shoes. Socks matter. Fit matters more than features. Try on footwear in the afternoon when your feet are “hill-sized,” and always test them before a big day.

Pro Tip: Your footwear will never break in on the mountain. Always walk them in with a 1–2 hour outing first.

So to answer the question… to boot or not to boot? 9/10 Boots are the answer in mountainous terrain, once you’re accustomed to the terrain and your ankles can handle it, then perhaps start to think about going fast and light..

➡️ Want help choosing gear for the hill? Drop me an email

Crampons in full swing in Scotland.