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Tom's Guide
26-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
How to choose the right pair of hiking boots — the experts weigh in
Someone once told me there are two things worth investing in: your bed and your footwear, because that's where you spend most of your time. I couldn't agree more, and it always runs through my mind when I am buying any kind of performance footwear, like a pair of new hiking boots. Heading into the hills or tackling technical trails requires the right hiking boots in order to stay safe, supported, and blister-free. I've tested dozens of boots over the years across trails like the Arrochar Alps in Scotland, the Massif des Calanques in southern France, and the high alpine tracks of Val d'Anniviers in the Swiss Alps. These are just a few examples of where I've learned what separates a great hiking shoe from a painful mistake. It's something I've explored in our best hiking boots guide, where I've put many pairs through their paces. Eager to learn more about what to look for in a hiking boot, I reached out to Neil Findlay, Trade Marketing Executive at Merrell, and Lily Fearne, Store Manager at Cotswold Outdoor, who both shared their expert tips on how to find the right pair for your next adventure. The Scarpa Rush 2 Mid feels like a trail running shoe but has the support of a hiking boot. It's waterproof, lightweight and grips well on rocky, muddy or uneven trails. Before buying a pair of hiking boots, Findlay recommends: "Ask yourself open questions; when do I want to use them, where do I want to use them? How long will I be wearing them for? What will the terrain be like? Do I want them for this one trip, or to get a lot of use after?" Once you've pondered over these simple yet key questions, you should have a better idea of how important each of the features listed below will be to you and the type of boot you pick. Support: "Supportive footwear can drastically reduce foot fatigue and allow you to wear the product longer and further," says Findlay. Support can come from multiple areas, including tough upper materials, an above-the-ankle design, and good arch structure, all of which help improve comfort over long distances. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Sole type: "The outsoles are designed to have as much physical surface contact with the terrain underfoot. The more contact points, the more traction and grip you will have," explains Findlay. He adds that flatter lugs are best suited to hard, dry ground, while "in softer conditions you will need deeper, wider spaced lugs (think similar to soccer studs) to dig into the terrain." If you're planning on tackling mixed terrains, look for soles that strike a balance between grip and versatility. When it comes to materials, Findlay says, "Firmer compounds perform best over long, arduous treks where you may be carrying a heavy backpack. "Softer and tackier compounds provide higher traction but with a slight durability trade-off." When Findlay mentions compounds, he is referring to the type of rubber used in the sole that affects grip and durability. Materials and waterproofing: Leather boots are known for their durability and natural weather resistance, but they can be heavier and require more care, as Findlay points out. From experience, they last a long time if you look after them, but they're not always the best for hot weather. Whereas boots with synthetic uppers can offer a lighter, more breathable alternative and have improved a lot in durability over the years. For longer hikes where weight matters, they can be a great choice. Waterproofing is worth prioritising if you plan to hike in wet weather or unpredictable conditions. "Choosing footwear with good waterproofing is key," notes Findlay. "It will give you more scope for use over the year." But if you're hiking in warm or dry climates, you might want to consider some "premium materials, like Gore-Tex, that are breathable." Warm, sweaty feet are more prone to rubbing and blisters, so if you tend to run hot or are heading somewhere dry, opting for a more breathable, non-waterproof boot may be the better call. Note, you don't have to pick one or the other. Many modern hiking boots use waterproof membranes that also allow for airflow. Getting the right fit isn't just about how they feel the first time you try them on in store or at home, it's essential if you want to avoid blisters, sore spots, and rolled ankles. Before you even try anything on, it helps to know your own feet. "Do you have wide or narrow feet? Are your arches more pronounced or are they flat? Do you have a sensitive Achilles?" asks Findlay. These details can make all the difference. Ideally, it's a good idea to go and try on boots in-store where experts can measure your feet and offer personalised advice. But if you're buying online or don't have access to a fitting, there are a few simple things to check. "Your footwear should fit snugly, but not tight," says Findlay. "Ensure they support your arches, reduce lift in the heel, and allow for toe splay and movement. Your toes are there to give balance and shouldn't be restricted." He also recommends checking that there's about a finger's width of space in the toe box. "Even if the footwear fits very well, there will still be a degree of movement as you manoeuvre around the terrain. You don't want your toes pressing or bumping off the toe box." Even if your new hiking boots feel comfortable straight out of the box, don't be tempted to head straight out on a long trek with them. As Lily Fearne, Store Manager at Cotswold Outdoor, puts it: "Like any new footwear, you don't want your first time wearing hiking shoes or boots to be a big long day with big mileage." Today's boots are better designed for comfort than ever before, but your feet still need time to adjust. "Wearing your shoes in will allow your feet to adapt to your new footwear choice and ultimately give you a more comfortable and enjoyable experience," says Fearne. Her advice? Start small. "Start off by wearing your new footwear for a shorter hike. This will be dependent on your usual experience and could vary from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Do a few of these before progressing to a mid-length hike (2–4 hours) and then onto a longer hike, should you prefer." And if you don't have the luxury of hitting the trail straight away, even light wear helps. "Wearing them round the house (or even to work if allowed) will still be a great benefit," she adds. Not all hikes call for the same footwear. The best option depends on where you're going, what you're carrying, and how much support you need. If you're sticking to well-trodden paths with a light daypack (or no pack at all), a hiking shoe is often the best fit. "A lower cuff found in a trail shoe will afford the user more freedom of movement and prioritise lightweight agility," says Findlay. For longer walks or when carrying a bit more weight, a mid-height boot might be your sweet spot. "A mid boot is great for giving more protection around the ankles and a degree of more support," Findlay adds that this style is also ideal for speed hiking or lightweight overnight trips. Or, if you're planning a multi-day trek with a heavier pack, that's where a full boot proves its worth. "A full ankle boot delivers load-bearing and full support over rough, unforgiving terrain where ankle roll is more prevalent," explains Findlay. Sustainability starts with smart choices. "With so many outdoor footwear options, we have no need to compromise on eco credentials,' says Fearne. Her top tip? Prioritize durability. "Footwear with better longevity will mean I don't need to buy again so soon." Look for brands that use recycled or responsibly sourced materials, offer resoling or repair services, or have transparent sustainability practices. And once you've found a good pair, take care of them: "Research how to take care of your new purchase and invest in any recommended products to keep boots and shoes in top condition," she adds.
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- Scotsman
Jeff Brazier teams up with The Ramblers to help decide if Scotland could be home to Britain's Favourite Path in 2025?
Following the success of last year's popular path competition, The Ramblers, Britain's walking charity, in partnership with Cotswold Outdoor, is inviting the public to take part in the search for Britain's Favourite Path 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Launching on 1 May to coincide with National Walking Month, the competition encourages people across England, Scotland, and Wales to share a photo of their favourite path for a chance to have their chosen path crowned as the nation's favourite. This year, passionate walker and celebrity judge Jeff Brazier will be helping to select winning paths from across Britain. Once again, the public will be able to vote for the overall winner. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jeff Brazier has said: "It's a privilege to be on the judging panel to find Britain's Favourite Path. Walking means a lot to me physically, mentally and emotionally. It's such an asset to have a good knowledge of the best walkways on our doorstep and further afield, so many of those that will be nominated will serve as great inspiration for those who find freedom in great outdoor spaces. To walk is not just to exercise and breathe fresh air, it's the peace and clarity that comes from walking in nature, so a good path won't just be aesthetically pleasing, it'll be a healer too.' The 2024 winning path The winner of the 2025 competition will follow in the footsteps of last year's victor, the Thursley Common boardwalk in Surrey, which was nominated by Michelle Presley, who grew up walking in the area. In 2024, over 600 paths were nominated from across the UK, with eight shortlisted by a panel of judges before being opened up to the public for voting. Britain's paths are more than just walking routes; they are a national treasure that connect us to nature, foster adventure, and hold a special place in our hearts. The Ramblers is dedicated to celebrating paths and the unique stories behind them, whether they are criss-crossing the countryside, weaving through bustling cities, or are hidden gems right on your doorstep. This summer, it's time for them to have their moment in the spotlight. To enter, visit to submit a photo of your favourite path, along with the story behind it. This is your chance to shine a light on the paths that mean the most to you and inspire others to explore them as well. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The competition opens on Thursday 1 May. Once all entries are received, a panel of expert judges, including Jeff Brazier, will select eight winners, one from each category. These will then be put to a public vote in July to determine the overall favourite.
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- Scotsman
Jeff Brazier teams up with The Ramblers to help decide if Edinburgh could be home to Britain's Favourite Path in 2025?
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Following the success of last year's popular path competition, The Ramblers, Britain's walking charity, in partnership with Cotswold Outdoor, is inviting the public to take part in the search for Britain's Favourite Path 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Launching on May 1 to coincide with National Walking Month, the competition encourages people across England, Scotland, and Wales to share a photo of their favourite path for a chance to have their chosen path crowned as the nation's favourite. This year, passionate walker and celebrity judge Jeff Brazier will be helping to select winning paths from across Britain. Once again, the public will be able to vote for the overall winner. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jeff Brazier has said: "It's a privilege to be on the judging panel to find Britain's Favourite Path. Walking means a lot to me physically, mentally and emotionally. It's such an asset to have a good knowledge of the best walkways on our doorstep and further afield, so many of those that will be nominated will serve as great inspiration for those who find freedom in great outdoor spaces. 2024 winning path "To walk is not just to exercise and breathe fresh air, it's the peace and clarity that comes from walking in nature, so a good path won't just be aesthetically pleasing, it'll be a healer too.' The winner of the 2025 competition will follow in the footsteps of last year's victor, the Thursley Common boardwalk in Surrey, which was nominated by Michelle Presley, who grew up walking in the area. In 2024, over 600 paths were nominated from across the UK, with eight shortlisted by a panel of judges before being opened up to the public for voting. Britain's paths are more than just walking routes; they are a national treasure that connect us to nature, foster adventure, and hold a special place in our hearts. The Ramblers is dedicated to celebrating paths and the unique stories behind them, whether they are criss-crossing the countryside, weaving through bustling cities, or are hidden gems right on your doorstep. This summer, it's time for them to have their moment in the spotlight. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To enter, visit to submit a photo of your favourite path, along with the story behind it. This is your chance to shine a light on the paths that mean the most to you and inspire others to explore them as well. Jeff Brazier Teams Up with The Ramblers to help decide if Edinburgh could be home to Britain's Favourite Path in 2025? The competition opens on Thursday, May 1. Once all entries are received, a panel of expert judges, including Jeff Brazier, will select eight winners, one from each category. These will then be put to a public vote in July to determine the overall favourite. Alongside being crowned Britain's Favourite path, Cotswold Outdoor will provide the overall winner with a £200 voucher and each category winner will receive a £50 voucher.
Fashion Network
30-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Cotswold Outdoor Group losses sharply reduced in 2024, despite tough conditions
The company that owns Cotswold Outdoor continued a decade of pre-tax losses in its latest financial year, but those losses were significantly reduced, new accounts filed at Companies House show. The business, Cotswold Outdoor Group Ltd, also owns Runners Need and Snow + Rock and is itself owned by Paris-based private equity firm PAI Partners. It made a small pre-tax loss of £380,000 for the 12 months to the end of December 2024, a major improvement on the £7.3 million loss of the previous year and good news given that it hasn't made a profit since 2015 on a pre-tax basis. The net loss for the year was just £105,000, down from a loss of £6.12 million in 2023. Total turnover fell only slightly to £158.9 million from £159.7 million and like-for-like sales were down only marginally to £156 million from £158.5 million. The gross margin was also down at 43.7% from 44.1%. Cotswold Outdoor said the retail landscape in the UK throughout last year continue to be impacted by major macroeconomic and geopolitical issues and although inflation fell it increased in the final quarter of the year. The business is also facing more intense competition in its outdoor segment. That all had a negative impact and the prospect of higher costs through increased National Insurance payments and a higher living wage are also factors the company has to take into account for the future. Yet it feels 'that it is well placed to tackle these challenges and continue to explore new business opportunities'. The company said the business has continued to manage cash and working capital very tightly while also investing in its store estate having opened two new stores during the year. However, it has also closed stores where they're seen to be unviable and one in Orpington was closed last year with two closed at the start of 2025, one of them being in London's Covent Garden.
