Cheap walking boots and walking shoes

A decently rated pair of walking boots or walking shoes doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Walking boots are best for wintry, wet and muddy days, or to protect your ankles across difficult terrain in any weather. Walking shoes, however, are naturally less water resistant, but are designed to be lightweight and flexible so your feet stay comfortable in warmer conditions. 

Whichever type you choose, we surveyed more than 5,000 customers who rated them for comfort, robustness and grip underfoot to find the best. Some of the brands that came top are expensive, but others did well and have temptingly low prices. Read on to see which footwear brands perform excellently for the money.

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Well-rated walking boots brands under £65: Decathlon Quechua and Peter Storm

Decathlon Quechua walking boots review

Verdict Combines affordability with comfort

Customer score 79%

With prices starting at £20 and most styles under £65, it's not surprising that one customer called Decathlon Quechua walking boots' prices 'amazing'. But the brand also received a high customer score in our survey and offered walkers exceptional comfort.

Hikers noted the especially good fits; one appreciated how they come in half sizes, and another said they found a boot narrow enough to support their narrow feet, making them more comfortable than other makes. Decathlon Quechua walking boots received an average durability rating, but they will likely last well if you are more of a casual walker rather than serious hiker.

The main compromise you'll make is on shock absorption (two stars). This might mean Decathlon Quechua is not the brand to choose if you're planning to hike over very uneven terrain. If this is the case, we recommend you invest more in a Which? Recommended walking boot brand.

You can only buy Quechua walking boots directly from Decathlon, or from one of its 40-50 stores around the UK.

Peter Storm walking boots review

Verdict Walking boots that blend durability with comfort

Customer score 78%

Average price customers surveyed said they paid £63

One customer described their Peter Storm walking boots as 'seriously good value'. But they’re not just cheap: they were highly rated for comfort, and one hiker told us that their feet don't get too warm 'even in the hot summer' and that there's 'no rubbing or chafing'. Another said their Peter Storm boots were comfortable straight out of the box.

Its walking boots are generally pricier than Decathlon's Quechuas, but spending a little extra might be worth it since Peter Storm achieved higher ratings for durability, water resistance and grip. One pleased owner found them versatile, telling us: 'They are a solid, waterproof, comfortable boot, which I use 5-6 times a week to walk the dog. They are not showing any signs of wear or damage.'

However, as with many cheaper walking boots, you may have to compromise on the level of shock absorption. It's worth thinking about how much support you need underfoot, as one customer explained: 'I bought these boots for low-level walks such as forest paths and walking along beaches. They are fine for this, but I wouldn’t use them for hills as you can feel rough ground beneath the sole.'

You can't buy Peter Storm walking boots directly from its own website, but the brand is stocked at a number of retailers including Blacks, Go Outdoors, Millets and Tiso.

We assessed almost 30 walking boot brands to find the top makes. See the full results in our best walking boots guide. 

Well-rated walking shoe brands for under £60

Decathlon Quechua walking shoes review

Verdict Ticks a lot of boxes for its fantastic prices

Customer score 83%

Average price customers surveyed said they paid £42

Hikers told us that they only spent £42 on their Decathlon Quechua walking shoes, yet the brand’s customer score was higher than all others in our survey, one of which had an average price of £145.

As well as its tempting prices, Decathlon's Quechua walking shoes stood out to customers for their grip, flexibility and durability. One customer told us theirs were the most comfortable shoes they've ever owned. They’ve now bought their fourth pair and would be ‘gutted’ if Decathlon stopped making them. Another said the sole height is ‘just right’ and their heels don’t ache when walking.

But they didn't score so highly for shock absorption or breathability despite the high overall score – reviewers possibly thought that the cheap price made up for these niggles. Still, perhaps they're best worn on shorter, gentler walks.

You'll find the full range directly at Decathlon or in one of its shops.

Browse our full round-up of the best walking shoe brands and find your perfect pair.

Mountain Warehouse walking shoes

Verdict Well-ventilated and reliable walking shoes

Customer score 71%

Average price customers surveyed said they paid £57

With the variety of styles at reasonable prices, customers were generally pleased with their grippy Mountain Warehouse walking shoes, which shouldn’t wear out quickly judging by the four-star durability rating. Owners found them very comfortable, with a nice fit; one said they could walk for hours in them without any pain, and another appreciated their lightweight design. 

They scored higher than Decathlon Quechua walking shoes for their breathability, so your feet shouldn't get too sweaty. But this appears to compromise their water resistance more than some other brands, only scoring two stars in this category in our survey.

Pick up a pair in one of the more than 250 stores across the UK or directly from the Mountain Warehouse website. Alternatively, shop at Amazon, Debenhams or Next.