Six of the best walking boots for effortless exploring

Perfect for those with wider feet, these combine the flexibility of a trainer with the rigidity of a mountain boot. Best for fair-weather hiking, they are comfortable, with reassuringly grippy soles and great arch support.

Good for hill-running, these high-tech Swiss shoes have Missiongrip soles to create a bouncy rolling action; and the Zero-Gravity CloudTec cushioning makes them supportive and comfortable even on stony ground.

These comfortable boots have great grip thanks to the Contragrip sole which gives extra traction across uneven terrain. Superlight and fine for wider feet, they have a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining and an Air-Active footbed.

Ariat is renowned in equestrian circles for its comfortable, strong, flexible boots. With light uppers and a sturdy sole, these are comfy, snug and offer good support around the ankles.

With their “Hubble” heel and outsize soles, these distinctive shoes reduce the impact on the knees. Made of cushioned lightweight foam, they help the rolling of the foot from heel to toe.

Made from soft, pliable yet tough suede-like leather, these comfortable waterproof boots might not win prizes for style. But they have good ankle padding, and their strong Vibram soles balance flexibility and rigidity, making them ideal for hard ground and slippery surfaces.