Autumn is arguably the most rewarding season for walking. Trails are lined with crunchy leaves in rich oranges and reds, the air is crisp and cool, and a later sunrise and early sunset provide more opportunities to enjoy the golden hour. Unfortunately, alongside nature’s beauty come challenges that can leave the unprepared in a sticky, or perhaps more appropriately, slippery, situation. The right choice of footwear will make light of mud, slippery paths, sudden showers, and rapidly dropping temperatures, so we present here our guide to choosing your all-weather footwear for the season.
Seasonal conditions to plan for:
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Unpredictable weather - sunshine can give way to heavy rain in minutes.
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Waterlogged ground - autumn rain leaves paths muddy and fields saturated, and even on a dry day, early morning grass can conceal a surprising amount of moisture.
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Slippery surfaces - muddy ground is just one of the culprits, as more rain and less daylight can lead to algae build up on both rocky and wooden surfaces, creating a slip hazard of startling efficiency.
Your footwear is your first line of defence against these conditions, along with being your best friend when it comes to avoiding blisters.
Choose waterproof if possible
Many of our luxury men’s boots feature waterproof technology, and that will prove invaluable while hiking. Other benefits of good-quality waterproofing include:
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Comfort on long walks: Dry feet are warm feet, and that will let you, not your comfort level, dictate the length of your walk.
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Safety: Good quality soles prevent slipping and are more resistant to the wear and tear offered by challenging terrain.
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Durability: Premium materials withstand constant exposure to mud, grit, and rain far better than budget alternatives.
Features offered in our hiking boot collection
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Waterproof membranes (including Gore-Tex and other technologies) to stop water penetration.
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Breathability, so moisture from inside can escape - critical in colder months.
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Robust outsoles with deep lugs for grip on wet leaves, rocks, and mud, including some manufactured from Vibram.
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Ankle support - uneven terrain makes decent ankle support a must, and our selection of boots
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Premium materials like full-grain leather or technical synthetics for a balance of comfort and resilience.
The Value of Investing in Quality
Cheaper boots may seem adequate for a short walk, but over a season they can crack, leak, and lose traction. Spending more on high-quality footwear rewards your investment with, given the right care, years of service.
Our hiking boot recommendations
Danner - Brown Leather 'Mountain 600' Waterproof Boots - EE Width
A sturdy yet lightweight boot, the Mountain 600 features a Vibram sole for grip, and Danner Waterproof Protection technology designed to keep your feet dry.
Danner - Moss Green 'Mountain 600 ID' GORE-TEX Boots
The Mountain 600 ID GTX offers extreme protection from both slips and saturation, with a Gore-Tex lining inside and a Vibram SPE midsole for best-quality comfort and support. The outsole has Megagrip technology, which is exactly what’s needed for uneven terrain.
How to Care for Autumn Hiking Boots
- Clean regularly to remove mud and grit that can damage waterproof membranes.
- Condition leather with appropriate wax or balm to maintain suppleness.
- Re-proof with spray or cream to refresh waterproofing, especially if of suede construction.
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Dry naturally (never on a radiator or near another source of artificial heat), using newspaper to draw out moisture.
Autumn walking offers the chance to create wonderful memories, or in the worst-case scenario, take an unscheduled trip down a mudslide. A pair of high-quality, waterproof hiking boots is not simply a purchase - it’s an investment in safety, comfort, and a little bit of superiority. With reliable footwear beneath you, every step through fallen leaves or across muddy fields becomes part of the season’s enjoyment rather than a challenge to endure.
