Starting to think about what to pack for my trip. Would love to get by with only one pair of boots/shoes if I can. What would you suggest? I'm thinking waterproof hiking boots maybe? I have a pair of these-http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-earth-lodge-2-caribou-suede-p_id154481. They are super comfy and warm but not sure how they'd do in rain... If I go with a waterproof hiking boot, not sure if I should get a warm, insulated pair or just a regular pair and add some thicker socks if it's cold? I know it's impossible to tell what the weather will be like so far in advance but any footwear recommendations for Jan/Feb? We will be visiting farms and meeting some mud I'm sure, so almost thinking I might need 2 pairs, one for getting dirty and one nicer...

A back up pair of shoes is always a good plan, in my opinion anyway.

hi wtnc,

for your farm walks, i would suggest a cheap pair of wellies which you can easily buy when you get here -you should be able to find a pair for about £10.

as I know that you are keen on walking/hiking though, I would not advise them for that activity - I broke my ankle whilst out walking in wellies, so i know that's not a good idea. therefore you need a decent pair of walking boots which preferably you should buy and wear in before you travel - and you could travel in those.

finally, an ordinary pair of shoes that you can wear in restaurants etc.

I would second buying cheap wellies once you get to the UK.

On the customs form that you have to fill out when you fly back to the states they will ask you if you have visited any farms during your stay. I wonder if it would be easier to say yes I did -- but I wore wellies that I left in England (or that I hosed off).

I have zero expertise on this -- just wanted to raise the issue. Hopefully some one more knowledgeable will comment.

I don't know what you mean by 'hiking'. If you mean climbing on paths where you will need traction, you need appropriate boots. If you mean traversing unpaved country roads, not rocky mountains, you just need good waterproof boots with traction soles.

I think your Earth Shoes will quickly become unwearable and awful to look at if you encounter mud. Were I looking for comfy boots that could go from muddy farms to restaurants with a wipe-down, I'd look at something like this:

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-ae...ther-p_id97596

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-me...ack-p_id195378

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-ae...mbo-p_id208170

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-ri...w&mbpz=brand_1

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-cl...her-p_id194428

Anyway, reading reviews and getting shoes soon to test them out and break them is crucial.

I would pack warm socks rather than go with a shearling type or UGG boot. And I might slip a pair of something like ballet flats into my carry-on just in case I wanted something perfectly nice for an evening.

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-ku...kid-p_id192969

Your Earth boots look great, but I don't think they will last long in the rain and mud of an English winter. I live in the countryside, and often hike on public footpaths. Cheap rubber wellies are perfect for farm visits — all the farmers have them. You can walk around in the muck, then slip them off at the door before entering the farmhouse.

If you plan to do some serious winter hiking, cheap rubber wellies are totally inadequate, though. Only the more expensive are insulated, so your feet will get cold even when wearing heavy socks. Additionally, they don't offer much support, and will rub when you walk.

If you have time to shop when you get to the UK, have a look at the Brasher range of proper hiking boots. I especially recommend Supalite, which is comfortable right from the start, light, and waterproof. I have the men's version, and they are the best hiking boots I have even owned.
http://www.brasher.co.uk/catalogue/p...gtx-r-supaiiwn

Don't wear wellies to walk in. A good pair of hiking boots- and wear them ion the plane so you don't have to pack them- plus a decent pair of walking shoes is what you want.

Brasher is fine, but there are better.

Pubs. If you end up walking to a pub it is good manners to check if they want your filthy boots in the bar. In the country you may find either they have a "muddy side" or leave your boots outside.

Hi Sheila,

You wrote, "Brasher is fine, but there are better." What are your favourites?

Choosing the right boot is a very personal thing. What feels comfortable on one person may not work for another. I have a pair of Berghaus hiking boots, which I used for gorilla tracking in Rwanda, and have tried various American brands including Timberland. I have a pair of leather-lined Le Chameau wellies for muddy fields, but Brasher Supralites remain my favourite waterproof hiking boots. ;-)

I have a pair of Brasher boots that I bought 25 years ago.
I dread them having to be replaced because as you can imagine, they are well worn in. They get well dubbined every year and still keep the wet out.
Pubs often have notices about muddy boots.
There is a small cafe on the Cheshire Sandstone Trail that has a notice "Muddy boots and dogs welcome"