Duchess Sophie’s go-to practical hiking boots bring comfort and support to autumn walks
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has swapped her summer footwear for more practical options as chillier days close in
These days, walking shoes are as much a fashion statement as sensible footwear, whether you're taking on the trails or not. In autumn and winter, we can all benefit from the additional comfort, durability, and waterproofing this practical style offers.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, knows this all too well, having added a pair to her regular rotation over the last few months. During visits to farms in Cumbria and at the final meet of the Carriage Driving season, the Duchess was seen wearing the Meindl Philadelphia Lady GTX Walking Shoe.
Meindl is a German company founded in 1683, and famous for its high-quality footwear. It was among the very first to add GORE-TEX, a waterproof layer, to its shoes. The pair worn by the Duchess has brown waxed Nubuck leather uppers with the same waterproof layer, making it a great option for unpredictable Lake District weather in the colder seasons.
Meindl's Philadelphia walking shoe is a waterproof, breathable, and supremely comfortable choice for outdoor strolls and lengthier hikes. As worn by the Duchess, it's a versatile shoe come rain or shine this winter.
The Merrell Speed Strike leather waterproof walking boots are also a good choice for hiking through uncertain weather conditions, and cheaper than Sophie's exact shoes. The additional support around the ankle makes it a better pick for unsteady ground as well.
The cushioned insole is the brand's own Air-Active Wellness Sport footbed, so they are breathable and comfortable across all terrains and weather conditions.
These also have a wider fit at the front than most walking shoes and a heel grip at the back to prevent slipping, making them a truly practical buy for whatever strolls (or hikes) you have in mind.
The Duchess paired the shoes with white jeans on one private occasion, brown trousers and a coordinated jacket on another, and light chinos with a pastel shirt and dark blazer on another, showing just how versatile these walking shoes can be.
Sizes range from UK 3.5 to 8, and there's just one colour to choose from, but as Sophie proves, sandy brown goes with almost any autumnal wardrobe. When choosing your size, the brand recommends trying the boots on with a good pair of walking socks (or whatever you usually wear) to ensure they feel "comfortable both standing and moving".
The Duchess has been spotted wearing the shoes several times recently.
Sophie isn't the only royal recently spotted in a hiking wardrobe. Catherine, Princess of Wales, completed the famous Three Peaks Challenge earlier this year wearing waterproof hiking boots from Italian brand Scarpa.
While the Princess chose high-ankle walking boots with more support for her mountainous trip, Sophie's shoe choice sits just below the ankle and has a distinctly low-profile look with light stitching details.
These discreet shoes would work just as well with hiking trousers or workout leggings on the trails as jeans in autumn and winter.
