Autumn is here! So to help you with your choice of leaf kicking boots, here’s our top 5 autumn boots.

As the August bank holiday ends, we’re putting away their stocks of summer sandals and replacing them with leaf kicking boots and warmer footwear for the cool autumn season.

It’s been a beautiful, bright and fresh September in contrast to the sudden downpour and scorching temperatures of summer, so we’re going to be out, embracing the outdoors.

As a group of footwear enthusiasts, we all wear the products we sell, so here are our top 5 recommendations for autumn.

When it comes to autumn boots, you need to get the right balance between warmth, flexibility and fashion. Winter boots can be too warm, too stiff and sometimes too high around the ankle for kicking leaves in comfort, walking the dog (or running after it) and generally enjoying the cooler weather conditions. So our range of recommended Autumn boots varies from warm fashion boots to outdoor shoes and even lightweight walking boots.

Which Autumn Boots Are Best?

North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR
New for 2009, the North Face Hedgehog XCR is a versatile outdoor shoe that’s ultra lightweight, waterproof and breathable with a Gore-Tex XCR lining to insulate heat and keep out the elements. Top it off with an exclusive Vibram outsole, great looks, an equally amazing fit and you’ve got the perfect shoe for a variety of fast-paced outdoor activities. Considering all the technology, the Hedgehog XCR is a very reasonably priced as well.

Emu Bronte Low – Charcoal
When it comes to warmth and comfort, you won’t find better than emu boots. This ladies fashion boot isn’t waterproof, but it’s well made, insulating, incredibly cosy and offers a soft, snug fit from the moment you put them on. The secret is the Micron 20 100% Merion wool –an exclusive dense weave from EMU Australia itself. EMU Australia controls every step of the manufacturing process to ensure that their Emu boots are the most comfortable boots in the world. Double stitched for added strength with a heel support and the Emusole sole unit for cushioning and grip on a variety of every day surfaces. Great for the high street and general cold weather wear, but not a boot for the great outdoors.

Caterpillar Colorado – Dark Beige
Styled for fashion, but suitable chunky and rugged for autumn, Caterpillar shoes have always been a big hit with men. Traditionally styled like a man’s work boot, the Caterpillar Colorado is fashioned from nubuck leather, making them tough and breathable. Thanks to the industry renowned Goodyear Welt, Caterpillar shoes are hard wearing and long lasting, providing a popular example of a solid fashion boot that’s built for the outdoors.

Hi-Tec Skamania
New from Hi-Tec, these Skamania boots are perfect for autumn. Designed to be lightweight, waterproof and very breathable, this makes them ideal for cool weather conditions, even if it rains a little. Features include a Dri-Lex moisture wicking lining, a soft padded leather collar and Tecproof™ seam sealed waterproof uppers. For appearance the uppers have been finished with a waterproof suede/nylon material and there is a -Lite Carbon Rubber Outsole for versatile grip on all sorts of surfaces. Considering that this is a technical walking boot, it’s very affordable while offering all the essentials for protection and support with good looks to match.

Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR
One of the best selling Merrell outdoor shoes, the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR is made from waterproof pigskin leather and (as the name suggests) features a GORE-TEX XCR gasket construction with breathable defence mesh panels for complete waterproof protection and breathability. While this is a high performance outdoor shoe, it’s also incredible lightweight and comfortable, cradling the foot on the inside while providing arch support, air cushioning and exceptional grip for all manner of surfaces. The list of features and technologies is extensive, but if you’re seeking a fully featured shoe for leaf kicking, dog walking and all manner of outdoor pursuits, you won’t find better than the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR. Best of all, it looks fantastic too.

And The Winners Are!
While all of these boots are ideal for autumn, what you want from good pair of autumn boots will vary depending on whether you’re looking for comfort, performance, good looks or a bargain. So to make things simple, we’ve chosen three of our top five which offer the best value for money, performance and good looks to help you decide.

Best Value for Money: Caterpillar Colorado – Dark Beige
For such a well known brand, Caterpillar boots are quite affordable, offering good looks, tough design and comfort, all while being light, breathable and waterproof. All the essentials are there and thanks to the Goodyear Welt you know that they are built to last. While the Hi-Tec Skamania was cheaper, it didn’t quite do it for us, especially when you need a boot to tick all the boxes with fashion at the forefront. We believe you can use these Caterpillar boots for virtually anything that isn’t sport related in autumn.

Best Performance: Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR
With a huge number of features to support and protect your feet combined with great looks, this Merrell Chameleon could have won both Best Performance and Best Looking categories. Testament to the fact that you get what you pay for, these Merrell outdoor shoes don’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for the best comfort money can buy while you’re kicking leaves and embracing the outdoors this season, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better autumn shoe.

Best Looking: North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR
For a shoe designed for performance, the Hedgehog is an exceptionally good looking shoe. Even though it’s styled like a technical trainer, it’s shape, design and thick, chunky treads give it real presence while its many features ensure comfort all day long. Ultra lightweight, waterproof, breathable and featuring Gore-Tex XCR technology, it’s a fantastic multi-purpose sports shoe that’s as fantastic for fashion as it is for performance. Whether your looking for good looks or outstanding performance at a reasonable price, these North face shoes are an excellent choice.

Hopefully our top 5 has given you all the information you need when looking for a comfortable pair of autumn boots. Whether you’re setting new fashion trends, embracing the outdoors or attempting a bit of both without spending a fortune, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’d like to browse a bigger selection of fashion and outdoor shoes for autumn, the check out Fitness Footwear where UK delivery is Free.

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