Hiking boots are on the rise for summer 2019 with sales of the functional footwear rising 45% year-on-year over the last five years.
The leading northern shoe retailer, Wynsors World of Shoes are attributing the unseasonal boost in boots to Brits opting for a ‘staycation’ over a holiday abroad, thanks to Brexit uncertainty and anticipation over another long hot British summer.
Research undertaken by the retailer backs up the sales uplift, with almost half (47%) of UK adults admitting to being ‘unsure’ about booking a holiday and are waiting on the outcome of Brexit before making any holiday decisions.
78% of those polled also said that they are planning a ‘staycation’ – holidaying in the UK rather than abroad – this summer and for 16% of those, it will be their first holiday taken at home.
Meanwhile one in ten British households will not go on any summer holiday this year, either at home or abroad, due to the uncertainty.
Linda Foulds, store manager at Wynsors World of Shoes in Preston, said; “It’s an unexpected boost for an unlikely reason, but it’s clear that for once the country agrees on one thing – getting their walking boots on and taking staycations in the UK this summer.
“Flip flops are normally one of our biggest summer sellers as Brits pack-up and head for sunshine abroad, but the big rise in sales of walking boots is a welcome surprise at this time of year and it’s great to see Brits are holidaying closer to home and putting their best foot forward.”
With the surge in popularity of the humble walking boot, Wynsors enlisted a local walking group, Central Lancashire Rambling Club, to test out its offering of walking and hiking boots and shoes.
Kenneth Harker, chairman of Central Lancashire Rambling Club, said; “Myself and my family are keen walkers and we tested a number of brands from Wynsors including the hiking staples Karrimor Merrell and Bodmin and found them to be fit for purpose.
I tested the Karrimor Low Shoe over a slight incline and a ten-mile trial and I found them to be an excellent pair of walking boots.
“The grip over the rough terrain was excellent and the support and comfort, particularly around the ankle, was fantastic – I would recommend to any keen rambler.”
Last month, figures released by tourism body VisitBritain shoes that around eight million Brits enjoyed UK breaks over Easter – with booking rocketing for a bumper summer season, potentially seeing spending on holidays in the UK by Brits increasing from £14.3billion in 2018 to over £20billion this year.
The survey of 2,000 adults by Wynsors World of Shoes also showed that whilst a trip to the seaside was still top the charts on the staycation bucket-list, walks in the countryside and hill climbing also are set to be a big summer hit as Brits make the most of what the UK has to offer.
Brexit Staycation Bucket List – Lancashire:
- Visit to traditional British seaside resort 81%
- Hill climbing and walks in the countryside 70%
- City break to another big UK town or city 59%
- Visit to a National Trust site(s) 57%
- Visit to a Go Ape / adventure play park 53%
- Bike riding 38%
- Visit the Zoo 37%
- Visit theme parks 35%
- Swimming or water slide centre 31%
- Go Horse riding 8%
**% on the bucket list indicates how many people said they planned to do this (multiple choice).
Wynsors World of Shoes now has more than 100 styles of walking and hiking shoes on sale, with savings of up to £55 – see this link:https://www.wynsors.com/womens/boots/walking-boots
