What to Wear for an Autumn Walk: How to Dress for Cold, Wet Days
Autumn is one of the best seasons for walking: crisp air, colourful leaves and quieter paths. It's also the season when the weather can change three times in an afternoon. The secret to enjoying it is dressing in layers you can add or remove, and getting your feet right. Here's a simple head-to-toe guide.
Start With the Right Shoes
Wet feet end walks early. For muddy paths, fields and wet grass, choose shoes with a waterproof upper and a deep, grippy outsole. Our waterproof trail hiking shoes are built for exactly this, with an anti-slip sole and sizes up to EU 50.
If your walk is mostly pavements and park paths, a pair of waterproof leather walking sneakers keeps you dry while looking smart enough for a café stop afterwards.
Tip: wear new shoes around the house and on short walks first. Blisters are the fastest way to ruin a long walk.
Use the Three-Layer System
Layering traps warm air between garments and lets you adjust as you warm up or cool down.
1. Base layer
A light, close-fitting top that moves sweat away from your skin. Avoid heavy cotton next to the skin on long walks, as it holds moisture and makes you cold once you stop.
2. Mid layer
This is your warmth. A fleece is ideal because it's light, warm and dries quickly. Our winter fleece hoodie jacket works as a mid layer on the coldest days or on its own when it's dry.
3. Outer layer
Your shield against wind and rain. A hooded, waterproof windbreaker like our waterproof windbreaker hiking jacket keeps showers off without the bulk of a heavy coat, and packs away easily when the sun comes out.
Don't Forget Your Neck, Head and Hands
You lose a lot of heat from the parts you leave uncovered. Small accessories make a big difference:
- Neck: a windproof knit neck warmer stays put in the wind, unlike a long scarf.
- Head and hands: the 4-in-1 winter set covers beanie, scarf, gloves and earmuffs in one go.
- For a more relaxed stroll: a striped shawl wrap scarf adds warmth and style for park walks and pub lunches.
Carry the Essentials
A small backpack keeps your hands free and holds a spare layer, water and snacks. Our women's sports backpack even has a separate compartment for a change of shoes, handy if you're heading somewhere after a muddy walk.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Check the forecast, then pack for slightly worse
- Waterproof shoes with good grip
- Base layer, fleece and waterproof jacket
- Hat, gloves and something for your neck
- Water, a snack and a charged phone
- Plan to finish before dark, as days get shorter fast in autumn
Get Ready for Walking Season
Explore our hiking and outdoor shoes, jackets and winter accessories to build an autumn walking kit that keeps you comfortable all season.