I bought my boots this weekend. They've ended up being my most expensive travel item purchase so far. I decided on the Meindl 'Softline Lady Light GTX' (http://www.meindl.co.uk/products/softline-lady-light-gtx). Initially i was pretty reluctant to even buy boots, but it's just not worth the risk to hurt my ankle, give myself blisters etc, just because I was too lazy to invest in boots. 
I bought them at Cotswold Outdoor in Windsor (http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/). The sales attendant was a credit to the store (I'd have given him a job, Dad) with such extensive knowledge and enthusiasm. There were about 30 boots in the men's section and he owned about four of them personally. I made it very clear to him that the boots were a purchase of necessity and that aesthetically none appealed to me but he made it an enjoyable experience...parting with £160 for ugly yet practical boots. Kaz came with me and ever so kindly advised me that the boots drew attention away from my cankles, announced that I need to ensure I buy foot odor spray and said to me (also loudly) at the checkout that I was taking all this dog walking very seriously. I had my feet 'expertly measured' which reminded me of buying school shoes at Clarks... and apparently i am a size 8!! 8. bloody boat feet. Anyway, boots can be ticked off the list.
I also bought: