Walking boots short list and avoid list?
Discussion
I would like a decent pair of walking boots, features must be waterproof and comfortable and warm.
I walk out up to about 15 miles or so a session on tracks, rough terrain and woodland, so not too taxing I imagine in the world of decent walking boots!
I walk out in all four seasons.
I’ve seen Berghaus boots in a local shop, but have no idea how good they are as a walking boot. Also seen Scarpa being favourably mentioned on a review site and also Solomon.
Would leather be the right way to go or all man made?
Any boots to shortlist and any boots to avoid please?
Budget up to about £150.
Thanks in advance.
I walk out up to about 15 miles or so a session on tracks, rough terrain and woodland, so not too taxing I imagine in the world of decent walking boots!
I walk out in all four seasons.
I’ve seen Berghaus boots in a local shop, but have no idea how good they are as a walking boot. Also seen Scarpa being favourably mentioned on a review site and also Solomon.
Would leather be the right way to go or all man made?
Any boots to shortlist and any boots to avoid please?
Budget up to about £150.
Thanks in advance.
Further - a good shop usually will have decent staff - tell them what you want it for and let them guide you. You'll probably try on loads, instantly work out the ones that don't work, then start to whittle down the ones that do. The shop should have a slope so you can ensure your toes don't hit the fronts on descents, and there's minimal hell lift on ascents.
Take your walking socks with you.
Don't be surprised if it takes an hour plus.
Don't dismiss insoles either.
Take your walking socks with you.
Don't be surprised if it takes an hour plus.
Don't dismiss insoles either.
pidsy said:
Don’t underestimate the importance of socks.
Absolutely love my Salamons - 4 years old, lot of use, still in great shape. They’re the only boots I’ve found that keep my feet properly cool.
I'd echo that about socks.Absolutely love my Salamons - 4 years old, lot of use, still in great shape. They’re the only boots I’ve found that keep my feet properly cool.
Mine are fine and really comfortable as long as I have certain socks on. It's actually the more expensive Bridgedale socks I've got that seem to rub and cause blisters. My cheap Berghaus socks are fine.
Salomon 4D GTX are quite good, they are genuinely excellent when it comes to customer care too - I was 2 days out of their 'warranty', the head of warranty at their warehouse literally drove to where I was staying (circa 25mins) and picked the suspected broken ones up.
Two days later he dropped a brand new pair off having tested them himself in their 'water leakage pool' which I'd guess it a big tupperware
Not suited to really really cold weather though, and not great with gaiters / crampons.
Variety of colours too if that is your thing!
Two days later he dropped a brand new pair off having tested them himself in their 'water leakage pool' which I'd guess it a big tupperware
Not suited to really really cold weather though, and not great with gaiters / crampons.
Variety of colours too if that is your thing!
I'm quite impressed with my Zamberlans.
Leather uppers with Gortex liners and a good Vibram sole. They were comfy straight out of the box but this might have more to do with my foot shape than any perceived quality. I few friends have them and they are very happy with theirs. I did send my first pair back due to the leather cracking after a month but no problems with my current boots.
Leather uppers with Gortex liners and a good Vibram sole. They were comfy straight out of the box but this might have more to do with my foot shape than any perceived quality. I few friends have them and they are very happy with theirs. I did send my first pair back due to the leather cracking after a month but no problems with my current boots.
I've a pair of grisport gamekeeper (which come half way up my calf so appreciate they might not be for everyone) however they have been exceptionally good for the last year or so. Give them a polish in they come up as new despite being used every single day for an hour dog walk in the forest. They've handled everything from snow to deep mud to dust bowls. They've been so good I've already said my next purchase will be another pair of grisport.
(I've also a set of high Alpine boots somewhere).
op, if you want good quality boots that will genuinely last many, many I'd recommend Zamberlain walking boots and/or Le Chameau hunting/chasseur boots. There's a great company to buy from, Uttings www.uttings.co.uk . I've bought a good number of boots from this company and they provide an superb service. The Kings of outdoor bootwear in any UK condition are Le Chasseurnord https://www.uttings.co.uk/p100725-le-chameau-chass... and the 1006 Vioz GTX https://www.uttings.co.uk/p104053-zamberlan-1006-v... Both are a little more expensive than some other brands, but with good reason...you'll get years of trouble free service from them and be able to walk all day long in super comfort.
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff