Walking boots short list and avoid list?

Walking boots short list and avoid list?

Author
Discussion

steveatesh

Original Poster:

4,893 posts

163 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
quotequote all
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.

Mothersruin

8,573 posts

98 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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Go to a good boot shop and try on loads, buy the ones that fit best within your budget - ignore the brand, colour, look etc...

sparkythecat

7,898 posts

254 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
quotequote all
^^^
What he says.

boxedin

1,351 posts

125 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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Go to cotswolds outdoors, outside ( hathersage ) a decent outdoor shop etc.

Try on everything.



Mothersruin

8,573 posts

98 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
quotequote all
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.

pidsy

7,958 posts

156 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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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.

jpringle819

719 posts

238 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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Does anyone have any recommendations for boots/shoes UK size 13-14?

ApOrbital

9,941 posts

117 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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Wtf are you a clown?

Slagathore

5,808 posts

191 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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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.

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.

sparkythecat

7,898 posts

254 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
quotequote all
jpringle819 said:
Does anyone have any recommendations for boots/shoes UK size 13-14?
Altberg are UK boot manufacturers of repute and make boots up to size 15 and a half

Taita

7,592 posts

202 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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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 laugh

Not suited to really really cold weather though, and not great with gaiters / crampons.

Variety of colours too if that is your thing!

PositronicRay

26,957 posts

182 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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I replace my boots annually, current pair of merrell's due now. If I could only find the name of them I'd order another pair online.

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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2nd vote for altberg.

Had a pair of all weather hogs for 20 odd years. Still waterproof

Don Roque

17,990 posts

158 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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I really like Meindl boots and Bridgedale socks, but fit and performance is very personal. You really need to try things out in person to see what you like. Meindl and Scarpa are my favourites, I find Berghaus to be pretty crap.

Piha

7,150 posts

91 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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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.

S100HP

12,645 posts

166 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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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.

popeyewhite

19,622 posts

119 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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Scarpa are very comfortable and hard wearing.

keirik said:
2nd vote for altberg.

Had a pair of all weather hogs for 20 odd years. Still waterproof
Altberg cost 10x more than most boots, so they should last 20 years. If you can get them second hand though... .

Mothersruin

8,573 posts

98 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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My current crop of footwear that I'd wear in the hills - I maybe have quite a few hehe (I've also a set of high Alpine boots somewhere).


Henners

12,230 posts

193 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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I have some Berghaus, very nice and comfy.

Wife has some Asolos which she loves, expensive tho.

v8250

2,724 posts

210 months

Sunday 17th February 2019
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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.