Walking boots short list and avoid list?

[Stereolab]

It can be worth keeping an eye on Gumtree etc.

I got these Salewa Crows in exactly my size from a gentleman in Derbyshire.

He’d worn them once indoors and decided they were too stiff.

Delivered by recorded mail to me at just over half price - only problem is now I don’t want to get them dirty.

[OMITN]

ConnectionError said:

Alt berg shop stocks different makes

Hence the suggestion

The best boots are the ones that fit your feet

Ah. That’s interesting.

I completely agree - all I want is some footwear that fits! (Same with office shoes - the suffering I go through when they break me in isn’t pleasant. Sadly John Lobb out of my budget.)

[s2kjock]

Selected other outdoor stores do stock some Altberg, but quite limited range IME and if you have more unusual shaped feet (as I do), a visit to Richmond would be your best bet.

There is a huge range on the Altberg website. You do need to book a fitting appointment though, and they will be busy so you might have to wait a while.

I visited for some motorcycle boots about 15 years ago, and they were brilliant - as soon as I have time and restrictions make it easier I need to head down there for a weekend and get some properly fitted walking boots.

[Tony Angelino]

This thread seems to crop up most years so I might as well ask here, I am in the market for a pair that will be suitable for keeping my feet dry on a few 3-5 mile walks a week (usually on the canal towpath) and the odd 15+ miler in the dales but preferably don't make me look like I need my hard drive checking or that I am on special ops.

The pairs that both Paddy and Freddie wear on Top Gear look a decent place to start if budget allows, possibly Aku?

[The Mad Monk]

Tony Angelino said:

The pairs that both Paddy and Freddie wear on Top Gear look a decent place to start if budget allows, possibly Aku?

I know it's ridiculous, but you don't think they could possibly be paid/get some other incentive to wear them, do you?

That would never happen, surely?

[PositronicRay]

I'm currently on Merrill forestbound. Waterproof, comfortable from the box and seem to last well.

[ChocolateFrog]

For walking on a tow path I'd be looking at trainers.

Currently like my Solomon's but I can wear a pair out in a year.

[ConnectionError]

<y usual reply to these questions is that the best are the ones that fit you, however



Merrell Moab are a great shoe for day to day light use.

Solomon are okay. I cannot wear them as they are too narrow for my feet.

Or a pair of trainers as suggested by others

[Phil.]

Try Hoka, very comfortable.

[Tony Angelino]

The Mad Monk said:

Tony Angelino said:

The pairs that both Paddy and Freddie wear on Top Gear look a decent place to start if budget allows, possibly Aku?

I know it's ridiculous, but you don't think they could possibly be paid/get some other incentive to wear them, do you?

That would never happen, surely?

Obviously.

I meant they 'look' decent - literally.

[The Road Crew]

Big fan of Aku boots. I have a few pairs. Very supportive and fit my feet nicely.
All down to the individual though...

[Tony Angelino]

ChocolateFrog said:

For walking on a tow path I'd be looking at trainers.

Currently like my Solomon's but I can wear a pair out in a year.

I have previously had goretex waterproof trainers and like you I wear them out quickly. In the last few years I've had the following and whilst they are comfortable they don't last a year:

Adidas Terrex (x2)
Asics Fuji Gel (x2)
Under Armour Bandit

I was thinking boots might be better value.

[sparkythecat]

The Road Crew said:

Big fan of Aku boots. I have a few pairs. Very supportive and fit my feet nicely.
All down to the individual though...

Having previously tried Altberg and Meindl boots, I’ve been in Salomons for the past few years. The latest Quest4s are just not quite as comfy for me as their previous generations were so I’ve been looking for something different.
The reviews of the Aku Alterras read very well, so thanks to your suggestion I’ve just ordered a pair to try.

[telford_mike]

After years of buying Salomons, I tried (and bought) a pair of On Running Cloudrock shoes today. If you’re looking for comfort they can’t be beaten. It’s like wearing a pair of running shoes.

[Peanut Gallery]

Just to say I have a pair of Keen shoes - not the big hiking boots, the sort of size of office shoes, really comfy, and are holding up really well. (for their price they had better hold up a lot more, but I am very hard on shoes)

They did need a different insert, highly recommend Cotswolds Outdoor who knew what inserts did what etc. I think I said approach shoes or something.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

I've tried AKU Pilgrims. Not robust at all.

[sparkythecat]

Hugo Stiglitz said:

I've tried AKU Pilgrims. Not robust at all.

The MOD seem to like them. They’re current issue combat boots.

[ecsrobin]

sparkythecat said:

The MOD seem to like them. They’re current issue combat boots.

As discussed previously troops now get a choice of boots the between AKU, Iturri, HAIX and Altberg (supplied by Iturri).

The contract is up for tender soon though.

[Muppet007]

Just picked up some HanWag Tatra GTX from the Keswick Boot Company.

Excellent so far, done a few 6-10 miles walks and very comfortable.

[S2r]

I wear boots to walk the dog, 4-5 miles every day on a mixture of footpaths and trails plus the occasional stomp across some dunes at a fairly fast pace (that's 1500 miles/year!)

Normally they'll get sprayed when new and rinsed off if they're covered in mud but apart from that, nothing. I tend to go for fabric boots as my experinces with leather ones are not great, one pair that the shop said were awesome had a ridge at the back that rubbed my achillies so badly that I could barely walk after a week.

Anyway, I'm on my third pair of Salomon 4D GTX, comfy straight from the off, quite high for a normal boot, last about 7 months and my favourite boot at the moment. I'm considering getting an old pair resoled as the standard soles seem quite soft..

I also have a pair of Lowa Zephyr and they're even taller, only worn them a few times and might take a bit of getting used to. A pair of Lowa Renegades lasted about 6 months before they leaked like a sieve and got sent back.

In the past I've had a pair of Clarkes that were pretty good for their price but they don't seem to do them anymore, some Berghaus ones that lasted well over 12 months, a pair of new Karrimore boots that were given to me had such a soft sole they got sent to the charity shop after a couple of walks and a pair of Regatta walking shoes that lasted a whole 2 weeks before falling apart.

So as I get through boots, I'm always looking for recommendations especially if they'll do the mileage !