Discussion
I have dug out my Meindl leather boots after a long hibernation to find a lateral split in the sole.
I could have them re-soled but they are very heavy and I feel that weight nowadays.
What’s the collective thoughts on leather vs other materials.
I used to walk in the Pyrenees where the robustness of a heavy leather boot was advantageous but man made materials have come on a long way.
What are your thoughts?
I could have them re-soled but they are very heavy and I feel that weight nowadays.
What’s the collective thoughts on leather vs other materials.
I used to walk in the Pyrenees where the robustness of a heavy leather boot was advantageous but man made materials have come on a long way.
What are your thoughts?
I've had a pair of the Merrell Moab 3 mid boot for a couple of years. It's excellent for moderate hiking and warm enough for temps up to minus 10. Fully waterproof so far, including being submerged up to mid tongue in streams while I compose photos.
When the trail gets tougher I do wish the sole was stiffer laterally. But not a big deal for occasional use. If I was on a multiday expedition it might be more of an issue.
When the trail gets tougher I do wish the sole was stiffer laterally. But not a big deal for occasional use. If I was on a multiday expedition it might be more of an issue.
Whoozit said:
I've had a pair of the Merrell Moab 3 mid boot for a couple of years. It's excellent for moderate hiking and warm enough for temps up to minus 10. Fully waterproof so far, including being submerged up to mid tongue in streams while I compose photos.
When the trail gets tougher I do wish the sole was stiffer laterally. But not a big deal for occasional use. If I was on a multiday expedition it might be more of an issue.
I like Merrells, but had problems with longevity with MOABs. Currently on forest bound WP, lightweight and comfortable, they suit my general dogwalking duties. I actually bought 4 pairs 2 x shoes 2 x boots when on offer. When the trail gets tougher I do wish the sole was stiffer laterally. But not a big deal for occasional use. If I was on a multiday expedition it might be more of an issue.
I've now worn out a pair of boots.
Heavy duty I still have leather Berghaus, but too clumber-some for day to day use.
I haven’t walked with leather boots for 20 years. I swear by Scarpas. I own two pairs with one of them having hiked all over the world for years without missing a beat, the other pair being newer and slightly less bulky but so far not used much. Never had anything more than a hotspot when paired with decent socks, never done an ankle. I love them. They’re not cheap but then decent outdoor kit never is.
LordHaveMurci said:
Leather boots in winter, fabric shoes in summer.
Leather is waterproof, very little else is. Many miles walked over hills, moors & occasionally mountains with lots of different people to base this on.
I would agree with this, leather boots in use until spring.Leather is waterproof, very little else is. Many miles walked over hills, moors & occasionally mountains with lots of different people to base this on.
Altberg boots, cannot fault them
ConnectionError said:
I would agree with this, leather boots in use until spring.
Altberg boots, cannot fault them
Another vote for Altbergs as they are one of the very few leather boots now that don't come with a goretex lining. I find any "waterproof" membrane in either fabric or leather is neither waterproof nor acceptably breathable.Altberg boots, cannot fault them
I have multiple leather and fabric boots for work (Lowa, Belville, Aku and Hiax), all good brands with proper Gore-Tex lining. All make my feet feel cold and damp when stationary, sweaty when moving, and when they "wet out" which they invariably will after a full hill day in the wet or walking in wet grass, THEY ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO DRY ready for the next day.
So for both work and hill walking I've gone back to non-membrane Altbergs. They feel warmer, less sweaty and when they wet out, they dry far quicker. I also had Desert Meindls which were really good for the same reasons.
My son has just done the PCT in non-membrane Akus and they were brilliant, dried overnight and he suffered minimal blisters because his feet breathed nicely without the "waterproof" lining.
smifffymoto said:
I have dug out my Meindl leather boots after a long hibernation to find a lateral split in the sole.
I could have them re-soled but they are very heavy and I feel that weight nowadays.
What’s the collective thoughts on leather vs other materials.
I used to walk in the Pyrenees where the robustness of a heavy leather boot was advantageous but man made materials have come on a long way.
What are your thoughts?
What are you going to use these boots for ?I could have them re-soled but they are very heavy and I feel that weight nowadays.
What’s the collective thoughts on leather vs other materials.
I used to walk in the Pyrenees where the robustness of a heavy leather boot was advantageous but man made materials have come on a long way.
What are your thoughts?
S100HP said:
I'm not sure I'd ever wear leather boots again after switching to trail running shoes. They just work.
Absolutely. Pair with waterproof socks when it's wet, add merino socks underneath when it's cold.Some people like waterproof shoes but I find as soon as water gets in over the top of them as it inevitably will, it stays in as it has nowhere to go. Whereas trail runners let water in/out so no squelching and the waterproof socks keep you dry, .
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