Hiking Boots / Sturdy Trainers
Discussion
Hello,
I need to get a pair of decent outdoor shoes that is warm and waterproof and that don't look too outlandish.
I'm not after a full on dedicated walking boot, but something that is quite supportive, with stiff toes (dropped a Duratec bathtub on my toe last season) and waterproof.
Any ideas of brands to look for? Or shops to avoid?
I need to get a pair of decent outdoor shoes that is warm and waterproof and that don't look too outlandish.
I'm not after a full on dedicated walking boot, but something that is quite supportive, with stiff toes (dropped a Duratec bathtub on my toe last season) and waterproof.
Any ideas of brands to look for? Or shops to avoid?
Taita said:
Hello,
I need to get a pair of decent outdoor shoes that is warm and waterproof and that don't look too outlandish.
I'm not after a full on dedicated walking boot, but something that is quite supportive, with stiff toes (dropped a Duratec bathtub on my toe last season) and waterproof.
Any ideas of brands to look for? Or shops to avoid?
these are good, from RohanI need to get a pair of decent outdoor shoes that is warm and waterproof and that don't look too outlandish.
I'm not after a full on dedicated walking boot, but something that is quite supportive, with stiff toes (dropped a Duratec bathtub on my toe last season) and waterproof.
Any ideas of brands to look for? Or shops to avoid?
http://www.rohan.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=050...
very comfy, great support and not too outlandish
I've got a pair similar to this
For sale here
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id...
Soft shell upper so nice and light. You'll only get proper toe protection with steelies though.
I would recommend looking in your local North Face shop (if there's one in your town) they always have decent footwear range.
For sale here
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id...
Soft shell upper so nice and light. You'll only get proper toe protection with steelies though.
I would recommend looking in your local North Face shop (if there's one in your town) they always have decent footwear range.
Edited by dave_s13 on Monday 22 December 21:10
since breaking my right foot in the summer i have been wearing Merrell Chameleon hiking boots for everyday use
these ones
http://www.merrell.co.uk/en-GB/Shop/Product.aspx?A...
these ones
http://www.merrell.co.uk/en-GB/Shop/Product.aspx?A...
Edited by y2blade on Monday 22 December 21:25
Meindl or Merrell are worth a look for decent build quality and a bit more foot protection in general but academic really...
Best plan is go to a half decent outdoor shop and buy what feels best. No point recommending a make/model on comfort as you have different feet to everyone else.
Best plan is go to a half decent outdoor shop and buy what feels best. No point recommending a make/model on comfort as you have different feet to everyone else.
Plus, most trail running-type shoes will do for hillwalking in the Spring and Summer in the UK hills, and still look reasonable down the pub. Why people splash out on stupidly huge and expensive boots is beyond me - the ankle can do a decent job of supporting itself. Quite a lot of people hillwalk in sandals, as the only bit that needs protection is the sole.
If you're going for Merrels, a word of warning - they are quite narrow. I'd recommend Salomons - the soles on both pairs that I've had have lasted ages while still being grippy, and they both had extra rubber protection over the toes. Not as good as steelies, but they will lessen the blow of heavy objects.
If you're going for Merrels, a word of warning - they are quite narrow. I'd recommend Salomons - the soles on both pairs that I've had have lasted ages while still being grippy, and they both had extra rubber protection over the toes. Not as good as steelies, but they will lessen the blow of heavy objects.
byhff said:
Meindl or Merrell are worth a look for decent build quality and a bit more foot protection in general but academic really...
Best plan is go to a half decent outdoor shop and buy what feels best. No point recommending a make/model on comfort as you have different feet to everyone else.
Meindl yes, Merrell less-so. Second para agree wholeheartedly - different brands are cut/shaped very differently - you'll really need to try different brands on, see how they feel...esp. if you plan to go walking in them.Best plan is go to a half decent outdoor shop and buy what feels best. No point recommending a make/model on comfort as you have different feet to everyone else.
Ultimately, you'll get what you pay for.
If you're after work-boots / toe protection, get some work-boots.
If you're after outdoor trainers / walking boots with decent ankle support, waterproofing, and a grippy sole, go to an outdoors shop. If you've no plans to go cross-country or up hills, then a proper walking boot is a waste of money and I'd get an ex Para-boot and some good socks!
Also important is whether you need water-resistance, water-proof, or soak-em-without-a-care boots. Fabric uppers are more comfy and breathe better, but without GoreTex they'll be no good if you accidentally step in a puddle.
I'd suggest the following brands (no particular order)
Meindl
North Face
Berghaus
Brasher
Scarpa
Salomon
And for less-heavy-duty apps, try:-
Merrell
...and if Mountain Equipment have started doing boots, look at them - their other stuff is first rate.
(HiTec possibly too, surprisingly...)
PS - whoever recommended those Rohans should be shot!!!
PPS - got myself some excellent North Face leather/fabric/goretex last year in the sales, but spent thick-end of £100 on them. The 3-season leather Brashers aren't quite as comfy but feel like they'll survive WW3, but only come out for properly wet and mountainous stuff now.
PPPS - Blacks usually have a very wide range and a fun little slopey-thing you can try them out on.
Edited by havoc on Monday 22 December 22:36
Not sure why you don't rate Merrell, out of all the brands you've listed below they have the lowest (quality issue) returns rate by a good bit in the outdoor industry and models like Chameleon Wrap XCR (http://www.merrell.co.uk/en-GB/Shop/Product.aspx?SID=30015&AltNavID=MAF-G-MLT) are excellent trail shoes with solid vibram sole units which will outperform any Brasher/Berghaus/TNF shoe by a long way. The more mainstream stuff you can buy in Schu etc are not as good in support terms but they are more fashion orientated.
Agree on Hi-Tec though, some excellent fit/quality coming from this brand just now at very affordable price point.
RE 'Ankle Support' - as mentioned above the ankle does fine on it's own - the only way to help it out is to get a sole unit with good torsional stiffness (twist) which stops the foot twisting on uneven ground. The supposed 'ankle support' a high boot gives you won't really do anything until you get up to serious plastic boots and some higher end leather/man made substitute climbing boots.
Do you really think a bit of material or thin nubuck leather common on most £60-£100 boots will make a difference if you stumble/step akwardly on a rock etc? The forces involved are much too great.
Agree on Hi-Tec though, some excellent fit/quality coming from this brand just now at very affordable price point.
RE 'Ankle Support' - as mentioned above the ankle does fine on it's own - the only way to help it out is to get a sole unit with good torsional stiffness (twist) which stops the foot twisting on uneven ground. The supposed 'ankle support' a high boot gives you won't really do anything until you get up to serious plastic boots and some higher end leather/man made substitute climbing boots.
Do you really think a bit of material or thin nubuck leather common on most £60-£100 boots will make a difference if you stumble/step akwardly on a rock etc? The forces involved are much too great.
Edited by byhff on Monday 22 December 23:15
Taffer said:
Plus, most trail running-type shoes will do for hillwalking in the Spring and Summer in the UK hills, and still look reasonable down the pub. Why people splash out on stupidly huge and expensive boots is beyond me - the ankle can do a decent job of supporting itself. Quite a lot of people hillwalk in sandals, as the only bit that needs protection is the sole.
If you're going for Merrels, a word of warning - they are quite narrow. I'd recommend Salomons - the soles on both pairs that I've had have lasted ages while still being grippy, and they both had extra rubber protection over the toes. Not as good as steelies, but they will lessen the blow of heavy objects.
What he said If you're going for Merrels, a word of warning - they are quite narrow. I'd recommend Salomons - the soles on both pairs that I've had have lasted ages while still being grippy, and they both had extra rubber protection over the toes. Not as good as steelies, but they will lessen the blow of heavy objects.
y2blade said:
since breaking my right foot in the summer i have been wearing Merrell Chameleon hiking boots for everyday use
these ones
http://www.merrell.co.uk/en-GB/Shop/Product.aspx?A...
I've been through a few Merrell in the last year or two, very very comphy but absolulty shocking wear rate etcthese ones
http://www.merrell.co.uk/en-GB/Shop/Product.aspx?A...
Just as an aside, Merrell, Brasher (was surprised to see them to be honest), Salomen, HiTec and a few others can be found in TKMaxx for substantial discounts. I'm assuming they're last years stock.
Best pair of boots I've ever had were Rockports. Have lasted 10 years and still going fine, although not put through hiking or anything like that.
Best pair of boots I've ever had were Rockports. Have lasted 10 years and still going fine, although not put through hiking or anything like that.
DrTre said:
Just as an aside, Merrell, Brasher (was surprised to see them to be honest), Salomen, HiTec and a few others can be found in TKMaxx for substantial discounts. I'm assuming they're last years stock.
Best pair of boots I've ever had were Rockports. Have lasted 10 years and still going fine, although not put through hiking or anything like that.
Yep TKMaxx is ace for stuff like that, if you can stand the charvers that go in there you can get excellent stuff in general IMO.Best pair of boots I've ever had were Rockports. Have lasted 10 years and still going fine, although not put through hiking or anything like that.
Edited by camgear on Tuesday 23 December 08:34
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