Walking Boots
 

Any advise on buying a set of boots to use in all but the wettest of weather?

Cheers

Re: Walking Boots
 

I've got a set of Berghaus Explorer II GTXs that I've had years. They're mainly textile based but with suede bits too, Gore-Tex membrane.

They're still waterproof and very comfortable for all day use, and they weren't ridiculously expensive, I only paid £90 for them back in about 2002 or something.

Re: Walking Boots
 

Nice one thanks!

There are so many different makes that must be particular to boots

Re: Walking Boots
 

agreed, got mine pair in 2001 for £110, and still going strong... They seen action in Bosina, Kosovo, Canada, Germany, and a few times in England and Scotland....
next week hill walking in Cornwall..... (I know, I know ! maybe coastal walks, in and around Newquay pubs hopefully.)

Re: Walking Boots
 

Get these or similar :D fantastic boots. I had the womens ones and lasted me years of walking through mud and crappy weather during my geology degree.

Re: Walking Boots
 

I've got some Altberg boots. I needed a narrow fitting and they made them for me with a "hard surface" sole since I don't do much off-track walking. After breaking in they are excellent, totally comfortable with no hard spots anywhere. My feet are the last things to say "enough" !

I think there are a lot of great boots around, most of the well known makes, Meindl, Lowe, etc. are going to be decent. The most important thing is to get something which is the right shape for your feet, and skilled advice at the fitting stage is invaluable. A bit like helmets really................

Re: Walking Boots
 

The Berghaus boots were a keen choice when i went to buy a new pair however I ended up buying a pair of Salomon Alp 6 boots. Theyre excellent for hill walking, and i havent found them too warm when just forest trailing in summer. All depends on how often you use them and what you want them for really.
If its just a few forest trails, rather than rugged stuff, you maybe want a lightweight boot with a flexi sole, however if you're looking to hit the trail and get on the rough stuff, then a stiffer sole, possibly leather uppers would suit you better. Loads of choices anyway

Re: Walking Boots
 

I find thick, one piece, full grain leather boots, with a GoreTex liner to be the best. I am not that picky about who makes them, you can tell a decent boot by looking at them.
They are generally not cheap, but I have only gone through three pairs of decent ones.
And they took a phenomenal amount of beating.
The full grain leather can just take sharp scree, and rocks better than anything more or less.

They are getting harder and harder to find though...

Re: Walking Boots
 

Wellington Boots? :rolleyes:

Re: Walking Boots
 

Whatever you do, best way to break them in, is get them very wet and walk around in them. then let to dry, then do it again. Once done, then smother in dubbin and put in a plastic bag in a warm place for a couple of days, then repeat. I have found this the best way for me to break in boots.

Cant recomned any as i havent bought any for a long while.