Lightweight/summer hill walking boots - recommendations?

[Newbear]

I usually wear Altberg Tethera boots for hill walking in the UK. Superb boots for hiking - three seasons (four if you don't need crampons) but chunky and not what you might want as everyday footwear.

But I am visiting Southern Crete for a holiday (involving the beach but also some walking) in early May. I am thinking of a pair of summer/lightweight walking boots to travel out there, and use as my main footwear when there and also to travel out. All this to save on weight - wear the boots for everything and only have flipflops* in the rucksack.

Any recommendations for lightweight boots - or would a pair of walking shoes be more versatile?

* a style of casual foot wear named after their creator, the French shoe designer Phillipe Fillop.

[catch21]

We did a walking holiday in Majorca and I had the same problem. I always wear walking shoes in warmer weather - can't see the need for boots at all.

I have an older, leather Patagonia pair if it's likely to be muddy, and a pair of fabric Merrells (Moab ventilator) if it isn't. Don't worry too much about rain.

Sometimes you need protection from long grass and ticks, and shoes aren't much good in the snow as you get too much inside, but apart from that shoes are very often preferable to boots, in my opinion that is.

[Slamdoor]

Find a branch of Cotswoldoutdoor, take their advice and try on a variety - the only way.

[Neil.Ldn]

https://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_P...t-Trail-Boots/

I'd been eyeing a pair of these for ages. Finally bought a pair for a recent trip to New Zealand. They're great - cheap enough, solid, very comfy from the off - I find myself wearing them all the time now. The only thing you do need to do is replace the flimsy insoles with something better.

N

[raptor]

Use trainers not boots in Greece

[catch21]

I got some Rogues to try (RB5 not RB2). Jury's still out to be honest. Not over convinced.

[Xantiagib]

There are ankle boot versions of these but I wear these trainers and they are so comfy and very breathable:

salomon xa pro 3d ultra 2 (the ultra 2 is the lighter version of the standard xa pro 3d) thought he latter is available in more colours

[Davidww]

I've have a pair of Scarpa Vortex walking shoes. I rate them much higher than the Salomons and Merrels I've had previously. The recent Salomons seem to have a lethally slippy grip. the Merrels just weren't a very good fit on me.

But, back in 2014 I took myself for a little walk in the hills in Dumfries and Galloway wearing the Scarpa shoes. Walking back down through waist high heather I managed to step on an unseen rock and really badly sprain my ankle. It made a bloody awful noise. Still not fully fixed now. Luckily I was able to get myself down off the hill. I can't guarantee that wearing boots would have made much difference but I certainly will be opting for more ankle support when I venture out. Definitely if I'm heading out alone.

I picked up some nice lightweight Scarpa Cyclone boots for go outdoors in their sale which so far seem very good.

David

[Xantiagib]

Salomons can slip a bit on wet smooth rocks - they are trail shoes not climbing shoes - nothing beats natural rubber for grip

[PickleB]

Find a branch of Cotswoldoutdoor, take their advice and try on a variety - the only way.

^^^^^^
This (Meindl and Lowa would be my choice)...then off to the net for a bargain. Mind you, Cotswold are convenient and pretty good.

Edit: Smooth leather, nubuck, suede or fabric…I’d use Nikwax for their care and maintenance, but the OP probably has his own choice.

[Mr Stoat]

For maximum ventilation but in boot form I'd be looking at something with the latest Gore Tex Surround technology - try Mammut (expensive, but all of their gear is superb) - as that lets your foot breath from beneath and vent through the sides whilst still being waterproof in case of grass dew, downpours, or walking through streams etc.

Failing that I've always been impressed with Scarpa, though make sure you pick one for warmer climes as they do run hot.

For a left field choice look at Keen, they're rightly known for their excellent sandals but the range of boots and shoes are very good too (though they suit a wider foot).

[ah5168]

I would suggest these http://www.berghaus.com/mens-supalit...tx/421604.html

Very light weight, durable and waterproof. Very comfortable out of the box. I am on my second pair the first pair lasted about 10 years until the soles wore out. Uppers are still fine and waterproof though. The thin lightweight construction means they aren't bulky like other walking boots. You can find them for about £110 on line.

[soundood]

/end thread

[Maysie]

I too would go for 'shoes' rather than 'boots' if teh weather is going to be warm/hot.

Salomons are SUPER-comfy, they are like wearing your slippers while walking. But as others have said already, they are slippery on rocks and their Goretex versions fail regularly. I had 4 pairs of their Cosmic 4D GTX boots all fail after after around 2 months of very light use. Same for 2 pairs of the shoe version that I tried afterwards. Their after-sales attitude leaves rather a lot to be desired too, which was the most frustrating thing and the reason I would NEVER buy their gear again. If you dont mind getting wet feet, then they could be considered still?

Scarpa Vortex XCR on the other hand are slightly less comfortable for a days walking, (dreadful insoles) but far more robust and their customer service is fantastic. They sent me a brand new pair of shoes when a lace snapped after 2 years use! For me I cant find any better.

Try them on though to see what suits you.

[PickleB]

/end thread

...image...

How tiresome...

[jmitch]

Inov-8 roclites.

Inov-8 Roclite 286 GTX if you want a boot and waterproofing, or mudclaw shoes if not.

If they are good enough for Chris Townsend. . . . . .

[dandanthewatchman]

really happy with Meindl

if you in the north try http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/

or Fishers in Keswick http://www.georgefisher.co.uk/
or F W Tyson in Ambleside http://www.fwtyson.co.uk/

these are really specialist shops with great fitters

am sure there are similar in your area, but they need seeking out.

[catch21]

TBH we had two days of significant rain in Mallorca and no worries with the ventilators at all. I can't see the need for goretex in a hot climate, rain or not. My feet never got cold or uncomfortable (but certainly got wet) and the shoes were always bone dry by the following morning for the next day's walking.

[bloater]

My feet like Scarpa and Mammut, others might not.

I've seen a lot of Salomons falling apart recently, the build quality doesn't appear to be what it used to, and they are from across there range. Between SAR and Scouts I spend a lot of time in boots and around others in boots.

[SimonPerry]

Brasher are very light but the fit isn't right for me. I think the best advise is to get to some of the shops with a good choice and then a quick research into the make or makes that fit your foot to see how others rate them.

Good luck.......

[jez]

Keen targhee ii mid , have been my first choice for sometime . Comfortable, light weight , and a good degree of protection .

[Devonian]

Skechers?



I'll get me coat

[Newbear]

Many thanks for the many helpful suggestions, all of which I will follow up.

I am still somewhat inclined to the light boot option, for the ankle protection reason mentioned by Davidww.

I'm impressed by the experiences people (here and on review sites) have with Scarpa.

Thanks too for the specialist fitter recommendations, although they are all a bit far away and I tend to use these excellent guys as they are handy for me:

http://www.mountainfeet.co.uk/

Cheers and good walking to everyone...