Thanks everyone for advise.
Going to try some on tomorrow at the only specialist in town.
Thanks everyone for advise.
Going to try some on tomorrow at the only specialist in town.
Recently got some Merrell Moab 2.0 GTX Mid Boots from Sport Pursuit for a great price
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog...iew/id/2111592
I'm a big Merrell fan and have had a couple of pairs of their hiking style trainers for many years & they are still going strong, so I'm hopeful the MOABs will last me a good while. They've done the job so far on wet / muddy dog walks over the commons near us.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Do you rate Altberg over Zamberlan?
I like my Meindl and they are lasting well after nearly three years of abuse. I do regularly clean them and apply dubbin.
The leather is very thick and sturdy.
I would definitely consider trying Altberg or Zamberlan next as well as Scarpa.
I like the idea that I can get fitted at Altberg factory shop which is only about an hour or so from me. My Meindl could do with a touch more width around the toe box for me.
I've got zamberlan but it doesn't really matter.
The best pair of boots are the ones you are happy with. Try them on with proper socks, remember they will stretch a bit and you'll be wearing them for hours on end.
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not sure where in the country you are, but came across these guys on the internet 'WHALLEY WARM & DRY' in Whalley Lancashire. Their boot fitting service sounds impressive https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/
I don't think the brand has been mentioned, but I have a pair of Crispi leather boots with Vibram soles and have been very pleased with them. I would also totally recommend the Vibram soles.
I think they are very close. The Zamberlans I had were very good (can't remember which model) although it was a case of getting the best available in the shop size wise.
The clincher when I was after some new ones was probably the fitting service that is offered by Altberg; it really gets the right boot for your foot.
We do a lot of walking, mainly fells in the Lakesplus we have a mad Working Cocker, so the boots are always in use.
Also, as someone else said, don't underestimate the importance of a good pair of socks.
Hi
Can only recommend Altbergs as others have said - well worth making the effort to have them fitted for your feet/ankles - anything else is likely a compromise. You also have a choice of soles, flexibility and leather options.
Mine are at least 8yrs old and still supple as anything, using their Ledergris cream.
L-K
As others have said take the time to get ones that fit properly.
I used Scarpa for years but suffered hot spots after 8-10 miles on every pair.
Then moved to the newer Berghaus version of the Brasher and destroyed them in around a year.
Just clocked up 3 years on a pair of Lowa, and will be ordering a replacement pair soon, for me they fit well, I did 10+ miles the first day I had them with no issues, and once on are so comfortable, Lowa also offer a 30 day money back trial.
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I took a bit of a chance on these. Glad I did. Fit true to size and very comfortable.
Regards
V
https://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/s...le-359927.html
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I think Altberg might be my best bet as I can get fitted.
I think I may have heard that the Italian brands have less space in the toe box in general which wouldn't suit me at all unfortunately.
I agree on the socks thing, I have a variety of thickness from Smartwool, Darn Tough and HJ Hall Protrek. Makes a big difference to comfort.
I'm yet to try upgraded insoles like Smartwool but have heard good things.
I recently purchased a pair of Karrimor Bodmin low 4's , can't fault them for the money .
https://www.mandmdirect.com/01/detai...Grey-Cool-Grey
Visited the local independent Outdoor shop today.
And the two that I liked the shape, style and quality were the Scarpa GTX Ranger and the Meindi Peru, though just seen the Bhutan online.
Both pair of boots are priced outside the guide that I had set, though could possibly get them cheaper on line.
Both makes fitted me just right, but I slightly preferred the styling on the toe end of the Meindi. Which was more rounder, compared to the Scarpa which was more straight across.
I bought some Meindl Borneos a while ago and they're the most comfy boots I've ever had.
F.T.F.A.
This summer I tried the Aldberg upgrade insoles they make a great product even better.
Buy the microlight soles if an option.
https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/svar...-lite-footbed1
**Update**
After much deliberation and taking the Boss to view those in the running.
We purchased a pair of Meindl Peru GTX boots.
They were very comfortable and a good fit.
As they are to be my Christmas present, I have now got to wait, before wearing them.
I would like to thank those of you, who provided me with much information and advise.
As i posted earlier I am a big fan of Meindl. Treat them with the correct waxes and they will get more and more supple and will last years.
I can dig out the Whaley Warm and Dry instructions if you like
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Why’s that? I’m thinking about buying Altberg. Don’t all of their hiking boots come with Sympatex waterproof lining?
Finally ditching my Meindls, have persevered and have finally concluded that the right sole hasn’t been put on true. Wish I’d figured this sooner.
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I hate boots and shoes with waterproof membranes. Your feet just end up sweating excessively. If you take good care of your leather the chances of water seeping in are low. The problem is finding footwear without waterproof membranes.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
I have just bought these https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/1589820...shoes-15898203
I have yet to try them out but felt comfortable straight away when trying them in the shop.
My Meindl are leather lined, I looked into this before I bought them and many people recommended over waterproof lined boots.
I have found the lining very comfortable and it tends to keep my feet a good temperature.
I have briefly walked through ankle deep water in them several times and never had wet feet. They have got damp inside on a couple of occasions and that was extended wear when walking through soaking wet grass for hours. It eventually seeps in.
I did notice that all Altberg boots and a good majority of others have some form of waterproof membrane. I thought an alternative pair with a membrane might be an idea for the wettest of conditions.
The Gore Tex on my previous Merrells failed relatively early and they let water in quite easily afterwards. This may have been poor maintenance on my part.
My experience and that of many others is that waterproof membranes simply fail well before the boots/shoes are at end of life. Goretex do have a guarantee which is apparently rather good but really why do you want to buy something that's barely fit for purpose and go through the hassle of a return and replacement process.
Altbergs can be bought without the Sympatex, but iirc you need to special order direct, and it takes quite a while.
That’s good to know about Altberg.
I think if my Meindl had a membrane it would have failed by now. The leather lining is in great shape as is the upper leather. There’s the odd nick and scuffs but nothing significant. I have definitely not gone easy on them either, it must be tough leather. I regularly clean them when I get them filthy, brush them down after most wears and less frequently apply a thin coat of dubbin.
I think the insoles are a bit past their best but they are a replaceable item.
This list is from another forum, it's short and from earlier this year so can't be sure of accuracy but may prove of some use to you. Leather boots without membrane:
Meindl Borneo 2 MFS
Meindl Bernina 2 (wider fitting Comfort Range)
Hanwag Tatra II
Hanwag Tatra II Bunion
Hanwag Alta Bunion
Hanwag Yukon
Hanwag Yukon Wide
Hanwag Nazcat
Hanwag Lhasa II
Hanwag Lhasa II Wide
Lowa Trekker
Scarpa Delta Leather (end of line with very few still remaining in odd sizes around the country)
Scarpa SL Active (3-4 season crampon compatible)
Altberg Defender military boot (low level walking only)
Even when the membrane doesn’t fail, walking shoes are usually just above the ankle and if things are wet it is not unusual either to walk in water deeper than the top of the shoes, or even to have water running down your legs (high grass, rain...) and the water ends inside the shoe.
I heard that getting your membrane-lined shoes dry took time. Lots of it.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
I bought a pair of Brasher Country Walker boots for £75 nearly 2 years ago (https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...hlight=brasher).
Still comfy, warm, dry, and I'm sure will last many more years yet
For Hanwag do you go with the leather lined or goretex? Didn't want to ruin a pair of red wings or timberlands yesterday in the forest and ruined a pair of trainers instead. A nice 90 minutes in wet feet and socks I've had enough! Do you size up in them? I'm looking at the Tatra II wide
^^True to size, I prefer non goretex, but very rarely get them Very wet, good boots!
Have some non goretex Meindl Burma MFS from years ago that are lovely old things too. Also true to size in my experience. As I stated earlier I’ve found Scarpa (and AKU) to be a narrower fit, both also very good kit.
On the back of this thread I’ve just bought some Scarpa Men's Terra II GTX from the Millet’s sale (+ 8% Quidco cash back). If they don’t fit I’ll put them on SC for the pre-discounted price!
(Edit: at size 11.5 I doubt they’d find a buyer!)
Thanks, I ordered when half asleep and messed up. Too distracted by the Cotswold Outdoor code and got the regular width gore tex ones. I went half a size up but I think a full size might be what I need. I've now ordered the wide fit from a different place in leather lined and hopefully they fit, if not I'll cave in and spend the extra £50 for "bunion fit" from Hanwag direct. Although the pair that came don't fit they do look like seriously good boots and will last for years - a top recommendation.
The Columbia SH/FT™ ("shift", I guess) OutDry™ Sneaker Boot is excellent. I did about a dozen miles of hiking on wet leaves and moss-covered rocks in southern Vermont a few weeks ago. I didn't slip, and arrived home with warm, dry feet. They're extremely light, too. The downside is the styling isn't for everyone.
Also purchased some boots from millets. Went for the Brashers Country traveller. Slightly smarter looking and apparently waterproof. We shall see!
Hanwag wide fit isn't too wide. One reviewer labels regular as narrow, wide as regular, and bunion fit as true wide, but not sure I want to order the "bunion fit" version of any boot. Not without bunions anyway.
Going to call altberg and have a chat. They have a wide and an extra wide of some. Quite annoying that they list the fit options as XN, N, M, W, XW but don't say what's ok for an E/F/G fit and so on.
Anyone own this and have any thoughts?
https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/tethera-men
Tempting to just get another pair of Timberland boots and wreck them. Seems easier.
I have a pair of Tethera's. Bought at the start of the year, struggle to find fault with them tbh. The uppers look virtually as new, soles have a good bit of wear and will need replacing in the next few months but will have over 2k miles on them by then. I understand your thoughts re Timberlands, I've found footwear difficult over the last few years (started walking a lot) The Tetheras were the first decent boots I've bought and the fitting process which included different manufacturers and sizes/widths was >2 hours. Got frustrating and bit annoying but I'll do it again when the time comes though not at the same location. As earlier in the thread, Whalley Warm and Dry have a stellar reputation, if you're anywhere near I'd take the trouble.
Currently on altberg gamekeeper if i recall the name correctly
They do need some breaking in but hold my feet firm on uneven dry surface
Last edited by raptor; 24th December 2020 at 10:41.
I wish I’d seen this thread earlier. I’ve just purchased two pairs of waterproof boots from Trespass. Now admittedly, it’s been lamping down with rain for the last three days when I’ve been out working but two out of three of those days my feet were soaking.
I’m really disappointed in them.
It's difficult to get hold of at present but anyone with leaking boots should give Scarpa HS12 cream a try. It's a silicon based product which is the best I've found for repelling water, great product.