Just as a balance to the “they’re awesome” trend…
First pair I had were awesome, worn continuously for 2 years including 6 months bog trotting through the leather rotting peat of South Armagh. Sadly some cretin nicked them out of my comfy box on the return from that tour. The pair that replaced them were less than awesome – they just absolutely refused to break in so I ended up getting rid and going back to issue until a couple of years ago when I started using the AKU Pilgrims – fantastic straight from the box, perfect fit and useable for both work, in the field, and civvy walking; in camp it’s jungle boots or Meindls.
If you do decide on Altbergs, either go direct, to Richmond, or I’d highly recommend a visit to Si at Mountainfeet in Marsden.