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  • Karrimor waterproof footwear confusion
  • mattyfez
    Full Member

    Hi all,

    I’m looking to get one of the below two boots, they both look basically the same but one is ‘waterproof’ and the slightly more expensinve one is ‘weathertite’.

    Presumably the weatherite is better (more expensive, right?) but im struggling to fuigure out the differnce, anyone know? all I can find is this:

    “weathertite is a Karrimor’s specified waterproof and breathable fabric.
    First introduced in 1948 and undergoes continual improvement in line with technological advancements to provide durable waterproofness and breathability.

    weathertite is a laminate used in a bootie construction and
    offers an excellent overall performance.”

    The boots are these:
    Waterproof
    weathertite

    Can anyone shed any light?

    Cheers

    ffej
    Free Member

    I’d guess it’s the same boot and the only difference is the label.. Since 2004 or so Karrimor is just a brand of Sports Direct stuck onto anything and everything.
    The RRP will be a complete work of fiction and not a guide for quality of product.

    It’s a shame.. Karrimor used to make great stuff.

    J

    brassneck
    Full Member

    What he said – I’d steer clear. Had some off road running shoes from them, mainly for the Boa style closure (120 to 60 pounds so a bargain ofc) – the soles delaminated on the 2nd run, and the boa snapped on the third. Took them back and got some Adidas Kanadia.

    mountainman
    Full Member

    Agreeing with that Karrimor is no longer a sign of quality product.

    I have tried various boots and talking to local specialist walking shop ,opted for a decent leather boot ad applying the right dressing is the only way to go.

    rocketman
    Free Member

    As above Karrimor is now simply a label

    Have got two real Karrimor rucksacks both over 30 years old and although the older one is looking a bit worn the other one is still in great shape

    MoreCashThanDash
    Full Member

    Ignore them. The whole family wear Karrimor walking boots, trainers and approach shoes, have done for years. Quality is great for what you pay.

    You can pay more for possibly better quality and longevity if you want.

    But no, I don’t know the difference between the different waterproof markings. They all work to an acceptable standard for what you pay

    kcal
    Full Member

    Happy owner of an Alpiniste rucksack and a battered pair of KSBs.

    Sadly name tag =/= Karrimor of old. I’d look elsewhere TBH.

    kbomb
    Free Member

    They definitely aren’t the Karrimor of old, their old pannier bags are legendary.

    However, I’ve owned some similar looking waterproof shoes that were £26, and they have been very good. Stiff but sturdy sole and they are taking much longer to kill than i thought, and they’ve stayed waterproof against all odds. I’d happily buy another pair.

    CheesybeanZ
    Full Member

    I was about to start a what waterproof shoe thread after the 3rd pair of Karrimor Aspen low have fallen apart again and they’re about as waterproof as a cupcake . In fairness I’ve only paid for one pair as they just replaced them when I took them back .

    So any recommendations for a waterproof dog walking shoe/ trainer type thing ??

    mattyfez
    Full Member

    My issue is I simply don’t have the budget for a £100 pair of boots.
    I need to replace my regatta walking shoes which have had a good kicking and lasted about 12 months, probably at least twice a week in all weathers, they were about £25 from tkmaxx, and I was quite pleased with them so looking for something simmilar. Are gellert ones any good?

    But anyway my question was more ‘what’s the difference between these two boots?’ rather than ‘are karrimor any good?’, I’m aware they are cheap compared to a lot of brands.

    Thanks

    RustySpanner
    Full Member

    Worn KSB’s for years.
    They were fine, even after the Sports Direct takeover – until about 18 months ago.

    Two pairs have failed at the sole and one pair had the interior fall apart.
    Replaced without issue, but still rubbish.

    Not getting anymore.

    Lancashire Sports Repairs in Burnley have rwfurbed Brasher and Asolo/Raichle boots for about £40.
    Had a few pairs and they’ve been ace.

    Mrs S was using a pair of 20 odd year old original Karrimor all in one panniers pretty regularly until this year.
    They’re still perfect.

    FOG
    Full Member

    I got a pair of panniers in the sell off of stock when SD took over. Excellent, have lasted the 10-11 years perfectly. Trouble is all my mates know I have them and borrow then for their trips but they’re tough enough to cope [the panniers not the mates]

    dknwhy
    Full Member

    I’ve had a couple of pairs of karrimor boots. Pre sports direct were great, after not so good.
    Have you looked in decathlon? Their warranty is very good so at least you’ll get help if the boots fail.

    dufresneorama
    Free Member

    I picked up a pair of the weathertite ones yesterday. They’re cheap, comfy and lightweight and will be fine for kicking about town over winter.

    nickdavies
    Full Member

    Similar to merrell I think, I’ve got a pair of the cheaper merrell waterproof shoes which IIRC use similar material to the karrimor ones, it’s waterproof but not very breathable. Wouldn’t do it again – they’re decent enough shoes but my feet just turn into a damp mess inside them if I’m indoors or walk anywhere for a decent amount of time.

    teamhurtmore
    Free Member

    Remember the days when you were either a Karrimor (great name) or Berghaus man?

    I bought a Joe Brown Mk2 from Wasdale Head in 70s and still using !

    I hate what SD do to brands these days…

    johnnystorm
    Full Member

    In defence of Sports Direct I bought a pair of Kevlar KSBs in 1997/8ish and they fell to bits after a few uses in Chamonix. Fella at Cotswolds admitted Karrimor boots weren’t up to much so their glory days were at least 20 years ago.

    On the other hand within the last couple of years I’ve bought some SD Karrimor trail running shoes that have been perfect. They also do some jackets made from eVent which look pretty decent.

    johnnystorm
    Full Member

    teamhurtmore

    I hate what SD do to brands these days…

    If those brands hadn’t already gone to wall for one reason or another then SD wouldn’t be able to buy them for peanuts.

    dufresneorama
    Free Member

    I don’t think there’s probably any difference between the boots tbh.

    kjcc25
    Free Member

    I have couple of pairs of Karrimor boots bought from Sorts Direct a couple of years ago, could be three years ago and I’ve been very pleased with them. I use them for biking in the winter. Have kept my feet warm and dry in all conditions. I find them light to wear and best of all they were cheap. Just leave them to dry out after a ride though I did give them a good clean and waterproofed them for the first time during the summer.

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