Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 (of 40 total)
  • Recommend me some walking boots – please?
  • eyerideit
    Free Member

    Afternoon everybody,

    I’ve got about £100 to spend and I’d them to be waterproof. (don’t think I’ll get goretex for that money)

    They’ll be used mostly for walking the dog in Epping forest and sometimes further afield. I’ve got wellies when it’s a bit to muddy but they’re not ideal for long walks, especially if the crazy spangle wants me to kick a ball around as well.

    Thanks

    jam-bo
    Full Member

    One that fit the best. I tried on every pair in the shop and bought the pair I liked the look of least because they fitted do well.

    gsp1984
    Free Member

    I have northface Hedgehog GTX XCRIII

    They do what they say on the tin, waterproofing works well.

    The innersoles are really comfy, BUT started to fall apart on a climb up Le Tournette… by the time I got back down my feet were a complete mess.

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    bigbloke
    Free Member

    Berghaus Explorer gtx either fabric or leather super comfy straight from the box and always on offer somewhere.

    thisisnotaspoon
    Free Member

    Karimoor from sports direct and spend the £70 change on beer.

    matt1986
    Free Member

    I got theses really comfy the event waterproofing works brilliant iv been through ankle deep water in them and stayed dry, they also have vibram sole which is brilliant. And at the min there £40 brilliant shoe for the money

    Moses
    Full Member

    Try lots of pairs on, & get the ones which fit.
    It’s important for boots.

    I like Meindl & Lowa because I’ve got wide fit.
    Salomon is slightly snug, Asolo hurt like hell on me, but others love them

    Don’t go mail order – unless you aren’t planning to walk more than a couple of miles at a time.

    dknwhy
    Full Member

    I’ve got Karrimoor KSB300 Event boots with Vibram sole. Cost me around £70 from Amazon.
    Event brand waterproofing is good on everything. This is my second pair in 5 years and they’ve been brilliant. The first pair haven’t worn out either (I passed them on as the sizing was a bit small).
    Buy a size bigger than you need so that your toes have room when walking downhill so they don’t get cramped and it leaves space for thicker socks.

    stufive
    Free Member

    I got some of these three years ago and there by far the best boots ive had (and ive had a few we live in the lakes) ive also used them for gardening too
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002HWSHR2/?tag=hydra0b-21&hvadid=11073169805&ref=asc_df_B002HWSHR2

    jarvo
    Free Member

    I have a pair of Meindl, which are a delight to wear. However I went to a local walking shop (not one of the big chains) and got them fitted.

    In the same way that people recommend local bike shops for trialling good products and getting the best fit, I’d suggest a good local walking shop. You’ll get a personalised service and some decent boots that fit your arch, width etc. It’s down to your own ethics whether you purchase from them or leave to think about it and then buy online!

    ransos
    Free Member

    Spend a little more and buy Meindl – they’ll outlast you.

    trail_rat
    Free Member

    ive alwways stuck with hitec – not fancy but do the job and as said above most importantly they fit my feet.

    currently rocking a pair of brown leather hitecs i got for 42 quid in sale at cotswolds.

    even more importantly – they go well with my kilt 😉

    tang
    Free Member

    Def worth a proper fit at a good retailer if you are planning boots for long walks. I have very narrow feet and according to the fitter there was was only one option in the shop at the time. I went for it(Zamberlan gtx full leather £130 at the time) and 10 years on they are still great and so good on my feet. I use approach shoes/boots for short walks/travel/day to day and only the investment boots for off road long walks. I am sponsored by another footwear brand(Keen) and their approach stuff is fantastic. I do have some of their more solid walking boots but fit is not as good for me. Invest, look after them and they will serve you well.

    shem
    Free Member

    Ive just bought some NorthFace boots myself, cant remember the name but down fro £180 to £80. Full waterproof and Goretex. Well pleased with them 🙂

    hainman
    Free Member

    http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-hot-rock-mens-walking-boots-182089?colcode=18208990
    these done me last winter in all kinds of conditions along with sealskinz socks work amazing

    matt1986
    Free Member
    eoghan
    Free Member

    Don’t cut corners on boots. £100 gives you plenty of options, something classic like a pair of Brashers is probably the best. A good pair of leather boots, well looked after will be pretty waterproof, Gore-Tex will just make your feet sweatier (that said, my boots have Gore-Tex and I don’t have a problem with them). Don’t buy online without having tried a pair first and I’d stay clear of budget brands (this includes Karrimor)

    If you want to improve waterproofing, get a pair of gaiters, although they might look a bit silly walking the dog

    Scapegoat
    Full Member

    If you can find the extra bit of budget try and get some Meindl Borneo goretex. Superbly comfortable out of the box, very hardwearing and very waterproof. I have had a pair for about five years, and they don’t have it particularly easy . Go Outdoors occasionally have them on offer, but you should find them under £150

    alexpalacefan
    Full Member

    Go to your local specialist, I’ve always had good luck with Cotswolds Outdoors, and have them fitted by an expert.

    Buy whatever that expert recommends.

    APF

    headfirst
    Free Member

    Karimoor from sports direct and spend the £70 change on beer.

    ^^this. I’ve an eVent pair (£40IIRC) that have carried out dog-walking duties with flying colours, keeping my feet warm, dry and comfy. Those who say spend more have swallowed all the marketing hype.

    burgatedicky
    Full Member

    Can only echo the above, get them fitted by a decent specialist shop. I got some HanWags from Pegglers in Arundel, Sussex (CANNOT recommend this shop enough!!) years ago and they’re still going strong after some pretty hefty abuse.
    Paying a few quid more than the big “camping-direct” chains is definitely worth it for a good fit.
    I know I walked in with ideas of getting a pair of Zamberlains, but the shop guy took one look at my feet and said they were too wide. Struck me a pretty good knowledge.

    mattzzzzzz
    Free Member

    Brashers if you are ok spending £100 (love mine)
    Meindl if you spend a bit more.

    I also have a pair of Columbia Madruga peak GTXfor fishing that were about 50 quid and they are superb and comfy, I do tend to like the look of standard brown boots for walking though

    Edit- lookslike the Madruga are discontinued

    eyerideit
    Free Member

    Thanks for the advice. I will try before I buy as I’ve got narrow feet.

    I can’t think of any local outdoors shops in these parts (The wilderness of east London). If anyone knows of one let me know. (I’ll ask google as well)

    Shem: what did you get and where from?

    Tang, I had approach shoes but they were constantly getting wet and muddy. They’re brilliant for our 2 weeks of summer but around Epping as soon as it rains it’s a total mudfest. So something a bit studier is needed me thinks.

    eoghan
    Free Member

    Don’t know about east London specifically but London is a bit of a black hole for outdoor shops apart from the big chains which are all fine:

    Snow & Rock
    Cotswold
    Ellis Brigham
    Field & Trek

    You could also try Blacks or Millets – they tend to cater a bit more for the festival camping scene but should also have boots which are perfectly adequate for what you need them for.

    robsoctane
    Free Member

    I’ve lots of experience with 4 season walking boots and having tried about 10 different pairs I always come back to Scarpa SL M3’s. f you try you can get them for £100. They aren’t Gore-Tex, thank the gods… much better to have proper leather IMO. These Scarpa’s have impregnated leather, impregnated with waterproof stuff, under pressure. Very waterproof and warm.

    To compare I’ve also used Asolo, Brasher, Karrimor, Berghaus and a few others not worth noting but all in or around £100.

    I’d recommend that you try them on before you commit though, any boot, that is. Have fun.

    eyerideit
    Free Member

    eoghan – Member
    Don’t know about east London specifically but London is a bit of a black hole for outdoor shops apart from the big chains which are all fine:

    Snow & Rock
    Cotswold
    Ellis Brigham
    Field & Trek

    That’s why I asked I can go to all the above chains as they’re more or less around Covent Garden but I was wondering there was any independent shops. There used to be one on Charing Cross road amongst all the music shops but I’m not sure if that’s there anymore.

    kennyp
    Free Member

    Regardless of what you buy, go to a specialist shop, try them on and make sure it’s one of the shops that lets you wear them around the house for a couple of weeks. Then put them on for a few hours.

    rony
    Free Member

    For around £100 Brasher Hillmasters are good and have Goretex lining.
    Mine are a few years old but still great.Last 3 years weeks hol walking
    Pembrokeshire coastal paths + a couple of hours every weekend on the
    South Downs.Just realised why I dont get enough mtb riding in!
    Just wax them occasionally.

    eyerideit
    Free Member

    specialist shop, try them on and make sure it’s one of the shops that lets you wear them around the house for a couple of weeks.

    Can you give one of these shoos a name Kenny? I’ll get into all sorts or trouble googling ‘specialist footwear shops’

    kennyp
    Free Member

    I know Tiso certainly do. I think Blacks too (if they still exist) and probably Nevis Sport and Ellis Brigham. Tiso are the one I use most though.

    Onzadog
    Free Member

    I’ve tried lots of branded walking boots in fabric and leather. I’ve tried regular cleaning and not cleaning, treating and not treating. Even scarpa didn’t last more than 6 months.

    I must have super bendy feet as they all split at the ball of the foot.

    Now I buy 20 quid karrimor from sports direct and treat them as disposable. Works out cheaper.

    globalti
    Free Member

    Mountain Feet in Marsden: http://www.mountainfeet.co.uk/index.htm

    ir_bandito
    Free Member

    Alt-Berg FTW.
    Wee bit pricier than your £100 budget, but they’re made in the UK. They’ll have a pair that wil fit you just right, and if looked after will last forever with a resole every now and then.

    one_happy_hippy
    Free Member

    AKU Air GTX

    Bought a pair of these last year to replace my 10 year old plus Salomons.

    By far the comfiest I tried on including pairs twice the cost. Vibram sole, gortex, super light weight. Cool in the heat (tested in 45C+ Desert) Waterproof (tested in wet season in desert 50mm rain / hr) and warm in the cold (Tested in snow in UK after the desert…)

    Couldn’t believe they weight difference and comfort over my old boots even though they had spent 10yrs moulding to my feet. Honestly it was like slipping my feet in to some kind of foot glove of comfy.

    They also say Italian ‘Hand Made’ inside, whether they actually are is another matter.

    ashfanman
    Free Member

    One that fit the best. I tried on every pair in the shop and bought the pair I liked the look of least because they fitted do well.

    This + 1,000,000. Just go into a decent hiking shop with knowledgeable staff, try on at least five pairs of boots in your price range (either take your own walking socks or the shop should provide some), then buy whatever is the most comfortable. What they look like should only come into it if all other things are equal (which is extremely unlikely).

    The only real decision you need to make is leather or gore tex. Gore tex is lighter and more breathable, but leather lasts longer. Bear in mind that leather will feel a bit tighter and more restrictive at first, but will loosen up over time.

    As stated by many others, Meindl are excellent, but expensive – you might struggle for £100. I’ve got a pair of leather Brasher boots that have been faultless in almost 10 years of use, but apparently Brasher have really gone downhill recently.

    one_happy_hippy
    Free Member

    A well cared for pair of goretex boots will last at least a decade, my solomons did over 10years of heavy use in many environment from freezing snow to arid semi desert, and even with lack of maintenance it was the soles not the uppers that finally failed.

    rickon
    Free Member

    I’ve got narrow feet.

    Scarpa, La Sportiva and Asolo have narrow lasts, so would be a good first port of call – but as said above, go into a few shops. Definitely spend a little more and get a decent fit, and decent boot – for £100 you can get a GTX boot easily, I’d avoid leather unless you take care of your boots – otherwise they’ll crack, fabric (GTX) is far easier to care for.

    Also think about what type of walking you’ll be doing, rocky terrain you’ll need a stiff sole, otherwise you’ll get sore feet, if you’re not going over much rocky ground you can go for a more flexible sole, which will move more with your foot – and don’t mistake a boot that bends at the heel for one that isn’t stiff – Salomon GTX boots are like this and feel like trainers, but are very stiff.

    If you get a decent shop they should show you how to put a boot on properly, and how you should lace it – including how to use the locking hooks, if they don’t – ask them, as a properly laced boot makes the difference for heel lift, tendon pain, and foot travel – which can cause black toe nails.

    Also – buy yourself some proper walking socks, and wear the boots around the house for a day or so to see if you do actually get on with them – 10 minutes in a boot compared to 2 hours can be a whole world of different.

    Good luck!

    spacemonkey
    Full Member

    Picked up some Meindl Burmas last week and they’ve turned me into a human tank with limpet-like ascending/descending capabilities. F^&*ing awesome.

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