Walking boot recommendations... - Chat Forum

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

Pieface — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:51:01 +0000

I bought my Scarpa Manta M4s 15 years ago and still going strong, although they need regular re-proofing.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

Waderider — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:35:31 +0000

I'm not a fan of Goretex lined boots. It's not an application where goretex is needed, it is too prone to failure in my own direct experience. I had two pairs of goretex lined boots fail in a row. When that happens the boot gets wet, and by some magic procedure the water gets in but not out. Plus once wet they take longer to dry out - a problem on multiday trips when you can't carry wads of newspaper to dry them out etc. (drying boots with direct heat is always a bad idea).

I go with plain leather boots, I've got a pair of Zamberlans for three season use at the moment. Well cared for, dried slowly and treated with G-wax my feet are nearly always dry unless the boot is over topped. Goretex is a barrier to breathability compared to traditional materials - boots without a membrane are always more comfortable.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

ourmaninthenorth — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:56:57 +0000

Try Zamberlan, too. Italian, so likely to have a specific fit that you either get on with or don't. FIL has two pairs.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

ebygomm — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:52:44 +0000

I've often heard the thing about goretex liner getting holes but it's not been my experience.

I've got some 5 year old heavily abused Salomon boots that remain waterproof despite the fact the sole is no longer attached to the boot and the rand is coming away.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

willard — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:35:27 +0000

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm now planning on hitting a boot shop at sometime in the near future to spend a good hour or so wandering around and bing a pain to the staff (something my wife will love I am sure). It looks like OpenAir and Rohan in Cambridge might get a look-in this time, not just blacks/Millets.

Hmmm. Just remembered that we have a Cotswolds in town now too, just a shame it's not a huge one.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

dave_rudabar — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:51:27 +0000

I like my current Meindls but they're a bit more full-on (less intially springy/comfy) than the fabric Salomons I had before, which were brill in Summer & I did the Three Valleys in the Alps comfortably with them.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

buzz-lightyear — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:26:38 +0000

Is it wrong to expect a relatively expensive boots (100 quid or so) to last more than two years?

Suppose it boils down to how much you use/abuse them. I'd be miffed.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

birly-shirly — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:23:25 +0000

As per tron. I wouldn't expect a membrane to still be waterproof after 2 years of hard use. Full grain leather should keep the water at bay for years if it's looked after.

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

sweepy — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:19:55 +0000

I had a pair of Berghaus storm suede and fabric boots with a goretex lining, I wore them for three years working at a watersports centre, You could stand up to your ankles in water and when you took your foot out of the water it was dry on the outside by some kind of magic. Then a bit of stitching came undone. I wrote to them, being honest about how long i'd used them and asking if they could be repaired. They wrote back asking what colour I wanted for my replacement pair.
Outstanding customer service :-)

Re: Walking boot recommendations...

tron — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:17:52 +0000

Zamberlan Trailites. I picked mine up for £60, which is stupid for a boot that good - Goretex, one piece upper, vibram sole, full grain leather etc.

A proper leather boot is the way to go in my view - you will always hole a goretex liner eventually, and suede and nylon just let the water in. Leather does a good job of keeping it out in the first place.