walking boots

My favourite boots are a pair of Brasher Hillmaster Classics. I find them very comfortable!
Just a pity the leather is now starting to crack and look a bit tatty. Mind you they must be about 5 years old or so.
 
Toastor said:
The Brasher Hillmaster is a classic comfy lightweight boot, ideal for much of the terrain you get in Cornwall. Always best to go to a good shop & try a few on though. I'm a really big fan of Scarpa boots, they're made well and seem to fit me perfectly. The ZG65 would be a good lightweight choice in their range for about £100.
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I'm with him. My Hillmasters were great, and lasted about twelve years. The replacements are Scarpa Rangers. Both were/are good enough for three seasons peak-bagging, but fine on less taxing terrain.


M
 
I've always had £50 leather boots, but haven't been overly impressed. I've always used dubbin/wax to try and keep them in good condition and maintain waterproof-ness, but I'm not convinced that this has helped a great deal. My current pair (Peter Storm) are separating at the sole/leather seam, and have worn through at the tongue, and are now letting in water. So my advice would be to avoid the cheaper boots if you do a lot of walking or want them to last a good while.

I'm also looking to get some new walking boots for the winter. I'm thinking it'd be better to spend more like £100 and get a decent pair of boots that will hopefully last a bit longer. I was thinking of trying some canvas-type boots, as they all seem to advertise 100% waterproof-ness. It seems like most people here are recommending leather boots. Should I stick with leather... are the problems I have simply because the boots I have are poor quality?


Thanks!
 
Leather is (generally) more hard-wearing, as long as you care for it it should last you longer than canvas. However, leather is not waterproof in itself, it actually soaks up water which is detrimental, a little hint I picked up on my travels is to apply polish to your boots just before you do anything where you could get insanely wet, but not to remove the polish, it just adds waterproofing to it.

I have Peter Storm boots now as it happens, and they do seem to wear out rather quickly (but are still insanely comfortable), as I mentioned earlier more money usually means they last longer, if you can afford it though I'd really suggest checking out Dr Martens lifetime range, it's something I plan on doing when I need a new pair.
 
Earlier this year I blagged a pair of La Sportiva Rolle Goretex boots, Vibram sole. RRP is £169 but if you look around online you can get them for less.

2rrqo7c.jpg


The most comfortable walking boots I've used, ever. And I've tried a gazillion different pairs over the years.:cool:

Highly recommended. ;)

I also got a pair of Karrimor Aspen's this year and have used them on a various technical rescue courses. Vibram, waterproof and breathable - Really can't complain for £35!!! :-

http://www.mandmdirect.com/products-Karrimor-Mens-KSB-Aspen-II-Weathertite-Boot-BlackPewter_KM98.htm
 
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Auraomega said:
Leather is (generally) more hard-wearing, as long as you care for it it should last you longer than canvas. However, leather is not waterproof in itself
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Both of which are why God gave us Nikwax. A couple of coats of that and your boots are waterproof.

I also find leather keeps your feet cooler than fabric, no matter how breathable it is advertised as being.


M
 
Ive had a few pairs of walking boots over the years and have found my Scarpa boots to be the best by far. Such good quality, unlike my Saloman and North Face ones which fell apart after a couple of months..

I have the male version of the ones below, got them for a shade under £90 at a local shop though. Excellent boots.

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/cgi-bin/psProdDet.cgi?prod_code_in=244049
 
Meridian said:
Both of which are why God gave us Nikwax. A couple of coats of that and your boots are waterproof.

I also find leather keeps your feet cooler than fabric, no matter how breathable it is advertised as being.


M
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I disagree with the last statement (well in my experience anyway). A pair of lightweight fabric boots will are much cooler than a pair of leather boots IME. Especially considering both will probably have a goretex lining anyway.:)
 
Agree with Amp. To be honest, there are a lot of good brands, some are better for others than they would be for somebody else. Just make sure she tries them on and takes good advice for socks and after care products as that is where people fall down

- Pea0n
 
Another vote for Karrimor boots.

I picked up a leather pair from a sports shop for £45. Similar to these - http://imgur.com/D2u7R.jpg
Took them to Norway and stumped around in ice cold mud and water, and my feet where toasty and supported.

I pretty much wear them all the time now

But they where the only pair that felt comfortable for my big feet so would need to try some out
 
moon man said:
was looking that brand on a sale email from the rainforest this morning
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Erm.. don't. They ain't what they used to be.

Brasher aren't bad, but shop around because there's some nice stuff out there for £100.

Personally got a cheap(ish) pair of Berghaus Explorers a few years ago and they do exactly what I want. They've not long released a new, lightweight version that might just be up your alley- Berghaus Explorer Light.

Someone's bound to come along and tell me I'm wrong, but they are cracking boots.
 
I need some smart walking boots. Something with a smart, black leather/imitation leather finish, completely covers the ankle, good to wear all day. I won't be out in the sticks, these are purely for use in the city/urban areas. Any suggestions? Are Doc Martens any good for this?

edit- I don't want to spend more than £100, £150 is my absolute max.
 
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I bought a pair of goretex Merrells recently. Without a doubt one of the best pieces of footwear I have ever worn. A++++ recommended would buy again etc..
 
owains said:
I've always had £50 leather boots, but haven't been overly impressed. I've always used dubbin/wax to try and keep them in good condition and maintain waterproof-ness, but I'm not convinced that this has helped a great deal. My current pair (Peter Storm) are separating at the sole/leather seam, and have worn through at the tongue, and are now letting in water. So my advice would be to avoid the cheaper boots if you do a lot of walking or want them to last a good while.

I'm also looking to get some new walking boots for the winter. I'm thinking it'd be better to spend more like £100 and get a decent pair of boots that will hopefully last a bit longer. I was thinking of trying some canvas-type boots, as they all seem to advertise 100% waterproof-ness. It seems like most people here are recommending leather boots. Should I stick with leather... are the problems I have simply because the boots I have are poor quality?


Thanks!
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Just thought I'd update with my experiences. I went for a pair of Brasher's Hillmaster GTX boots, but am not happy with them. They felt OK when I tried them on, but I have worn them a bit and now find them far too rigid. After a couple of hours I get bruises on the back of my feet (between heel and ankle) as there is no flexibility. This makes them pretty useless!

So, yeah, I wouldn't recommend these boots!

Anyone know if the problem will improve over time? Will the boots become more flexible over time? Anything I can do to speed up the process?
 
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