Boots of bother

[spiritwalker]

hi all im in the market as it where for a pair of boots would love a pair of sorels but whilst browsing i came across the Jackpyke countryman boots which are about half the cost has anyone got a pair of these and are they any good?

http://www.patrolbase.co.uk/details1.asp?ProductID=54&name=jack-pyke-green-countryman-boots.htm

 

[Dozza]

I posted the same question a few weeks ago but did not get any replies specific to the JP boots. I have seen them down to £60 elsewhere but in any case have just ordered a pair of 'waterproof' (we'll see...) Grafter Sniper boots for my first foray into the woods for £42 off Ebay.

 

[John Fenna]

I had a pair of the JPs and liked them well enough to have them as my main boots until they wore out.
They were a very good fit for me and offered a reasonable amount of protection and support and the sole was pretty good on most surfaces.
They were not the hardest wearing of boots (I get through at least one pair of boots per year) but were not bad.
I would say that they are worth their money, but do not expect miracles from them - but if your feet are like mine you will find them well worth the outlay for the comfort.
There are better boots out there, but they tend to cost more.
So if comfort and budget are prime conciderations they could suit you but if you want a boot for life and the JPs do ot fit your foot as well as they fit mine, spend a little more on a tougher boot that fits you better....

 

[Dozza]

Cheapest I found was £61 from here if of interest: a1armysurplus.com

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

another reasonable priced pair

I've used Magnum (Hi-tec) for the last few years it's the military side of the famous trainers company.
I find the fabric side boots very comfy though the leather looses it's shine quickly, it is a waterproof boot and i feel well made (for the price).
I was Given a pair of Police Riot boots from a friend, I didn't realize but they are also Magnum! leather, toe cap decent grip etc. I reccomend Magnum as a mid range Bushcraft boot, but perhaps not ideal for mountain use.

 

[John Fenna]

I love my Magnums too and always have at least one pair of one or other model in use.
I have worn Magnums in the jungle, in snow, in the woods and with my Dinner Jacket for posh does.
I am wearing a pair at the moment....
As I get most of my gear as review samples for magazine tests it tells you a lot when I tell you that the bog standard Magnums are some of the very few boots I have bought with my own dosh when the review sample has died of hard usage...

 

[spiritwalker]

thanks for the info, im still none the wiser the hardest part is finding somewhere local that stocks them so i can try them on... used to wear german para boots which lasted years more recently hiking boots but cant seem to get the durability anymore. I thinking either a pair of sorels or the JPs and possibly some ex army boots for the tougher stuff

 

[sandsnakes]

John,
the thought of you in a pair of magnums and nothing else...... well its interesting!

Sandsnakes

 

[Dougster]

John,
the thought of you in a pair of magnums and nothing else...... well its interesting!

Sandsnakes

Or just plain wrong.

Personally I loathe Magnums, but that may be my fit and the fact I had a duff pair.

I always remember the adage:

'Spend good mney on your boots and your bed. If you aren't in one you are in the other.'

 

[helixpteron]

The repeated problems I had with Magnums was that the centre seam at the heel cut the to the bone.

I ended up taking the boots off and walking barefoot as it was impossible to wear the boots. Heel protectors didn't help, they'd wear through.

The problem was solved by giving the boots away and never buying another pair...

 

[Swampy Steve]

I have a pair of the JP Countryman boots, had them about two years. Found them to be very comfy, hard wearing, well made & warm (they have a thinsulate lining). Well worth the money, in my opinion.

 

[xdarkknight]

I had a pair of Magnums I used Daily for about 2 years and change. I was an EMT on an ambulance and used them DAILY for a year. Before that, I was a Trail Clearance specialist guy. I pretty much beat the living daylights out of em with rocks sticks, trees, slug juice, mud, clay, snow, complete water immersion... Good shoes, but don't get them with a zip in the side. mine gave out and I just stitched the zip shut.

I'm in the market for some good Tree worker boots and am drooling over the HAIX Protector extreme boots... not ideal for stealth walking, but MAN you could teach Helen Keller to track you in em. (deeeeeep tread)

The boots I've been wearing for about 5 years (two different pair) are Hi-Tec Altitude II & IV (same boot, different year). I worked as a Wilderness Ranger in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for a season 5 years ago... NEVER got a blister in a thousand miles of hiking with a heavy pack. I had to ditch them when they opened and started being more of a hinderance... I got another pair and have worn them almost daily for a year and a half. Now as a Search and Rescue team member and an arborist/Tree worker, they're great.. but the waterproofing really needs work. it acts like a water carrier in downpours.
speaking of which, anyone selling some Haix boots?

xdk