Das Boot ...

[Ginja]

Sorry, bad joke in the title there (this is nothing to do with boats, or submarines for that matter).

I'm looking for a new pair of boots ... currently making do with a pair of old Dutch army clod-hoppers - they've served me well (more than 10 years!), but are starting to get a bit rough around the edges.

I'm thinking of getting a pair of 'proper' hiking boots this time round - any recommendations, personal favourites, etc? I know it's very much an individual choice, but any comments/pointers on this would be gratefully received. Ideally, I want some boots for life - ie. something that's going to last long into the future (rather than cheap 'n' cheerless).

Thanks, G

[Squidders]

Where do you normally use your boots and in what climate?

I have a pair of LaSportiva Makalu GTX... I got them from:

http://www.snowandrock.com/products/...ategory_id=241

I get the impression that they're going to last longer than I will in the outdoors... I used to use some Scarpa boots that were good also but these are great, warm, comfortable (Once you've worn them in) and not too heavy for long trips.

I hope this helps.

Joe

[Ginja]

Cheers for the advice, Joe - I've checked the link, and am happy to say they look just the ticket! I do most of my walking around the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park, so I need them to be very durable, waterproof and with a good grip for clambering over rocks 'n' boulders. Again, the LaSportivas seem to be made for the job ... I'll have to find a pair and try them on for myself.

Thanks again,

G :-)

[steven andrews]

I recently bought a pair of Meindl Borneo Pro's.
They are great boots and I like the fact that they DONT have a GoreTex liner. I have found GoreTex to have a limited life-span.
I'm not a soldier anymore. If my feet get wet during the day I can take my boots off and dry my feet before bedtime - what a luxury!!

[Martyn]

I recently bought a pair of Meindl Borneo Pro's.
They are great boots and I like the fact that they DONT have a GoreTex liner. I have found GoreTex to have a limited life-span.
I'm not a soldier anymore. If my feet get wet during the day I can take my boots off and dry my feet before bedtime - what a luxury!!

Another vote for Meindl Borneo Pro's here. Got a pair about 3 weeks ago for my birthday and I love em. Superbly comfortable out of the box - suit a broad foot well. I also like the "no goretex" thing. No sweaty feet for me and Nikwax aqueous wax has done a great job of waterproofing them.



Very happy bunny.

[Squidders]

I do most of my walking around the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park, so I need them to be very durable, waterproof and with a good grip for clambering over rocks 'n' boulders.

Yeah, I use mine for wandering around the Peak District for climbing... and the wye valley, they grip like sh*t to a blanket on gritstone and support your ankles very well.

If you're up in the peak district, the outside shop in hathersage stocks them i'm sure... and they do good bacon rolls too... niiiiiice.

[masongary44]

Hi,

Peaks eh... cool, maybei have seen you out there sometime...

Have a look at a company called Altberg, they do a para boot (OK it has a gortex style lining) but min have had a real hammering and are still watertight, plus with them being high leg they are great on that ankle breaking grass the peaks and saddleworth moores do best...

I had mine made to measure (they are based in Richmond, North Yorks) and they are the best boots i have ever owned...

And relatively cheap too...

http://www.altberg.co.uk

Check out the "Field & Fell Original HMX" a cracking boot...

[TheViking]

Hi...

I don't think boots has to be very expensive to be good. I've talked to a guy who walked 20 kilometres in car tire with cotton around them! :wink: He didn't have a single blister when they were done with the exercise.

Personally I wear a pair of mountain boots by Cross. Good boot. Never had one blister in them and they have travelled many miles. Pretty heavy boot, but extremely solid. :-) I got them for 20£... their normal cost was 40£...! :wink: :wink: I've had them in almost 1 year now and have walked in them almost every day. :biggthump

Picture:


Yes! I know..... they need some leather grease and i'll do it soon! :biggthump