Recommend some walking boots?

[Panter]

After a holiday in the Peak District, we've quickly realised that the Forska Decathlon walking boots, although very good for the money, just aren't up to the job.

So, we're thinking of investing in some decent boots but know bugger all about them.
Any brands to avoid, or to aim for?

 

[Dave Davenport]

It's worth looking in TK Maxx (if there's one near you), they usually have some top brand boots about half list price.

 

[Landslide]

Both myself and FML have (after trying on several pairs each) have got Meindl boots. They're very comfy, and keep the water out, but the most important factor is the fit. The Memory Foam System is great.

 

[marinyork]

I have Meindl without memory foam. Wear proper walking socks or thicker than thin cotton/silk socks and you'll be fine. Had them for 6 years I think it is.

 

[Headgardener]

Panter at the bottom of the market but still good quality are Regatta, sort of midway are Brasher and near the top are Miendl. These are three names that come to mind off the top of my head but there are others. I would sugest going into a good outdoor shop like either Cotswolds, Millets or Blacks and asking, although Cotswold tend to be more specalist than Millets or Blacks, both of whom can be found on most high streets.

 

[Amanda P]

Scarpas are good. They fit my feet well (different brands tend to suit different shaped feet), and I've had Scarpa winter boots (thick leather, take crampons, good for carrying heavy stuff on rough terrain and in ice and snow) for twenty years now (three pairs in that time). I wear them for working sometimes, too.

For summer walking or dry winter walks without much kit, consider fabric boots - much lighter and cooler, and stiffer than they used to be, so still good support (but I still wouldn't use them if I were carrying full camping gear up a mountain). I have a pair of Berghaus ones that are very comfy.

 

[just jim]

Get a pair of Brasher boots. They do half sizes, so get your size plus a half. Great boots with none of that breaking-in business (for me anyway).

 

[Campfire]

I did the Isle of Man Coastal Path in a pair of Brasher leather boots I'd got only 2 days before - no blisters at all. I've also got a pair of Meindl which do not have memory foam I don't think and they are great but I've not done any great mileage in them.

I actually bought the Meindl from a charity shop for £4 - an absolute gift eh?

 

[Corvette chic]

Brasher come up a little small I have to get a size up but they are very comfortable. My OH swears by his Scarpa's

 

[Panter]

Thanks all, plenty to go on there

I went into a camping shop in the new Forest last week, they had all their boots in a sale with some quite substantial discounts. Not knowing anything about them though, I don't know if there were any bargains or not.

I'll ckeck in TK-Maxx when we go to Lakeside next month. If they don't have anything, are Millets competetive on price? (we have one locally)

 

[adscrim]

TK Bloody Maxx??????? Would you buy a bike from there?? No you wouldn't. Get a bloody grip man.

If they sold last years models at a heavily discounted price - of course you would!

 

[User482]

Another vote for Meindl. I trekked for two weeks in the Himalaya, without any discomfort at all. They're not cheap, but they should last you at least 10 years.

You need to go to a proper outdoor shop - the fit is very important, which isn't something you can work out in TK Maxx.

 

[joolsybools]

Saloman, Quite pricey though.

 

[Dave Davenport]

TK Maxx have currently got Brasher, Scarpa & a couple of others at around half list price, if they had decent quality bike kit at similar discounts I'd be happy to buy it. Unless it's a 'you should support your local outdoor/bike shop' issue, in which case it applies to internet retailers as well, I really don't see the problem. I tend to use both.

 

[adscrim]

Right then, lets hear no-more rubbish about the importance of local bike shops. LBSs are held in high regard on here, because they provide the product, but also the knowledge, back-up and wisodm when thing sgo wrong. Why would that be any different with walking boots?

LBSs provide a service. Part of the service is the initial supply of goods. If I can get the goods I'm after at a lower price I will.

If I could go to TKMaxx and get a pair of boots at a level I required and that fit, then I would.

Lets hear no-more rubbish about consumer choice and the competitive market place. I hold that in high regard.