Recommend some walking boots?

[papercorn2000]

If you know what you are after, by all means buy from TK Maxx. If you don't, go to an LOS (Local Outdoor Shop).
Incidentally, I have boots from Scarpa, Salomon and Berghaus all on the go (for different uses). The Salomons get the most wear. My last pair did me for about 8 years and I only had to replace them because the soles were getting bald - they still do fine for gardening.

 

[User482]

Ouch, you condescension pains me. You are of course right. I should not have assumed that everyone has working nerves in their feet. Some people may be unable to tell if boots are uncomfortable.

Before you start into the differences between a boot being comfortable and it being fit for purpose I should point out that I am well aware of this. It does not however change my view. If the product you want is available in a less fashionable store at a lower price, bight the bullet and buy it from there.

Well, it seems that we have different approaches.

I start with an assessment of what I need, and find the product to suit, using advice from qualified people.

You start with a brand you've heard of available at a discount, then try and persuade yourself that they're the right tool for the job.

Because I got good advice, I have boots that are supremely comfortable and perfectly suited for my needs.

You might get lucky, or you might not.

 

[adscrim]

Well, it seems that we have different approaches.

I start with an assessment of what I need, and find the product to suit, using advice from qualified people.

You start with a brand you've heard of available at a discount, then try and persuade yourself that they're the right tool for the job.

Because I got good advice, I have boots that are supremely comfortable and perfectly suited for my needs.

You might get lucky, or you might not.

Qualified how? I've 25yrs experience of using boots both here and abroad. I start by thinking about what I need then I go out and look for it. When I find it, I look for where I can get it cheapest. No-one, with regards to fit, has ever asked me more that how the boots feel to me.

Because I went out and looked for it I have boots that are supremely comfortable and perfectly suited for my needs, and I got them at a discount.

 

[ACS]

Quality leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, Vibram sole. Quality socks.

Lowa Mountain boots a bit on the heavy side. Favoured by professional boot wearers (Infantry soldiers)

Danner boots. Best boots I ever bought. The Rolls Royce of outdoor footware. Expensive but worth every penny.

 

[User482]

Qualified how? I've 25yrs experience of using boots both here and abroad. I start by thinking about what I need then I go out and look for it. When I find it, I look for where I can get it cheapest. No-one, with regards to fit, has ever asked me more that how the boots feel to me.
Because I went out and looked for it I have boots that are supremely comfortable and perfectly suited for my needs, and I got them at a discount.

That's what happens if you go to places like TKMaxx.

I cycle several thousand miles each year. That doesn't mean that I don't take advice from a good LBS.

 

[bikepete]

I've had some good Zamberlan boots.

 

[adscrim]

That's what happens if you go to places like TKMaxx.

I cycle several thousand miles each year. That doesn't mean that I don't take advice from a good LBS.

No it isn't. No one asks you anything inplaces like TKMaxx. Infact, they try not to speak to you at all in my local TKMaxx store.

 

[purplepolly]

No-one, with regards to fit, has ever asked me more that how the boots feel to me.

When I've gone into a specialist shop and told them I've got slightly flat feet and one's a little bigger than the other, I've be given plenty of advice on fitting and different insoles and things. Certainly I could have come to the same conclusions by trying on about 20 models in two different sizes, but asking for advice on the fit cuts down the time spent looking enormously. Now that I know what brands will do the job I can just try them on for myself but at the start, the advice was invaluable.

 

[Crackle]

Where are you Panter? I'd recommend having a day out in the Lakes and going to the Climbers shop Ambleside or Fishers in Keswick. I've found the staff in both to be good and I've returned boots there which have not performed as they should, no questions asked.

I also bought my last boots from TK-Maxx, a pair of Hi-Tech and very good they are too but they're for walking the dog.

 

[User482]

When I've gone into a specialist shop and told them I've got slightly flat feet and one's a little bigger than the other, I've be given plenty of advice on fitting and different insoles and things. Certainly I could have come to the same conclusions by trying on about 20 models in two different sizes, but asking for advice on the fit cuts down the time spent looking enormously. Now that I know what brands will do the job I can just try them on for myself but at the start, the advice was invaluable.

Exactly. I have wide feet, one foot is slightly bigger than the other, and my right ankle is prone to turning over. I needed boots suitable for high mountain walking. Once I'd explained all this to the good people in Cotswold leisure, they advised me accordingly. Having recommended me a couple of different pairs, I tried them on and used the obstacle course in the shop (wearing walking socks of course). They also asked specific questions about the fit.

I'm sure I could have saved a few quid in TKMaxx, but it would have been a false economy.

 

[adscrim]

I'm sure I could have saved a few quid in TKMaxx, but it would have been a false economy.

Not if you got the same boots.

 

[User482]

Not if you got the same boots.

The chances of TKMaxx having, and me choosing, the best boots for my needs are remote.

 

[adscrim]

The chances of TKMaxx having, and me choosing, the best boots for my needs are remote.

You are allowed to use more than one shop at a time. Just because you walk in the door (even if you try something) you are not obliged to buy.

 

[Panter]

Thanks all

I'm in Sittingbourne so a fair way from the lakes unfortunately.



This is why cyclists get so much abuse I think, we can't even agree with each other. 5 pages of argumements over a pair of walking boots
What hope have we of gelling with other road users?

I totally take the point of the expert advise of the LOS. But, I don't really think I need professional advice do I?
They need to be confortable, give support, be hard wearing & waterproof, hardly a difficult brief but I'll see how it goes.
Anyway, I'll try a specialist and get an idea of whats on offer, see whats in TK-Maxx, and make a decision from there.

Thanks for all the replies

EDIT: sorry, 6 pages now.

 

[User482]

You are allowed to use more than one shop at a time. Just because you walk in the door (even if you try something) you are not obliged to buy.

Or I could stop messing around and just go to a proper outdoor shop.