Recommend some walking boots?

[MePower]

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.

+1 for the Meindl, pricey but worth it. Just about to buy my 4th pair, have used them outside in every condition imaginable for 22 years, and Meindl seem to be the only ones able to do the job. I wear mine every day, very comfy.

 

[marinyork]

If TK Maxx have scarpa I would recommend having a look there. Depends what you want them for really. When I bought my Meindl I knew I'd have some pretty heavy walking out of them. Walking up the Old Man of Coniston in torrential rain would have ruined the wrong sorts of boots/shoes. Lighter use perhaps others would do, depends what you do.

 

[User482]

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.

Part of the service an outdoor shop provides is ensuring a proper fit, and that the boots are suited to the terrain you'll be using them for.

An analogy would be that whilst Halfords sell nice bikes at discount, you might end up buying an MTB when you would have been better off with a hybrid. This wouldn't happen in a decent LBS.

 

[adscrim]

Part of the service an outdoor shop provides is ensuring a proper fit, and that the boots are suited to the terrain you'll be using them for.

An analogy would be that whilst Halfords sell nice bikes at discount, you might end up buying an MTB when you would have been better off with a hybrid. This wouldn't happen in a decent LBS.

The best person for deciding on the fit of a pair of boots or shoes is the person to whom the feet are attached. As for the terrain - how many types of terrain do you think they cater for?

Not all LBSs are decent and even in a decent one, you could still end up with the wrong bike depending on how you answered any questions put.

All of this does nothing to detract from the fact. If TKMaxx or any other discount/internet store has what I'm after at a reduced price, I'm going to buy it there.

 

[Panter]

To be honest, they will be for all types of terrain. From the hard rocky slopes of cadair Idris to the peat bogs of the Peak District and the clay/chalk combo that Kent offers.

Is it really so bad to buy from TK-Maxx if thay have some decent ones? after all, as above, if they fit then they fit.
I'm not sure the LBS analogy really applies does it?

 

[purplepolly]

To be honest, they will be for all types of terrain. From the hard rocky slopes of cadair Idris to the peat bogs of the Peak District and the clay/chalk combo that Kent offers.

Is it really so bad to buy from TK-Maxx if thay have some decent ones? after all, as above, if thay fit then they fit.
I'm not sure the LBS analogy really applies does it?

A walking shop has trained staff that can give useful advice and will know which brands are wider, narrower, better for flat feet, slightly different sized feet. But the main thing is to go somewhere where's there's a wide range of brands - not something you get in millets nowadays where they're mostly peter storm. You need the range because the brands are built on different lasts (model of foot) and have different fits and they'll probably be one or two that are just right.

 

[Andy in Sig]

Dachstein and Meindl are both very good.

 

[User482]

The best person for deciding on the fit of a pair of boots or shoes is the person to whom the feet are attached. As for the terrain - how many types of terrain do you think they cater for?

Not all LBSs are decent and even in a decent one, you could still end up with the wrong bike depending on how you answered any questions put.

All of this does nothing to detract from the fact. If TKMaxx or any other discount/internet store has what I'm after at a reduced price, I'm going to buy it there.

Boots come in a huge variety of styles to suit different terrain, from light fabric trail shoes to heavy leather boots suitable for crampons. Good outdoor shops often have an obstacle area for trying out boots, and knowledgeable staff who will know which brands of boots are likely to suit your foot shape best.

Your choice of course. But remember the adage "buy cheap, buy twice".

 

[adscrim]

Your choice of course. But remember the adage "buy cheap, buy twice".

What's the difference between buying Scarpa boots from TKMaxx and buying them from a dedicated outdoor retailer? Is it not the same people that make the boots or do they make specifically shoddy boots for discount stores.

There is indeed a huge variety of boots for sale. The majority of the cover the same terrain via different selling points.

 

[adscrim]

There are loads of brands of boots, as there are bikes, would you seriously suggest getting the cheapest bike because it was on offer?

No.

I would however, suggest that if TKMaxx has boots that fit you, you should not be put off buying them because they are in TKMaxx.

If you have a look at what I actually posted, I didn't suggest that Panter or anyone esle should buy the cheapest available product.

 

[User482]

What's the difference between buying Scarpa boots from TKMaxx and buying them from a dedicated outdoor retailer? Is it not the same people that make the boots or do they make specifically shoddy boots for discount stores.

There is indeed a huge variety of boots for sale. The majority of the cover the same terrain via different selling points.

You'll buy Scarpa boots from TK Maxx because they are cheap. A proper outdoor retailer will only sell you Scarpa boots if they are right for your feet and the type of walking you will be doing. That's the difference.

 

[adscrim]

You'll buy Scarpa boots from TK Maxx because they are cheap. A proper outdoor retailer will only sell you Scarpa boots if they are right for your feet and the type of walking you will be doing. That's the difference.

I'll buy Scarpa boots from TKMaxx if I'm after a pair of Scarpa boots. An outdoors retailer will sell me Scarpa boots if I walk in and say "I'd like to buy these Scarpa boots please."

 

[User482]

I'll buy Scarpa boots from TKMaxx if I'm after a pair of Scarpa boots. An outdoors retailer will sell me Scarpa boots if I walk in and say "I'd like to buy these Scarpa boots please."

I'm more concerned with getting the best boots for my needs, than buying Scarpa because it's the only brand I've heard of.

 

[Pottsy]

I'm with User76 and User482 here. I've just bought some Scarpa mountaineering boots from a good, knowledgeable, well-stocked and quality shop. Great advice and hence I have the right sort of boot for my feet and the usage I have planned.

 

[adscrim]

I'm more concerned with getting the best boots for my needs, than buying Scarpa because it's the only brand I've heard of.

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.