Walking/ Hiking boots?.

[Drago]

Different brands fit different shaped feet.
I like my classic Danner Mountain Lite.

This is true. A lot of squaddies and coppers love Danner boots, but I find them uncomfortable and unsupportive.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Ones that fit - properly. Lots of good brands available, many of which would be suitable. I know that Keens will fit me well, for instance. Best to go to a physical shop, a decent specialist, and give them your feet.

 

[Milkfloat]

I am going to say no about Scarpa. The outer sole is falling off my pair and although they are 15 years old they have not been worn that much, less than 200 hours and 200 miles is my guess.

 

[Profpointy]

Whilst other brands may be Ok (or not) I too have bought and been happy with scarpa boots. One hint is not to buy a heavier pair than you need. I've done better with crampons on 3 season. boots than trying to walk without crampons in proper 4 season boots. Both pairs were pukka scarpa boots

 

[derrick]

I have had a pair of BERGHAUS for a few years and love them.

 

[Brains]

The difference between the major brands is tiny,
Go with any of them within a given price band
What is important is the fitting.

I would recommend going to your nearest Cotswolds store;
Make sure it's at a time when the store is virtually empty, such as early on a Saturday or mid morning mid week

Each store has at least one proper boot trained fitter
Make sure it's that person that measures BOTH of your feet
Find a boot that fits your feet and your spec
If they won't measure your feet properly, or seem in a hurry to get to the next customer, then leave.

The innersoles of most Mountain boots cost in the region of 80p to the manufacturer.
Get the shop to replace the innersoles with 'Greenfeet', or similar, innersoles which will add another £30 to the bill

I'm a Mountain Leader, I can usually get 2-3 seasons out of a pair of boots, sometimes 4 if I'm lucky.
Over the last decade or so I've had Meindl, Scarpa, Berghaus, Salomon, Zamberlam, all good.
Currently on Keen, which so far are excellent.

(Currently sending some Meindl's with 3 years use back to have the soles of both boots re-stuck to the boots!)

 

[Accy cyclist]

I started a similar thread asking about walking boots in September 2017. Maybe the OP might like to read that,if he can find it. The boots i bought(can't remember their make/name)haven't disappointed! £98 if i remember rightly and no signs of wear and tear apart from the heel slightly wearing down,which is acceptable to me.

 

[alicat]

Whatever fits in a quality brand fitted at a good shop.

 

[Levo-Lon]

The one's that fit best, then spend as much as you can afford, quality and fit are everything ehen walking up a mountain ect.

Goretex is a membrane so it can be leather or synthetic, leather is best if you ask me, always

 

[MichaelW2]

The one's that fit best, then spend as much as you can afford, quality and fit are everything ehen walking up a mountain ect.

Goretex is a membrane so it can be leather or synthetic, leather is best if you ask me, always

My boots are full grain leather with a gortex liner. Im pretty sure that the goretex is worn out but the leather is in good shape for 22 year old boots. I had them resoled last year and they are almost as good as new.

 

[Salty seadog]

zambalam. 25 years old and going great guns.

 

[JPBoothy]

Thanks for bringing this one up keithmac, as I currently looking for a pair myself and the advice is much appreciated.. I am not in the market for anything to take me over mountains, more along Bridleways/Forrest paths and some hard surfaces. Believe it or not, I have always found the most comfortable to be a cheapo brand (Hi-Tec) but, as you only get what you pay for in the end, the upper always splits away from the sole within 12mths so possibly false economy (tight fisted) in the end. I also made the mistake of being suckered into buying a pair of Karrimor but, the soles are so thin you could feel every little stone through them.. Again, they were comfortable and supportive enough around the ankle but, made your feet roasting hot. I am more concerned about getting the right compound for the sole that won't be too hard/soft. Any suggestions? I appreciate paying out for a good pair, but probably don't use them enough to warrant hundreds of pounds on them

 

[Deleted member 26715]

One more thing, Gortex or Leather which is best?.

For me Leather, the 2 pairs of Gortex I've had haven't supported my ankle correctly, although I ride my MTB in Gortex boots.

 

[MichaelW2]

For lowland walking the boot is mainly to keep out water, dirt and mud rather than to provide any support. On a dry day you really dont need a boot but on a cold, wet, muddy day you do.
The sole doesnt need to be stiff, you can walk in trainers. On trails with stones a stiff sole provides a better footbed do you don't feel each stone. You need a good grip that doesnt trap mud. Wider knobbles work better.
I like Hi Tec and get about 2 years out of sy pair of Silver Shadow trainers.I took a pair as my main footwear (+sandals) on a bike your up to Norway and climbed an easy peak in them.

 

[Paulus]

I've just bought a new pair of North Face Hedgehog walking boots. They fitted really well and have a Goretex lining.