Normally when visiting the battlefields we're in the car and with the kids so we don't actually walk too far. However back in May in Italy I found my cheapo boots somewhat lacking once we got up some mountain trails. What boots do you have and what do you recommend?
I would steer clear of the 'lifestyle' kind of kit you find on the High Street, brands like Hi-Tec etc. My light boots are 'Treziete', which are a good quality own-brand kind of thing from Millets, five years and no problems. About £90. Berghaus KSB are class-leaders for light-wieght fabric boots For heavy winter conditions I use Zamberlan Alpine Lights which are chunky enough for crampons but flexible enough for lots of miles. You will probably find the best selection locally at the Cotswold store just outside Cirencester. As you know mate, getting a good fit is the most critical factor in choosing any footwear. DMS anyone? H
Been trying to remember who my favourite walking boots were made by, and it was 'Trezeta'. I wreck most any shoes/boots in about 4 months but these lasted for years and just got more and more comfortable, even withstood 2 re-solings before finally disintegrating. Though for the last few years I've regressed to Ex-german 'para-boots', 20-odd quid, really comfy, great 'off-road' & as good as wellies in mud/water.
I've still got my Lowa Combat boots (Awesome) I also have some HiTec Gortex boots (Not bad) And some Salomon walking shoes. If your looking for a bargain try here GO Outdoors | Camping equipment, Tents, Outdoor Clothing and Footwear. a visit to a store is recommended thought rather than buying from the net
For walking around battlefields and hill tracks you would not go far wrong with a pair of Brasher boots. I got a leather pair with a goretex lining for under a hundred quid and have been amazed how well they have stood up to Scottish hillwalking conditions. They were also very comfortable to wear on the hill straight out of the box. This advice from a guy with forty years hill going experience. PS keep your toe nails short! Len
I've been considering the same purchase recently. I have been drawn to a more everyday workhorse of a boot. Maybe a pair by Rogue, made in South Africa. Recommended by Ray Mears or a larger selection here http://www.unbeatentracks.co.uk/
I've always relied (outside of the winter months) on a pair of the US Mk.III Jungle boots (designation might be wrong - the ones with the Panama soles, but they have to be of pre-1985 manufacture). Lightweight, as comfortable as a pair of slippers and sturdy with a grip like a pit-bull! The only boots with "airflow"! I've worn countless pairs of these down (the souls are quite soft), but never had a pair self destruct on me yet. They can be found for between £15 and £75 a pair dependant on where you look, but, so long as they're original issue (mine have usually been 1970's manufacture, but my supplier has retired!!!) and not copies, you can't go far wrong. Dave
Cheers for the suggestions, I've got a "Go Outdoors" card as we pop up to the Oxford store now and again.
For walking around battlefields and hill tracks you would not go far wrong with a pair of Brasher boots. I got a leather pair with a goretex lining for under a hundred quid and have been amazed how well they have stood up to Scottish hillwalking conditions. They were also very comfortable to wear on the hill straight out of the box. This advice from a guy with forty years hill going experience. PS keep your toe nails short! Len Yeh i agree here, the Brasher boots are ace. I've had mine for about 8 years and they haven't let me down once I should realy be looking at buying a new pair for the winter, but the old ones are still going strong. Many a day up Clova, etc had with them. Cheers Kenny
hehe noticed this thread - made me smile a litte because just a few days ago I finally teared apart my combat boots (leather-made by some local no-name manufacturer with model label 'SWAT') that I was using at least for five years for every hard-enough situation: my military study, paintball games in woods etc. they were awesome for their 30 bucks Anyway, I am walking with Ecco, Merrell & Columbia - they r my boot brends of choice At this time I recommend Merrell multi-sport series because they IMHO meets most of country-side walking needs. (Merrell - Hiking)
I've been trying to find another pair of my favourite Merrell Mootopia's. A lovely soft casual shoe. Horror of horrors, they are no longer in production. I am incon-sole-able. Bod
We're all male on this thread, and talking about shoes... Quite right Adam - it's downright WRONG! let's change the subject - I accidentally holed my marigolds the other day whilst washing up due to not clipping my fingernails. What make of washing up glove would the forum recommend? Dave (PS - please don't anyone answer this question for real!)
Len Trim PS keep your toe nails short! No worries on that score, the steel toe-caps we have to wear at work make sure the toenails stay short.
No worries on that score, the steel toe-caps we have to wear at work make sure the toenails stay short. Ok, now we are stepping over the mark, if you'll pardon the pun. No more references to toe nail sizes or I may have to close this thread. Its bad enough talking about shoes but now we're heading into toenail territory....what next....... Nail Varnish????
My only feeble excuse for mentioning toe nail length is that if you buy boots with Goretex lining it's only too easy to puncture the lining if you have toe nails like Dracula ) Para Medic you obviously know your stuff, but I would not recommend very soft bendy boots like Brashers for winter in Scotland, at least when it's a real winter with snow and possibly ice on the ground. I would want something with a much stiffer sole capable of taking crampons ie. Scarpas. Having said that it is so long since we had a decent winter I can't remember the last time I had to put my crampons on. Len
Having to stick to a budget I bought some Hi-Tek Eurotreks from the Millet's in Scarborough, they were clearing them out at half price, so got them for £27.50. They'll do for what I need them for.