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johnnyd



Member Since: 13 Apr 2013
Location: Chippenham
Posts: 1006

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
Walking Boots
Any recommends for a good pair of walking boots, waterproof and comfy......currently looking at....

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Berghaus_Mens_E...tem=652021

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/jack_pyke_hunte...AoLc8P8HAQ

http://www.uttings.co.uk/p100138-timberlan...7v9C2U7S0g

Thanks

JD 2008 TDCi 2.4 XS CSW
Post #558334 23rd Aug 2016 5:03pm
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Rosco



Member Since: 03 Dec 2010
Location: Burntwood
Posts: 1805

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Depends what you want them to do. There are walking boots and then there are walking boots.

Also budget will probably play a massive factor in it

I've a pair of Solomon Cosmic http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/salomon-cosmic-4d-2-gtx-boots-p204075 which are goretex lined, super light, so like wearing a pair of slippers compared to leather boots, but I've got to be honest the sole is absolutely rubbish on wet slopes. They come in a variety of colours too, or have done in the past.

Bit more middle of the road, Scarpa SL http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/scarpa-sl-acti...lsrc=aw.ds Heavier duty, better gripping sole, warmer in the cooler climates, but pay off is they're heavier to wear, stiffer and possibly cumbersome.

I've got both and use them for a mix of activities, but a lot will come down to personal choice and preference. I'd recommend going along to your local branch of Cotswold and chatting to their boots specialist Thumbs Up 2007 - Stornoway Grey 90 XS SW - Gone
2002 - Black Discovery II - Gone
2014 - Montalcino Red 110 XS SW
Post #558337 23rd Aug 2016 5:18pm
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Chris86



Member Since: 15 Jul 2014
Location: South Yorks
Posts: 755

United Kingdom 2005 Defender 110 Td5 USW Chawton White
Hi,

It depends what you are after, I can vouch for the berghaus ones- I had a set of the older version as a set of summer boots, great, lightweight and surprisingly supportive for a low cut boot. I also found them very comfortable. Mine lasted 2 years of getting hammered- they do suffer if you use them a lot in very wet environments though.

Id recommended going to a decent outdoor shop and trying a load of different ones on, the different manufacturers have quite different cuts/shapes some that will work for you and others wont!

Try shorter and taller boots, see what you prefer- I tend to go for taller ones now as my knee and ankle need the support following repeated injuries!

Lastly, treat yourself to some really good socks to go with them!

Chris
Post #558338 23rd Aug 2016 5:22pm
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Rickydodah



Member Since: 14 Jul 2014
Location: East Sussex
Posts: 1091

I'd go for Chris Brasher's "Hillmaster" or something similar. They're light and waterproof and leather, 3 must haves in my opinion. I spend what seems like most of my life in boots of some description and can honestly say your feet will thank you for buying a quality item. Lightness for obvious reasons, even a few ounces will make a tremendous difference, I've yet to find a boot made from man made materials to be truly waterproof except wellingtons. The high hunting boots are great for shorter periods where your ankles need additional support and protection but lose the advantage unless you're wearing breeks or similar and to honest they do not allow the articulation in the ankle for long periods of walking.
Leather if its treated well, particularly when drying them out will last for years. And get them worn in before undertaking any serious distances. Thumbs Up I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Post #558340 23rd Aug 2016 5:33pm
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sgilmour



Member Since: 21 Jul 2015
Location: Essex
Posts: 232

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Arles Blue
I have a pair of Altberg boots that I've had for several years now. British made boots, will do you many years service with the occasional polish given in return. Still the comfiest pair of shoes I've ever had. I wore them daily for about 4 years and they never let me down. Couldn't recommend them high enough.

http://www.altberg.co.uk 1994 Defender 90 300TDi
2002 Disco II ES Td5 Auto (SOLD)
2011 BMW 120d M Sport
2012 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TDI (Other halfs)
Post #558484 24th Aug 2016 6:45am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7687

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
If your going to be living in them for a period of time, walking for week, overland etc, I would go for Lowa, Scarpa or Altberg. All are well made and should need little wearing in. They can all also be resoled, something that's nice to know when your ten years down the line and they fit like slippers but sole tread had worn out! I would not go for gortex or similar lined in an activity based boot. I like good breathability without the heat generation, leather uppers work best for me. Some nikwax or similar to keep waterproof. Non gortex boots are easier to dry out too for when they do get wet inside.

Hanwag make superb mountain boots, rigid and semi rigid sole.

If your after boots for dog walking, occasional use, plenty of then out there, chose what suits your style.

On all accounts try before you buy. Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop
Post #558487 24th Aug 2016 7:07am
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Scrawf



Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: Matlock
Posts: 25

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Tamar Blue
Altberg boots. British made. Come in different widths so you can get a really comfortable fit. Very waterproof and tough as old boots!
Post #558488 24th Aug 2016 7:09am
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Anderzander



Member Since: 08 Feb 2011
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 999

United Kingdom 
Hanwag 👍🏻

Ray Mears uses them - and I love mine.
Post #558491 24th Aug 2016 7:14am
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DefenderJon



Member Since: 01 Dec 2012
Location: Sunny Ulster
Posts: 68

Northern Ireland 2000 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Epsom Green
Rickydodah wrote:
I'd go for Chris Brasher's "Hillmaster" or something similar. They're light and waterproof and leather, 3 must haves in my opinion. I spend what seems like most of my life in boots of some description and can honestly say your feet will thank you for buying a quality item. Lightness for obvious reasons, even a few ounces will make a tremendous difference, I've yet to find a boot made from man made materials to be truly waterproof except wellingtons. The high hunting boots are great for shorter periods where your ankles need additional support and protection but lose the advantage unless you're wearing breeks or similar and to honest they do not allow the articulation in the ankle for long periods of walking.
Leather if its treated well, particularly when drying them out will last for years. And get them worn in before undertaking any serious distances. Thumbs Up


Unfortunately Brasher have now been bought over by Berghaus. The Hillmasters aren't in the same league anymore. Where they used to be fully leather lined on the inside, they now just have the Goretex membrane. A real shame, as Hillmasters have been my boot of choice for years. Sad

Jon. Defender 90 TD5 CSW - The longer I own it, the newer it gets!!
Post #558493 24th Aug 2016 7:21am
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MartinK



Member Since: 02 Mar 2011
Location: Silverdale (Lancashire/Cumbria Border)
Posts: 2664

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Orkney Grey
Alt-Berg +1

Been using nothing else since I found them a few years ago.

Similar price to other quality books (Scarpa, Zamberlan, Meindl, Salomon etc), but as other say, British made (Factory shop near Scotch corner does fittings), multiple width fittings, can't go wrong Thumbs Up

If you go to the factory shop, subscribe on their website first - you get (or used to get) 10% discount...

Got 2 pairs, best boots I have had. Also use their motorcycle boots Thumbs Up

Incidentally, I completed the Munros...and used 3.5 pairs of (Scarpa) boots over 10 years doing that. Completing the Corbetts I used another 2 pairs over 10 years.

When climbing in the Alps, I use La Sportiva Nepal Extreme..,.,

Alt Berg Mallerstang are my 3-4 season boot in Scotland, Wales & Lakes...

Rosco wrote:
Depends what you want them to do. There are walking boots and then there are walking boots.

Thumbs Up


Agree - I use 3-season for year-round hillwalking unless Crampons are going to be on for extended periods... Defender "Puma" 2.4 110 County Utility (possibly the last of the 2.4's)


Last edited by MartinK on 24th Aug 2016 2:40pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #558500 24th Aug 2016 7:39am
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familymad



Member Since: 13 Dec 2011
Location: Bucks
Posts: 3464

 2016 Defender 130 Puma 2.2 HCPU Santorini Black
Scarpa for me 1951 80" S1 2.0
1995 110 300TDI
1995 90 300TDI
Post #558501 24th Aug 2016 7:41am
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Cupboard



Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 2971

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 HT Corris Grey
I have a pair of Antom Q2 boots and they're fantastic.
I've had a lot of other boots and these win by a long shot, much better than the previous visually fairly similar Scarpa boots.

Seconding the comments about leather boots, I've had fabric/nubuck boots and wouldn't go back to them. The best ones are vaguely waterproof-ish out of the factory - enough for splashing through a puddle occasionally - but if you spend a day walking through wet grass you'll be squelching at the end of the day. Even if you use Nikwax on them every time you use them they still don't stay or become waterproof. You get a really nice effect of the water beading up and running off them when you run them under a tap, but as soon as you get back in to the wet grass you have sodden feet.

Leather boots on the other hand, my work boots get no love at all and just work. The Anatoms get a bit more love, but not excessive amounts.

Edit: oh, and Vibram soles. I've had own brand soles that claim to be as good as Vibram soles and in theory that shouldn't be hard but I've never had anything last as long as a proper Vibram one.
Post #558505 24th Aug 2016 7:55am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7687

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
and sorbothane inserts! Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop
Post #558511 24th Aug 2016 8:17am
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Mash



Member Since: 09 Feb 2015
Location: Guernsey
Posts: 1674

Guernsey 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Nato Green
I work in boots and I go from the +50 to -50, work ranges from workshops to tabbing with silly weights over silly miles. Over the years I have had lows,hanwag and alt berg. I now have a large collection of boots by the makers listed for different jobs. So it really is a case of trying them out as one boot might not be good for all but might cover most jobs. 90 wolf - Jasmin http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic39408.html
90 V8 - Maggie http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic42564.html
110 TD5 - Buggsy http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic59029.html
52HG25 lightweight https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic72342.html
D3 Hse - Fiona
Capri 2l S - Anna

Think I might have a problem............
Post #558513 24th Aug 2016 8:30am
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ken



Member Since: 18 Aug 2009
Location: Banging Birds with my bitches !!
Posts: 4328

United Kingdom 
Wife travels all over the world Galapagos Islands to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and the boots she loves are Meindl

One week to bed in then off she goes

Me Oakley all day long
Post #558517 24th Aug 2016 8:43am
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