Walking Forum

Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Hawkeye on 14:13:01, 23/07/19

Title: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Hawkeye on 14:13:01, 23/07/19
Back in the 80s and 90s my dad had plenty of Karrimor gear. As i remember it was well respected, high quality gear. Then i think 10 years ago or so the brand was purchased by Sports Direct and it became cheaper in price and quality. Having said that i purchased a Karrimor soft shell jacket 4 or 5 years ago and it's incredibly good (although it was around £90, so not cheap).


My question is has anybody purchased any Karrimor boots or shoes recently, and are they any good? I popped into Sports Direct at lunch time and on the face of it the gear looked to be decent quality.


Your thoughts would be welcomed.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: sussamb on 14:34:57, 23/07/19
Wouldn't touch them now with a barge pole  O0
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Hawkeye on 15:15:43, 23/07/19
Wouldn't touch them now with a barge pole  O0


Thanks - but why - do you have any personal experience of them these days?
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: tom83 on 15:47:01, 23/07/19
I've got a pair for Karrimor boots, and I've got to say they are like 2 different boots in different conditions. I'm currently looking at replacing them, and they are hardly worn.


On grass and soft surfaces they are fine, lightweight and comfortable, decent ankle support too. But on rough ground they are shocking, I climbed Skiddaw recently, and I felt every single stone and sharp rock through the sole. It was that bad I actually considered putting my trainers back on for the walk back down.


The soles are way, way too soft, and they don't have sufficient grip for even damp surfaces, so you find yourself slipping a lot, especially in places you wouldn't expect to slip.


Would I recommend them, not really, unless you plan on very easy walking, but if your planning on walking on rough ground, definitely not.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Ralph on 15:57:44, 23/07/19
I will never buy anymore Karrimor boots as the last pair lasted just 4 months.The soles are soft because they are basically air inside, discovered this when I took them apart. It's a shame because Karrimor gear was always great quality & used by many. You only have to look at who owns it now, unless he's sold it on.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Mel on 18:00:47, 23/07/19
I think they're alright as a beginner's entry-level boots for low/mid level walks in dry weather.



Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: jimbob on 18:57:49, 23/07/19
When I got into walking distances four years ago, I bought some Karrimor boots. Turned out that for all the reasons I now know they were too small after a few miles. Now wear them  in the allotment and they have been great, soles stand up to using spades etc. So cannot be all bad.  They are also absolutely waterproof. Last year I  bought some Karrimor trailrunners , just to see if  I  liked trailrunners as opposed to wearing boots. They are also great. Soles are lasting well uppers are as waterproof now as they were when new. All in all very pleased with them. Turns out I wear them nearly all the time now due to their comfort level. I walk 4 miles daily at least as part of my exercise routine mostly urban walking  and much longer distances on treks etc as often as I can. No complaints at all except that I really hate those fancy pull buckle type lacing systems which makers think we should have nowadays. Next pair of boots will probably be Alt-Bergs due to their longevity and absolute certainty of fit. And at my age hopefully they will last me until they get thrown into the oven with me.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: BuzyG on 21:08:37, 23/07/19
Yup, I swear by my Karrimore walking shoes.  Cheap as chips, robust and very comfortable. If perhaps a little heavy compared to trail shoes.  Regularly walk 15+ miles.  I'm not daft enough to think they are waterproof despite the liner.  If it looks wet underfoot I wear my boots.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Ridge on 08:35:18, 24/07/19
I think that Karrimor are very much a case of you get what you pay for. So if you are not doing much rough walking, if you are only just starting and may hate walking in 3 months time or if you have kids with growing feet then they are fine. You will probably get 5 times the miles out of a boot costing 4 times the price.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 11:59:38, 24/07/19
When you consider they are now in the budget sector of the outdoors market, they represent excellent value for money.
Maybe they will not last as long as say a Scarpa or Meindl product, but they represent good value, and should not be ignored simply because their a budget product.


Ive just bought one of their 15Litre day sacs, for the princely sum of £12.


On examination, you can see its not made to the exacting standards of maybe a Camelbak sac or other top brand, but it will certainly last the owner quite a few years of use, and blimey its comfortable on your shoulders.


Its even made from a ripstop nylon material, so should be fairly durable.


But it only cost £12, that's less than some of the socks in Cotwolds.


With Karrimor, you get what pay for, cheap and cheerful products that should last the user a few years of good use, and because you have not blown the bank in purchasing the stuff, there is no real room for any complaints.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: ninthace on 12:12:45, 24/07/19
And if it only cost you £12 where was it made, by whom and how much did they get for making it?
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: jimbob on 13:31:12, 24/07/19
And if it only cost you £12 where was it made, by whom and how much did they get for making it?
Yep Ninthace, you have hit the nail fairly and squarely on the head.My dilemma is, if I stop buying this type of goods what will happen to those so employed. Is something better than nothing.
I do worry about the answer to that conundrum.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: alan de enfield on 15:02:31, 24/07/19
Yep Ninthace, you have hit the nail fairly and squarely on the head.My dilemma is, if I stop buying this type of goods what will happen to those so employed. Is something better than nothing.
I do worry about the answer to that conundrum.



My Son (and his Fillipino wife and daughter) live in Cambodia which is one of the world's main manufacturing countries(along with neighbouring Vietnam) for 'cheap' clothing.


The workers get paid 'pennies' but, as you say, it is at least employment and allows them to feed their extended family.


It is interesting to note that when they visit 'home' they comment that the Cambodian produced clothing and shoes are around half the price they are in Cambodia. I know there are no tariff's / duties applied to developing nations but the freight and packaging costs alone must add a fair bit to the 'landed cost' in the UK.


https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/video-cambodia-from-sex-workers-to-human-trafficking-the-high-cost-of-cheap-clothes


It is a moral dilemma
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: BuzyG on 21:18:03, 24/07/19
I think that Karrimor are very much a case of you get what you pay for. So if you are not doing much rough walking, if you are only just starting and may hate walking in 3 months time or if you have kids with growing feet then they are fine. You will probably get 5 times the miles out of a boot costing 4 times the price.


Not so in my experience of Karrimore walking shoes.  They are both durable and  comfortable.  Yes you get the odd mist stitch,but as you can buy three pairs.  They are almost certainly going to out last more expensive brands.  I wear them all summer long on Dartmoor plenty of rough ground up there. 
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: nesty on 13:03:34, 27/07/19
I had Karrimor new and old, what I mean when they were made in the UK when British, then latter Mike Ashley just bought the name up and now made in China.


The old UK pair were good last for years, though the latter (china) ones I'd thought I try, did ok for a year then top eyelet came off and started leaking etc.


£12 is a ok deal though depends on what your putting them through. Though I think I mentioned in another thread nearly everything is made in China now. I saw a pair of Anatom walking shoes (£90), hi tec ones (£50) and another unheard of brand (£30) and the walking shoes were exactly the same, all probably built on the same production line.
Pay your money, make your choice!


Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: BuzyG on 23:05:13, 27/07/19
Paid my money and made my choice today. Bought two new pairs of Karrimore walking shoes.  O0
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: El Principe on 18:40:56, 22/08/19
I suppose Karrimor is kind of like the Invicta of the boot world (it's looked down on as being cheap).

Don't know if the hate is justified, since I've never used them. Probably fine for entry level, but I think what annoys people is the fact that they're basically SportsDirect own brand, entry level, but they have aggressive and misleading pricing, which makes out that they're much higher level than they actually are.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: BuzyG on 18:57:14, 22/08/19
I suppose Karrimor is kind of like the Invicta of the boot world (it's looked down on as being cheap).

Don't know if the hate is justified, since I've never used them. Probably fine for entry level, but I think what annoys people is the fact that they're basically SportsDirect own brand, entry level, but they have aggressive and misleading pricing, which makes out that they're much higher level than they actually are.


I'm not sure I understand what you mean.  Surely what matters is that they are comfortable, well made, well priced foot wear.  That do the job they are designed for rather well. The maker and branding are, in this respect, irrelevant.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: El Principe on 18:19:25, 23/08/19

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.  Surely what matters is that they are comfortable, well made, well priced foot wear.  That do the job they are designed for rather well. The maker and branding are, in this respect, irrelevant.


I haven't tried them so I can't really comment - in fact I've seen some pairs that have quite a nice design - and I didn't mean to denigrate the boots or anybody who wears them.


To continue the watch analogy, like Invicta, Karrimor seems to get hate due to people's perception on quality and price. Invicta actually makes pretty good watches for the price, and Karrimor may well be the same.


But Karrimor/sportsdirect doesn't do themselves any favours with their deceptive pricing. It's always "RRP £150, NOW £70" or some such deception. They try to portray them as a high-level boot at a cut price, when really they are just normal boots at an affordable price.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: fernman on 20:10:55, 23/08/19
Never mind. For about three years now Sports Direct have been proclaiming that they aim to become "the Selfridges of sportswear". Speaking as a London suburbanite, I can tell you that Selfridges has really moved itself further upmarket in recent years, and for someone like me shopping there is completely out of the question, I wouldn't even set foot in there.

I can't see it happening myself, they'll lose their big band of loyal chav and trailer trash clientele for a start, along with people like me who go there for cheap garments. But I have noticed there is a definite shift taking place, with less of the racks at giveaway prices to more of the dearer (for Sports Direct) items.

So what will Karrimor boots be like if the aspirations take place?
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: WalkingWoody on 16:49:23, 10/09/19
Checkout Karrimor SF boots -  O0
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:44:07, 11/09/19
I remember a pair of Karrimor KSB3 fabric boots that I had in 1984 - downright dangerous. They had rounded off the heel supposedly to cause less damage to paths when descending - fine until you are flat on your *rse on a wet grassy slope. They didn't last long in any case - I think that I holed the fabric upper within a few weeks.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Snowman on 22:48:33, 12/09/19
I used to buy them for general walking, into town, that sort of thing.   However I got a pair that were complete rubbish.   The inner soles moved and were destroyed by the time I'd realised.   I put in some of these new cushion soles but that just didn't work, so I won't buy Karrimor anymore.  Shame because their stuff used to be so good - I've still got a 90's 65l rucksack which seems to be bombproof.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Chris_663 on 12:41:34, 13/09/19
To my understanding, Karrimor used to be a very good brand. They ran into financial trouble in 2003 they were bought out by Sports Direct and it's since then that quality went downhill due to cheap mass production. I have always bought Karrimor stuff over the last several years for one reason: Because it was cheap. And if everyone's been honest, that's why they buy Karrimor: Looks good, and is cheap. However the last 3 pairs of Karrimor walking boots I had have always given me blisters, they are never been that comfortable and they typically fall to pieces over time. But then, I do pretty big walks so I probably need something better unlike others who may do smaller walks.


Admittedly I could have taken more care of them them however it's no secret they're not the best quality brand. At the end of the day you're either a serious walker who demands the best equipment, or you are not that serious and can do with cheaper products. That's the typical way of the world. Every item has a quality version and a cheaper knock off and those cheaper knock offs have their place in society. Not everyone is going to / can pay £200 + for a decent pair of boots, or simply don't require that level of worksmanship.


All you need to decide is do you want expensive boots, or cheap boots? There is no right or wrong answer, to quote the great dragon from merlin: "There is no right or wrong, only what is, and what isn't"  ;D
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:43:13, 01/10/19
Just been looking at Karrimor boots in Kendal - the leather Cheetah model at £80 looked OK but had a fabric tongue. Their Cheviot model at £90 had full leather uppers but rounded off heels and what I thought was rather too little tread. Didn't get as far as trying them on.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Man wae a dug on 16:39:07, 01/10/19
I bought a pair of Karrimor boots a few years back as a cheap winter boot. They were never off my feet! Kept my feet dry, never leaked once (think they had e-vent lining ?) and lasted three winters. For (I think) £35 quid I was delighted with that return.
Ok, I never used them as a walking boot, but they did cover a few miles at any rate.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Bryan C on 10:18:23, 16/10/19
Just had a pair of Panther Mid walking boots replaced (RRP £149.99 sale £74.99 , I know this means nothing )
For : comfortable


Against : Never waterproof / breathable or hard wearing.
One heel wore down much quicker , none of of my other footwear ever did.
Stitching split.
Not worn for serious hiking.
Warranty only for six months by sports direct who own the co .
Knackered after about 5 months
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: jimbob on 10:44:37, 16/10/19
3 year old boots, used in Allotment, rough wear given which they were never intended for digging etc. Still waterproof. Trail runners used 4 miles per day on average  slight wear to heels (, due to paths and tarmac?) totally waterproof except for the big hole at the top where my foot goes in.
Just bought some Karrimor Bodmin walking shoes in the SD "sale"  ::) . Not worn seriously yet, but will be taking on my annual jaunt to Kukudrills countryside.

I use spraycan waterproofer after brushing shoes, boots . I bought a dozen cans when a local shoe shop had its closing down sale. I believe that it has been a fantastic bargain.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: hinch184 on 12:34:12, 16/10/19
First time I got into walking I bought the Karrimor Hot Rock boots. Massive mistake, terrible (for me), got rid after a 4 mile walk for Salomon Quest 2's which I find brilliant.


I think with most things you're best getting advice, perhaps see a specialist boot fitter and see what's right for you...those Karrimor might be great for another foot type.



Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Stube on 16:23:46, 16/10/19
I've used two pairs of Karrimor boots over the last five years (among others). I find they last about 500-600 miles walking on hard chalk or minor roads.

I'm heavy on all footware since I flex the sole while walking and always split the sole or upper.
By comparison town shoes last me about six months of local pottering ie 1-2 miles a day.

These days I generally use whatever I find in my local charity shops. If I get 200 miles out of a £7 pair of boots I'm not going to complain.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Peak on 08:01:21, 24/02/21
A few years ago a friend of mine that does a daily walk of around 5 miles locally switched from Karrimor to the Decathlon brand Quechua, he considered the K's to be rubbish now and the Q's lasting about 3 times longer. I'll be trying some out when the shops reopen.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: MFEarthey on 18:44:06, 18/04/21
Last year I bought a pair of Karrimor 'Bodmin Mid IV weatherlite' to replace a similar pair that had lasted nearly 10 years. They cost £40 from a discount warehouse near Brighton. The new ones were extremely comfortable, but alas, they have already worn out. My walks are mainly chalk downland (as in the South Downs Way) mixed in with some roads. I'm new to this site, so I don't know how forum members measure wear and tear, but I guess I have done about 2 million Fitbit steps in the Bodmin IVs, if that means anything. My advice to readers is if you want a very comfortable pair of road walking shoes for taking the dog out, Karrimor is fine, but for prolonged non-road terrain, forget it. I suspect that somewhere down the line, Karrimor has reduced its build quality. I'm looking for a new brand of walking shoes - recommendations greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: Naomi8070 on 07:26:57, 18/05/21
Hello! Is it good idea to use a cycling shoes as a walking shoes?
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: BuzyG on 10:46:54, 18/05/21

[/size]Hello! Is it good idea to use a cycling shoes as a walking shoes?

The sole will have little grip and there is usually far less protection for your feet around the heel.  They are also usually far too stiff for walking and will wear quickly. 

Which shoes did you have in mind?

I did once carry my bike up the dirt section to the rim of Mt Vesuvius, wearing my cleats.  That was only a few hundred yards though.
Title: Re: Karrimor boots and shoes - any good?
Post by: RoMeR on 11:46:30, 18/05/21
I always cycle wearing my trail shoes but I have flat pedals.