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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Dodgylegs on 20:49:29, 17/07/19

Title: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:49:29, 17/07/19
Hello everyone, hope you're all enjoying your walks.


I've had 5 pairs of walking boots (size 14) in less than two years and have been struggling to find a pair that fit and feel comfortable, walking up to 15 miles.
All have let me down and been returned for one reason or another.


Currently have Merrell MOAB which have developed a small hole in the inside lining on one boot.
Is there a simple way to fix i.e. like sticking something over it to prevent waterproof lining being affected?


Someone suggested a sticker used to repair hole in tents, a good idea or...



Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: kinkyboots on 09:33:22, 18/07/19
Unfortunately there's no simple fix that I'm aware of.

The bad news is that if the lining material has a hole in it the waterproof liner will almost certainly also be holed as well. In the vast majority of boots the waterproof liner consists of a very thin film of Goretex, Sympatex etc. which is bonded to the lining material itself before the boot is manufactured.

It may be worth getting a quote from https://lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk/walking-boot-repairs-and-resoles/ (https://lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk/walking-boot-repairs-and-resoles/) but by the time you've paid for the repair and postage costs both ways it's generally not financially viable. The Merrell Moab's are not what would be considered an expensive boot to begin with.

Perhaps you need to look at resolving the issue which caused the damage so it doesn't happen again with any new boots you may buy. It could be just poor quality manufacture but if the hole is in the heel area it could be caused by heel lift or friction caused by a badly fitting boot, poor quality socks or even grit particles wearing their way through. If it's in the toe area it could be caused by a toenail,  friction caused by a badly fitting boot or again by grit particles wearing their way through.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: motorlaunch on 11:44:22, 18/07/19
With regard to your search for comfortable boots, have you been able to work why the previous pairs were not right. If it is pressure in one area. You might need to alter the way you lace the boots or put in a different insoles.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:55:17, 18/07/19
This is a bit embarrassing!


The hole turned out to be a circular lump of muck, with a hole in the centre. It looked like a small hole had appeared in lining.


So everything is fine. Thanks for comments.


My problem with boots is not only the size of my foot but the shape, so I try to try some on before buying, but very few are actually stocked in my size.

Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: BuzyG on 22:45:04, 18/07/19
I have been wearing walking shoes during the dry weather.  Supprisingly supportive and comfy.  I trod on a sharp rock in my boots, went staight through the rubber and leather on the side of the boot.  It was only the inner that saved me from a very sore foot.  Wrecked my boot.  So I am also on the hunt before the winter.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:52:23, 18/07/19
I have been wearing walking shoes during the dry weather.  Supprisingly supportive and comfy.  I trod on a sharp rock in my boots, when staight through the rubber and leather on the side of the boot.  It was only the inner that aged me from a very sore foot.  Wrecked my boot.  So I am also on the hunt before the winter.


Hope you didn't have far to hobble in your damaged boot.


What kind were they, and are you looking for similar to replace?

Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: BuzyG on 23:39:41, 18/07/19

Hope you didn't have far to hobble in your damaged boot.


What kind were they, and are you looking for similar to replace?
They where Peter Storm Ben Nevis boots.  I bought two pairs for £145.  They were great. I have logged 5000 miles since I bought them 3 1/2 years ago.  Alas they don't sell them any more,o I would buy a few more pairs.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: kinkyboots on 10:47:00, 19/07/19
This is a bit embarrassing!


The hole turned out to be a circular lump of muck, with a hole in the centre. It looked like a small hole had appeared in lining.


So everything is fine. Thanks for comments.


My problem with boots is not only the size of my foot but the shape, so I try to try some on before buying, but very few are actually stocked in my size.

No need to be embarrassed I'm just glad that you have resolved the issue. It's probably worth investing in some Nikwax Tech Wash if you haven't already got some and use it to give the insides of your boots an occasional warm water soak, scrub and rinse out to remove any dirt, dust particles, sock fluff, salt build up, bacteria and/or smell as these can cause premature wear to both the lining material and waterproof liners over time and reduce breathability shortening the life of your boots.

As far as looking for new boots goes I can highly recommend a trip to what is probably the best boot fitter in the country. https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/ (https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/) They're not cheap but they will definitely be able to sort you out with some well fitting comfortable boots suitable for the type of walking you do. They are an Altberg Premier retailer and definitely worth a detour to visit if you get up to the Lakes or Yorkshire Dales. To avoid a wasted journey it would be sensible to ring before you travel to check they have stock available in your size to try on.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 19:32:04, 19/07/19
Nikwax Tech Wash


Wasn't aware of these products. Put boots in washing machine?
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: kinkyboots on 19:45:47, 19/07/19
Put boots in washing machine?

Definitely not a good idea!  ;D

Remove insoles. Make up a solution using warm water in a jug and fill your boot. Leave to soak for a while then use a small brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub around the inside of your boot to loosen any stubborn dirt. Empty boot and rinse with cold water a couple or three times. Hang boot upside down and leave boot to dry naturally away from any direct heat source. Depending on temperature it may take 2 or 3 days to fully dry or even longer in colder weather. Insoles can be washed separately using same solution.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:09:46, 19/07/19
Altberg


Re Attberg. Visited them on a few occasions last year and must admit to being very unhappy with the guy I dealt with, who would not accept my opinion that my toes were touching the ends of boots and toes on right foot were cramped (my major problem when trying on boots due to shape of foot). He was totally convinced his measurements showed differently and became difficult to deal with. Am aware of their good reputation for boots but...


Must admit Merrell MOAB are light, comfortable and don't cause any issues re fit, although size 14 as opposed to Attberg telling me I needed size 12's!
Have increased walking distance since wearing them.


Thanks for the boot cleaning advice.


Are you attempting any walks at the moment?
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: kinkyboots on 10:15:19, 20/07/19
From your description my guess would be that you visited the Altberg factory and experienced their rather peculiar brand of "customer service"?

In my experience the difference between the Altberg factory and Whalley Warm & Dry is like chalk and cheese. Nothing is too much trouble for the boot fitters at Whalley Warm & Dry whereas at the Altberg factory you could easily be forgiven for thinking that actual customers (who pay their wages) are nothing more than an inconvenience or annoyance to them. You are not the first and won't be the last to experience this. The staff at the Altberg factory just never seem to learn from their mistakes or improve. In my opinion it's well worth the extra mileage to travel to Whalley Warm & Dry which is why they get frequently recommended by members on this forum.

The measurements taken using the Brannock device which is widely used across the whole footwear industry will not be wrong. However only you know when a boot feels right for your feet or not and your first impression of the fit and comfort formed withing the first five minutes of trying a boot on is rarely wrong.

Altberg's measuring system is known for the closeness of the fit of their boots. This often turns out to be just too close fitting for some people to achieve what they consider to be a comfortable fit. I think most people's feet have just become so accustomed to badly fitting off the shelf mass produced footwear to the point that correctly fitting footwear now just feels odd and uncomfortable to them. It is not uncommon for customers to have to go up a half or full size to achieve a comfortable fit but two full sizes is pushing it to the point where your foot may slide backwards and forwards inside the boot which can allow your toes to come into contact with the front of the boot causing painful toe bang bruising or loss of toenails or create friction which can cause blisters.

The customer is always right and the bottom line is it's your money, your feet and your decision. Only you knows when a boot feels right for your feet. If it doesn't feel right insist on going up in half sizes until you find what feels to be a comfortable fit and if necessary try other models built on different lasts until you find the one that does.

This list of Altberg models may be of interest.

2-3 Season Boots
Altberg Fremington Men's 1412g RRP £179.99 (standard last with 5 width fittings) https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-fremington-mens-boot-mto/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-fremington-mens-boot-mto/)
Altberg Malham Men's 1344g RRP £184.99 (A-Forme last with 1 medium width fitting) https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-malham-mens-boot-mto/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-malham-mens-boot-mto/)
Altberg Keld Unisex 1428g RRP £189.99 (G-Fit last with 1 wide width high volume fitting) https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/keld-boot-factory-stock/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/keld-boot-factory-stock/)

3 Season Boots
Altberg Tethera Men's 1472g RRP £214.99 (standard last with 5 width fittings) https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-tethera-mens-boot-mto/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-tethera-mens-boot-mto/)
Altberg Nordkapp Unisex 1460g RRP £219.99 (A-Forme last with 1 medium width fitting) https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/factory-stock-nordkapp/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/factory-stock-nordkapp/)
Altberg Kisdon Unisex 1622g RRP £219.99 (G-Fit last with 1 wide width high volume fitting) https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/kisdon-boot-factory-stock/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/product/kisdon-boot-factory-stock/)

I've no particular walks planned in the near future other than occasional spur of the moment local jaunts aroud the Yorkshire Dales when time permits.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 10:46:58, 20/07/19
I have both MOABs and Altberg Tetheras. The MOABs use American sizing and I take a size 13. These were the only model of this type of boot I could find that the large and wide enough and I have found them to be very comfortable. My Tetheras are size 12 wide and seem to have enough room, but they haven’t been properly tested due to injury. I too find it difficult to get boots that seem comfortable. I have just tried on about every boot there is until I found something that seemed right. Having larger than normal feet means that this can be difficult, as the appropriate sizes are often not stock. It does pay to go to a store where they know how to measure and fit boots correctly.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:25:11, 20/07/19
I totally agree with trying boots on. Initially could only find cheaper boots, Hi-tec were a really good wide fitting boot but fell apart, returned for exchange three times, until advised they no longer stock size 14's! Found MOAB's, which fit me really well, but price being asked was ridicules so tracked some much less expensive ones on-line. Aware this can be problematic if boots need returning, it's not just walking boots that are difficult to find! Best shoes I've ever had were from Ecco, but they stopped making them and replacement narrow fit.


Will attempt to go to Whalley when next near area, although it's a canny way from me.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:14:26, 01/03/20
Oh dear!


Walking boots have let me down again!


My very comfortable and so far reliable Merrell MOAB GTX 2 walking boots, which have taken me on hundreds of miles of walks over the last 16 months, did not cope with the wet sodden Pennine Way around Hawes area last week. Having cleaned and left them slowly to dry, went out for a walk today. First thing I noticed was parts of the leather on both boots were missing and whilst walking discovered the sole was starting to come away from the rest of the boot.


This is disappointing due to the number of occasions I have been let down by walking boots that cannot cope with wet British weather.


Looks like I need separate boots to cope with very wet ground .... I was so pleased with Merrells I have another new pair given as Christmas present... so after previous advice looks like I'll have to make my way to Whalley, once I've saved up!
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: ninthace on 01:10:18, 02/03/20
Altbergs. They’re the best for that country IMHO.  I wasted  a lot of money on other brands over the years but my Tetheras have done hundreds and hundreds of miles in the Lakes, Pennines and Dales. They have been resoled once and are still going.  You have to invest if you want boots that last longer than the laces.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:35:37, 02/03/20
Are you sure that it is not just fair wear and tear?

I wore out the soles of a pair of boots a few months ago - they lasted me just over a year, during which I must have walked 1,500 miles in them. A bit disappointed, but basically I had worn them out, perhaps due to the fair proportion of road walking that I do. They were a budget boot (Grisport Peaklander). Leather uppers were still reasonably sound though.

I'm well pleased with my latest boots, Brasher Country Masters, leather uppers with a rand, comfortable and light enough for summer use, yet stiff enough for use in the snow and on the rough stuff. Cheap too, from Millets. Have walked a few hundred miles in them so far.

Altberg do a model with a rand, extra defence against the wet, and scuffs - the Tethera, I believe. See Kinky's post below.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:48:56, 02/03/20
In 2015 whilst walking the GR10 in France the inner leather across the toes of one of my boots cracked and made the tops of my toes red raw. After a day I found a small shoe shop and bought a cheap pair of trainers and threw the boots away. The comfort was heaven!
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: kinkyboots on 12:03:59, 02/03/20
Altberg do a model with a rand, extra defence against the wet, and scuffs - the Tethera, I believe. See Kinky's post below.

All Altberg's 'normal' range of hiking boots except the Mallerstang have a rand but the Nordkapp and Kisdon models have an extra high rand offering more protection which is particularly useful at preventing scuffs and scrapes to the leather on the front of the toe.

It is now possible to have the standard height rand replaced with the extra high rand on any boot for an extra £20 but this can only be done when having the boots resoled.

https://www.altberg.co.uk/boot-fitting/resoling (https://www.altberg.co.uk/boot-fitting/resoling)

(https://www.altberg.co.uk/portals/0/Graphics/BootFitting/FactoryResole/Rand%20Standard%202446.jpg)(https://www.altberg.co.uk/portals/0/Graphics/BootFitting/FactoryResole/Rand%20High%202444.jpg)                                         
                                            Standard Height Rand                                                                                                            Extra Height Rand
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:30:11, 02/03/20
Thank you for the clarification, kinky.


Edit - yes, it was the Nordkapp that I was thinking of.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:16:11, 02/03/20
Are you sure that it is not just fair wear and tear?


Boots seemed in good nick until walking through a lot of water, and I mean a lot of water!
Feet were dry but boots have taken a hammering.


Looked at boots you recommend, usual problem only go to size 12.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:17:30, 02/03/20
In 2015 whilst walking the GR10 in France the inner leather across the toes of one of my boots cracked and made the tops of my toes red raw. After a day I found a small shoe shop and bought a cheap pair of trainers and threw the boots away. The comfort was heaven!


Must admit these Merrells were similar to trainers, that's what they based the design on.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 17:20:53, 04/03/20
Met some more walkers who swear by Altberg walking boots ... 8 years wear, had four pairs!
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: archaeoroutes on 19:43:39, 06/04/20
Definitely not a good idea!  ;D
For many walking boots, putting them in the washing machine would indeed be a bad idea.
However, modern lightweight fabric ones it can be OK. I have a pair of inov-8 roclites that frequently get muddy and abused as I use them for running. They go straight in the machine with Tech Wash when I get home (well, I rinse the worst off under a running tap first). This helps to stop the grit working its way through the weave and then trashing the layers below.
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: Dodgylegs on 11:11:10, 08/04/20
For many walking boots, putting them in the washing machine would indeed be a bad idea.
However, modern lightweight fabric ones it can be OK. I have a pair of inov-8 roclites that frequently get muddy and abused as I use them for running. They go straight in the machine with Tech Wash when I get home (well, I rinse the worst off under a running tap first). This helps to stop the grit working its way through the weave and then trashing the layers below.


Don't think I've brave enough to try in washing machine, with my luck I'll break the washing machine and trash the boots!
Title: Re: Hole in Walking Boot lining
Post by: ninthace on 11:19:26, 08/04/20

Don't think I've brave enough to try in washing machine, with my luck I'll break the washing machine and trash the boots!
I did suggest putting my Paramo Jacket into the washing machine to reproof it.  Then Mrs N suggested hand washing it instead.  Funny how the word "suggest" takes on different nuances of meaning depending on who is doing the suggesting.  If I were to try something like boots, I suspect it would be cold shoulder and tongue for a month or more!