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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: alan de enfield on 17:50:39, 21/04/18

Title: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:50:39, 21/04/18

I am looking for new boots - the last ones (and the most comfortable I have ever had) were £19.99 from Aldi. They have lasted over 1000 miles but are starting to be a bit low on tread.


Looking to spend ~ £100.


I have flat feet, a bunion on one foot, one foot is a full size bigger than the other, and, I am Diabetic.
I walk 'hot' and my feet seem to 'spread' quite easily.
Some years ago I broke my ankle and the ligaments actually pulled chunks of bone away as I 'went over' on my ankle - it has never been 100% since and I do need boots for support.
( Reading that lot I reckon I shouldn't be out walking !!!!!)
So should be no problem to get boots to fit


In the last 12 months I have bought two pairs of boots one of which causes 'hot-spots' on one of my little toes after 6 or 7 miles.
The other gives full on blisters within a couple of miles.
I have tried thick socks, thin socks, 1000 mile guaranteed socks and even 2 pairs of socks, foot shaping insoles, padded arch lifters and nothing helps.


Both were fine walking around the house - but of course once used outside for a 10 mile walk they cannot be returned.
Never had this problem with the Aldi 'cheapies'.


Looking at basically lowland / heath / moorland walking with local farm tracks (hardcore) and some tarmac roads.


I would prefer 'water resistant' (as a minimum), don't mind leather or synthetic, but don't need big '5 season crampon fitting boots'


I am planning to go to Go Outdoors tomorrow and sit in their fitting room and see what they can do for me - I am thinking of :


Salomon Quest 4D 3GTX (£129)
Salomon Quest 4D 2GTX (£120)
Salomon Quest Prime GTX (£100)
Meindl Gomera GTX (£108)


I have been unable to identify any major differences between the three Salomon models - any help there ?


Any other brand / model suggestions and reasons why.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: sussamb on 19:39:45, 21/04/18
I've had both the prime and the 4D.  Main difference is that the 4D is more sturdy than the prime.  So it depends how much you walk and the type of walking you do.  I walk a fair bit and try to do a long distance walk once a year.  The primes weren't really up to it.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 19:51:29, 21/04/18

I've had both the prime and the 4D.  Main difference is that the 4D is more sturdy than the prime.  So it depends how much you walk and the type of walking you do.  I walk a fair bit and try to do a long distance walk once a year.  The primes weren't really up to it.


Thanks for the quick reply.
I am doing somewhere between 4 and 10 miles per day, 5 or 6 days per week on permissive local farm tracks, bridleways and footpaths (of which there are dozens, if not hundreds of around us).
'Hard ground' generally occasional 'plough'.


No1 Son is undergoing Radio therapy and now Chemo Therapy so time away is limited but I can always fit in a couple or three hours sometime during the day.
This course of treatment should finish August so will be - hoping - to do the Viking way later this Summer. (147 miles between the Humber Bridge and Oakham)
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: sussamb on 20:21:07, 21/04/18
If it were me I'd avoid the prime given the mileage/use you're planning.


Hope all works out for your son.

Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: jimbob on 20:49:23, 21/04/18
You will need waterproof boots for the Viking Way. There are areas where the 4WD Greenlaners have turned the full width of the route into a quagmire like thick broth. It is a great walk otherwise. I got full use out of my gaiters and walking poles in places.  The poles were needed to test the depth of the soup. Or a couple of bin liners over the lot may be of use in these situations.

As for boots I have a pair of Salomons relegated to house and round the streets use. They are too narrow for long walks. It is easy to compare the width to other boots in a shop, I now realise that Salomons are generally narrower than other makes. Also I am having trouble keeping the laces tight. The fancy plastic thing seems to have lost its grip.

Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: kinkyboots on 20:54:22, 21/04/18
 Blisters of any description point to badly fitting boots and a budget of £100 is a little on the low side and doesn't buy much in the way of a quality boot.

Given your bunion and previous ankle problems it may be advisable for you to visit a specialist bootfitter who can measure and assess your feet and offer you some professional advice. I would recommend a visit to Whalley Warm & Dry as from personal experience their specialist boot fitting service, knowledge, expertise and advice is second to none. They are an Altberg Premier Retailer and customers travel from all over the country to use their bootfitting service. They also have the equipment to steam and stretch leather boots for a custom fit.  http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/ (http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/)

For the type of walking you do the following boots from the Altberg range would be more than capable and may worth a closer look. (A bit above your budget but the Fremington is available online from around £150 and the Tethera from around £180).

2-3 Season Boots
Altberg
Fremington 1412g  (standard last with 5 width fittings) http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-fremington-mens-boot-mto/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-fremington-mens-boot-mto/) or
Altberg
Malham 1344g (A-Forme last with 1 width fitting) http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-malham-mens-boot-mto/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-malham-mens-boot-mto/)

3 Season Boots
Altberg Tethera 1472g (standard last with 5 width fittings) http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-tethera-mens-boot-mto/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-tethera-mens-boot-mto/) or
Altberg Nordkapp 1460g
(A-Forme last with 1 width fitting) http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/factory-stock-nordkapp/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/factory-stock-nordkapp/)

If the model of boot made on the standard last doesn't quite fit or suit your particular foot shape and volume it's a fairly safe be that the boot made on the A-Forme last will.

You can find your nearest Altberg retailer here http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/) The Premier retailers (the one's marked in red on the map) are where they will have the widest range available.

A cheaper option might be to have a look at the Altberg Defender military boots (plenty of new and used available on eBay).

Of the boots on your list the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX or 3 GTX would be my choice but only if they fit your foot shape, width and volume. You also need to be aware that there have been a number of users reporting problems with the liners failing and the boots leaking.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: sussamb on 21:24:25, 21/04/18
As for boots I have a pair of Salomons relegated to house and round the streets use. They are too narrow for long walks. It is easy to compare the width to other boots in a shop, I now realise that Salomons are generally narrower than other makes. Also I am having trouble keeping the laces tight. The fancy plastic thing seems to have lost its grip.


Really?  I find them wide enough. I had a pair of Asolos, they certainly were narrow!  I've had no issues either keeping the laces tight. On my previous boots, Berghaus Explorers, I needed to use a fisherman's knot to keep the laces tight, not so with my Salomons.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: Islandplodder on 22:14:18, 21/04/18
I don't know much about them but I believe Hanwag do a boot which caters for bunions, and I have heard they are comfortable.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: nesty on 23:27:48, 21/04/18
I have found the higher altitude you go the better quality you require!
Avoid china made boots for supreme dependency. China does not know how to build for extreme outdoors.
I have Altberg Tethera & a pair of arc'teryx Bora 2 for full demand walks and a pair Anatoms V3 (EU made).
Though, for lower less demand walks, I have a pair of Regatta Borderline and a pair of Peter Storm Langsdales, all do the job for the appropriate tasks and all have never leaked & have not ever had 1 blister!
On Ebay you can pick up some very good quality Altbergs (or decent makes) for little cash!
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: jimbob on 08:05:05, 22/04/18

Really?  I find them wide enough. I had a pair of Asolos, they certainly were narrow!  I've had no issues either keeping the laces tight. On my previous boots, Berghaus Explorers, I needed to use a fisherman's knot to keep the laces tight, not so with my Salomons.
certainly my x-ultras are narrow for my feet. My feet may be wider than yours and they swell up after a number of miles. The friction thingy has lost its friction, the laces come loose too quickly.   How do you use knots on this type of lace? They are more like cheese  cutters than normal laces.
Apart from the lace problem which may be a one off, they are certainly well made and worth the money. They just don't suit me.
What was clear in the shop later when I bought some replacements was that comparing Salomons sole to sole with other boots is that they were narrower than North Face, Merrill and Brasher.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: jontea on 08:17:08, 22/04/18
I would repeat Kinkyboots post, can’t go wrong with Alt-Berg boots fitted by a specialist.


But you won’t get a comfortable quality boot that will last, for £100 or less.
Remember your footwear is the most important bit of kit you need. If your feet are uncomfortable, your walking pleasure is reduced.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: sussamb on 08:28:17, 22/04/18
How do you use knots on this type of lace? They are more like cheese  cutters than normal laces.

Try here or Google surgeons knot for walking boots


http://www.gore-tex.com/blog/how-to-lace-hiking-boots/ (http://www.gore-tex.com/blog/how-to-lace-hiking-boots/)



https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/how-to-lace-walking-boots (https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/how-to-lace-walking-boots)


My earlier post said fisherman's knot, ignore that, must have been half asleep when I wrote that  ;D
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: kinkyboots on 08:34:22, 22/04/18
The friction thingy has lost its friction, the laces come loose too quickly. How do you use knots on this type of lace? They are more like cheese  cutters than normal laces.
Apart from the lace problem which may be a one off, they are certainly well made and worth the money. They just don't suit me.

Salomon do sell replacement Quicklace Kits containing the whole system for their range of shoes and boots which use this lacing system. Not cheap @ around £7.50 a pop but they are available.

Your cheese cutter description is not wrong!  ;D
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 08:36:02, 22/04/18

Thanks for all the replies so far - and - comments / suggestions taken on board.


I have looked at such as the 'Defender' on ebay but without knowing what size I am, and knowing how the boot sizes align with other boot sizes I don't want to buy 'blind'.
I am a size 11 in my Rigger boots (for yard work), I am a size 9 -10-11 in shoes depending in make, I have boots in sizes 10, & 11 so I think it is going to have to be a real 'bricks & mortar' supplier for me.


Totally agree that boots are probably the most important part of kit - without your feet you are going nowhere, you can sleep in a plastic bag in an emergency, you can do without food & water for a couple of days, but without your feet you won't get home.


The budget is not fixed (I am fortunate enough not to be financially restricted, but don't spend money needlessly) and I will pay whatever is necessary, be it £150, £180, or £200.


Unfortunately the home situation means I cannot get-away for a whole day to get to Whalley (180 miles, 3.5 hours each way + fitting time and £75 in fuel).
I can get to Go (1/2 hour away).


I am loathe to abuse 'Go' by getting measured & then buying on line - and even then, are (say) the Altberg boots the same 'cut' as Salomon or Meindl
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: kinkyboots on 08:51:08, 22/04/18
With respect I wouldn't consider Go Outdoors to be a specialist bootfitter in any shape or form.

The chances are that you will find a spotty faced youth with little to no knowledge serving you and that's if you can find anyone serving on in the boot department at all and finding someone who knows how to use a Brannock foot measuring device properly is just asking too much!  ;D

Have a look for your nearest Altberg retailer here http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/) The Premier retailers (the one's marked in red on the map) are where they will have the widest range available but not many will have the skill or expertise and facilities that Whalley Warm & Dry have.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 08:59:34, 22/04/18

With respect I wouldn't consider Go Outdoors to be a specialist bootfitter in any shape or form.



Have a look for your nearest Altberg retailer here http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/ (http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/) The Premier retailers (the one's marked in red on the map)


The nearest (Premier) retailers are :


Stafford 111 miles
Leamington Spa 102 miles
Sheffield 75 miles


I may just be able to fit in Sheffield between school runs at 09:00 and 15:15 hours


Thanks again.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: kinkyboots on 09:32:08, 22/04/18
Of those three Foothills in Sheffield http://www.foothills.co.uk/boot_fitting.php (http://www.foothills.co.uk/boot_fitting.php) is probably your best bet and they seem to have a decent reputation. A quick google of reviews will tell you more. I think Stafford Outdoors is currently closed as they don't have any premises at the moment

Make sure you phone before you go to check whether you need to make an appointment for fitting and that they have the boots you want to look at and try on in stock in the sizes and width fittings you may need - there's no point in travelling if not. Try to avoid the weekends if you can.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: sussamb on 10:05:08, 22/04/18
Other option is Cotswold if there is a branch near you. They normally have specialist boot fitters.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 12:48:08, 22/04/18

Other option is Cotswold if there is a branch near you. They normally have specialist boot fitters.


That's a bit better Nottingham 1hr 45 min and 60 miles each way, or Peterborough 1hr 30 min 50 miles each way
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 13:20:52, 22/04/18


Maybe I have a low 'pain threshold' but this is getting a bit frustrating.


Looking at Cotswold web site, they do not deal with Altbergs - so they are 'out'.


Cotswold do have Salomon Quest 4D 2GTX in stock only in sizes 8 and 12 at £120


Cotswold do have Salomon Quest 4D 3GTX in stock in all sizes at £180 (Colour Blue) but they are only £129 at Go Outdoor (Colour Black) so the price match guarantee does not come into play. But My nearest Go store with them in stock is 40 miles away


Go have the Salomon Quest 4D 2GTX at £125 , but in sizes 10 / 10.5 / 11 / 11.5 they are out of stock at every branch.

Cotswold sell the Hanwag Bunion Boot (Hooray !!!) BUT only in size 12



Cotswold sell the Hanwag Tatra GTX in all sizes at £165
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: sussamb on 14:20:35, 22/04/18
Cotswold will price match provided the Go price isn't because they have stuff on sale, although if the colour is different that's enough for both Go and Cotswold to refuse a price match.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 14:25:48, 22/04/18

Cotswold will price match provided the Go price isn't because they have stuff on sale, although if the colour is different that's enough for both Go and Cotswold to refuse a price match.


Yes - unfortunate, that's why I highlighted the colour and £50 price difference.


Any thoughts on these :


Scapa Terra GTX
Meindl Gomera GTX



Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: Mel on 14:47:28, 22/04/18
... the last ones (and the most comfortable I have ever had) were £19.99 from Aldi. They have lasted over 1000 miles ...


Out of interest, what's stopping you from getting some more from Aldi? 


1,000 miles out of a twenty quid boot that you find comfortable has a lot going for it
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: nesty on 14:54:01, 22/04/18

Out of interest, what's stopping you from getting some more from Aldi? 


1,000 miles out of a twenty quid boot that you find comfortable has a lot going for it


Probably no longer available. I find that a lot of models/styles only produced for 18 months or so then deleted.


To the original OP, I didn't have my feet measure for my Altberg Tethera. I took a chance on size and knew my width wasn't a Medium, so the correct size in wide width fitted great. Tho, it was a chance bargain buy on ebay. 
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: kinkyboots on 15:23:35, 22/04/18
Any thoughts on these :

Scapa Terra GTX
Meindl Gomera GTX

Scarpa are an Italian brand and their footwear tends to be built on a fairly narrow fitting last.
Meindl are a German brand which tend to be wider fitting than Italian brands however Meindl's build quality has suffered recently with quite a few complaints reported of leaking liners and soles either separating or wearing out prematurely.

The less stitching you have on any boot the less likely you are to suffer from leaking problems - every line of stitching is potential point of weakness in the build of a boot.

Given the problems you had with blisters on little toes it suggests to me that those particular boots are definitely not wide enough for your feet. The reason I was pointing you towards Altberg is that they are one of very few, if not the only, manufacturer which make some of their boots in 5 width fittings - so one of the width fittings is likely to fit your feet properly and the reason for pointing you towards a specialist bootfitter is that they can measure your feet properly and provide the advice and guidance you require and they should also be able to custom shape and fit the boots to take care of your bunion problem.


Out of interest, what's stopping you from getting some more from Aldi? 

1,000 miles out of a twenty quid boot that you find comfortable has a lot going for it

A very good point however like most things which are any good some bright spark usually changes the design and ruins what was a perfectly good product to save a penny or two on production costs!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:51:38, 22/04/18


Out of interest, what's stopping you from getting some more from Aldi? 


1,000 miles out of a twenty quid boot that you find comfortable has a lot going for it


Very good question.
Answer - they stopped doing them - in fact mine were the last ones and reduced to £15, I thought they would be a size to big but they were worth the risk and fitted perfectly.


Later last year they came out with another range of £19.99 boots (same manufacturer - Ten-Tex) and I bought the same size as the last ones. These are the ones that have given me a 'warm spot' on my right little toe after 5 or 6 miles. Wore them today and did 4 miles with no problems.


If I cannot get sorted with 'quality' boots I may just live with having a 'round' of Zinc-Oxide tape on my little toe and stick with the Aldi's for now.


I'll go up to Go tomorrow and see what these Scapa & Meindl are like, but if they don't fit then they aren't coming home.



Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: nesty on 19:32:04, 22/04/18

Very good question.
Answer - they stopped doing them - in fact mine were the last ones and reduced to £15, I thought they would be a size to big but they were worth the risk and fitted perfectly.


Later last year they came out with another range of £19.99 boots (same manufacturer - Ten-Tex) and I bought the same size as the last ones. These are the ones that have given me a 'warm spot' on my right little toe after 5 or 6 miles. Wore them today and did 4 miles with no problems.


If I cannot get sorted with 'quality' boots I may just live with having a 'round' of Zinc-Oxide tape on my little toe and stick with the Aldi's for now.


I'll go up to Go tomorrow and see what these Scapa & Meindl are like, but if they don't fit then they aren't coming home.


Have you looked on ebay for the same design? If you look at one of my previous threads. I discovered 3 walking shoes all named differently, but all the same. Sometimes, the blueprints of design are made under different names. 


Btw was it these Aldi boots?
https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/aldi/
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 11:29:39, 23/04/18

Well - again - many thanks for all the inputs.


Job Done !!!


Was waiting at Go Outdoors when they opened at 09:00. Spent an hour + with the boot fitter and tried a number of different brands & sizes of boots.


My foot size & shape made the selection almost self-limiting.


I am a 9 or 10 in shoes and generally a 10 or 11 in boots, but trying on a number of Salomon and Scapa boot models, even including size 12 with inserts to take up the length, I just could not get the width.


I think the Salomon Quest 4D 3GTX must be about the most uncomfortable boots I have ever tried on.


The Meindl range were certainly a bit wider but on a couple of the models one of the lace rivets fell exactly above my Bunion and as my foot flexed walking up the 'hill' I could feel it.


Eventually got to the Meindl Meran GTX (£215 RRP) which fitted superbly in size 11 (but as my right foot is only a size 10, I did need a 'filler' insert.
Comfortable, no pinching or rubbing and toes certainly not hitting the end, toe-box large enough for my Bunion.


So - The Meran it was to be.
'Go' price £193, so did a price match and found several other suppliers at a bit less with Trekitt.co.uk quoting £178.49.


Informed Go and they did their price match + 10% and I ended up paying £160.


With so much variation in shape and sizes, even amongst the 'premium' brands I could never just buy on-line.


Thanks again for all your suggestions.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: kinkyboots on 12:53:53, 23/04/18
Glad you got sorted out.

The only decision you need to make now is whether to spray or wax them.  ;)
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 12:56:07, 23/04/18
Plenty of possibilities, but the number one thing to do, is visit a decent stockist, and try on various boots for comfort and fit.
Possibly you might even grab yourself a bargain, as there are one or two dealers in Bettws Y Coed that have some very keen prices at the moment.
Not that i needed them, but there were a magnificent pair of Scarpa approach shoes in size 11, reduced from a silly £160 to £53.
They were the only pair reduced to clear in the shop, and they fitted me like slippers.

Cotswolds Rock Bottom shop, also had quite a few well priced bargains, but the important thing to do,  is try them all on, for fit and comfort.

Taking advice from others, on suitable boots, is fine, if the boots in question are comfortable, and a good fit, but everyones foot is different.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: jontea on 13:30:35, 23/04/18
Keep up DA  ::)


Glad you got sorted  O0
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 13:51:24, 23/04/18
I just thought that some of you might be visiting Bettws in the near future.
Most of the shops, even Cotswolds, appeared to have quite a few discounted items for sale.
The Scarpa shoes, were rather nice, but i was told that Head Office had decided on the substantially reduced to clear price, and the staff were tied.
I offered them £40, and you could sense they wanted to shift them, being the only pair they had in stock, but was told they had no room to negotiate.

Still, there were quite a few keenly priced bits of kit, throughout Betts Y Coed.
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: alan de enfield on 15:13:35, 23/04/18

It just gets better & better


RRP £215


Go Outdoors Price £193.49


Trekkit.co.uk price £178.49


Go Outdoor price match + 10% = price I paid = £160.64


Got home and found them for sale at Out Back Trading at £165
So taking Go at their 7-day price promise gave them a call and got another £12.14 knocked off the price.


Now got them for £148.50


Got to be a good day !!!!!

Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: Mel on 18:09:15, 23/04/18
Glad you got sorted A de E.  With the luck you're having maybe you should buy a lottery ticket  :D
Title: Re: New Walking Boot Suggestions Please.
Post by: MichaelUK on 09:26:43, 02/05/18
I took a trip to the Alt-Berg factory in Richmond, just over an hours drive. Had my feet measured up, and as I expected my left foot is over a half size bigger than my right foot! The two boots I had my eye on were the Tethera and Nordkapp. Both boots in stock and in my size, 10 W. Disappointingly they were not for sale, despite trying them on? So I left empty footed. No real explanation as to why they were not for sale, though I could order them. Fortunately Google was a very good friend to me, Taunton Leisure had the Tethera's in stock, my size, and with next day delivery, £184.99. They are being delivered today.
So if anyone is contemplating a trip to the Alt-berg factory I would advise ringing first to see if they have boots in stock for sale.