Author Topic: Boot recommendation  (Read 1538 times)

medavidcook

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Boot recommendation
« on: 22:20:41, 10/12/17 »
Hello,


I am looking at getting some new boots for winter walking. My current boots are not suitable for winter. Can anyone recommend some decent winter boots, budget is around £80


Thanks

kinkyboots

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Re: Boot recommendation
« Reply #1 on: 09:34:14, 11/12/17 »
I think you need to state exactly what you mean by "winter walking". What make and model of boot do you have now?

Low level winter walking on prepared paths or trails is an entirely different proposition to high level winter hill or mountain walking where the use of crampons may be required. Different types of boot suit each scenario. Most 3 season boots are more than capable of being used at low levels in winter. If crampons are likely to be needed you need to be looking at a 3-4 season boot as a minimum and they don't come cheap.

Being realistic your £80 budget seems very low and will not buy you much in the way of either quality or durability and you are likely to be buying again after a short period.

Buying used boots from eBay or Gumtree will certainly get you better value for your money but you need to be certain of your size in any particular make and model before considering buying.

medavidcook

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Re: Boot recommendation
« Reply #2 on: 11:25:05, 12/12/17 »
I currently have
Regatta Mens Ultra-Max Mid X-LT Hiking Shoes

I have worn them out walking in the rain and they have kept my feet dry.

My goal is to do some walking up Pen-y-fan in the winter so possible snow.

That is what I would like to pay but if I have to i will put more money into the budget which is most likely what I am going to do.

hope this helps

thanks

kinkyboots

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Re: Boot recommendation
« Reply #3 on: 13:19:29, 12/12/17 »
Your £80 budget has just gone out of the window!  :o

From a safety point of view I wouldn't be attempting Pen Y Fan in anything approaching winter conditions without wearing a decent pair of 3-4 season full leather boots and having ice spikes and flexible crampons in the rucksack to cover changing weather conditions.

A quick google of 3-4 season boots will point you to plenty of reviews. Price range £170 - £210.

I have a pair of Altberg Mallerstang for use in such circumstances http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-mallerstang-boot-mto/

For Ice Spikes there are currently 3 main choices - Khatoola Ice Spikes, Hillsound Trail Crampons or Grivel Ran Antislip. Price range £27 - £55.
Recent thread discussing ice spikes http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=35630.0

For flexible crampons look at Grivel G10 or Grivel Monte Rosa but there are others. Price range £70 - £90

To get the best value for your money have a look at buying a 3 season leather boot which can take a flexible crampon for short periods of time (occasional use only but not confirmed by the manufacturer) so they can be used year round. Have a look at the Altberg Tethera or Altberg Nordkapp.
http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/the-tethera-mens-boot-mto/
http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/factory-stock-nordkapp/

Most of this winter gear can be picked up secondhand  far cheaper on eBay or Gumtree but winter is not the best time to be buying winter gear as demand is at it's highest and so are the prices people are prepared to pay.

To top that lot off a decent pair of Gore-Tex or eVent gaiters will help protect and prolong the life of your boots.

Here's a previous thread discussing Pen Y Fan in winter conditions http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33667.0
You might want to consider sending a PM to some of the participants asking for their advice and recommendations.


mananddog

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Re: Boot recommendation
« Reply #4 on: 15:01:55, 12/12/17 »
As Kinkyboots says true winter conditions needs 4 season boots and crampons and a knowledge of how to use an ice axe. However, I often go  into the hills in good snow conditions when I am treading paths and not going off piste (up gulleys and on rocky ridges) in winter with my Altberg Malhams (2-3 season boots) and Katoola spikes and ice axe, I would certainly do Pen-y-Fan with these perhaps leave the axe in the sack and use poles. However, I have been winter mountaineering for 40 years.

medavidcook

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Re: Boot recommendation
« Reply #5 on: 15:32:19, 12/12/17 »
hmm, ok think I need to rethink this. Ok, going to look for some decent boots and maybe the other recommended stuff.

thanks both

 

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