Thanks Mel, The tell tale sign is the wet patch on the sock either side of the foot just before the toes. Soaked but the rest of the sock dry. Not sure about you but a heck of a strange place to sweat profusely yet be dry elsewhere
. It is not sweat, wicking, in the top or anything else.
I went to buy a replacement pair today but the stock in Cotswold was appalling - about a tenth of what is advertised on the website. Waste of a visit tbh. Still not decided what I'm going to do. While I can easily afford to write them off there is a point of principle. However, there is also a finite amount of time and energy I can put into it and I can assure that the episode will cost Tiso much much more than they have notionally saved and my experience will be relayed to anyone I meet who wants to talk outdoor gear. Meindl? Hmmm, they already appear to be damaged goods on the other forums I've looked at but for sure there are so many manufacturers churning out gear I doubt I have to go there again for the rest of my life. Pity as the shoe was exceptionally comfortable from the off.
In the meantime, while I look for a replacement, I've tried yet another waxing but, as mentioned before, treating the Granger to the hairdryer treatment to melt it into the seams. A technique recommended on another forum. I can't imagine it doing much good for the leather though it melts pretty quick. Don't much care what it looks like if its watertight. I will report back.