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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: JazzMan2018 on 19:10:46, 05/09/20

Title: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: JazzMan2018 on 19:10:46, 05/09/20
Hi,

Recently decided to get back into hillwalking. Bought a pair of Asolo Classic boots on ebay. Very solid - look like 4 season boots - and great condition

Anyway wore them up Helvellyn yesterday and ended up with very wet feet. Was a fair bit of rain but also did some walking through streams & puddles - nothing deeper than the top of the boot though

Think they are wet from the inside - foot beds are soaked

On close inspection there are 3 or 4 areas showing a gap where the rubber sole/rand meets the leather - some around the heel ans some around the toe area - maybe 1mm max. Seller assured me they were waterproof! Maybe its just water coming in through the leather?

Any advice as to whether these can be fixed? Ideas were to seal the gaps (not sure what with?) or to try some type of waterproof sock (do these actually work?) or just live with it?

Any info appreciated

Thanks
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:21:20, 05/09/20
Don't like the sound of the gap between the rand and the leather - no amount of wax is going to fix that. You can't expect miracles if you are splashing around in wet conditions, but is sounds as if these boots are far from waterproof. I would take it up with the seller.

PS - by a strange coincidence, I was up Helvellyn yesterday, and whilst walking up to my wild camp the day before, my boots failed between the rand and the leather!

PPS - welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 19:48:33, 05/09/20
Are these the boots and gaps you're talking about?

McNett Freesole (think they've recently rebranded it to McNett Gear Aid Aquaseal SR Shoe Repair Adhesive) or Shoe Goo may help.

This YouTube video from around 5:03 may help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rrvVQUX4iA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rrvVQUX4iA)

You may be able to effect a temprorary repair but in my opinion the boots have had it and you've wasted your money. It looks like the adhesive bonding the sole to the upper has started to fail. I don't even think a resole will permanently fix it because the problem may not just relate to the sole it may be the midsole as well and a resole will cost more than you paid for the boots. Storing them in a conservatory for a year where the temperature is quite likely to get very high in the summer months is probably what caused the problem.

The claim that they are watertight on the listing is not correct and I would suggest that you start an eBay claim under the eBay Money Back Guarantee to get your money back as they are not as described.


(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jIUAAOSwSKxfNZxh/s-l1600.jpg)(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DUQAAOSwQcJfMC~T/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: JazzMan2018 on 20:17:10, 05/09/20
Hi,

Yes! - these are the actual boots I bought

I asked the seller about the gap and they assured me they were watertight - that was a couple of weeks ago (before I bought them) and yesterday was my first chance to put this to the test

Do you think I should ask for a refund first or go straight to ebay?

I think the fact that the listing states they are watertight should help my case

Thanks
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: Birdman on 20:22:53, 05/09/20
I have tried to repair something similar with Shoe Goo but that didn't really work. I have also asked a shoe-repair shop would could be done and they told me the only way to durably fix it is resole (depending on the state of the midsole). They applied some glue (free of charge, which was very nice of them) but as expected it didn't last long.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: Birdman on 20:29:52, 05/09/20
Btw: I would never buy boots second hand, even if they appear to be in good condition!


Last year I hiked the Tasmania Overland Track in the snow. I met a young lady with good quality but old, second hand boots and within 10 miles of hiking the soles started to come off, while hiking through sometimes knee-deep snow (and the girl was from Brisbane and had never seen snow in her life!). The thing is that the glue decays if the boots are not used regularly. When you buy second hand, you just don't know the history.


This girl completed the trail, but finished on boots without soles, after having spent a complete role of duct-tape on the trail to keep her boots in one piece!
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: JazzMan2018 on 20:41:24, 05/09/20
Hi,

Have taken a screenshot of the listing and contacted the Seller, asking for a refund (this is what ebay want you to do - seller has 8 days to sort out)

Think you are right about boots - I will end up paying more but at least will have a guarantee!

Plus they were heavy - about 1.2kg each!

Thanks
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 08:14:35, 06/09/20
As long as you follow eBay's Money Back Guarantee claim procedure in their help section to the letter (and can provide the email and listing evidence) you hopefully won't have a problem although a bit of patience may be required as these things can sometimes drag on a bit especially if the seller is particularly unhelpful.

I've bought and sold quite a few pairs of boots on eBay and not ever had a problem or lost any money but you've got to know what you're doing and which boot models and sizes sell well. In fact I've always managed to make a substantial profit on most and the difference has allowed me to buy new top end boots on a fairly regular basis.

As guide you won't find any boots worth buying under ~£90 with most budget entry level boots being in the £90-£125 range. It is possible to find the top end boots for ~£150-£180 if you shop around or are prepared to wait for special offers or end of line sales. Match the type of boot you choose to the type of walking you do most of. A 3 season boot will cover most terrains and weather conditions (except full on winter condition) in the UK

These videos may help in your search

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ9hb65XfIs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ9hb65XfIs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv-sS8P0JPA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv-sS8P0JPA)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYivcWR4hVk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYivcWR4hVk)

A couple of full leather boots ~£100 at the budget end of the market which you may want to consider. As always check out reviews and YouTube videos if available but more importantly check out the available online prices. With boots fit and comfort is everything so do not buy unseen and make sure you make the effort to go and try on before you buy. Check the prices online before you go - a price match is often available if you ask - if not then buy online at the cheapest available price.

Anatom Q2 Classic 
https://www.anatomfootwear.co.uk/mens/14-q2-classic-hiking.html (https://www.anatomfootwear.co.uk/mens/14-q2-classic-hiking.html) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBu1Xj00bfQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBu1Xj00bfQ)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXycy9kTG2M (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXycy9kTG2M)

Anatom Q3 Braeriach https://www.anatomfootwear.co.uk/mens/28-q3-braeriach.html (https://www.anatomfootwear.co.uk/mens/28-q3-braeriach.html)
https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/anatom-q3-braeriach-boot-review/ (https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/anatom-q3-braeriach-boot-review/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn-ShzTRQeY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn-ShzTRQeY)

Grisport Peaklander Brown (also available in black)
https://www.grisport.co.uk/unisex-walking-boots-c78/peaklander-brown-hiking-boot-p927 (https://www.grisport.co.uk/unisex-walking-boots-c78/peaklander-brown-hiking-boot-p927)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWpORDcMgMo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWpORDcMgMo)

Grisport Fuse Lowland
https://www.grisport.co.uk/unisex-walking-boots-c78/fuse-lowland-trekking-boot-p941 (https://www.grisport.co.uk/unisex-walking-boots-c78/fuse-lowland-trekking-boot-p941)
https://www.grisport.co.uk/reviews-i125 (https://www.grisport.co.uk/reviews-i125)

Hi-Tec Summit
https://www.millets.co.uk/15900475/hi-tec-men-s-summit-waterproof-hiking-boots-15900475 (https://www.millets.co.uk/15900475/hi-tec-men-s-summit-waterproof-hiking-boots-15900475)
https://www.blacks.co.uk/15900475/hi-tec-men-s-summit-waterproof-hiking-boots-15900475 (https://www.blacks.co.uk/15900475/hi-tec-men-s-summit-waterproof-hiking-boots-15900475)
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15900475/hi-tec-men-s-summit-waterproof-hiking-boot-15900475 (https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15900475/hi-tec-men-s-summit-waterproof-hiking-boot-15900475)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J5Sl3_5Wmc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J5Sl3_5Wmc)

I would expect a fabric/leather combination boot to only last somewhere between 12-24 months at best before it needs replacing whilst a quality full leather boot should last somewhere between 3-5 years or possibly longer provided it's been regularly cleaned and maintained.

Most of the more expensive branded full leather boots can be resoled when required provided the leather has been kept in good condition. It's just not worth resoling fabric/leather combination boots because the waterproof liners will fail at some point rendering the boot useless in any wet weather. If and when the waterproof liners fail on full leather boots they will still remain waterproof provided they're regularly cleaned and waxed.

Don't forget to buy some wax for the boots. This link may help http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39039.msg555671#msg555671 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39039.msg555671#msg555671) (the Grangers G-Wax and the Cherry Blossom Waxed Leather Oil would be my choices and you will find that it's £10 well spent).

I would also recommend that you consider investing in a pair of Gore-Tex or eVent gaiters ~£20.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:43:39, 06/09/20
I owned a pair of Grisport Peaklanders a couple of years ago - not bad for a bad boot, and they fitted my wide feet well - got a thousand miles or so out of them before the soles wore away. The side seam on the inside eventually opened up and that was the end of them - it appeared to have been glued not stitched, which put me off buying another pair, but I note in Kinky's link that the seam is now triple stitched. Might order another pair - in this case online, not something I normally do with boots as I like to try them on, but I know that these fit.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: JazzMan2018 on 10:39:12, 06/09/20
Hi,

Thanks for the replies

Will look at the links etc

Seller offered me £40 and keep the boots. Replied that I want a full refund and if they want the boots back, they pay the postage

Back in the day I used Berghaus Attak leather boots with matching full gaiters. Great boots

Looking for a decent leather boot to get me through the winter then might look at fabric boots for the summer

Lots of second hand boots look tempting but the obvious problem is not being able to try on, unless local to me

Might have to buy new but then I get a warranty and certainty that they fit

Any thoughts on these...

berghaus-hillwalker-ii-gtx-men-s-walking-boots-15897195

scarpa-men-s-terra-ii-gtx-walking-boots-15895341

I used Scarpa summer boots and they were very good

Thanks
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 10:56:36, 06/09/20
Berghaus is no longer the Berghaus of old which used to be top of the range back in the day! The Hillwalker is a revamped Brasher model and the problems with quality control continue.

I think you may find the Scarpa Terra too soft in both leather and sole unit - only way to know for definite is to go out and look at some and try them on. Blacks, Millets, Go Outdoors, Ultimate Outdoors maybe and they also sell the Hi-Tec Summit.


The Hi-Tec Summit can be had on the following link for £79.20 with free delivery (£99.00 less 20% using code POCKET20 at checkout if ordered before midnight tonight) so it might be worth a trip out to try some today.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Hi-Tec-Men-s-Summit-Waterproof-Hiking-Boots/133496240016 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Hi-Tec-Men-s-Summit-Waterproof-Hiking-Boots/133496240016)
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: JazzMan2018 on 11:05:20, 06/09/20
Hi

Thanks - I did have my doubts about Berghaus as I think only the name remains from when I was using them!

The videos were helpful

The Q2 & Q3 boots you linked to seem extremely good. Am thinking of biting the bullet and putting the refund from the Asolo's towards a pair of these

As I would be doing 4 season mountain walking (but not mountaineering) I am leaning towards the Q3 so plan to find a dealer and go and try some on

Thanks very much for your help and advice

Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 11:51:43, 06/09/20
The best price I can currently find online for the Anatom Q3 Braeriach is £119.99 less 10% using code lockdown10 at checkout taking the price down to £107.99 with free delivery.

https://www.summits.co.uk/product/anatom-mens-q3-braeriach-hiking-boots/ (https://www.summits.co.uk/product/anatom-mens-q3-braeriach-hiking-boots/)
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: windyrigg on 13:59:31, 06/09/20
Have you come across a brand called Keen? I've worn Meindl as my UK winter boot for many years, but have now added a set of Keen Targhee 111 mid wp.
Got a price match from Cotswold at £89! Not a full on winter boot but up to now are waterproof and well impressed. They will certainly relegate the Meindl's to snow / similar for this winter.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 15:32:54, 06/09/20
I only know of one person on here (gunwharfman) who's had the Keen Targhee. From what I remember he said they were very comfortable but unfortunately didn't last long at all before they leaked like sieve.

These boots would fall into the category of a fabric/leather combination boot which I would only expect to last somewhere between 12-24 months at best before they need replacing. Once the waterproof liner is punctured or has worn through (and all makes and models with this type of construction do fail at some point) the boots become useless in wet weather. Just don't expect too much from them in terms of longevity.

With boots price is a really good guide to the build quality and expected longevity - you really do get what you pay for. The old saying of buy cheap buy twice really does apply.

If you're not too fussy about colour they are currently available from £74.32 upwards on amazon but may be even cheaper elsewhere.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: Birdman on 17:17:19, 06/09/20
Boots are so personal, any advice apart from quality/ durability is not very useful. You just have to try what works for you. (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:30:45, 08/09/20
Anatom Q3 Braeriach https://www.anatomfootwear.co.uk/mens/28-q3-braeriach.html (https://www.anatomfootwear.co.uk/mens/28-q3-braeriach.html)
https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/anatom-q3-braeriach-boot-review/ (https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/anatom-q3-braeriach-boot-review/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn-ShzTRQeY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn-ShzTRQeY)


Hi Kinkyboots - do you know whether the Anatom Q3 Braeriachs are reasonably wide fitting?
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: watershed on 07:56:57, 08/09/20
Have you come across a brand called Keen? I've worn Meindl as my UK winter boot for many years, but have now added a set of Keen Targhee 111 mid wp.
Got a price match from Cotswold at £89! Not a full on winter boot but up to now are waterproof and well impressed. They will certainly relegate the Meindl's to snow / similar for this winter.


There is an independent  2020 review of Keen Targhee 111 on this web site


https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hiking-boots (https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hiking-boots)
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 08:21:01, 08/09/20

Hi Kinkyboots - do you know whether the Anatom Q3 Braeriachs are reasonably wide fitting?

Sorry I don't know the answer. Everybody's idea of what is wide fitting is probably slightly different and as usual it's a case of going to try some.

A trawl through the available online reviews on varoius websites may give you a better idea. The few reviews I've read suggest the toe box is wider than average which may or may not be wide enough for you.

Unfortunately there really is only one way to know for sure.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:20:56, 08/09/20
Sorry I don't know the answer. Everybody's idea of what is wide fitting is probably slightly different and as usual it's a case of going to try some.

A trawl through the available online reviews on varoius websites may give you a better idea. The few reviews I've read suggest the toe box is wider than average which may or may not be wide enough for you.

Unfortunately there really is only one way to know for sure.


Thanks anyway - think that I will try some on - if I can find someone local with stock, that is.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: kinkyboots on 15:57:22, 15/09/20
@ JazzMan2018

It looks like the Asolo Classic boots you bought and returned have resurfaced for sale on Gumtree this time @ £30 plus post so I hope you've had a full refund for them?

https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-mens-shoes-boots/asolo-classic-vibram-hiking-boots-brown-leather-uk-11-walking-tri-fusion-suede/1384602311 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-mens-shoes-boots/asolo-classic-vibram-hiking-boots-brown-leather-uk-11-walking-tri-fusion-suede/1384602311)
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: GnP on 11:23:53, 17/09/20

Hi Kinkyboots - do you know whether the Anatom Q3 Braeriachs are reasonably wide fitting?
I bought a pair of Braeriachs a year or two back and found them to be tight , hard and unyielding , so I returned them .

Yet I have two pairs of the Anatom Q2`s and they are a delight to wear .
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:04:55, 17/09/20
I bought a pair of Braeriachs a year or two back and found them to be tight , hard and unyielding , so I returned them .

Yet I have two pairs of the Anatom Q2`s and they are a delight to wear .


Thanks for the feedback. :)  I've bought some other boots now.
Title: Re: Can my leaky boots be fixed?
Post by: JazzMan2018 on 21:11:25, 24/09/20
Hi All,

Thanks for all the help and advice

Full refund received from Seller

Now looking at Anatom Q3's from Cotswold - £99. They tried to get 3 pairs in varying sizes to my nearest branch but 2 went astray so I only have size 9.5 to try. I take a size 9 shoe/trainer so extra room for liner/walking socks mean these might be ok

Otherwise maybe Scarpa Terra GTX £160 or Scarpa Ranger 2 GTX £180 - prices per Cotswold website

RSPB members magazine has a 15% off code, valid til end 2020 at Cotswold so may bring prices close to on-line ones with the added ability to try on first

Cheers