Liverpool FC Forum

by **Kash_Mountain** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:36 pm

I need a bit of advice. I'm going to Scandinavia to visit family quite soon and need to get a good pair of walking boots suitable for hard, soft and wet sufaces. Its going to be very cold with heavy snow falls.

I'm thinking of getting leather boots but don't know anything about the brands or know anything about types of leather boots available which would be ideal.

Your suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

by **account deleted by request** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 6:10 pm

I have only ever had a couple of pairs of walking boots..... a pair of Elesse and a pair of Timberland. The Elesse boots lasted longer, were a lot warmer and more comfortable than the Timberland.. The only thing the Timberland boots had going for them was they were very light. (probably looked better as well)

by **tubby** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 7:23 pm

Your probably best of going to somewhere like Millets that specialises in outdoor wear. They will have the best kit for you Kash.

by **ConnO'var** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:21 am

For me, this is one of the best trekking boots around. Light, comfortable, waterproof.... you name it.

I've used them before (not this model though I'm planning on getting a pair) and they're money well spent imo... Try 'em out mate.

SALOMON

by **daxy1** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 11:39 am

there are some henri loyd walkin boots on sale here reduced from £90 down to £16 have a look might be sh!te but i prefer engines to walkin lol
www.mandmdirect.com

(not gay judge porn mate legit site)

by **tubby** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:47 pm

ConnO'var wrote:For me, this is one of the best trekking boots around. Light, comfortable, waterproof.... you name it.

I've used them before (not this model though I'm planning on getting a pair) and they're money well spent imo... Try 'em out mate.

SALOMON

Yeah ive heard that name banded about a lot. I think they are one of the best around for sure.

by **account deleted by request** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:02 pm

Top five walking boots according to Wilfred (whoever he is

)

1. The North Face Men's Chilkats Walking Boots - John Lewis, £75

Treat your feet and hike in heaven with these North Face Chilkats walking boots. Warm and insulated, these boots have a full list of features to ensure that your feet will be kept blissfully unaware of the temperature outside. Turn the boot over and you see its North Face Winter Grip™ rubber outsole, an expertly designed tread that locks on slippery surfaces far better than other all-weather soles.

Wilfred says

These are serious, heavy looking boots. But they are fantastic. They look bulky, but are warm and comfy like slippers - not a bad description of foot heaven. My feet feel warmed and loved. These boots have the highest support around the ankles, so you know you are protected. Great value for £75. Can't get over how warm my feet feel.

2. Scarpa ZG10 GTX - Cotswold Outdoor (0870 442 7755), £140

This is 21st-century protection for feet but with a traditional leather upper. The ZG (Zero Gravity) 10 has been designed to withstand anything from Scottish bogtrotting to exploratory trekking in the Karakorum.

Wilfred says

I like the extra lace loops on these, which hold your laces tight - but the laces look a bit fragile and you don't want them to snap. Very comfy. Look bulky and heavy duty but feel as light as trainers. Good for strolling. I wouldn't pay this much for them though - it's not really in the serious walker's league.

3. Brasher, Hillmaster GTX - Cotswold Outdoor, £100

Restyled from last year, Britain's best-selling three-season hillwalking boot - and at this price, no wonder! The water-resistant full-grain leather is backed with an abrasion-resistant Gore-Tex lining for total waterproofness and breathability. With a comfortable suede cuff.

Wilfred says

Nicest to look at - and not over the top. They're good for a few miles' hike, made for the gentle walk. You could stop off in a smart pub for a lunch wearing these and not feel messy. It has the feel of a trainer - but if you stepped in a shallow puddle, you'd get drenched because the ankle support is shorter than all the others.

4. Raichle Mountain Trail XT GT - Snow and Rock (0845 100 1000), £140

A more advanced backpacking boot for demanding expeditions. The full-grain leather adds superior comfort and durability. The Virbam sole delivers increased support while the lining ensures a high level of waterproofing and breathability. The stiffened insole is more stable on uneven terrain.

Wilfred says

These look professional, for the serious walker tackling all-weather terrain. My feet definitely feel protected - this pair is the heaviest of the lot. They feel a bit like ski boots though; my feet aren't flexible in them. It is reassuring to know that if I was lost, these boots would look after my feet.

5. Salomon Mega Trek 6 Light - Snow and Rock, £100

This lightweight solution for the regular hiker offers comfort and stability without being excessively bulky or weighty. Its uppers are a mix of waterproof split suede leather for good support and durability and woven textile for reduced weight and enhanced comfort.

Wilfred says

These are nice and light - the lightest of the lot. Perfect for a few hours' gentle strolling, they live up absolutely to the lightweight expectation. The boot doesn't overwhelm your foot and it's not too bulky. But I don't think these would be suitable for harsh-weather walking. They may be seriously lovely, but perhaps a little overpriced.

Top tips personal shopper

Walking and trekking boots come in leather and fabric. Sohail Azhar, of trekking company TravelPak, says the climate in which you trek should help you decide the material to choose.

· 'In the UK, you will be better off with a fabric boot with a Gore-tex waterproof lining, which will allow your feet to breathe and will dry quickly if your feet get wet. If trekking abroad in hot, dry conditions, choose leather for more enduring and naturally breathable protection.

· Always go for ankle support and break in your boots by walking around in them at home to let your feet settle in. Lots of specialist outdoor manufacturers will take your boots back if they still don't feel comfortable after being broken in.

· Don't wear more than two pairs of thin liner socks to avoid getting blisters. Trekking socks already have a double layer in them, so try both options to see what works for you.'
link to full article

by **ConnO'var** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:09 pm

Donno who wilfred is mate.... but he talks sense.....

Get the Salomon, Kash...... trust me!

by **taff** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:42 pm

Ive doen a lot of walking and can recommend Timberland leather walking boots. I bought them for fashion to be honest but they were brilliant but be aware that they need breaking in so dont buy them just before your trip as they will kill your feet but once broken in they are superb.

I also have Berghaus gore tex boots which needed no breaking in and they are also good although I got them for the spring summer weather as they are lighter.

North Face although I havent got their boots are a great company so you wont go wrong with them

It is Very important that you try the boots on with hiking socks so you might need a size larger than usual but make sure that the boots with socks on are not too tight but also not loose as your feet will rub and you will have nasty blisters so you might have to get a pair that fit you rather than a name brand if they dont fit quite right.

The basic rules is leather is great but wear them as much as you can for a month or so before going as they hurt like hell but once broken in they are superb, and get hiking socks for about a tenner as these will protect your feet and make sure the boots are comfortable with hiking socks which are thicker than usual with heel and toe padding. If its very cold you might even need thin socks and hiking socks.

Get a balaclava as well as this has helped me in snowy conditions a lot although you look like a terrorist but in the countryside when its cold who cares

And wear layers so you can remove them when you walk as your body temperature will be good when you are active and put them back on when you stop when your body temperature falls. Personally the North Face jacket is the best in my opinion although Timberland currently stock a polar range but IMO expensive as its a fashion thing but at the same time the gear is good.

If its really snowy you might need specialist stuff but its best to wait till your there and hire maybe or ask the locals as they will know the score.

Have a great time

by **andy_g** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:32 pm

just get yourself a pair of wellies and some woolly socks. spend the cash you've saved on a bottle of nice vodka.

by **kazza 1** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:02 pm

I have 2 pairs of hiking boots, Hi-tech and Regatta. Both are as good as each other and they where not that expensive.
If you go to any good hiking shop eg Millets, Tiso or Mountain Life, tell them where you are going and they will recommend a boot to suit your needs.
As Taff said get some really good socks as theres nothing worse than being out walking and getting blisters or having cold feet, lol.

I'm not that long in from a 6 mile hike up the Mournes. Nothing like it to clear the cobwebs!!!

by **dawson99** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:12 pm

I actually go climbing up the highlands a bit when on holiday.. I just get a lil wasted and use my gazelles, but i'm hardcore

by **Kash_Mountain** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:32 pm

Thank you all for the advice provided. Very much aprreciated.

I tried on a range of boots from the leading brands- Brasher, Merrell, Timberland, Hi Tech, Salomon, Meindl Scarpa, Berhaus, North Face etc.

After much deliberation, the pair that I went for was the Meindl Vermont Pro GTX. I found these the most comfortable and consequantly fitted like glove. In fact I broke into these straight out the box.

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