oddjob said:
Rightyho, I'm planning to jack in the job and travel round the world in a few months (a belated gap year I guess).
I got a lot of kit that I need but as I plan on doing a lot of trekking whilst I'm away and I want to get a good pair of all round boots. So any suggestions, I don't want to break the bank but at the same time I want boots that'll last and take a bit of punishment.
Cheers
I can see this coming, it will be one of those threads where everyone will tell you try these or try those.
I would suggest taking a look at the Meindl boots, also look at Lowa, Altberg, the issue assualt boot, Zamberlan and Scarpa's in your local shops if they have them (altberg will be a problem). We as individuals all have different feet and you are the only person who will know if the boot is comfortable when you try it on.
I am not a great fan of Gore-tex boots, I have owned Danner Arcadia, Timberland Plain Guide and many others, but if I was going that way I would suggest that you look into a pair of Lowa Renegades, it is the only goretex lined boot that I will suggest to anyone being the one that I find best of the ones I have tried (and just about still owning a set). They don't look too much like you have just got off the building site or that you are on E&E from one unit or another.
Meindl, Lowa, Scarpa and Zamberlan have been making hiking boots for years and they make some of the best that don't look to much on the military vein. Altberg make some of the best boots you can buy, a lot of them are in a military vein, but some aren't.
If you don't mind looking like you are wearing assault boots then you can always look at an issue set, I used them for years and they are reasonably hard wearing and at the same time comfortable, just look at getting a decent insole for them.
I hope this helps