Boots - say £50-100

[Dozza]

Hi all,

I am new and looking to get kitted out from scratch so shopping for some boots. In my price range I am thinking about the Jack Pyke Countrymans, which can be had for around £60 but I have seen mixed comments so not sure.

Any suggestions?

It seems Lowa are about the best but we are looking at around £150...

Cheers.

 

[fred gordon]

For walking boots Scarpa Rangers without a doubt. I've had 3 pairs now and they fit your price range if you shop around.

 

[Noddy]

...............

 

[porchini]

For walking boots Scarpa Rangers without a doubt. I've had 3 pairs now and they fit your price range if you shop around.

I second the Scarpa rangers, best boots I've ever owned!

 

[Dozza]

Thanks a lot.

I think I would avoid the Scarpa Rangers though simply because they may not be high enough. I can still feel the effects of a sprained ankle from last summer (in the garden - not the great outdoors!) and for that reason I would be looking at high boots - say 9 holes.

 

[Salix]

If you can find......Karrimor KSB 3 in goretex, excellent boots, i have had 3 pairs in 12 years an still got all of em, and there still serviceable. Had a pair of leather Brashers..............pants ! they got relegated to concete boots

Had some scapa's, very good, but i would go with the KSB's......if you can get em !

Mark

 

[Gill]

you should be able to get Lowa german issue boots for that money ,in virtually new condition.

 

[Lordyosch]

Thanks a lot.

I think I would avoid the Scarpa Rangers though simply because they may not be high enough. I can still feel the effects of a sprained ankle from last summer (in the garden - not the great outdoors!) and for that reason I would be looking at high boots - say 9 holes.

For the vast majority of boots 'ankle support' is a myth. They're often far too flexible to provide much support -mountaineering boots are a definite exception to this.

Also, consider weight. A lot of folks think you need heavier boots (see above) but its estimated that an extra pound of weight on your feet is worth 2.5 on your back (or thereabouts). The effort in lifting heavier boots step after step can readily be calculated and it soon builds up...


IMHO the only suggestions re manufacturers you need are to do with build quality. Good boots are about the fit, the build and the fit. -Find a specialist shop with TRAINED assistants and measuring devices (a brannock device...)


Jay

(FWIW, my current boots are Meindl's -Reverse leather, no goretex. Comfy, Reasonably weather tight and fit lovely!)

 

[Dougster]

I was fully trained on footwear in my Uni and post Uni job as outdoor shop wallah.

We had a great big sign up -

"If nothing else, always spend good money on your boots and your bed, if you aren't in one, you're in the other."

You really need to try them on and get them as comfortable as you can. I tried getting great big last forever boots for years and always felt the pain. I have eVent Oakley boots for cheap. They are like trainers with ankle support and I love them, but they won't last for more than a year. My mountain boots are Meindl's that take my walking crampons but I mainly live in neoprene Hunter wellies.

Don't rush, find the shape that fits your foot (the mould is called a last) and try on loads of pairs - Zamberlan for one have changed their last since I trained. If you find your heel sliding slightly and the bod suggest heel pads; they know what they are talking about.

 

[rik_uk3]

Hi all,

I am new and looking to get kitted out from scratch so shopping for some boots. In my price range I am thinking about the Jack Pyke Countrymans, which can be had for around £60 but I have seen mixed comments so not sure.

Any suggestions?

It seems Lowa are about the best but we are looking at around £150...

Cheers.

Depends on what you are doing, where and when. Camping in the woods in the summer do you really need boots at all? Not really perhaps as a pair of training shoes will do all you need and provide comfort. Same woods during a wet winter may mean boots or a pair of wellies. I've got several pairs of boots but to be honest as I'm not walking up and down hills much, trainers and or wellies are all I really require so I just use the boots out of habit to be honest.

 

[Omegarod]

All my life I have sworn by good leather boots with Vibram or Kletter soles. I have pampered them after every trip, walked enough miles in them to have them re-soled several times.....

And a couple of months ago I decided to go with something lightweight instead.

Cedar Ridge II Gore-Tex XCR® boots by The North Face
I got them from Blacks as an impulse purchase at £79.99
http://www.blacks.co.uk/footwear/men/product/083722.html

Now, I don't expect the soles to last for hundreds of miles, but I have already used them a lot in all sorts of terrain and conditions, including the recent deep snow..... and I really like them. A lot! Toasty warm, extremely comfortable (just like wearing trainers really), good grip, plenty of support, waterproof, and really light. Brilliant!

Rod

 

[Dozza]

Thanks all for the input.

First use will (probably) be on a course that I guess will be mainly camp based. I will definitely be wearing boots and not trainers though as any ankle support will be needed. If I can sprain my ankle carrying a handful of weeds in the garden that I can still feel the effects of 6 months later I am not taking any chances on that ruining my week. I will also have my ankle support with me just in case!

Interesting no-one has commented on the Countryman boots so I guess they are not that popular.

I also got a private message that was really helpful and had a key piece of information: don't skimp on boots or sleeping bag as you will always be in one or the other...

Cheers.

 

[Hugo]

I'm still wearing my very old Scarpa Attacks, they were a great buy and last ages.

 

[belzeebob23]

Hi dozza

Have a look at german para boot you should be able to pick a grade A or grade 1 pair for about £30 to £40 I really can't look past them now for every day camping and such.
As others have said you need to try them before you buy I have KSB which I swore by for years then they changed the fittings and just can't get on with them now.
LIke Lordyosch said a pound on your feet is like 2 on your back I do have a pair of heavy Raichles which I have found soild and dependable but they live at the bottom of the cupboard now.
My advice would be to get along to your local army surplus store and have a good look you will find most have ex-army issue paraboots and lowa's in your price range.
Also make sure you wear them around and about before your course cause that will not be the place to find out they are uncomfortable.

Scott

 

[tetra_neon]

I second that, German paras all the way. I bought mine from Endicotts and they were basically like-new!

 

[Dozza]

Yup - I'm getting 'German Para Boots' from several directions...!

Cheers.