Haix or Alt-Berg?

[troutman]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a tough pair of boots that I can use for general woodland muddy trails and rough ground. I have found in the past that some shoes / boots have given me shin splints due to them not fitting tightly, weighing too much and a lack of arch support.

So with this in mind does anyone have any experience of the surplus Haix and Alt-Bergs? I'm generally a size 9 and normal width. Any thoughts on sizing, do they fit true to size?

Thanks folks!

 

[honisoitquimalypense]

hi. try before you buy. head for big suppliers. silvermans east london bit far from you but that sort of place. spent huge chunk of life wearing military boots and i can tell you honestly its about opinions. i have had mates love Altberg. been let down myself by a pair yrs back on Dartmoor for example in rain. Big issue is how much walking compared to base type camp you are doing. i am a huge Lowa fan. spent weeks in them without a problem. Lowa recce goretex great boot but not really ideally tread for mountain hiking. use a Lowa mountain boot. The Haix GSG9 was very popular and can be used in all terrain. good waterproofing boot. Haix desert boots issue were and are dog muck. If you are not walking miles mostly under tarps and bushcrafting look at a pair of Danners or even magnums. get a new pair for under a hundred quid. if you are going to splash out the boot is fork out for if you want a military high leg alrounder without doubt is the Matterhorn range. the assault boot is was generally regarded as good as it gets by those doing long ops months on end or exs. i used a pair with lots of mates for month after month without probs as long as you look after them. few mates now using 5.11 including a mate in old bill who swears their better than danner or mats. but all he does in drive around london nicking bad boys on concrete. maybe a walk in hyde park but that dont count. lol. sorry if this has turned into an essay but spend every penny you can and cut back everywhere else. it no good going out there doing big long trips with a 300 quid posh knife and a second hand pair of s@@t boots for 20 quid. good luck

 

[redbranchwarrior]

Lowa.........

 

[honisoitquimalypense]

Lowa ????????

 

[homesicksteve]

Lowa.........

Yep. I'm with Lowa, and the 'try em on' advice above.

I took a trip down to 'CopShop' near Ramsgate.
Large selection, & all the half sizes. Helpful & friendly.
Recommended for anyone in the South East.

http://www.copshopuk.com/lowa-boots

 

[The Lord Poncho]

I find that the altbergs come up on the small side, so would recommend that you try them first. Or order a size up, and take a chance. They come in two width fittings too. Note that they are unlined, whereas the issue haix (temperate boot) is goretex lined. For that reason, the infantry and more 'toothy' arms tend to opt for Altberg given the chance (as they dry out quicker after the inevitable soaking). Dep[ending what you want it for, you might also look at the issue Karrimor SF boot, but note that its lightly insulated (and goretex lined).

 

[MikeLA]

Not sure where you live in the North East but you could to the altberg factory shop or John Bulls in Catterick (very helpful if you speak to John). Takes me about 50 minutes to get there

 

[MikeLA]

I know all of us like the new style Lowa or Altberg, But they are based on hillwalking style boots so heavy. I have walked for mile after mile in the older issue boots Assault boots and mark one (1980s style) and really still like this style of boot

 

[The Lord Poncho]

I know all of us like the new style Lowa or Altberg, But they are based on hillwalking style boots so heavy. I have walked for mile after mile in the older issue boots Assault boots and mark one (1980s style) and really still like this style of boot

This is true of the lowas, really heavy. But the issue altbergs are dramatically lighter in comparison. I'm not sure how they have achieved this, but it is noticeable.

I used to love my old 1980's style 'hilegs' - they became like slippers - so comfy, all the eyelets became brass coloured, and the tops of the boots would flop over and touch the ground when stood on their own. If only the sole hadn't worn completely smooth....!

 

[MikeLA]

I know what you mean with all the wax i put on them they were bombproof and like yes slippers. I never ever had a problem with them. Wish I still had a pair left (wonder if some place still has them)

 

[ged]

Can't speak for the others, but it's definitely worth a trip to the Alt-Berg factory in Rippon.
First people who ever measured my feet properly, and they found that my right foot is an inch further around than my left...

 

[honisoitquimalypense]

the Lowa recce range are no heavier than most assault type boots. obviously the mountain style with thicker leather, vibram soles lining come up heavier. as others have said but a completely different animal for different jobs. depends what you want. as said.
british forces now have a min 5 different boots with variations across those ranges and specialist units making further issues.
the new karrimor sf are designed and issued as a cold wet weather boot. never had a pair but most that have praised them and compare very close to the classic much used Lowa gtx.
does the original poster Troutman want a single all year pair of boots. or do you not intend to go out in winter. only you know exactly your usage.
the current issued and previous altberg combats are designed for running as well with a shock absorbing midsole to reduce impact and joint injuries. not having any lining maybe an issue for you and also these boots work well and are designed for use with sealskinz socks. another cost. although i used those generally with the cold desert issue micro bi socks without any issue.
as said altberg are and were not the first choice. 6000 blokes i worked with at 16AAB did not choose Altberg but purchased boots they preferred. Matterhorns. Danners. Lowa. 5.11. meindl. hanwag.Even vikings here and there.
big choices.
treat yourself and grab a pair of viking hunters. particularly if you got wide feet. and if you want a lightweight desert boot or similar have a look at the viper range. i used the mtp desert elite with a waterproof membrane. showerproof for about 30mins max. comfy as slippers.

 

[wolf man]

I have had Lowas for a number of years. My current pair is the Patrol, and were brilliant, however after three years of light woodland use, the mid sole has started to disintegrate and come apart form the leather, making them leak like a sieve.
Can't say much for their current customer service, not interested at all and suggested that I get them resoled!

I will NOT be buying Lowa again.

 

[honisoitquimalypense]

sole disintegrating and coming off after that usage is shocking. and after sales is yet another issue well raised. now worried cos i have a yr old pair of tibets!!! that get battered!

 

[Steve27752]

Altberg Defenders for me.

 

[troutman]

Thanks for all the feedback. Trying a pair on seems like the best way to go so I think I will do that.

 

[Tonyuk]

I'd go with the altbergs. Wearing the haix is like trying to break in a pair of wellies with the size of the rubber rand going around them. Avoid the new issue YDS too, only good for a mince about the place.

Tonyuk

 

[Philster]

Another option are the German Para boots you'll find at most surplus stores. I've had my pair for a while and they are very comfortable, already broken in (I've never had a blister wearing them!) and perfect for wet/cold/muddy conditions. For the price a true bargain and the leather they are made from is extremely high quality.

 

[troutman]

Another option are the German Para boots you'll find at most surplus stores. I've had my pair for a while and they are very comfortable, already broken in (I've never had a blister wearing them!) and perfect for wet/cold/muddy conditions. For the price a true bargain and the leather they are made from is extremely high quality.

Thanks, Philster! I had seen the German army ones and did consider them- any info regarding sizes? do they fit large? I also see that there are various versions of them which is slightly confusing!

 

[Philster]

I ended up going to a couple of local stores and trying them on - ended up needing slightly smaller than usual. Best way is to try them! As for types, yes there seems to be a few different ones on-line. Seeing them in the flesh is what made me buy them - so much better than the selection of Brit Army ones available. And the leather is SOOooo soft