Lifthasir said:
ScottC - first time I've viewed this thread. The soles of your boots look
completely smooth. Is this the case? If so, I imagine they would be lethal on the
hills or in the mud in the UK. Are they intended for a specific use and
environment?
Although I don't have a lovely pair of Grizzly Boots, I wear almost exclusively treadless moccasin style boots or shoes of various kinds. They are lethal on mud and rocks
if you try to use them in the same way as walking boots.
However by modifying how you walk slightly, they are better that walking boots by far in every environment i've tried them in so far (most british environments and weathers)
Firstly SLOW DOWN. Soft soles are ideal for stalking, so you don't want to be moving fast anyway.
Turn your toes in slightly (pidgeon toe) and 'grip' with them.
Balance using your knees, ankles and hips - not your upper body as most people do with walking boots.
'Toe Down' as you walk, rather than 'heel down' this takes some practice, but forces you to move slowly (and is much quieter)
Finally, pick your path with much more care than you would with walking boots, avoiding deeper mud and rocky patches where possible.
It takes a little getting used to, but I wouldn't go back - It's very rare that I use my zamberlan boots anymore.