Boots Needed

[Ballymac]

I have had a search on here and various other places, but it's time to get some proper feedback from you guys. The situation is this, I have entered myself for the mourne challenge, a 26 mile walk/run over Slieve Donagh from Newcastle, Co Down and finish in Rostrevor. The majority of this walk is off road, way off road. So I need to get a good pair of hiking boots, that can then also be used when I am gardening, walking the dogs, rough shooting, pigeon shooting, you get the picture..

 

I will probably get more use out of the boots for purposes other than 26 mile walks. (sore feet)

Money is no object as long as you want to buy them for me I would like to get a reasonable pair of boots for less than £100 and if they were less than £50 all the better. I know you only get what you pay for so come on lads any suggestions

[Dunkield]

The last thing you want to hear, but here it is anyway.

Spend the money and get a pair that will last you.

 

 

Also, even more importantly, go to a good walking shop and try a few pairs on don't buy something cheap online, you have to try them out with the socks you will be wearing.

I bought Meidl Bourneo Pro's and was some of the best money I have spent, look after them and they will last years/miles.

If you think you can guess what will fit, I have size 8 feet and wear 9.5 walking boots, I would never have guessed that.

[Nial]

It's probably worth visiting somewhere like Surf Mountain (if they still exist) and

have a chat about what you're looking for.

 

I got a pair of Zamberlan Trek Lites there which are 23 years old and which are now on

their last legs. I wouldn't like to think how many miles I've walked in them (which includes

3* Mourne Mountain Marathons). I think these were £100 odd when I bought them.

 

It's also worth trying a few different boots on, we've all got different shaped feet.

 

 

Nial.

Edited February 9, 2010 by Nial

[George1990]

You'll more than likely need to wear the boots a fair bit before you go on any long trip, as all sorts of niggle will develop and disappear over time, before settling down nice and comfy.

 

If you want them to last for years with lots of wear, I'd reccomend avoiding Hi-Tec, Brasher etc and buying from Blacks and Millets in general, as these are your bog standard tosh that anorak wearers buy, and are way over priced for what they are as they are 'popular brand' stuff.

 

For a few extra beans, the quality rises exponentially and will be a good buy. Hanwag, Meindl, Raichle, Lundhag, Scarpa, Asolo etc will last well over double the time, for less than double the cost.

 

But that's just what I fink.

[garymc]

I was down in the outlet (Banbridge) last night and noticed a shop selling Brashers and other boots at a good price. I can't remember the name of it, but is the shop directly opposite gap (if that helps!)

 

I have a pair of brashers, bought them in Tiso in Belfast for just shy of 100 noop and they are fantastic!

 

As other posters have said, try some on and make sure they fit. Also a good tip is to buy a pair and wear them in your house for a few days (obviously leaving the tags on) and see if they are still the ones you want.

[game_boy]

Meindl's. Quality boots.

[steve_b_wales]

I wear a pair of Hi Tec Magnum boots. These are brilliant and good value for the money, despite what some have said. (around £65 -£80)

I wore a pair when trecking the Himalayas 6 years ago, and they kept my feet dry, warm, and also cool when required.

 

Steve.

[George1990]

They'll do the job but won't last as long as others, for only slightly more cost. If you're going to be using them every day then it becomes false economy is all

[ph5172]

Will you actually be 'running' or will it be a slow pace bimble / walk as this will affect the style of boot you will want, if you will be needing a boot at all.

 

If you need a hand with pros and cons of different types give me a PM

[flytie]

Have you thought of looking at some of the Army Surplus sites, not for the surplus, but because they sell the lads in the forces replacement boots that are more comfortable than the issue ones. I know chaps that use Lowa boots and speak highly of them. There are some good deals on at the moment.

 

I think your feet need treating as well as you can. Meindels, Hanwag, Lundhags are all worth buying.

 

ft

[guss109]

I use berghaus storm boots had one pair for 13 years now i wear them a good bit and have served me well when i was adventure training and over in kosovo during the winter. All so worth getting some proper insoles like sorba-thain(spelling?) really comfy and if you get into it you can buy the yeti gaitors for them well worth the money

[Glensman]

I got brashers in TkMax in Ballymena for 90. But I seen them on mandmdirect for similar money. Great boot.

[955i]

I always buy Asolo's and have had six years use out of a pair day-in, day-out wear.

 

Never had any rub from new and can get them for around £90-120

[Marcus]

I bought a pair of Meindle just after christmas (Borneo or Burma I cant remember, the one without gore-tex) excellent boot, really comfortable to wear, never rubbed, and always a pleasure to put on. Retailed at £175 I think, picked them up in the shop for £135.

[Ballymac]

tHANKS FOR FEEDBACK GUYS (didnt mean to shout)

 

I have checked the army surplus shops and yes seem to be some good deals until you want them shipped to N.Ireland. Anything upto £18 for postage.

 

TKMax is a hit and miss and while there are bargains to be had I would like to get the boots broken in.

 

Have tried that sports direct place and they have deals with Karrimor range of boots, all boots half price.

But I think I need to take myself off to one of the better outdoor shops and try them on for size with a pair of walking socks on me.

 

And the longer I wait the more time I have to talk myself out of the hike

[guss109]

Try the karrimor ksb i think loads of guys in the army used to love them to