Magnum boots opinions please

[MBW]

Looking to get a pair of Gucci magnum boots for work, waterproof steel toe etc, but I can't find any that are just big standard lace up they all have this daft side zip, has anyone used these boots and if so what like? I have been told by a mate who is a fireman that the boots he is issued with have side zips and he recons they're mince, my boots get a hell of a punishment and I'm not bothered about paying top doller as long as they're gonna last at least a year, however not keen on spending a whack load of cash for boots that are gonna have bust zips after a wee while

 

Cheers in advance

[byjovecarruthers]

Cheap Chinese rubbish that'll last months not years. The best boots I know off are made by Alt-Berg. A Yorkshire company. Mine have lasted years and they will re-sole them for a reasonable price. Lots of styles. Cost a bit more but the poor man pays twice as they say.

 

http://www.altberg.co.uk/

Edited September 2, 2013 by byjovecarruthers

[Gee.]

I use Bates's mate, in my opinion much better than Magnums.

[Medic1281]

Never had trouble with the zips on my magnum boots but the leather is really soft and scuffs instantly. Not the most hardwearing of boots but brilliantly comfortable. 12hr shifts in boots are no longer a pain.

[Blacksheep]

Magnums are rubbish i get issued 2 different types for work , they just fall apart too quickly , they split and the soles fall off .

[Marki]

I found Magnums to be very comfy in use for long hours but the soles are soft and wear out quickly.

[-Mongrel-]

Magnums are really not as good as their reputation suggests. Two pairs ( didn't learn the first time!) and both lasted less than a year of general dog walking/shooting/ fishing.

 

Would NOT buy them for work.

[Archie-fox]

Magnums are rubbish i get issued 2 different types for work , they just fall apart too quickly , they split and the soles fall off .

+1 waste of money, I have lowas for work now..good boots but a little expensive at £160

[ack-ack]

......... Probably the most powerful boots in the world............ But then you've got to ask yourself....................

[Blacksheep]

+1 waste of money, I have lowas for work now..good boots but a little expensive at £160

Lowas are really good also look at Alt-berg .

[GingerCat]

Not a fan, they don't last long even walking about in them let alone hard work. Comfy though.

[BRNDL]

I used to walk the malls as a security guard at the Trafford Centre. 22k steps a day we did. Standard issue magnums fell apart after 3 months and they were not all that cheap either.

[Chris Bb]

If they're as bad as people say than they must have changed. I wear a 12 year old pair to work and they're lasting OK. Very comfortable, good ankle support & polish well for wear as uniform.

[88b]

If they're as bad as people say than they must have changed. I wear a 12 year old pair to work and they're lasting OK. Very comfortable, good ankle support & polish well for wear as uniform.

Mine are five years old but they don't get heavy use. As for zips on the sides I've a pair of Harley Davidson made in China boots with side zips after eight years so far so good and they're waterproof to the point I don't get wet feet on the bike

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Danners

 

Meindl

 

Lowa

 

Altberg

 

Indeed anything with a VIBRAM sole!

[Breastman]

Must've been lucky, i got a pair of Magnums in 2001 (lace up though) and they lasted me til 2010 (only had to replace the laces once and that was 2009). Most comfortable boots i've ever worn

[MBW]

Cheers folks have decided not to get magnums just for the fact I don't like these side zips the lowa and alt berg boots look good though, any opinions on what is better of the two?

[tharsus]

Can you get steel capped lowas? Never seen them before

[byjovecarruthers]

LOWA are excellent boots but I have found them to be heavy. They were originally an alpine ski mountaineering boot and first became popular in the 80s with soldiers serving in Germany retaining a following to now. Mine are Gortex lined and insulated so I only really wear them when there is snow on the ground. I don't like them for long distances as the weight is noticeable, also if they get wet they take forever to dry out. Very tough boot though.

 

I also have several pairs of Alt-Berg boots. They offer a greater variety if styles and in my opinion better quality. Also the after sales service from Alt-Berg is exceptional. They will resole the boot quickly for about £30. I have a lightweight pair I have worn daily for about 5 years that have been resoled 3 times and are as good as new. The heavier pair I have had for 7 years and have resoled once. Alt-Berg do take a few weeks to break in but soon become like slippers.

 

Incidentally I find that Gortex lined boots are almost pointless as a good pair of well treated leather boots keep water out anyway and a membrane is only as breathable as the leather upper. Keep your boots clean and dry them naturally and they will give years of service.

 

I'd need to know what you intend to do whilst wearing the boots to offer sensible advice. I noticed in your OP you mentioned a steel toe. As far as I'm aware LOWA don't do produce a steel toe but Alt-Berg do and in fact provide many of the UK police forces with public order boots. In summary I'd go with Alt-Berg. On a final note if you are covering miles in any footwear don't scrimp on socks! Rubbish socks will cause blisters and render the best and most comfortable boots useless. Hope this helps.

[happypig]

+1 for altberg

 

Steel toe .... Peacekeeper p3 although I'm not sure they will resole those

 

Peacekeeper p1 for the no steel variant .. They will resole these....

 

By far the best boots I have owned

Edited September 4, 2013 by happypig

[seph234]

My magnums also fell apart about 4 months but before they did the sole decided to squeak on one boot, very annoying. it doesnt help that my dad reckons im tight, so squeaking whilst walking had him laughing even more

[MBW]

Didn't realise lowas weren't steel toes, looks like its going to be alt bergs, hope they live up to the reputation,

 

Byjovecarruthers - going to be using the boots for work I'm a grave digger, so looking for something hard wearing they must be steel toe cap and preferably waterproof but not necessary I'm just to lazy to change in and out of Wellys all the time

[jgguinness]

Magnums must have gone down hill then! Used to work the doors, Thurs, Fri, Sat nights 5-7 hrs a night and they were very comfy boots, never fell apart, spot on. This was around 10 years ago and had them for 5 years. Gave them to a lad at work when I wrapped in. These were lace ups mind, no puffy zips here!

[DaveK]

Can you get steel capped lowas? Never seen them before

Peacemaker P3

 

http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/peacekeeper-p3-vs/

[smokinggun]

I got my dad a pair of high lace up boots with no zip made by hi Tec magnum and they have so far lasted him about 8 years just changing the laces, he loves them and says they are the best boots he has ever had, his don't have steel toe caps in though.

Edited September 6, 2013 by smokinggun