FabSwingers.com forum: Walking boots

By *ubal1 OP Man
over a year ago

Newry Down

I want to buy a reliable durable pair of walking boots that have hard-wearing soles.

Work boots are not subject to VAT and can be durable.

Does anyone have any recommendations, based on personal experience preferably, of walking boots or comfortable work boots that would be suitable for long distance walking, with particularly durable soles.

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By *ambozaMan
over a year ago

kilburn park

Work boots tend to be much heavier than hiking boots, not great if you are putting in the miles

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By *elle xWoman
over a year ago

Doire Theas

Gri sport

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By *orthern StarsCouple
over a year ago

Durham

I have Meindl walking boots. I absolutely love them. They have been extremely comfortable from day one, are fully waterproof and look good. Not cheap but they are too quality.

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By *orthern StarsCouple
over a year ago

Durham

"I have Meindl walking boots. I absolutely love them. They have been extremely comfortable from day one, are fully waterproof and look good. Not cheap but they are too quality."

*Top quality

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By *ickJMan
over a year ago

Hemel Hempstead

Work boots are not really suitable for walking long distances. All my work boots have steel toes and midsoles, which adds weight and makes the sole too stiff.

the best boots are the ones that fit you. I'd recommend going to an outdoor shop and getting your feet measured properly, then try on a range of boots.

I've always found Cotswold Outdoor good for advice about boots. The last time I had mine fitted there, the girl who helped me knew what she was talking about and spent quite some time making sure I got comfortable boots. That was 6 years ago and I need a new pair, so I'm going back there next week.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

larry mahan

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By *ickJMan
over a year ago

Hemel Hempstead

Brand wise, Salomon seem to fit my feet well, but any of the main manufacturers (Meindl, Salomon, Scarpa, Brasher, etc) make good boots - it's just a case of finding the ones that suit you.

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By *oachman 9CoolMan
over a year ago

derby

Depending on cost and what you want to pay but you can wait and look for boots reduced in price I did this at a large go camping store near to where I live and did just this with a pair of berghaus Hillranger boots, I use to have and liked Scarpa boots but their prices are silly ones now and don't seem to come down in price even in the sales, and last year I purchased a pair of Maverick slip on safety boots just before covid arrived from tool station apart from the steel toe cap their just like a pair of chelsea boots a bit on the heavy side but very comfortable to wear easily the best pair of safety boots I,ve ever had.

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By *all me FlikWoman
over a year ago

Galaxy Far Far Away

Berghaus are really good

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Salomon , ive had a pair 3 years , comfy as slippers

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By *reya73Woman
over a year ago

Whitley Bay

Salomon, Scarpa, Jack Wolfskin, Meindl, Berghaus, North Face, for durability and quality.

There are loads of slightly cheaper versions if you're not hiking up mountains and just doing low level, moorland and tracks.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got a pair of karrimore boots from a well know direct sports wear shop about 10 years ago and they are some of the most comfortable durable footwear I’ve ever bought.

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By *entleman JayMan
over a year ago

Wakefield

I’ve had Solomon and Berghous.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I took mine back, I had them 3 months and they never moved.

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By *icentiousCouple
over a year ago

Up on them there hills

"I’ve had Solomon and Berghous. "

Salomon, great.

Brasher, not had a good experience.

North face, comfy, didn’t do that many miles though.

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By *ily WhiteWoman
over a year ago

I love my Brasher Hillwalker boots...not the lightest, but comfortable from the first time I wore them. I've done many, many miles in them...a bit of dubbin a couple of times a year, and they've got many miles left in them.

Unfortunately they have now been bought by Berghaus, and reports are that they're now nowhere near as comfortable or durable.

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By *oxyVikingCouple
over a year ago

East Anglia

I have Karrimor Hot Rock, i work with horses so spend a lot of time on my feet. Find them lightweight, good support, grip and comfortable(and really good price!) Freya

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Aku boots if you want light and hard wearing

Lowa hi if you want a good 3/4 season boot

Zamberlan if you want good reliable solid leather classic

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Aku boots if you want light and hard wearing

Lowa hi if you want a good 3/4 season boot

Zamberlan if you want good reliable solid leather classic "

PM if you’d like links but Trekkit in Hereford are fantastic for Aku

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love my Brasher Hillwalker boots...not the lightest, but comfortable from the first time I wore them. I've done many, many miles in them...a bit of dubbin a couple of times a year, and they've got many miles left in them.

Unfortunately they have now been bought by Berghaus, and reports are that they're now nowhere near as comfortable or durable. "

I can also confirm they aren’t as goid

I loved my my brasher hillmaster boots

Zamberlan do a really nice boot

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By *toreflashCouple
over a year ago

northampton

Vibram soles tend to be leader as far as grip and durability is concerned, I have Zamberlan boots which offer me a comfortable fit, but as said elsewhere, go and try in a good outfitters, Go prepared to explain exactly the type of walking you expect be using them for - oh and budget!

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

I once passed someone a quarter of the way up Pen y Fan wearing crocs(them not me)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Zamberlan have suspended sales to the UK

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By *ut4fun6969Man
over a year ago

Folkestone

I have a pair of Bashers I have had for quite a while.not had a problem with then. They will go on in a while as I go do my weekly 10-12 miles. I find outdoors good value for gear .

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By *achel SmythTV/TS
over a year ago

Farnborough

"I once passed someone a quarter of the way up Pen y Fan wearing crocs(them not me)

The first time I saw anyone wearing crocs was halfway up Ben Nevis... wtf!!

I’ve had a pair of Berghaus boots for the last 15 years that have seen me fine, but are now sadly at the end of their time. I’m likely to replace them with the same again or possibly Salomon. I was in Cotswold Outdoor yesterday looking, and found a nice Salomon boot, but they didn’t have my size! Boots aren’t something I’d buy online!

R x

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By *oody HuddsonMan
over a year ago

sexy town

I love the Lasportiva I have at the moment. But any descent boot that fits your foot and has a vibram (best sole unit around IMO)sole.

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By *urls and DressesWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere near here

I have Berghaus ones, bought them 2nd hand last January, they weren’t used much. I have since walked at least 1500 miles in them on pavement, muddy fields, streams, grass, rocky tracks etc and only now I’m considering new ones.

I’d either go for Scarpa or more Berghaus

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By *urls and DressesWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere near here

"I once passed someone a quarter of the way up Pen y Fan wearing crocs(them not me)

The first time I saw anyone wearing crocs was halfway up Ben Nevis... wtf!!

R x

I’ve seen crocs on Ben too! And flip flops on a child on ingleborough. Mortifying!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My present boots are curtesy of the Army

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

inov-8 are supposed to be good, I'll look when it's time but materials and innovations change

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By *pellboundCouple
over a year ago

Derby and North Wales

I would recommend having a pair of well fitted boots for everyday walking/ trekking, mine are salamon which are very good, I have walked in Nepal in those and they were great

I have a pair of scarpa b2 mountain boots for winter as I can attach crampons

I would seriously recommend good socks , Bridgeport socks are great, a bit expensive but will prevent blisters, they are a must for a serious walker

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By *entleman4MMFMan
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

Following this as I need new footwear. I looked at trainers but they did not look very waterproof.

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By *rMojoRisinMan
over a year ago

Sheffield

I’ve got a pair of lightweight Brasher/Berghaus boots, they’re great for me. Not as clumpy as some I’ve had.

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By *ookingforfun9970Man
over a year ago

nearby

Have a look at altberg they make great boots

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land

After a different walking boot thread got some grisport walking shoes. They are brilliant and used up mountains, coastal paths and everything in-between

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By *VineMan
over a year ago

The right place

Salomon GTX Quests

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Go for 'vibram' soles.

Have a look on 'sports direct'theyre about the best when it comes to price.

I have Adidas terrex ax3, they look great and are so comfy.

I hate the look of walking boots & shoes in shit brown 'functional' colours. The Adidas all black just looked decent

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By *irginieWoman
over a year ago

Near Marlborough

I had a pair of brashers for nearly 30 years and they have been to many countries with me. I had to replace them recently…. Sad day.

I’ve got a pair of Lowas now. Very comfy didn’t even have to do the agony of breaking them in.

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By *uckOfTheBayMan
over a year ago

Mold

Leather or fabric, waterproof, breathable, you've got a lot of choice !

You'll often find a "Vibram" sole on the better brands, and they're good and reliable.

Had leather Brashers for many years for long journeys, but I've also had Salomons for day trips

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The best boots that you will buy are the ones that fit you properly.

Go to a good outdoor shop book a boot fitting and get the right boot for your shaped foot.

There are so many great boots out there, but what is great for someone else could be awful for you.

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"I want to buy a reliable durable pair of walking boots that have hard-wearing soles.

Work boots are not subject to VAT and can be durable.

I wouldn't mix the two tbh, it might cost more but the first time your feet blister up in agony you'll forget the money you saved.

Depends on your budget and style of walking you want to do, pop into a proper outdoor shop and they should be able to advise on which boot suits you and the walking you want to do

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By *emini ManMan
over a year ago

There and to the left a bit

Currently on my third pair of walking shoes (1 x Karrimor and 2 x Trespass) in as many months - all bought from The Factory Shop and the first two pairs both developed faults (Karrimors the inner sole came lose and kept slipping, the first pair of Trespass the stitching came away round the toe) within 4-8 weeks of getting them - they've all been comfortable but if the current pair goes the same way I'm getting my money back and investing a little more money.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I always wore brasher. Can’t remember which ones. I always get leather rather than synthetic. These days I wear my army issue boots to keep my feet comfortable in them. They are from a company called Haix. I like having the extra ankle support of combat boots too.

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull

"Currently on my third pair of walking shoes (1 x Karrimor and 2 x Trespass) in as many months - all bought from The Factory Shop and the first two pairs both developed faults (Karrimors the inner sole came lose and kept slipping, the first pair of Trespass the stitching came away round the toe) within 4-8 weeks of getting them - they've all been comfortable but if the current pair goes the same way I'm getting my money back and investing a little more money."

Karrimor used to be a decent brand 10 odd years ago but I think sports direct bought them and the quality declined rapidly

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Karrimor used to be a decent brand 10 odd years ago but I think sports direct bought them and the quality declined rapidly "

100% agree with this. They used to make decent military back packs. These days it’s just cheap tat from sports direct.

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By *irtuousBullMan
over a year ago

lake district

Living in the lakes I've found the best to be inov8, really lightweight and durable. Also on cloud are worth considering

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By *ubal1 OP Man
over a year ago

Newry Down

The hardest-wearing boots I've come across were Meindl Ortler with Vibram Montagna bloc (green dot) soles; but they are really mountaineering boots, and not for recreational walking.

They're an acquired taste; but of exceptional quality.

It is very hard to find a flexible boot with a durable; hard-wearing sole

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By *alkingbootsMan
over a year ago

cavan

Red wing footwear

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By *alkingbootsMan
over a year ago

cavan

Ecco boots

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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago

South Wales

I’ve got some Sketchers hiking boots, to go with the other 12 pairs of Sketchers I own!

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By *emini ManMan
over a year ago

There and to the left a bit

Karrimor used to be a decent brand 10 odd years ago but I think sports direct bought them and the quality declined rapidly

100% agree with this. They used to make decent military back packs. These days it’s just cheap tat from sports direct. "

Yeah I heard that about them after I had bought a pair - to be fair, as I said they were comfortable, but the manufacture quality let them down.

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

I always go for magnum boots, you can now get the work boots with a composite toe cap and insole insert.

They are much lighter than any boots I have had before.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve got some Mammut Mercury GTX Vibrams and they’re great….haven’t put the miles on then that they deserve, but can’t fault them so far.

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By *he SurveyorMan
over a year ago

Bury

[Removed by poster at 28/06/21 00:13:00]

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By *he SurveyorMan
over a year ago

Bury

Meindl Bhutan, I’m 61, best pair of walking boots I’ve ever had.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I want to buy a reliable durable pair of walking boots that have hard-wearing soles.

Work boots are not subject to VAT and can be durable.

Depends what the terrain is your planning on walking, your gait and feet.

Boots are heavy, I walked the Camino santiago in a pair of keen sandles.light breathable and dry quick.

You can go into cotswolds and they will go through everything, I spent hours in there, they didn't care if I was going to buy from them

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Brasher. British made.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Brasher. British made."

Not sure if they are any more after they where brought out....think it was berghaus if I'm right?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Brasher. British made.

Not sure if they are any more after they where brought out....think it was berghaus if I'm right?"

Yeah berghaus bought them.

Aku are an awesome boot and altberg

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By *rMojoRisinMan
over a year ago

Sheffield

"Brasher. British made.

Not sure if they are any more after they where brought out....think it was berghaus if I'm right?"

Berghaus are a British brand, which may surprise you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I had a wicked deal in the Adidas shop in the designer outlet where I live. Adidas terrex walking boots. Supposed to be £140 reduced to £40. I wear them for 10.5 hours a night on my shift in work and average around 32 thousand steps per shift. They’re so comfy. I had to break them in over 4 days first though. Was wearing them for half a shift then changing them and gradually wearing them for longer.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Brasher. British made.

Not sure if they are any more after they where brought out....think it was berghaus if I'm right?

Berghaus are a British brand, which may surprise you. "

No I am aware of that...just not sure if they had kept the manufacturing of what was the brashier boots in the UK or moved it aborted like the rest of thier stuff.

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By *rMojoRisinMan
over a year ago

Sheffield

"Brasher. British made.

Not sure if they are any more after they where brought out....think it was berghaus if I'm right?

Berghaus are a British brand, which may surprise you.

No I am aware of that...just not sure if they had kept the manufacturing of what was the brashier boots in the UK or moved it aborted like the rest of thier stuff."

A quick google search reports most of their products are made in China or Vietnam.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Meindl hands down! Not the cheapest but so comfy and durable

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi-tec boots have never let me down.

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By *heif6999Man
over a year ago

malton

Salomon gtx are mint, dear but we’ll worth it!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Brasher. British made.

Not sure if they are any more after they where brought out....think it was berghaus if I'm right?

Berghaus are a British brand, which may surprise you.

No I am aware of that...just not sure if they had kept the manufacturing of what was the brashier boots in the UK or moved it aborted like the rest of thier stuff.

A quick google search reports most of their products are made in China or Vietnam.

Yeah that doesn't surprise me. Was end of an era when they sold to berghaus.

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