Haix and Altberg boot sizing.

[bish789]

Hi all
I want to order a pair of Altberg Defenders or Haix HL boots.
I'm a 7 and 1/2 but as they don't do half sizes, from peoples experiences, presuming some of you are in the half sized category, which way should go, down to 7 or up to 8?
Sorry if it's been covered somewhere else on here but I couldn't find it if it has.
Thanks

 

[Uncle Norm]

Haix HL have an additional insole included that is intended to cater for half sizes. My ideal is a 10 and 1/2 (Euro 45) I can get in a 10 (Euro 44) but not with a thick sock.
I bought brand new and went for size 11, added that insole and wear them with thick socks. I found the Haix sizing to be correct.

They are warm dry and very robust. They will take a bit of breaking in too.

 

[bish789]

Thanks Uncle Norm.
You've confirmed what I had thought to be the case

 

[karlbird]

The military issued Altberg Defenders come up quite large as they are designed to be worn with sealskinz socks.

Having had both, I'd go with the Altbergs, although I am currently wearing a pair of the Haix Goretex boots (not the HL) and they are good, but I have only been wearing them for a few weeks (everyday, 12+ hours a day) - the HL seem to have a quality issue and my room mates have disintegrated after 4 weeks!

 

[bish789]

I am leaning towards the defenders as I had some german para's very similar, and I liked them a lot.

 

[Feugh]

Bish, I wrote a thread a few weeks ago with a comparison of the Haix and Altbergs. Both are good but I prefer the Haix, they are a more robust boot and after having them out last week in the snow, through heather and bog, I wouldn't hesitate to take them on any kind of stalking trip. I'm a 10 1/2 but take an 11 in both the Haix and Altbergs.

 

[tarponhead]

+1

 

[bish789]

Thanks all.
I just might try both, wife has loads of shoes (for different occasions) so don't see why I can't.

 

[shakey jake]

Thats a dangerous path to tread comparing your shoes with hers

 

[4535jacks]

+1 for the altbergs. I have had a few pairs and they proved good ankle support and are reasonably light. Their only failing is that the soles seem to wear down quicker than on other boots.

 

[Wyre Forester]

i don't know if anyone else found this, but i find the Alt-berg narrower at the bridge of the foot than the Haix - i take 8M for the Haix, but 8W for the Alt-berg...

 

[CHRIS WORLEY]

Why don't you go to their factory at Richmond and they will measure your feet properly and will advise you on size

 

[karlbird]

You'll then get a better boot too. My wife had custom fitted Defenders through the factory a few years back and they are far better quality than the ones we are issued through the military - fact. They weigh more, the leather looks better and they are more comfy so she says compared to issued Defenders she has too. On this basis, - friend took his daughter (rookie copper) for fitting/sizing and they sung their praises too.

 

[ChesterP]

Bear in mind with the Altbergs that the Defenders were designed as "adjustable" for foot-fit, using a specific last that they provided various insoles for so as you went up in insole thickness, you reduced overall sizing, so a size 9 can be made to fit an 8 1/2 or an 8 with heavier socks fitted, or if you have wider feet, you use a thinner insole. They tend to come with the standard fitting when you buy them, so a Size 9 will have the insole for a normal size nine, and they doe seem to come up a little on the wide fitting side which I like.

 

[bish789]

Well just picked up a brand new pair of boxed Haix HL boots, with spare laces and insoles for the princely sum of £35.
Brilliant

 

[Uncle Norm]

Well just picked up a brand new pair of boxed Haix HL boots, with spare laces and insoles for the princely sum of £35.
Brilliant

Well done ! That's a good buy. Take your time breaking them in though. You will soon see why I say that.

 

[bish789]

Well done ! That's a good buy. Take your time breaking them in though. You will soon see why I say that.

Go on Uncle Norm, give us a clue!

 

[Uncle Norm]

Go on Uncle Norm, give us a clue!

Its just that they are very strongly constructed and quite stiff when new. They do not 'give' easily so don't wear them for long hours.
Once they were broken in I found mine to be comfortable, warm and dry. I can wear mine all day on rough ground with no problem. When they were new, a couple of hours was about right.

 

[bish789]

They feel it! Will wear them in gradually. I think they have the makings of a good boot.

 

[GGG]

Though I don't have the information to back it up, the difference between an 11 and an 11W in the Haix was like night and day to my feet.
The extra width makes a huge difference in terms of fit and comfort.