Boots is there such a thing as softer/more flexible?

[fizzbangwhallop]

Following Stumpy's thread back in September, I've been wearing a pair of the John Norris boots for several months now, mainly for walking the dog several times a week, each between 3 & 5miles and found them to be good. Walked across plenty of wet grass, mud, puddles, hills in the that time and not had a problem. I've currently got a pair of Sorbothane footbeds in them to 'soften' the feel but that's a nice to have and they were in the cupboard.

John Norris JSN Boots

I've got a pair of Deditos for beating as we've got a fair bit of bramble on the shoots and would rather keep the leather of the JN's as good as possible, I've applied the recommended Mink Oil a couple of times.

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No complaints from me.... might actually buy another pair to keep in reserve.


Cheers

Fizz

 

[Cyres]

Scarpa make comfortable boots. I have a pair of Deltas that replaced my 30+ years old Attacks. However the sole on the Deltas is a no no if your on lowland mud. Sole just clogs up. Great on gravel stone and moorland but anything with clay then no good.
D

 

[Navarone]

Following Stumpy's thread back in September, I've been wearing a pair of the John Norris boots for several months now, mainly for walking the dog several times a week, each between 3 & 5miles and found them to be good. Walked across plenty of wet grass, mud, puddles, hills in the that time and not had a problem. I've currently got a pair of Sorbothane footbeds in them to 'soften' the feel but that's a nice to have and they were in the cupboard.

John Norris JSN Boots

I've got a pair of Deditos for beating as we've got a fair bit of bramble on the shoots and would rather keep the leather of the JN's as good as possible, I've applied the recommended Mink Oil a couple of times.

Sign up to emails and you'll get another 10%

No complaints from me.... might actually buy another pair to keep in reserve.


Cheers

Fizz

I’ve had a look at the John Norris as well, they look decent! might order some grisports, those and maybe a Salomon boots and see what’s best…

 

[Essexsussex]

I am in Woodingdean if you want to check them.

Haywards Heath if you want to try cold wet weather boots!

 

[Gmm243]

The [karrimor sf or iturri] cold wet weather issue boots are completely different in terms of comfort to the standard ones.

Myself and 6 of ny friends have the Ituri cold weather boots.
They are first class. Warm, waterproof and very comfortable and I don't think any of us spent more than £50 for a pair.

 

[Suilven]

These might be a decent option for you;

Waterproof boots - The Dryboot Company

Waterproof boots. Harris Dryboots are cushion lined, washable and quick drying. Generously sized with deep gusset for easy 'on and off'. Only £88.99 + p&p

thedrybootcompany.com

The old Viking dryboots rebranded. Soft like wellies, 100% waterproof, ideal for when lundhags/crispi/hanwag etc are too much boot

 

[Tazz]

You might be more comfortable in wellies.

Stalking in wellies !!!! OMG what has happened to standards on this site next it will be not wearing a tie, slippery slope to anarchy

 

[VSS]

Stalking in wellies !!!! OMG what has happened to standards on this site next it will be not wearing a tie, slippery slope to anarchy

I wouldn't dream of stalking in wellies myself.
Apart from when I'm indoors, stalking is the only time I take my wellies off!
I'd rather stalk in my sandals than in wellies.
However, I've noticed a lot of lowland stalkers in soft rubber and neoprene wellies and they are able to move around very quietly. I have a pair of Grubbs wellies that I wear in the larder, and they're very comfy. So for some people I think they're probably a good choice.

 

[Heym SR20]

Try a pair of crocs. Very soft and bouncy. Your skin is totally waterproof.

Personally I much prefer a stiff boot that acts as a step when go up and down steep slopes or across tussock and bogs.

 

[Navarone]

Try a pair of crocs. Very soft and bouncy. Your skin is totally waterproof.

Personally I much prefer a stiff boot that acts as a step when go up and down steep slopes or across tussock and bogs.

I’ve already got camo crocs…

Yes I’d imagine I’d prefer mountain boots too if I was out and about in the hills…as it is they seem a bit much for fields, hedgerows and small woodland…

 

[Rob-E]

Hi all,

I’ve currently got a pair of Altberg defenders bought new for 75£ they are the official issue ones.

Tbh I’m really not getting along with them, I’ve replaced the insole with a sorborthane posh one and still no good, sore feet after a stalk/day in them.

They just feel extremely stiff and clompy almost.

I’ve read as many thread on here as possible and have had a good look at all the options, crispi, Hanwag, Meindl, zamberlan etc etc.

These all seem like quite stiff mountaineering style boots which I can understand would work in the highlands but seem a bit much for lowland stalking in the South east?

I was wondering is there a style of boot which is a bit softer/more flexible at all?

Any recommendations or what should I do instead of the Altbergs?

Cheers!

The official issued ones arnt Altberg. They’re made under licence in turkey.
Altberg made in Yorkshire are 10x better. The Altberg sneaker aquas are probably the best boot I’ve owned. Fully waterproof and super soft and lightweight.

 

[Navarone]

The official issued ones arnt Altberg a. They’re made under lisence in turkey.
Altberg made in Yorkshire are 10x better. The Altberg sneaker aquas are probably the best boot I’ve owned. Fully waterproof and super soft and lightweight.

Ahh that does make sense.

 

[Navarone]

I know we are only supposed to wear high, shooting boots but these look quite decent and I’ve always read good reviews of them…

 

[Stumpy2]

I’ve had a look at the John Norris as well, they look decent! might order some grisports, those and maybe a Salomon boots and see what’s best…

Still going strong and dry!

 

[Rob-E]

I know we are only supposed to wear high, shooting boots but these look quite decent and I’ve always read good reviews of them…

4D quests are ok. They’re high enough for ankle support. In the summer I was wearing Mendl approach shoes until they wore through, and have been replaced with some Scarpas. I know loads of people who swear by 4Ds. I had a pair and managed to pull out an eyelet quite quickly. They carried on past that but I was never quite convinced of their waterproofness.

 

[Navarone]

4D quests are ok. They’re high enough for ankle support. In the summer I was wearing Mendl approach shoes until they wore through, and have been replaced with some Scarpas. I know loads of people who swear by them. I had a pair and managed to pull out an eyelet quite quickly. They carried on past that but I was never quite convinced of their waterproofness.

Fair enough that’s good to know. I see they do a ‘forces’ I doubt it but wonder if these wear harder…

 

[hairycow]

Crispi gtx they are like a pair of slippers and the sole is softer and grips better on wet stone and alike.

 

[Navarone]

Itturri CWW seem hard to get hold of in 10/11…

 

[Jax]

I know we are only supposed to wear high, shooting boots but these look quite decent and I’ve always read good reviews of them…

These are a good flexible boot. No good if you have wide feet though. I could I wear very thin socks with them.

Hanwag banks GTX meet your requirements.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Hi all,

I’ve currently got a pair of Altberg defenders bought new for 75£ they are the official issue ones.

Tbh I’m really not getting along with them, I’ve replaced the insole with a sorborthane posh one and still no good, sore feet after a stalk/day in them.

They just feel extremely stiff and clompy almost.

I’ve read as many thread on here as possible and have had a good look at all the options, crispi, Hanwag, Meindl, zamberlan etc etc.

These all seem like quite stiff mountaineering style boots which I can understand would work in the highlands but seem a bit much for lowland stalking in the South east?

I was wondering is there a style of boot which is a bit softer/more flexible at all?

Any recommendations or what should I do instead of the Altbergs?

Cheers!

Cover them in polish and go walking for a couple of days. When you're done, they will be fine they're a pain in the arse to break in. My last pair took about 2 weeks of daily use