Altberg Raby Boots
- Thread starter 222BEN
- Start date
Northern_George
Well-Known Member
I just tried a pair of them Harkila boots on John Norris I wouldn’t buy a pair of them they are getter sent back leaking like a sieve.
222BEN
Active Member
Unfortunately no surprises there. I think that’s one of their old boots before they made the ‘change’
Northern_George
Well-Known Member
But like you I am after a good pair of boots just had no luck recently
My Altbergs are going into their 5th season.
I tried some on before buying as they do many styles, widths and of course sizes. Got the perfect pair, for me, and have been very pleased with them.
They get more use in the winter, but I use them all year round.
I’d buy another pair in a heartbeat.
These need their waxing (I do it twice a year) but are still watertight.
No reason why the higher leg ones shouldn’t be superb.
I tried some on before buying as they do many styles, widths and of course sizes. Got the perfect pair, for me, and have been very pleased with them.
They get more use in the winter, but I use them all year round.
I’d buy another pair in a heartbeat.
These need their waxing (I do it twice a year) but are still watertight.
No reason why the higher leg ones shouldn’t be superb.
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I’ve had altberg rabys for about 10 years now. They used to be called gamekeepers, they’ve always been excellent and very comfortable. I’ve had 3 pairs in that time, I’ve never actually worn a pair out but had to retire the first pair after sitting a little too close to a fire in Sweden and melting the midsole.
I really rate them and they’re a bit of kit I wouldn’t want to be without, I’ve worn them from Sussex to Alberta, the limestone alps of Bavaria (very slippy when wet!) and northern Sweden in -14. They’re excellent.
Other good boots to look at are Meindl Island pro, don’t seem to be affected by the sole issues the douvre has, also great boots.
I really rate them and they’re a bit of kit I wouldn’t want to be without, I’ve worn them from Sussex to Alberta, the limestone alps of Bavaria (very slippy when wet!) and northern Sweden in -14. They’re excellent.
Other good boots to look at are Meindl Island pro, don’t seem to be affected by the sole issues the douvre has, also great boots.
Northern_George
Well-Known Member
I might try a pair of altbergs but like the higher version, is there may shop in Yorkshire somewhere? So could try on the different boots etc. I had Miendl before good boots but my last pair lasted 3 days before they fell apart 
3 daysI might try a pair of altbergs but like the higher version, is there may shop in Yorkshire somewhere? So could try on the different boots etc. I had Miendl before good boots but my last pair lasted 3 days before they fell apart
Northern_George
Well-Known Member
Yep just 3 days pairs before have lasted me at least a year.
Go to the Altberg factory shop in Richmond, you can make an appointment or just turn up and wait if busy. Don't overlook the military boots either, there's some good choices there. My wife and three daughters all have either Tethras or military boots.I might try a pair of altbergs but like the higher version, is there may shop in Yorkshire somewhere? So could try on the different boots etc. I had Miendl before good boots but my last pair lasted 3 days before they fell apart
I'm in my third pair of Altbergs most days and all pairs are still in service for various tasks. My initial Tethras were resoled and have been in use for ten years or so. I have my newer pair of Tethras that are in use year round and a pair of Mallerstangs that alternate with the Tethras and a pair of Harkilas (which have been fine) over winter months. My next pair will probably be gamekeepers.
I use Harkila Mink Oil frequently on all all pairs and top this off with Ledergris in winter.
I visited the Altberg factory shop in Yorkshire 10 years ago to get measured by them.
They said that the best fit for my feet would be the GameKeeper boot they now call the Raby.
They certainly felt good on. I enquired about buying 2 pairs - explaining that when winter hind stalking I was accustomed to have 2 pairs and would wear them on alternate days - one pair on the hill, while other pair were drying out.
They asked how old I was - 65 - and then declined to sell me a second pair, as a) the pair they were selling me would probably outlast me! and, b) I'd find that they'd dry overnight ready for the next day just fine. They also said that if they were wrong on either count then if I phoned them they'd put the second pair in the post and they'd pay the postage!
I still have only the one pair!
They went back to Altberg about 18 months ago for re-soling and now look like they're only a few months old again.
They haven't yet leaked, and even more extraordinary on the occasions when I've waded too deep across a burn and water has leaked in over the top - provided the boot hasn't actually filled up with water - the moisture that got in is usually dried out before I get home and the boots are still ready for use next day after a night in the drying room.
I've only ever used Altberg's own LederGris cleaner/conditioner and their Swartz footbeds.
If you can, I'd recommend a visit to their place in Yorkshire - you need an appointment - take the socks and boots you currently wear so they can see how you wear them etc., - you'll get expertly measured. They'll tell you which of their many boots will likely suit your feet and needs best.
And, they know their stuff!!
They'll also offer you a "better than internet" deal on boots, insoles, cleaners etc.,
Recommended! Alasdair
They said that the best fit for my feet would be the GameKeeper boot they now call the Raby.
They certainly felt good on. I enquired about buying 2 pairs - explaining that when winter hind stalking I was accustomed to have 2 pairs and would wear them on alternate days - one pair on the hill, while other pair were drying out.
They asked how old I was - 65 - and then declined to sell me a second pair, as a) the pair they were selling me would probably outlast me! and, b) I'd find that they'd dry overnight ready for the next day just fine. They also said that if they were wrong on either count then if I phoned them they'd put the second pair in the post and they'd pay the postage!
I still have only the one pair!
They went back to Altberg about 18 months ago for re-soling and now look like they're only a few months old again.
They haven't yet leaked, and even more extraordinary on the occasions when I've waded too deep across a burn and water has leaked in over the top - provided the boot hasn't actually filled up with water - the moisture that got in is usually dried out before I get home and the boots are still ready for use next day after a night in the drying room.
I've only ever used Altberg's own LederGris cleaner/conditioner and their Swartz footbeds.
If you can, I'd recommend a visit to their place in Yorkshire - you need an appointment - take the socks and boots you currently wear so they can see how you wear them etc., - you'll get expertly measured. They'll tell you which of their many boots will likely suit your feet and needs best.
And, they know their stuff!!
They'll also offer you a "better than internet" deal on boots, insoles, cleaners etc.,
Recommended! Alasdair
I have had Altbergs for years 3 different types of them, comfiest boots I have ever owned and hard as nails
That's good advice
222BEN
Active Member
I brought a pair of meindl Himalaya 2 months ago and have already started to leak!I might try a pair of altbergs but like the higher version, is there may shop in Yorkshire somewhere? So could try on the different boots etc. I had Miendl before good boots but my last pair lasted 3 days before they fell apart
Northern_George
Well-Known Member
I will go to the factory and try some on and get a pair. Thanks for the advice 
The boots are made in the Scarpa factory in Italy, you are correct about the wait and it being worthwhile
222BEN
Active Member
Do you have the Raby/gamekeepers or a military boot?
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