Boots for walking / beating

[caorach]

Don’t want to hijack this thread but I’m in the boot market myself. Read up on quite a few of aforementioned boots. However any views on le chameau lcx boots whether with or without Kevlar? Looks nice, seem to get good reviews. Or just expensive branded stuff that does live up in real world use?

Ask yourself what you are going to use the kevlar for and that's your answer right there.

As mentioned I've a pair of leather Scarpa SL boots here beside me that probably did 500 days on the moor and are still in "everyday about the town" use today and they didn't need kevlar.

 

[Kjm041]

Ask yourself what you are going to use the kevlar for and that's your answer right there.

As mentioned I've a pair of leather Scarpa SL boots here beside me that probably did 500 days on the moor and are still in "everyday about the town" use today and they didn't need kevlar.

I don’t know what I need it for but don’t mind paying if it’s more durable. I like my boots to last years if possible!

 

[Monarch Country Products]

Check out reviews on Lowa, most folk who try them stick with them - they are the only brand we will sell due to service, quality (& 2yr warranty they honour) etc

Website details on the link below & we also have an SD forum member discounted rate.

Lowa Hunter GTX Evo Extreme - Monarch Country Products

Ask any experienced wildlife manager what their most important piece of kit is and they will probably state […]

www.monarchcountryproducts.co.uk

Rgds

Rob

 

[Moray Outfitting]

I was just getting to the bit to mention the Lowas Rob. Comfortable and waterproof. J

 

[A21MEO]

Scarpa every time. I have an old pair of SLs for winter and a lighter pair for summer.

 

[Klenchblaize]

For beating I would go down the cheap welly route. Even if you've money to burn I'd suggest thinking twice before subjecting a pair of high-quality leather boots to the indignity of a day on your knees hacking through boiler flue-killing cherry laurel and the Beater's ultimate nemises that is the sly rhododendron.

Just my view of course but as the finest Deerstalker in Southeast England!

K

 

[jb7x57]

Altberg are good for wide fittings I’ve only had good service from them

 

[Kjm041]

So we’re saying scarpa and lowa and to not worry about the fancy country brands like harkila and le chameau...

 

[Oxon Stuart]

Personally I love the Altberg Gamekeeper Stark Extreme boots (Gamekeeper - Stark Extreme - Alt-Berg Boots). I've worn them for a couple of years now beating, stalking, and general working on the estate where I stalk. The coating on the lower part of the boot has shrugged off everything thrown at it, from thick brambles to cloying mud, and they're the most comfortable boots I've owned to date.

If you're able to visit the factory (Richmond, North Yorkshire) they provide a measuring & fitting service to ensure you get the right size boots.

I wear their Peacekeeper P1 boots for work, as they're very comfortable - though I can sometimes get some odd looks when I wear them with a suit (on the rare occasion a suit is required)!

 

[malmick]

I had Scarpas up to getting Altberg, in fact I still have a pair with worn out soles that get used in the garden and got a load of use before that in this country and the Alps and Pyrenees. I think both brands are made in the same factory in Italy.

As Oxon Stuart says, visiting shop is worth it and they can alter boots to accommodate bunions etc.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

As already said. Plenty of people like the Deditos but plenty have had them leak - it has always been the case with these boots back when they were Black Islander and Diotto. I had a pair which I loved because they were comfortable but they also leaked like
Sieves. Filed them with water and it was just pouring out everywhere not even on seams. I was tempted recently to try some but wimped our from all the bad press I’ve heard.

The surplus Haix, Karrimor and Altberg are noticeably not as ‘plush’ as the Meindl, Lowa, Hanwag etc. Haix seem better than Altberg though and they all do different widths.

I’d probably go Dovre again if I were you as you know they fit and 1 years isn’t bad for a boot if you wear them a lot, just try treating that toe area regularly to keep it supple.

 

[Baldman]

I can not fault Altberg , used them for the last 7 yrs , my lads use them aswell , we have some where between 7 - 8 pairs between us , never had any issues , i also have a pair of Danners very comfortable and have given good service .

 

[kaman]

Lowas are the job issued boots at my brother in laws work. He raves about them. Don't know what model he uses tho.
I've also heard good press about Altberg.
My problem is I'm an armchair shopper as I hate shops, so I'm gonna probably buy them blind without trying them on.
Gonna look further at the suggested Lowa and Altberg models.

 

[Uncle f]

Lowa Tibet in summer and lowa gtx hunter for winter. Get from rob at monarch superb service and good company to deal with

 

[Sonicdmb73]

I will add to my earlier comment. I own not one pair of shoes. Other than a couple of pairs of trainers I have boots. A pair of Timberlands for “good” the rest are bar one surplus issue.
Once over squaddies would buy their own boots especially infantry artillery etc. As I don’t know what they were actually made to fit. Certainly didn’t fit my feet I wore a size up for the width, length was never right.
I own a pair of cobbler made half sprung boots which fit like a glove. They will with care last years more and I have had them 15 years. Not my most worn since Altberg and Lowa issue boots came out on the surplus market. I have a pair of Lowa desert (Afghanistan issue) boots that are very well worn but still comfy but reduced to slip on to go round the garden mow the lawn etc. The Altberg I would happily pay full price for the Peacekeepers if I can’t find a suitable pair on eBay. My latest pair are brand new Haix ones. My lad was issued medium width maybe just a little tighter than I would like. The wide would be better, however a lock on the ankle lace point means you can have different tension across your instep and round your ankle. I haven’t had them long enough to comment on longevity.
I would happily recommend Altberg or Lowa as value for your money and suitable for wide fitting. The Lowa have more arch support if you prefer that and are possibly a bit stiffer overall. Price wise you’re looking at £30/50 for a decent pair of issued ones. New they are around £130/150 if you shop around.

 

[kaman]

I will add to my earlier comment. I own not one pair of shoes. Other than a couple of pairs of trainers I have boots. A pair of Timberlands for “good” the rest are bar one surplus issue.
Once over squaddies would buy their own boots especially infantry artillery etc. As I don’t know what they were actually made to fit. Certainly didn’t fit my feet I wore a size up for the width, length was never right.
I own a pair of cobbler made half sprung boots which fit like a glove. They will with care last years more and I have had them 15 years. Not my most worn since Altberg and Lowa issue boots came out on the surplus market. I have a pair of Lowa desert (Afghanistan issue) boots that are very well worn but still comfy but reduced to slip on to go round the garden mow the lawn etc. The Altberg I would happily pay full price for the Peacekeepers if I can’t find a suitable pair on eBay. My latest pair are brand new Haix ones. My lad was issued medium width maybe just a little tighter than I would like. The wide would be better, however a lock on the ankle lace point means you can have different tension across your instep and round your ankle. I haven’t had them long enough to comment on longevity.
I would happily recommend Altberg or Lowa as value for your money and suitable for wide fitting. The Lowa have more arch support if you prefer that and are possibly a bit stiffer overall. Price wise you’re looking at £30/50 for a decent pair of issued ones. New they are around £130/150 if you shop around.

Cheers Sonic. Definitely need as much arch support as possible as I suffer from the dreaded Plantar Fascitis!

 

[VSS]

The mil surp Haix cold / wet weather gortex lined waterproof boots are tremendous good value at around £55.
Bought some for daughter (Mouse), and so impressed we all got them now. Missus got brand new still in box for £65.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Cheers Sonic. Definitely need as much arch support as possible as I suffer from the dreaded Plantar Fascitis!

I suggest you try pair of Lowas then. They might feel a little uncomfortable in the arch area at first. But wearing them for short spells and building up the time sorts that for most people.
The alternative is a visit to Richmond for a custom fit pair. Have a look at the website for details of what they do.

 

[kaman]

I suggest you try pair of Lowas then. They might feel a little uncomfortable in the arch area at first. But wearing them for short spells and building up the time sorts that for most people.
The alternative is a visit to Richmond for a custom fit pair. Have a look at the website for details of what they do.

Sonic I find the more arch support the better. When I wore my flat shoes for my kilt recently I managed around an hour before the Fascitis flared up in my right foot. I'm fine as long as my arches have support under them.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Sonic I find the more arch support the better. When I wore my flat shoes for my kilt recently I managed around an hour before the Fascitis flared up in my right foot. I'm fine as long as my arches have support under them.

Look for a cheap pair of issued Lowas you should be able to find some for about £30. Give them a go and if they’re ok look for a better pair the same size etc. You’ll probably still have change from a hundred quid. Or push the boat out for a new pair and it’s still less than many of the big name boots.