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

ALLHONE hunting knives designed and made in NZ
N

Navarone

Well-Known Member
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!
 
Navarone said:
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!
Click to expand...
Keen Boots. good fit for me.
 
I should have added that I’m a joiner and stand up in a workshop all day so when I bought the altbergs I was hoping they’d be a do everything everyday boot not just for stalking…
 
I love my grisport gamekeepers.

Similar to you, started with issue altbergs that I had. Hated them for much the same reason as you.

Treated myself to the gamekeepers with a voucher from work and I now happily drive in them they feel that comfy and flexible for me. I usually keep them in the car, wear some kind of slip on shoe to drive to wherever I'm shooting, stick them on. Then completely forget I'm wearing big clumpy boots and drive all the way home in them without realising.

I don't have any experience of any of the more expensive brands, but would recommend the grisports.

If at all possible though, I'd recommend going into the shop to try them for size, as from memory I found the sz 8 altbergs fit me best, but my grisports are sz 7. But! Your fit may be different!
 
Merrell Moab Mid GTX’s are really soft and flexible, ideal for creeping along trails quietly. However despite being Goretex lined they invariably get damp (wear Sealskin socks) and don’t offer great ankle support compared to a stiffer mountain boot. I’d say they’re a good summer option. Usually some good discounts on Amazonia.
 
Last edited:
chriswjx said:
I love my grisport gamekeepers.

Similar to you, started with issue altbergs that I had. Hated them for much the same reason as you.

Treated myself to the gamekeepers with a voucher from work and I now happily drive in them they feel that comfy and flexible for me. I usually keep them in the car, wear some kind of slip on shoe to drive to wherever I'm shooting, stick them on. Then completely forget I'm wearing big clumpy boots and drive all the way home in them without realising.

I don't have any experience of any of the more expensive brands, but would recommend the grisports.

If at all possible though, I'd recommend going into the shop to try them for size, as from memory I found the sz 8 altbergs fit me best, but my grisports are sz 7. But! Your fit may be different!
Click to expand...
Sod it maybe this is the correct answer…

I’m fine driving in anything the, years of work boots really. I know people have trouble with it generally though so that shows a lot…
 
Navarone said:
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!
Click to expand...

I would try Rogue boots. I have had a pair for about 12 years now.

They are reasonable priced, soft, comfortable and hard wearing. The only issue is they are not waterproof.

kendrickimports.com

Rogue RH1 Half Boot

The RH1 is all the “all round” boot. It is a half boot making it suitable for general wear. A leather boot with full tongue, padded collar and leather covered footbed insole. Tan colour with smooth sole. Dog-walking, gardening & general boot.
kendrickimports.com kendrickimports.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

For Sale: Various good quality boots
Replies
9
Views
1K
Stalker-of-the-deer
S
A bit different boot question
Replies
8
Views
844
Jamie956
Jamie956
Everyday Boots question
2 3 4
Replies
70
Views
7K
Trigger260
T
Some thoughts on Footwear and Boots
Replies
0
Views
1K
Heym SR20
Heym SR20
Boots. Thinking about Altberg Mallerstang..
Replies
4
Views
710
User00035
U
Leica Fortis 6 - Bright and powerful.
Back
Top