Bushwear and Meindl

[Adyb]

Interesting reading.
I went to Altberg in Richmond a couple of years back, got measured properly and walked out with a pair of 8 1/2 Wide Gamekeeper boots. Could’ve had them with the rubberised finish in the leather but went for the normal leather look as I thought I could feed that more.
Very comfy, waterproof and British (mostly) so I’m happy I’m keeping someone in work in this country and not in a sweatshop in the Far East.
I accept I’m a recreational stalker so they do get a chance to dry out between trips but nevertheless I’m pleased with them.
£220 as I recall.

A lot of premium brands make boots in Europe - lowa, hanweg, la sportiva all make top range boots made in this part of the world (no doubt more). Thumbs up to buy British (or whatever your home country is) though...

 

[swagger700]

Mine turned up today. First impressions
There bloody solid !
But have to say they feel like there going to be comfy boots after my stroll round front room
Fit is about perfect ordered half size up
Bit higher would have suited with plus 4s
But first impressions are good

 

[jtl]

Tried all sorts over the years, Black Islander , military boots, hoggs ,now got harkila synthetic and theyve been excellent. Ridge line jacket and trousers and harkila gaiters and boots. Sorted!

 

[geoffw]

Maybe i have been lucky, never had a bad pair, mind you i have always had the drovre extreme high leg jobs

Mine too- 12 years and going strong, regular waxing and got lucky I guess

 

[308tikka]

Have about 7 pairs of various makes and for warm weather/cold weather ... Have rotated them, A couple of pairs new in the box for when a pair gives up.

Out of all of the boots I have, incl altberg and MOD Altberg (made in Italy), my Meindl Kansas GTX still keep giving-bought in 2015. The edge of the toe protector started to peel after 6 years. So I trimmed it down and glued it. Best of all, no squeaky noise from the leather.

Your other option is wellies

 

[308tikka]

I have an unused pair of black Hanwag mountain boots. Suede finish, stitched sole. Very stiff-suitable for crampon wear. 9.

I acquired via work and then kept them as I had notions of one day doing some alpine stuff. Im far too old and worn out for that - if anyone is interested I can take photos.

 

[75]

Mine too- 12 years and going strong, regular waxing and got lucky I guess

It’s because they are 12 years old that they are still going. Old ones were amazing (bought my first pair c.2003). New stuff is junk (heals have collapsed on my newest pair )

 

[STEWARTSMITH]

My Meindls are still going strong too after about 6 or 7 years. To be fair they don’t get a lot of hammer but I do look after them after use. They do have an annoying squeak in one of the boots when they’re dry!