Good stalking boots to buy

[Kbb]

Zamberlan GTX works very well for me

 

[JTO]

I have to wear boots after breaking my ankle a few years ago. Altberg were nice and wide, but didn't get a chance dry out every day, so cracked up. I now have 3 pairs of Haix boots that I wear on alternate days so they have a chance to dry out before applying the wax/polish/leder gris. I will probably get 3 pairs of Altbergs next time.

 

[tarponhead]

I find that boot choice needs to go with socks that suit them for your feet - worth experimenting until you get it just right, then I’m good for a 10-15 mile ramble in the woods or across fields

 

[Magnificent 7]

I’m on my third year on a pair of lowa combat gtx ,and still no leaks the soles are a bit worn and I’m now thinking of a new pair.Anyone tried the crispi boots yet ?

 

[Heym SR20]

After much trial and error I am convinced that most good leather boots don’t really let in water.

Instead your trousers and socks get damp and wet and then the water runs down into your boots. Any wet grass, heather etc will make your boots wet.

Two solutions. Good tough gaiters that go over the boots and take any water flow outside the boot. I have good gaiters keep my feet nice and dry with no water in the boot. Same boots, same conditions, same ground but no gaiters and my feet are wet within 20 minutes and you your socks are wringing wet.

Or go the old highland way with a good heavy kilt that keeps you warm. Wollen stockings and heavy weight brogue shoes with holes (yes that’s why they have those holed patterns) that lets the water flow through.

The later works on the basis your top half keeps warm and damp but the inevitable wetness runs off. As long as you keep moving you keep warm. If you stop, stop when you get to a dry spot. Downsides are ticks on your testicles - unless its really well below zero, and you stink like an old labrador, spaniel or ewe.

 

[Rutland lad]

I made an appointment at Altberg to get measured for a new pair. Wearing thick socks etc, I was guided to the correct size and more importantly away from the boot I was interested in and onto another model.
The Raby Gamekeeper boots have proved waterproof and comfortable. Good value imo.

 

[Craigard]

,Altberg "Raby" gamekeeper's boots . Go to the shop in Richmond where they scan your foot for the right size, Check out the website first where you can get a 10%discount code. these are comfortable from day 1, waterproof and hard wearing.

 

[JH83]

I will let you know, only just ordered! I have ordered 12 which is quite universally good for me in most.

12 are my regular size and these fit like a glove

 

[Klenchblaize]

I’ve just replaced my lightweight boots with a pair of these:

La Sportiva® | Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather Wide GTX Man - Brown - Hiking Footwear

Nubuck leather version of the Ultra Raptor II Mid model, it is ideal for fast hiking and excursions with light loads. Waterproof and breathable thanks to the GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane.

www.lasportiva.com

Got a good deal from here with their BF discount that still has 5-hours to run:

K

 

[BigStu]

Have Grisport gamekeeper boots, had them 12 months worn most days and no problems so far.

 

[375 mag]

I liked Altberg had two pairs fail on a Stag stalking trip this season both leaked after two days of wet. No cracks in the leather and they were treated twice in preparation weeks before the trip.

 

[wirehair]

Grisport gamekeeper,fantastic value

 

[Jvoelcker]

I think the one thing these boots threads turn up is that different people have wildly varying experiences with the same brand of boots,Dedito seem to be very marmite round here, some love, some hate them.My experience with altberg differs from most on here , I find them comfy but never found them very waterproof.

I'm having issues with my Altbergs which I hope they will resolve, although would probably buy another pair just because they are so comfortable.

 

[Spix]

 

[geoshot]

My favourites for years have been Danner Boots, I've owned several different versions from Olympic and Hunter which are fairly standard mid-heavyweight leather boots through to light(ish) boots such as the 1932 model hiking boot.
However, my aging feet and ankles required an upgrade in terms of the support provided by a good pair of leather boots
So, I got myself a pair of Brandecosse Brontolare - so far, so good. They're comfortable and waterproof - so far anyway

 

[sy247]

I've got a pair of Danner Recon boots. Lovely, if a tad heavy

 

[Vissie]

Karrimore SF. Really excellent stalking boot. Not stupid expensive.

 

[Whalberg86]

I've had a pair of Haix Goretex Cold/Wet weather boots that I just can't kill. Had them 4/5 seasons now and still waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex liner. Only issue with them is that I've worn the sole down so they're not as sure on slippy ground anymore.

The price of these new has shot up recently, so I replaced them with German Issue Meindl's from fleabay. First impressions are good, lighter, more supple than the Haix, I'm not certain they'll last like the Haix. But not bad for £70

 

[Rob-E]

Altberg Sneaker Aquas (Made in Richmond, Yorkshire) are the best I’ve used, and actually stay waterproof unlike the MOD issued ones that are made under licence.

If you buy Altberg do not be tempted to buy “MOD issue” just because it’s issued doesn’t mean it’s good quality, make sure it’s made in their Yorkshire factory.

 

[chaz243]

Meindle.....I have two pairs one Kansas that I wear for most of my stalking and then a pair of Dovre pro the shorter ones. Both years old and last year Meindle re soled the Kansas for free after a delamination issue....One thing no one seems to have mentioned is that leather boots do take a little care. Meindle do their own wax which us superb ..cheers all ...