Walking or stalking boots

[beauvais]

I've had a look at a few threads here, and am in the market for some good boots. I plan to use them for beating regularly and hill walking. And, of course, stalking when I can go.

I was looking at simply replacing my Brashers, which have lasted me six or so years and have been comfortable and fairly durable. But, should I be looking at stalking boots in particular?

What makes a good boot into a good stalking boot?

I've got my eye on Harkila 9" or 12", but I'm not sure I need the extra few inches.

 

[the scudd]

stay clear of the harkila,s

 

[Essexsussex]

Recently got a pair from British military surplus of extreme cold weather boots. Excellent and grade 1 issued appeared almost new

 

[beauvais]

stay clear of the harkila,s

Why's that?

 

[dlz90]

Recently got a pair from British military surplus of extreme cold weather boots. Excellent and grade 1 issued appeared almost new

This is the best advice why? because these boots are far superior in every way to anything else at any price period...............

 

[Essexsussex]

And even better when they are £35. I nearly spent £200 but folk on here saved me and I don't regret it at all. Can't think you could buy a much better pair except if they made the same with speed lacing instead of riveted eyelets

 

[Basil12]

Get into a few shops an try on what you can get your hands on is a good start and see whats what.

 

[Cut+Squirt]

Hanwag Tatra Top GTX Boots - Brilliant European made Quality

In a different league from every other boot I've tried.

 

[willie_gunn]

If you are hill walking also have a look at Scarpa boots. I have the SL's, and they are supremely comfortable. I also use them for stalking in wet weather.

 

[beauvais]

Not sure I want extreme cold weather boots... I usually run warm, but there are goretex ones (I can't link to them yet). That's certainly a good price (65 new or 35 grade 1).

So, why *not* go with the well known Scandi boots? (I have a small case of kit lust at the moment ).

 

[marrajack]

For walking and stalking Lowa all day long for me . Mendl and diotto are really good boots however comfort and wearability I would go lowa

 

[phitt]

My hand me down Salomons are still doing well. Bought a replacement pair but they're still in the box. Worth a look I'd say.

 

[oilmanjd]

For me, I like the Meindl brand. I have had the Meindl Dovre Extreme for a good few years and they are fantastic. They are comfy, warm and more importantly, waterproof in extreme conditions.
With the Meindle boots.....got to use the wax on the them and the wet proof spray stuff every few outings.
Expensive but worth it.....In my opinion.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Best advice is to get to a good outdoor retailer where they can measure your feet and give you a proper fitting. The best made boots in the world are no use if they don't fit you well.
Whatever you do don't buy another pair of Brasher. Five or six years ago they were good, now they're rubbish.

 

[the scudd]

Why's that?

a guy was out with me in a new pair of top of the range harkila, after days they were leaking. not a great advert for £300 boots

 

[ejg]

Recently got a pair from British military surplus of extreme cold weather boots. Excellent and grade 1 issued appeared almost new

also got a pair, very good. I think the extreme cold weather means for mil standard. At 15 deg and two pairs of socks they were ok for me.
edi

 

[Biathlonjimmy]

For walking and stalking Lowa all day long for me . Mendl and diotto are really good boots however comfort and wearability I would go lowa

+1 Lowa are awesome. I have had a pair of Mountain Boots for 6 years and they've done huge work running on road, hill, mountains, snow, ice, bog. Very comfortable and lots of support to the ankle.

 

[mack8317]

for hill stalking the mod issue Lowa boots are very good

 

[macfarlane]

Mammut boots from somewhere like go outdoors are worth a look , they were formally made by raichle hill walkers swear by them. I've a pair and had no issues with them .lamping ,stalking an general messing about and the done a wide fitting which suits my foot which is full of pins.

 

[Essexsussex]

also got a pair, very good. I think the extreme cold weather means for mil standard. At 15 deg and two pairs of socks they were ok for me.
edi

Ditto - I wore them all September and didn't find them hot at all. Thick socks required in extreme cold weather! Also should have said a new insole in them wouldn't hurt. Others have said similar.