Walking boots

[Squishedpickle]

Hello,

My beloved Karrimor walking boots have finally given up. I need some new boots but have heard that Karrimor is not such good quality any more. Please can you give me recommendations for a long lasting, flexible, waterproof not too heavy boot? Price not particularly important if they'll last.

Thanks!

There is no perfect answer.
It depends on so many factors such as the type of walking you are doing, the width if your foot, whatcha comfortable to you and so on.
The estcadvuce us to go to a reputable store who specializes in fittings. When you find your perfect boot or shoe it will be money well spent.

I have leather Scarpa boots, they've lasted SO much longer than any canvas type boots I've had before, they've been going strong for around 6-7 years and apart from a bit of staining from sea water, they're in great condition and the soles aren't worn down at all!

I’ve leather Scarpa ones too - by crikey they’ve done some miles and are still going strong (and much older than those of @AintNobodyHereButUsChickens!!) but I tend to only wear them in the winter and go with a lighter pair in the summer (I think my lighter pair are Hi Tec and again had a lot of years and miles out of them!)

My current ones are Keen. They've been very comfortable and wearing well.

Karrimore are indeed absolute shite.

I’d go Altberg (not many places sell them kind) or meindl

I love Salomon boots, they are great for narrower feet, if you've got wide feet, they probably won't work for you. DH had Meindels which lasted for years and did the coast to coast, but his new pair are Salomon as he wants something a bit lighter and more flexible now.

Can you get to a specialist walking shop to get some advice and try on lots of makes?

I love my meindl boots. Mine are now 10 years old and still going strong.

According to my bloke Altberg boots are absolutely unbeatable. He’s been wearing his for about 15 years now.

I've had a pair of Lowa boots that lasted a good ten years and were so comfy, I never got a single blister with them. I replaced them with Scarpa boots and really rate those too. The best thing to do is to go somewhere where they know about fitting boots and try a selection on. Different brands suit different foot shapes - I have quite wide feet and Saloman are too narrow for me.

I have narrow feet and swear by Asolo. Salomon say they’re good for narrow feet but there’s still a lot of volume over the instep I find. Small narrow feet need both a narrow footbed and a closer cut over the foot generally plus a lower cut around the ankle. It’s taken me years to figure this out.

You have to try them on, even for one brand different styles may or may not fit. My feed are very wide but I have Saloman walking shoes that are great. Also use and time of year - I find leather boots way too warm in summer and get a bad sweat rash so need lighter boots or shoes for warmer weather.

Mine are Salomon and they’re brilliant.

Go to an outdoor sport shop like Cotwolds where they can look at your feet and recommend some that you can try on.

If you are on a budget you could try Go Outdoors or similar.

how long do you want them to last for, OP?
How many miles or years?

You will probably do best going to a specialist and getting fitted. I ended up in Meindl, not particularly attractive but nothing else was wide enough. I can walk all day in them though, and that's what matters.

I use ASICS trail runners on less challenging walks, and Scarpa boots where I need more ankle support. I also rate Keen boots, as they’re quite light.

I just bought some peter storm boots, quite light and very comfy, fully waterproof and £65

I have Salomon now, had merrells before. Try on several pairs as they are all slightly different in shape

The Cotswold near me does fitting appointments, DH had one recently. I have a lighter pair of Salomons and for heavy duty I've got some indestrucible Meindls.

I cant remember the brand but I once saw a great pair in the local camping store, just one look at them and I thought 'these boots are made for walking'

I have a pair of Altbergs. They are the comfiest boots I've ever had and needed no breaking in.

Altberg boots. I used to do a lot of grouse beating and the gamekeepers all recommended them, they were not wrong. My first outing in them I covered 25 miles of grouse Moor and they were like wearing slippers. Not cheap though, but worth every penny and still as good as new 15 years on.

Thank you for all the suggestions! Some really helpful things to consider. I live fairly remotely so not particularly near any decent outdoor shops but it looks like it might be a good shout to make a special trip.

@lljkk My Karrimors lasted about 15 years and I'd ideally like something to last a similar amount of time. The first five years were relatively light use and I currently walk around 35 - 40 miles a week with a longer walking weekend about once a month or so. Terrain can be very variable but I really don't like anything too too rigid.

Karrimor products used to be fantastic. Sadly they are not as robust anymore. They are now owned by the company that owns Spirts Direct and I understand the products ts are made in China.
I am on many outdoor Facebook forums and theres a lot of negative e comments around karrimor.
All the brands that have been mentioned are great. You just need to find the pair that suits your feet. When trying in take the thickness of sock you are likely to be wearing. I also like to change the indole andcha e a gel insole for additional comfort.

I wear Meindls scarpa and Brasher. They suit me best.

I having exactly the same issue, my lovely walking boots, that I had for over 10 years and got lots of use out of finally gave up. I've been to Cotswolds and had a fitting session and they couldn't find anything for my big wide feet :(

I bought two pairs that seemed okay ish and tried them on at home for a few days and they both went back because they weren't quite right.

Keens seem close to what I like but again not that really comfy fit I'm after, good ankle support but not too hot.

I'm starting to think the boot I want doesn't exist.