walking/hiking boots

[dazdidge]

After only 18 months of pretty light use my AKU boots have started coming apart. Shame really because they are really comfy and waterproof. They were just shy of 200 quid though and I expected much more from them.
Can anyone recommend some makes for me to try that will keep my toes warm, dry and comfortable without breaking the bank?
I have been looking at some Berghaus Explorer Ridge ones has anyone had them?
Jast thing is fit, I have wide feet at the front but they taper very quickly to the heel and it can be a bit of a problem finding boots that my heels dont slip about in. Anyone have any fixes for this ie inserts of some kind
cheers
daz

[Fishtales]

If your feet are odd shaped have you thought about made to measure?

http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/walking_factory.jsp

The prices don't look much more than off the shelf and at least you know they will fit your feet, or should do

[alancrob]

I have wide feet and I know the problems getting a good fit. I had a pair of Salomon's that were just never quite right.
About 18 months ago I was looking for a pair that would do me through the winter and into a hot summer in India.

I Found the Brasher Tacana to be lightweight but covered all the bases, including fit.  Just over ?120.

http://www.brasher.co.uk/catalogue/products/tacana-gtx-r-tacanamn

Fairly well worn now and look like new.

A.

[guest]

Daz, I've got exactly the same problem with boots. You get a pair that fit at the front and your helps end up with blisters thanks to the loose fit at the back. I had a pair of Brasher Hillmasters that were good. For Xmas I treated myself to a pair of one piece leather Asolo boots from Go Outdoors. These are superb, I'd recommend at least trying on a pair to see what you think. Plus with being one piece the waterproofing of these boots is excellent. Personally I'd stick with all leather boots, always found any fabric boots leak like a bloody sieve. Good luck.

[dazdidge]

cheers for all the replies guys. I know they all have to be tried on but getting second opinions never hurts.
I have tried emailing aku about the boots twice but never got a reply unfortunately, the shop wont even speak to me about them as I dont hve a receipt even though they are the only shop in town selling them???

I have always steared clear of Hi-Tec as they always seemed too cheap but maybe I will give them a try, wont hurt at least.
I have had a look at le chameou and altberg, both look really good and my gamekeeper brother swears by chameou. But I just dont know if I can justify that amount of money for the amount of walking I do. I would really like a pair of mid calf boots as I have problems with my ankles (too many years of rugby) and I feel they would give a bit more support.
Tiso have just opened in Perth so I will pop in next weekend and try a few pairs on.
So many suggestions that I am now even more clueless than when I started but I deffinately want to try these on http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/country_GKHighmoor.jsp
and a pair of these http://www.lechameau.co.uk/index.php?p=productdetail&pid=102&gender=neutral

[jimmul]

If your feet are odd shaped have you thought about made to measure?

http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/walking_factory.jsp

The prices don't look much more than off the shelf and at least you know they will fit your feet, or should do

I'd definately recommend them , had a pair for about five years now, which they stretched  to fit (size thirteen and a bit right foot and size thiteen left both of them a wide fitting) most comfortable boots I've ever had!
Jim

[dazdidge]

I'd definately recommend them , had a pair for about five years now, which they stretched  to fit (size thirteen and a bit right foot and size thiteen left both of them a wide fitting) most comfortable boots I've ever had!
Jim

They are deffinatley in my thoughts, but I would have to travel to Yorkshire to get them fitted. Which means added expense getting there and back. I also have half a size difference between feet although mine are only size nine, not bad considering I'm only a short arse, big feet big................................shoes!
Do you do a lot of serious walking/hiking  in them Jim? Over five years I might could well be willing to make the effort. I think I have gone through 3 pairs over five years (at a cost of over ?500) so when you count the cost up that way it's starting to make sense. Think I am talking myself into it now.

cheers
daz

[Malcolm]

Gronell used to make seriously good walking boots. I've had a pair of their heavy trekking boots for 15 years and they make about a dozen trips every winter - they take flexible crampons very well. They have been resoled once but that's as expected. I also have a pair of lightweight berghaus and I switch between those and trainers for a lot of my hill walking.

[StuDoig]

HI Daz,
         I've a pair of Raichale's that seem to be very wide fitting (I've fairly wide feet and they feel wide on me).  not badly priced either normally.  I've never had issues with mine leaking.

by far the best idea is trying loads of different boots on and seeing what fits.  If you are in the aviemore area mountain spirit stocks unusual brands - though it tends to be expensive in there!

Sounds a bit daft, but of late for bog trots I've been converted to wellies even for long days!

Cheers,

Stu

[Otter Spotter]

Daz I had a pair of Raichle's and they were excellent but I couldnt get the same model when I was looking recently. I went to Tiso at the inveralmond retail place and basically tried on everything. I ended up with a pair that feel even better on my feet than the old boots. Off the top of my head I can remember which brand, but the assistant was very helpful and measured my feet correctly before getting me a selection of wide fitting boots. I found that with a lot of them the soles were too stiff for clambering about fishing but the pair I bought have plenty flexibility in the sole which for me is better when fishing. They have a big plastic boulder bit in there which really give you a feel as to how the boots will perform on uneven terrain. I'll check the brand when I get home and drop you a note.
Scott.