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Hello All from the Forest of Dean,
I'm after some new boots for walking and "bushcraft" in the great outdoors. I'd like something that ideally is not clumpy and heavy, is tough and fairly water resistant (or water-proof), has decent grip and will not melt in seconds next to a fire. I've looked at lots of different brands including Helikon Tex, Haix and Solognac etc but I'm struggling to choose.
I'm sure there's a good few on here that has experience in this area so I would appreciate any pointers or recommendations. The cheaper the better but I don't mind spending if worth it.
All the best,
Topper
These are my current favourite ‘messing about in the woods’ boots:
Can’t vouch for their fireproofness, but for tramping around off piste in squelchy undergrowth they’re great.
Thank Supernova. That's interesting as I hadn't considered that style. I suppose I should say that I'd ideally like something that would be all-season suitable with the option of adding a thick sock for warmth in winter. I have some Hi-Tec waterproof boots but they are like ovens unless it's zero degrees or less!
Ta
Those boots are warm, I’ve only just dusted them off this week as the temperature has dropped.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality and value for money of them though, so I would consider other Decathlon offerings.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality and value for money of them though, so I would consider other Decathlon offerings.
I've said it many times: if you ignore the really cheap stuff Decathlon has some good quality kit. If you're planning on heading up K2 in winter it's probably not the best place, but for messing about in the woods they're well worth a look.
Might/might not be helpful but I recently splurged on these as I had a very similar brief apart from the fact I prefer a shoe. Expensive for what I'd normally pay, no discounts available (which I usually think is a good sign) but they are utterly fantastic and I practically live in them. Really light, comfortable, grippy, fully waterproof and in the snazzy blue I cut quite quite a dash. I've done a few hundred miles already and with a quick clean they still look good as new.
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And all shoes will melt next to a fire. Don't ask me how I know.
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About a decade ago, I went to Peglers in Arundel (now sadly closed by the looks of it) and spent at least an hour being fitted and trying on lots of Proper Walking Boots. I bought a pair of Zamberlan somethings (996?) and although they were the best part of about £170, they have been absolutely excellent boots. They're still properly stand-in-a-deep-puddle waterproof, they're still incredibly comfortable and I've worn them in the depths of winter and the heights of summer in the Pyrenees.
I didn't come here to brag about my boots, but I do recommend you go somewhere that specialises in proper boots, talk to someone who really knows their stuff, and invest in a pair that will last a very long time. Good boots are ace. 🙂
Decathlon boots last for ages. Tough as… well…
Only downside is a lack of grip on wet green rocks and metal etc. I think they prioritise longevity over grip when choosing the rubber.
I've currently got Haix Airpower XR3 for work in the woods when I'm not 'sawing. They fit my duck like feet and have Gore-tex to keep them less duck like.
Everything can be set fire to, so don't stand in the fire.
Ex-British Army issue boots. I’ve got four pairs of the Meindle Desert Fox boots issued to troops for the Middle East and Afghanistan, I didn’t pay more than £40 for any of them, three pairs were virtually unworn, and they retail for £169…
Grisport are well priced, good quality and comfy for kicking about in the woods.
Ex-British Army issue boots. I’ve got four pairs of the Meindle Desert Fox boots issued to troops for the Middle East and Afghanistan, I didn’t pay more than £40 for any of them, three pairs were virtually unworn, and they retail for £169…
CountZero - i have been looking at these... Could i ask how they size please? What is your normal size and what do you wear in these? thanks in advance!
Thanks for responses all. I like the look of all of em, especially those Dessert Fox's!
I've just ordered a pair of Lowa elite desert boots from eBay. £50 for a new pair.
Like waterproof trainers for walking the dogs and muck about in the fields etc. These are great, have now had to buy some for my wife and eldest as well.
will melt in a fire I'm sure but then probably only leather ones won't.
Dickies winter workboots. Quite a few styles to choose from, but cheap and tough IME.
Just come back to this thread - the Meindle boots size close to what I would normally buy, a size 11 UK, and I normally wear M&S cotton-rich sports socks, although they’re perfectly comfy with thicker wool hiking socks in.
I’ve bought all of mine from eBay, two pairs have been resoled, and they need resoling again, because I wear them so much, although not at work any more, as steelies are required in case someone gets their foot run over…
They’re not waterproof, because they’re desert boots, but I have worn them when it’s started to rain fairly heavily, and they take a while to wet through. Fantastic boots, I’m wearing one of my pairs now, had them on all day.
Lowa Zephyr GTX mid are my goto. I've used them from northwest europe to mooching around the jungle on Mount Kenya. Banging boots.
For looks and fashion points, then its something like Danners or Redwings,
But for everyday wear, such as kicking logs, stamping out fires, walking through streams, etc and sheer value for money, I can recommend Ex Issue Altbergs on ebay. Think I payed about £35 for a pair, flawless and kindly broken in by someone else so I didnt have the never-healing achilles blisters this time.