[Closed] Walking Boots

Last month I replaced an aged pair of Scarpas with a pair of Brashers. Have done about 50 miles in them so far and am very impressed. Extremely comfy not a hint of any rubbing. Would definitely recommend. YMMV.
There were £100 from my local Millets.

Go and try some on.

What fits me like a pair of slippers might be a torture device for you.

+1 for try some on. My feet fit Hanwag really well, or vice versa, but I don't get on with Meindl. Personal recommendations on fit are nigh on useless unless you have near identical feet.

Given the current bonkers hours I'm working, having the better part of a day to get around various shops to try pairs on isn't really an option. Mail order and return is the name of the game here so recommendations are much appreciated.

If Meindl's last fits your feet, I'd start by looking at Meindl- and yes, I know they're more than £100. Also unless you're using crampons, I'd go for light and comfortable for general walking use unless, possibly, you're doing a lot of high grade scrambling and need a really stiff sole for edging. They won't last as long, but they'll be nimbler and more comfortable.

Asolo Fugitive GTX for me comfy from the off and they just last. As with most boots it’s as important to choose good socks and a liner sock. And change socks during a walk if you can. I always take spare socks on a walk.

The classic answer - you've got to try on walking boots. So many different shapes of feet and boots, and I've found my forefeet spreading as I get older too.

Blacks have a 15% off promotion today and free returns if you pay by PayPal. Might be worth taking a look at their stock and trying one?
I have just bought some Merrell Accentors and they are very comfortable but not very heavyweight so wouldn’t want to do long days on rough ground with them as they lack ankle support. But for less strenuous trails they are great( mine are for walking the dog on the Malverns)

https://www.blacks.co.uk/15987593/merrell-men-s-accentor-gore-tex-mid-boot-15987593

I got some tecnica forge boots for about £100, so more than 50% off, mind you I've small feet and women's boots fit really well. I can wear boots that are charcoal and melon instead of gunmetal and viper orange.

If you have a good look around online, you'll find some brands that fit like meindl, have a look on the likes of walkhighlands forum.

+1 on not spending hours trying on boots, there's less and less outdoor shops around to actually try them on anyway.

I quite often go a prod around Tiso at lunchtime at uni, even they have very little choice for a big store.

Unless you have proper odd shaped feet, you'll find boots that fit. I buy all my running shoes online, and have ran up to 40 miles without issue. Both my current boots came from cyberspace too.

As above, take advantage of that blacks free returns offer, try a few different pairs.

I've had original pre Berghaus Brashers, Meindl, Altberg and now Haix.

For me Haix are far superior to the point I have 5 pairs of them! I use the military issue High Liability (new from Ebay) as my 'everyday' hiking/dog walking boot. The desert issue boot for summer stomping, the Cold Wet Weather boot for grotty winter weather and the Tatical Mid for fast light tabbing walks/runs. Also have their goretex approach shoes for every day use.

Awesome build quality, clever lace locks for zoned tightening, grippier than Vibram soles, support but with flex where needed, wide or narrow fitment, half sizes available.

I've paid £35-£50 on eBay for the military issue ones and then full price for the other non military boots they are that good.

Hoka are excellent

feet spreading as you get older - no - youre getting fatter and heavier.

MAnufacturers change their lasts all the time, I used to be able to wear Salomon but now I cant.

Mamut make pretty nice boots as well.

I have them plus Berghaus which are good and Meindl for shooting. They are superb and worth the extra dosh.

I went for Meindl fabric after trying them on and in a 7.5 rather than usual 8, but not they just don't seem right, this is after a few years mind of not heavy use. If I ever have the need to replce I think back to Scarpa. As above try on and take your own socks.

Berghaus Hillwalker Gore Tex are sub-£100.

Bit more comfy and flexible than my Zamberlans and other previous boots, more of a hill boot than mountain boot - IYKWIM.

But that suits me well as I don't actually walk up mountains any more.

What's the definition of 'died a death'? Well looked after, they should last years; if the soles have gone then one benefit of Meindl boots is that they're replaceable.

I've recently had three pairs of warranty replacement Meindl Burmas due to the Goretex lining failing - great customer service but quality has dropped since my first pair 25 year ago which lasted 15 years.
Got Some Scarpa as spare/summer boots for when the Meindls fail again🙄

feet spreading as you get older – no – youre getting fatter and heavier.

Said someone who doesn't know what he's talking about... Google it.

I use the military issue High Liability (new from Ebay) as my ‘everyday’ hiking/dog walking boot

Said someone who really does know what he's talking about, although getting them second hand means some poor squaddie has already broken them in.

I've had Bhutans for 5 years now and the lining is still going strong.

In all honesty, I'm not a fan of Goretex liners so if/when the liners fail I'll just suck it up. I always carry a spare pair of socks anyway so that I have a dry pair each morning.

I just make sure to look after the uppers. I bought the Bhutans purely for comfort and they've seen me through many miles of both hillwalking and military-style events in Wales and Scotland. ie. tabbing/yomping as well as walking.

Haix high liability army issue here, too.
I broke them in myself. Paid £80 for them off ebay.

If you're buying online try sportsshoes.com. I ordered a few pairs the other day, some cracking saving on some good boots. I got free next day delivery, free returns (through Asda).

In the end I kept a pair of Dachstein, lightweight summer ones, reduced from £180 to £100 and some Keen heavier ones for the same price - can't remember the saving.