New boots needed

roundthebend

A few years back I bought a pair of these because I was commuting by bike through London and wanted something that could handle a bit of bad weather. Goretex lined, rugged looking. They've served me well but getting pretty tatty now. I want something new, and different, but similar.



I like the colour, but anything earthy is fine. I like that they're mid/hi style. I like waterproof but will go with just water resistant.

Anybody got any suggestions? I've seen some Vans and Etnies winterised which are an option.

I'd spend close to £100.

stimpsonslostson

I've got a pair of Helly Hansen boots that are pretty good. 

https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/richmond-11611?color=264160

fretmeister

I get my boots from Military Kit. Super Grade or Grade 1 used. Most of the time I can't see they've ever been tried on.

For my current boots I got a pair of Meindl boots, RRP £375, for £65.
They look brand new and are the most comfy boots I've ever had.

Obviously with surplus stuff the stock varies a lot, but it's definitely worth a look.

Sporky

I switch to Hotter for waterproof shoes and boots. They massively outlast Merrells. 

stimpsonslostson

Sporky said:

I switch to Hotter for waterproof shoes and boots. They massively outlast Merrells. 

My wife swears by their stuff too. The quality does seem good. 

Sporky

And occasionally they make some that aren't incredibly ugly.

Really grippy soles too - they don't look it, but they're better than Vibram, especially on muddy slopes. 

VimFuego

whilst not waterproof per se (as in they don't have a gore tex liner) but my timberlands are getting on for 20 years old now and still going strong. Properly cleaned and treated, they've never let in any water when I've been in an urban setting.

stufisher

Best boots I've had in the last 30 years are Salomon GTX3 Goretex. I still use them at this time of year ... they're nearly 7 years old.

The newer version (upgrade) is called Quest 4 GTX but they may be above budget.

https://www.trekitt.co.uk/footwear/walking-boots/salomon-mens-quest-4-gtx-rubberblackfiery-red__50880?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=L47156400-11.5&msclkid=c03b10b601911a22634e7505b5e4efff

JAYJO

fretmeister said:

I get my boots from Military Kit. Super Grade or Grade 1 used. Most of the time I can't see they've ever been tried on.

For my current boots I got a pair of Meindl boots, RRP £375, for £65.
They look brand new and are the most comfy boots I've ever had.

Obviously with surplus stuff the stock varies a lot, but it's definitely worth a look.

 (£65 what a bargain) My meindl boots weigh a ton. Though they are walking boots. Bhutan I think theyre called. Solid though brilliantly made. i got a pair of scarpa which are lot lighter and about £120 cheaper but again walking boots not ideal for cycling.  

bertie

and panties ?   I think Spork's got that covered

Sporky

My nethers are furnished by https://british-boxers.com/

bbill335

if the soles are still waterproof i'd just polish those up and keep wearing them. seems wasteful to get "new, and different, but similar" rather than something totally different for different occasions.

roundthebend

bbill335 said:

if the sole's are still waterproof i'd just polish those up and keep wearing them. seems wasteful to get "new, and different, but similar" rather than something totally different for different occasions.

That's a reasonable point. The upper on one of these has come unstitched and Timpsons said they couldn't repair it. So I used leather glue, which has worked but made them ugly. The soul is starting to tear because they're a slightly large fit so you get that sharp kink above the toes. They'll probably work for another month, but they've lasted me 6 years so far so I don't feel too bad about ditching them now.

PS @JAYJO ;
I won't be using these for cycle commuting, but the all-weather capability is a nice comfort to have. You're right though, military boots wouldn't be my choice.

bertie

Sporky said:

My nethers are furnished by https://british-boxers.com/

always wondered why Winnie had a sewing machine in her basket

BigMonka

I recently got a pair of these Sketchers. They're not specifically waterproof but have been fine in all the weather we've had recently. The main thing is that they are unbelievably light for a pair of boots:
https://www.skechers.co.uk/garza---fontaine/204903_CDB.html

Only downside I've found to date is that they seem to pick up stones and gravel in the grooves of the soles on every walk.

fretmeister

Sporky said:

And occasionally they make some that aren't incredibly ugly.

Really grippy soles too - they don't look it, but they're better than Vibram, especially on muddy slopes. 

Can you not ask your groundsman to do any muddy slope stuff?

Sporky

fretmeister said:

Sporky said:

And occasionally they make some that aren't incredibly ugly.

Really grippy soles too - they don't look it, but they're better than Vibram, especially on muddy slopes. 

Can you not ask your groundsman to do any muddy slope stuff?

That would be frightfully gauche. One does not instruct the head of ground works oneself - where would that leave the major-domo? 

fretmeister

Good point! Chain of Command and all that!

Sporky

Simply not the done thing to undermine the senior staff! 

maharg101

If it's muddy slopes, then Barbour Nimbus is what you want.

octatonic

Red Wing Iron Rangers.