Hiking Boots

I think a lot depends on WHERE you walk. On rough ground a stiff sole like
my SLs is handy, but you just don't need it on footpaths and tarmac. The
only stretch of the Pennine Way I know is Edale to Black Hill, and stiff
boots come in handy a lot of the time tramping over Kinder and Bleaklow. Wax
them and you stay dry to the point where you can stand in a river!

It's all about fit, though, so make sure you go somewhere that will let you
take them back. I bought Scarpa Rangers initially, and took them back after
a few weeks and swapped them for SLs.

Andy Howell said:

For a few quid more you could - probably should - try Meindl or Scarpa
boots. The Scarpa SL is the best boot that I have ever owned. The Leather
Raiche is also well spoken of.

I'd second that. Scarpa SL's are the best boots I've ever worn.

Bernie

On 20/7/04 7:19 pm, in article [email hidden], "sandy

saunders said:

I also have Scarpa SLs and my feet will not adjust to them. I have tried
short walks for a few weeks, worn them around the house, and then when I do
a 10 mile walk, my feet suffer terrible on the soles. Can hardly walk when
I remove them. I wore my special footbeds too, but still no good. Pity
really ...... any offers!

Scarpas are very strong boots and this probably needs that more care needs
to be taken in fitting them. Be aware that Scarpa do offer wide fittings. I
found it was only in the wide fitting that I could be comfortable and I've
never really had a wide fit before. I do have high insteps and I suspect
that has been the real reason for the need for the extra width.

Certainly you should not expect the problems that Sandy has had if the fit
is right. I've never had even the inkling of a blister with my SLs.

Contrary to often popular belief the SLs do flex with use. But remember
these are hill boots. I use them quite happily on less demanding surfaces
but when the going gets tough there is nothing quite like them.

--
Andy Howell
Birmingham, UK

Quoted message said:

I walk every week-end 15-20miles. I have one walking holiday annually.
Pennine Way this year. (Sept).
My boots are worn out. I have had Karrimor KSB's for the last two pairs. I
thought they were OK, but want a change. The only requirement would be
Leather.
Can anyone who does the same amount of walking give me their opinions of
their boots? My budget is roughly the price of the new KSB's (£110).

Have you considered repairing your old boots? Assuming it is the sole that
is worn out. I had my Meindl Nepal Pro serviced by Lancashire Sports
Repairs http://www.lsr.gb.com/ at the end of last year and they did an
excellent job. Postal service was good too.

I had mine repaired because other than the soles, they are a great
comfortable fit, having walk many miles in UK and abroad. Seemed a waste to
let them go.

I also have Scarpa SLs and my feet will not adjust to them. I have tried
short walks for a few weeks, worn them around the house, and then when I do
a 10 mile walk, my feet suffer terrible on the soles. Can hardly walk when
I remove them. I wore my special footbeds too, but still no good. Pity
really ...... any offers!

--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk

"Mountains or Mole Hills ..... reaching the
summit still brings the same excitement"