Winter boots advice

On Tue, 11 Jan 2005 23:45:29 -0000, Darren G <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Yep, another boot question. Sorry!

I've been wondering about getting some true winter boots for the last
couple of years but have never felt justified in splashing the cash for
the reasonably limited use they will get.

However it's now got to the stage where I need some new substantial
boots, so the question is whether to get another pair of 3/4 season ones
(prob SLs or Malakus) or actually make the investment in true 4-season
boots.

In addition to being suitable for snow, I want a boot that I can use for
off-trail mountain walking and scrambling throughout the year for those
occasions my lightweights don't provide enough support. Other
requirements would be:

- comfortable (obviously, but looking for recommendations to shortlist
to try for fit)
- decent grip on wet & slippy rock
- ideally suitable for longer walks and trekking with heavy pack
- at least B2 rated
- good waterproofing, but preferably not GT

Am I dreaming or does such a flexible boot exist?

My initial thoughts are the Scarpa Manta M4s. I've heard rumours that
the new M4s are more comfortable and easier to break in than the older
versions (which several people have warned me off for anything other
than hardcore winter use). Any thoughts on the suitability of these?
Any others to consider?

Many thanks

I see no point in trying to get a boot-for-all-purposes. I tried and
failed!
Imo, it's better to get two or three quite different boots/shoes, and
use as appropriate.

--

R
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y

Darren G <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

- comfortable (obviously, but looking for recommendations to shortlist
to try for fit)
- decent grip on wet & slippy rock
- ideally suitable for longer walks and trekking with heavy pack
- at least B2 rated
- good waterproofing, but preferably not GT

Am I dreaming or does such a flexible boot exist?

My initial thoughts are the Scarpa Manta M4s. I've heard rumours that
the new M4s are more comfortable and easier to break in than the older
versions (which several people have warned me off for anything other
than hardcore winter use). Any thoughts on the suitability of these?

Hello Darren,

I have Manta M4 Tech's, and I've found them very comfortable. I broke
them in with a couple of trips to Arran, with very virtually no
suffering.

I primarily do the type of trip you've suggested - long walks with heavy
pack, and I've found them to be superb for this type of walking, they
"roll" on flat approaches extremely well.

I've treated them as per the instructions, and found them to have
excellent waterproofing.

They're B2 rated, and I've used Grivel G10's with them with no problems.

However, they're not the best boot I've used on wet rock, but still
pretty good, enough to inspire confidence without getting too complacent.

They also have an attribute I like, but can't really explain - they are
very "accurate", apologies if that reads vague, but I can't really
explain it.

Until I tried the TNF Blaze shoes, I'd used them exclusively for approx
11 months. Only problem I have with them, for me, is that they're
probably a bit heavy for some type of walking, hence the Blaze.

If you need any further info LMK.

HTH

--
"Whit's fur yi, will no' go by yi"

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I see no point in trying to get a boot-for-all-purposes. I tried and
failed!
Imo, it's better to get two or three quite different boots/shoes, and
use as appropriate.

to a large extent I agree, which is why I have got a lightweight pair of
Raichles for warmer/easier walking and an about-to-die 3/4 season pair
for more extreme use.

I was wondering (hoping!) that somebody had found a 4-season pair that
covers what I currently use my 3/4s for, I.e. can reasonably be used
for non-snow/ice mountain, as well as heavy winter use. Rather than
getting a 3/4 pair that can be used in heavy winter conditions at a
push. (again, not sure how viable this really is, except in an
emergency)

I know it's a long shot, but as I will use the lightweights wherever
possible, neither boot will get heavy use and therefore I can't afford
to buy both!

I guess your answer to my questions was 'no'! :-)

--
Darren
mail to darren not ng

On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 00:19:57 -0000, Darren G <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I see no point in trying to get a boot-for-all-purposes. I tried and
failed!
Imo, it's better to get two or three quite different boots/shoes, and
use as appropriate.

to a large extent I agree, which is why I have got a lightweight pair of
Raichles for warmer/easier walking and an about-to-die 3/4 season pair
for more extreme use.

I was wondering (hoping!) that somebody had found a 4-season pair that
covers what I currently use my 3/4s for, I.e. can reasonably be used
for non-snow/ice mountain, as well as heavy winter use. Rather than
getting a 3/4 pair that can be used in heavy winter conditions at a
push. (again, not sure how viable this really is, except in an
emergency)

I know it's a long shot, but as I will use the lightweights wherever
possible, neither boot will get heavy use and therefore I can't afford
to buy both!

I guess your answer to my questions was 'no'! :-)

Well, others here know more about the technical side of boots than I
do, and have more experience of using them in all weathers and
conditions, but I reckon you can have several different pairs without
spending loadsamoney. For example, grippy trainers for summer
scrambles plus most of spring and autumn - get last year's model, or
buy online and get the year before's! There are always bargains.
I splashed out on some Meindl Burmas* but found them less good on the
fells than cheapo fabric boots, apart from their warmth and dryness,
but now find they come into their own on winter lowland and mild hill
walks. What I really value is sure-footedness, and I've got that from
some very cheap gear with soft soles that wear out quickly but can be
replaced as needed. I don't think the combination of soft grippy sole
and sturdy bombproof upper exists.

*I have yet to pay her back - heh heh.

--

R
o
o
n
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y

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person Andrew Moray <[email hidden]> said
<big snip>

Quoted message said:

However, they're not the best boot I've used on wet rock,

So what =is= the best boot you've used on wet rock (I'm getting bored
with slipping around on my Brashers)?? Actually wet wood is 10x more
deadly than wet rock, for some reason.

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
Outgoing Msgs are Turing Tested,and indistinguishable from human typing.

GSV Three Minds in a Can <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person Andrew Moray <[email hidden]> said
<big snip>

Quoted message said:

However, they're not the best boot I've used on wet rock,

So what =is= the best boot you've used on wet rock (I'm getting bored
with slipping around on my Brashers)?? Actually wet wood is 10x more
deadly than wet rock, for some reason.

They were made by LOWA, don't know the name I'm afraid. We "graduated" from
one type to a better version. I've not seen the same boot since 🙁

Regarding standing on wet or mossy tree roots, I agree wholeheartedly,
resulted in many AOT moments.

--
"Whit's fur yi, will no' go by yi"

GSV Three Minds in a Can <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person Andrew Moray <[email hidden]> said
<big snip>

Quoted message said:

However, they're not the best boot I've used on wet rock,

So what =is= the best boot you've used on wet rock (I'm getting bored
with slipping around on my Brashers)?? Actually wet wood is 10x more
deadly than wet rock, for some reason.

They were made by LOWA, don't know the name I'm afraid. We "graduated" from
one type to a better version. I've not seen the same boot since 🙁

Regarding standing on wet or mossy tree roots, I agree wholeheartedly,
resulted in many AOT moments.

--
"Whit's fur yi, will no' go by yi"

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person Andrew Moray <[email hidden]> said
<big snip>

Quoted message said:

However, they're not the best boot I've used on wet rock,

Quoted message said:

So what =is= the best boot you've used on wet rock (I'm getting bored
with slipping around on my Brashers)?? Actually wet wood is 10x more
deadly than wet rock, for some reason.

Rope soled as worn by sailors for grip on wet decks. Unbeatable wet
grip.
--
Chris Malcolm [email hidden] +44 (0)131 651 3445 DoD #205
IPAB, Informatics, JCMB, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
[http://www.dai.ed.ac.uk/homes/cam/]

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

So what =is= the best boot you've used on wet rock (I'm getting bored

Quoted message said:

with slipping around on my Brashers)?? Actually wet wood is 10x more
deadly than wet rock, for some reason.

Ages ago I had a pair of Hi-Tech Mauna Keas, which outgripped just
about everything else I'd worn. They were early incarnations of the
sport boot and had a softer sole. Inevitably they didn't really last
that long. I now have a pair of Merril Frogs which are pretty good
but they're definitely a shoe rather than a boot. I also have a pair
of Timberland Wakes but these are river shoes, definitely not designed
for walking on hills :-)

Chris