New boots and panties - minus the panties

Following up to (Jon O'Brien) said:

site selling Scarpa
Peak GTXs, RRP £110, for £55. Knowing nothing about Scarpa products I was
wondering whether anyone here can comment on them.

IIRC scarpa are good guality italian boots, all you need to know is do
they fit *you*.
--
Mike Reid
Cutty Sark appeal"http://www.cuttysark.org.uk"
to email remove clothing.

On Jul 2, 10:39 am, [email hidden] (Jon O'Brien)

Quoted message said:

My boots need replacing. The current pair, with which I've been very
happy, are Berghaus. They were comfortable from the moment I put them on
and have served me well for the last six years or so. However, while
looking online for replacements I've come across a site selling Scarpa
Peak GTXs, RRP £110, for £55. Knowing nothing about Scarpa products Iwas
wondering whether anyone here can comment on them.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/1000000354034

My gf has bought a pair of these recently. They seem pretty well made
to me, and she says they are very comfortable. Apart from the
blisters she has sustained on both heels... But then, feet and boots
don't always go together, especially straightaway. Her other boots
are old Berghaus leather ones that look very stiff and unforgiving
(especially with the neglect they have suffered), yet she can walk in
those all day.

[She went up a size for the Scarpas. I think maybe a thicker footbed
might help.]

--
"Does killing time damage eternity?"

In article <[email hidden]>,

(The Reid) said:

IIRC scarpa are good guality italian boots...

That's what I'd hoped to hear!

Quoted message said:

...all you need to know is do they fit *you*.

Of course, now I know they're worth considering.

Many thanks for your reply,
Jon.

In article <[email hidden]>,

(John Laird) said:

My gf has bought a pair of these recently. They seem pretty well
made to me, and she says they are very comfortable. Apart from the
blisters she has sustained on both heels...

Does she wear two pairs of socks (or one pair of 'double' socks) or just
a single pair? I think I'd be concerned if I wore more than a single pair
and still got blisters.

Quoted message said:

But then, feet and boots don't always go together, especially
straightaway.

That's why I commented on the fact that my Berghaus boots were
comfortable from the moment I put them on. It was a very pleasant
surprise, which I'm hoping to repeat!

Quoted message said:

Her other boots are old Berghaus leather ones that look very stiff and
unforgiving (especially with the neglect they have suffered), yet she
can walk in those all day.

Mine are Nubuck and fabric and quite flexible, though also much neglected.
There have been several occasions when I've walked in them all day for
several days on end without any problems. That's one of the reasons I'm
cautious about considering other makes of boot. Several pairs I've tried
on in shops have been so stiff that they seemed more like ski boots than
walking boots. But then they've all been relatively cheap compared with
the Berghaus and Scarpas, confirming in my mind that there aren't any
financial short-cuts that are worth taking where your footwear is
concerned. Apart from heavy discounting, of course!

Quoted message said:

[She went up a size for the Scarpas. I think maybe a thicker
footbed might help.]

I wear a size larger walking boot than my shoe size and then wear two
pairs of Bridgedale socks and add a good cushioned insole. That provides
a snug fit. You could be right and those blisters might be due to too
much room in there

Thanks for your reply,
Jon.

On Mon, 2 Jul 2007 10:39 +0100 (BST), [email hidden]

(Jon O'Brien) said:

My boots need replacing. The current pair, with which I've been very
happy, are Berghaus. They were comfortable from the moment I put them on
and have served me well for the last six years or so. However, while
looking online for replacements I've come across a site selling Scarpa
Peak GTXs, RRP £110, for £55. Knowing nothing about Scarpa products I was
wondering whether anyone here can comment on them.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/1000000354034

I wear Scarpa Mantas and they are the best boots I've ever had. There
are two main reasons:
1) They fit my feet extremely well
2) They have lasted me eight years so far and still have a long way to
go. This is far longer than any other boot I've ever had - worst was a
pair of Brashers which I wore out in a year.

My previous best pair was badged by Berghaus but were, I found out
later, manufactured by Scarpa. So, if the lasts Scarpa used for the
boots you have in mind suit your feet, I'd recommend them
wholeheartedly.

PS I use Sorbothane insoles and two pairs of socks so my boots needed
to be 1.5 sizes larger than my street shoes.

HTH

John D.
--
John Dawson at home in Kendal, Cumbria.
Lake District Walks Web Pages http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/
Kilimanjaro trip at http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/kilimanjaro/
Sicilian Volcanoes http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/sicily/

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person Jon O'Brien <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

My boots need replacing. The current pair, with which I've been very
happy, are Berghaus. They were comfortable from the moment I put them on
and have served me well for the last six years or so. However, while
looking online for replacements I've come across a site selling Scarpa
Peak GTXs, RRP £110, for £55. Knowing nothing about Scarpa products I was
wondering whether anyone here can comment on them.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/1000000354034

Those look fine, albeit probably not waterproof for very long. I have a
pair of Scarpa leather boots (Rangers) which are very stiff (over
engineered, leather too thick) - will last forever but will never be
very comfortable.

For not-difficult terrain, I find cheap trainers are just about as good
as fabric boots, but YMMV. (My Mileage is about 1000, in most boots,
regardless of cost).

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
8,963 Km walked. 1,746Km PROWs surveyed. 31.7% complete.

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person Jon O'Brien <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

My boots need replacing. The current pair, with which I've been very
happy, are Berghaus. They were comfortable from the moment I put
them on and have served me well for the last six years or so.
However, while looking online for replacements I've come across a
site selling Scarpa Peak GTXs, RRP £110, for £55. Knowing nothing
about Scarpa products I was wondering whether anyone here can
comment on them. http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/1000000354034

Those look fine, albeit probably not waterproof for very long. I have
a pair of Scarpa leather boots (Rangers) which are very stiff (over
engineered, leather too thick) - will last forever but will never be
very comfortable.

I have some Rangers, and I find they are only slightly stiffer/heavier than
Brasher originals, and far from inflexible. I find them fine for Lake
District and Scottish Highlands in everything short of full winter crampons
and ice-axe conditions.

For lowlands I use ancient old boots; soles worn almost smooth, leather
cracking (and leaking). If hot and dry I'll use trail sandals.

There are other Scarpa models, such as the SL and Manta which are almost
unbending in any direction.

Quoted message said:

For not-difficult terrain, I find cheap trainers are just about as
good as fabric boots, but YMMV. (My Mileage is about 1000, in most
boots, regardless of cost).

I find Rangers are far from indestructable. More than 1000 miles, but not
vastly more. I'm on my second pair.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

In article <[email hidden]>,

(John Dawson) said:

I wear Scarpa Mantas and they are the best boots I've ever had.

Having looked them up on the Scarpa Web site, they do look like extremely
good boots. Fortunately for my bank balance, they'd be overkill for my
requirements.

Quoted message said:

There are two main reasons:
1) They fit my feet extremely well
2) They have lasted me eight years so far and still have a long way
to go.

After reading that I'm really pleased that I spotted the boots on the Web
site and that I asked about them here. If the Peaks last for half as long,
they'll still be a bargain at £55. I've seen rubbish on sale for more.

Quoted message said:

So, if the lasts Scarpa used for the boots you have in mind suit your
feet, I'd recommend them wholeheartedly.

My feet aren't a particularly odd shape so I hope I'll be OK. If my
Berghaus boots were by Scarpa, as yours were, then I suspect it's pretty
much guaranteed.

I'm going to call them tomorrow to see if they can ensure delivery before
I leave for France early next week. If they can, I'll be ordering them.

Thanks for your glowing response!
Jon.

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] (GSV

Three Minds in a Can) said:

Those look fine, albeit probably not waterproof for very long.

That's not something I'd considered. However, I don't tend to do much
splashing through streams or walking in heavy rain (although I've found
myself doing a bit of both this year!), so it shouldn't be a big problem,
I hope.

Quoted message said:

I have a pair of Scarpa leather boots (Rangers) which are very stiff
(over engineered, leather too thick) - will last forever but will
never be very comfortable.

I suppose it's swings and roundabouts. I think I'd prefer comfortable
boots rather than immortal ones!

Quoted message said:

For not-difficult terrain, I find cheap trainers are just about as
good as fabric boots, but YMMV.

I've been very grateful for the ankle support, and the grip, my current
boots have provided on several occasions. I can't wear trainers, anyway.
they make my feet very sweaty and smelly.

Thanks for your reply,
Jon.

On Mon, 2 Jul 2007 23:17 +0100 (BST), [email hidden]

(Jon O'Brien) said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] (John Dawson) wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

So, if the lasts Scarpa used for the boots you have in mind suit your
feet, I'd recommend them wholeheartedly.

My feet aren't a particularly odd shape so I hope I'll be OK. If my
Berghaus boots were by Scarpa, as yours were, then I suspect it's pretty
much guaranteed.

But my feet are odd, very wide and with a low instep. After asking
here recently for sandal recommendations I found the Teva Terra-fis
than many swear by were not suitable for my feet.

John D.
--
John Dawson at home in Kendal, Cumbria.
Lake District Walks Web Pages http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/
Kilimanjaro trip at http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/kilimanjaro/
Sicilian Volcanoes http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/sicily/

Jon O'Brien said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] (GSV

Three Minds in a Can) said:

Those look fine, albeit probably not waterproof for very long.

That's not something I'd considered. However, I don't tend to do much
splashing through streams or walking in heavy rain (although I've found
myself doing a bit of both this year!), so it shouldn't be a big problem,
I hope.

Quoted message said:

I have a pair of Scarpa leather boots (Rangers) which are very stiff
(over engineered, leather too thick) - will last forever but will
never be very comfortable.

I suppose it's swings and roundabouts. I think I'd prefer comfortable
boots rather than immortal ones!

I've been wearing my ancient Mantas for years now. They are much lighter
than the current version (more like a current SL?) and I find them both
immortal AND comfortable. My missus bought a pair too and despite
thinking they were a bit clumpy to start with, she is as happy as I am
now. We use these for 3.9 seasons.

We also have more modern Mantas (not the current ones with articulated
ankles but the previous, stiffer, version). Yes, they are heavier but
they are intended as a winter boot (which in England is now 0.1 of a
season so my maths do work).

Neither of us have ever suffered problems breaking them in, they've been
comfy out of the box.

I've also used Scarpa rock boots in the dim and distant past. They
produce superb footwear and if your feet are suitable I can't imagine
any better.

Oh, we do both have Sportiva Trangos though - they're good too but not
walking boots.

Roy.

In article <[email hidden]>,

(John Dawson) said:

But my feet are odd...

Oh-oh! I'll have to wait to find out, anyway. They can't guarantee that
the boots will arrive before the weekend, so I'll have to see if they've
still got them at that price when I get back in early August.

Jon.

In article <[email hidden]>, roy@somedomainsomewhere

(Roy) said:

I've been wearing my ancient Mantas for years now. ...I
find them both immortal AND comfortable.

Well, I wouldn't turn down both in favour of either. :-)

It seems that no one has a bad word to say about Scarpa, which is pretty
impressive. I just wish I'd discovered them sooner, as I'm now not going
to be able to get them delivered before I leave for France. With prices
there being considerably lower than in the UK, there's always a chance
I'll find a bargain while I'm there, of course.

Jon.

Scarpa are, **mostly** built in Italy, not in China, and the quality
shows, but I think that these are Italian designed, but made in Romania
- the lace ancorages on my last year's pair seem to be loops of cloth,
which don't last as long as the metal hooks or other ancorages, but the
picture on the web site shows metal ancorages, so I think I'd say "go
for it"!

Richard.

In article <[email hidden]>,

(Richard Spencer) said:

...I think I'd say "go for it"!

Thanks. If I don't pick up a bargain in France, and they're still
available when I get back, I intend to.

Jon.

"Jon O'Brien" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

(Richard Spencer) said:

...I think I'd say "go for it"!

Thanks. If I don't pick up a bargain in France, and they're still
available when I get back, I intend to.

Jon.

I've had my peaks around 4 years and they've done a lot of miles without
trouble. I've always had Scarpas and been very pleased with them. My
original traditional type Bronzo's are still in good condition after 25
years although they are a bit heavy for me these days. The peaks are not
quite wide enough - my feet seem to have spread in the last couple of years
so I'm looking to replace them with Nepals which have a larger toe box.

Jon

The message <[email hidden]>
from "JRS" <[email hidden]> contains these words:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Thanks. If I don't pick up a bargain in France, and they're still
available when I get back, I intend to.

Jon.

They had sold out already! Mind you the offer got them my interest and
e-mail and other details, so it served (their) purpose!

Richard

In article <[email hidden]>,

(Richard Spencer) said:

They had sold out already!

Buffer! Guess I'll have to look really hard for that bargain, then.

Thanks for the info.

Jon.

Jon O'Brien said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

(Richard Spencer) said:

They had sold out already!

Buffer! Guess I'll have to look really hard for that bargain, then.

Thanks for the info.

Jon.

That's odd... I ordered a pair of "43's" on Sunday afternoon and they
arrived today!...which is fast by internet standards.... Got them on as
I type.....

They are the Gore-Tex version GTX (ie discontinued... ??? BIMBAM) but
fine for my purposes....

Impressed with GOoutdoors TBH,
MalJ

--
Go to http://malswalks.info to reply off group.