reasonable priced walking boots

In article <[email hidden]>, nospam13
@thankyou.com says...

Quoted message said:

Anyone recommend a decent pair of first timer walking boots and/or decent
online retailer that does them, i will try them on first at high street shop
before buying online;-)

I guess the standard answer is just getting a pair that fit is the best
recommendation. But to try and be a bit more helpful ...

How do you intend to use them: on or off trail; one the level, in the
hills or in the mountains; walking or scrambling, UK or wider afield, 3
or 4 seasons, budget, etc.

The answers to these types of question are likely to influence the
type/rigidity of sole required, type of upper, any special need (eg
crampons), ...

--
Darren

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

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, nospam13
@thankyou.com says...

Quoted message said:

I guess the standard answer is just getting a pair that fit is the best
recommendation. But to try and be a bit more helpful ...

How do you intend to use them: on or off trail; one the level, in the
hills or in the mountains; walking or scrambling, UK or wider afield, 3
or 4 seasons, budget, etc.

Hills, walking, uk and around £50 or a bit more if nothing in that price
range to match needs. Need to be waterproof and easy to clean as will be
used mainly in late autumn/winter/early spring.

Quoted message said:

The answers to these types of question are likely to influence the
type/rigidity of sole required, type of upper, any special need (eg
crampons), ...

I have no special needs as far as i am aware!

I would like to know the advantages/disadvantages between leather or suede.
Hawkshead seem to be cheap price wise, it there a reason?
thanks

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Anyone recommend a decent pair of first timer walking boots and/or decent
online retailer that does them, i will try them on first at high street shop
before buying online;-)

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

--
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 message

Quoted message said:

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at?

Heck, you pay high street prices if you like. I will save my hard earned
money and buy online if cheaper....

Personally I'd try AND

Quoted message said:

buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

I have returned many things online and without doubt found it easier than
trying to explain to a sales person why i dont want the product, the distant
selling law is great!!!!

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

"GSV Three Minds in a Can" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at?

Heck, you pay high street prices if you like. I will save my hard earned
money and buy online if cheaper....

You need to negotiate better. Many high street dealer will match prices
if given a chance .. including postage of course.

Quoted message said:

Personally I'd try AND

Quoted message said:

buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

I have returned many things online and without doubt found it easier than
trying to explain to a sales person why i dont want the product, the distant
selling law is great!!!!

If you enjoy paying two way postage, yes.

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

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

Quoted message said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Anyone recommend a decent pair of first timer walking boots and/or decent
online retailer that does them, i will try them on first at high street shop
before buying online;-)

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

Or do it my way ... get an online price, go into the high street and
haggle. Most places, even big chains, will budge when presented with a
valid lower price.

--
Darren

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Anyone recommend a decent pair of first timer walking boots and/or
decent
online retailer that does them, i will try them on first at high
street shop
before buying online;-)

Quoted message said:

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

That's the longer term practical side of it, other than that using a
service the shop provides and that is worth something tangible, yet
choosing not to pay, is very bad manners! Payment isn't just about not
stealing, but for rewarding useful service. I'd hate to be doing the
tables at any restaurants the OP eats in...

Beyond that, what's the intended use? I have several pairs of boots
plus trainers and sandals and fell shoes I'll wear on different walks.
It's silly buying heavier than you need, just costs more and reduces
comfort.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful person
Peter Clinch <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the
wonderful person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Anyone recommend a decent pair of first timer walking boots and/or
decent
online retailer that does them, i will try them on first at high
street shop
before buying online;-)

Quoted message said:

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

That's the longer term practical side of it, other than that using a
service the shop provides and that is worth something tangible, yet
choosing not to pay, is very bad manners! Payment isn't just about not
stealing, but for rewarding useful service. I'd hate to be doing the
tables at any restaurants the OP eats in...

Yeah, I was trying to find some practical justification for the OP to
behave like a civilized human being, since it no longer seems to come
naturally to many people. 8>.

Quoted message said:

Beyond that, what's the intended use? I have several pairs of boots
plus trainers and sandals and fell shoes I'll wear on different walks.
It's silly buying heavier than you need, just costs more and reduces
comfort.

But it's a [censored] when you get to some point on the route and realize you
are 'under-shod'. I always look at what I think I'll need, and then go
up one grade. In June/July you could have gone anywhere in Shropshire in
regular trainers most days .. after the recent rains, waterproof boots
are needed on half the B-roads. 8<,

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

Darren G said:

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

Quoted message said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Anyone recommend a decent pair of first timer walking boots and/or decent
online retailer that does them, i will try them on first at high street shop
before buying online;-)

You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any
high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

Or do it my way ... get an online price, go into the high street and
haggle. Most places, even big chains, will budge when presented with a
valid lower price.

And why should they reduce their profit to match a warehouse retailer
without the overheads of high street shopfronts, rates, rents and staff
salaries ? Even the traditional good guys like John Lewis will decline to
match internet prices as a matter of policy.

There's a distinction between not feeling ripped-off and taking undue
advantage, imho.

--
I want to be a modirater when I grow up.

Mail john rather than nospam...

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

But it's a [censored] when you get to some point on the route and realize you
are 'under-shod'. I always look at what I think I'll need, and then go
up one grade.

I don't, because I don't like overcooking and overworking my feet in
overwrought footwear, and I find it's very unlikely to lead to really
major problems. In summer I'll do most things in sandals, making
exceptions for big scree run descents and scrambling which might involve
foot jams. I've done the Aonach Eagach in Tevas and didn't have any
trouble, I think most people tend to oversetimate the footwear they need
(ever seen anyone in heavy boots in a country park? I certainly have).

Quoted message said:

In June/July you could have gone anywhere in Shropshire in
regular trainers most days ..

You could've gone anywhere in the UK in trainers on just about any days!

Quoted message said:

after the recent rains, waterproof boots
are needed on half the B-roads. 8<,

Define "needed". For really wet stuff, wellies if you insist on keeping
your feet dry or sandals if you're happy to let them get wet on the
understanding they'll dry out within minutes of emerging from the pools.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

On 26/8/04 9:48 pm, in article [email hidden], "S

Gibber said:

Hills, walking, uk and around £50 or a bit more if nothing in that price
range to match needs. Need to be waterproof and easy to clean as will be
used mainly in late autumn/winter/early spring.

I would stick to Leather myself as a good all round boot. Have a look at
the Contour range and also the new Brasher which is built for the hills
(forget the name) and which has received reasonable reviews.

--
Andy Howell
Birmingham, UK

"Peter Clinch" wrote after

Quoted message said:

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

But it's a [censored] when you get to some point on the route and realize you
are 'under-shod'. I always look at what I think I'll need, and then go
up one grade.

I don't, because I don't like overcooking and overworking my feet in
overwrought footwear, and I find it's very unlikely to lead to really
major problems. In summer I'll do most things in sandals, making
exceptions for big scree run descents and scrambling which might involve
foot jams. I've done the Aonach Eagach in Tevas and didn't have any
trouble, I think most people tend to oversetimate the footwear they need
(ever seen anyone in heavy boots in a country park? I certainly have).

I agree, it's true most people are over shod, but there may be a reason.
The trouble with ordinary "country path" walking in the UK in general is the
flora. Nettles, brambles etc and the occasional barbed wire along the ground
will cause pain and damage to unprotected feet. A lot of pathways are also
Bridleways, and therefore churned up after rain, so any water is mud with
added Horse manure which is not good in wounds. That is why we normally use
leather boots all year round and most hillwalkers, who would shun such
places, would consider us overshod.
Talking of being under shod, I did get an elderly lady with a walking stick
in heeled fashion sandals on a walk in the Surrey Hills I organised this
year for a pensioners group, after I had stressed good footwear with a
decent tread!
--
Regards
Bob
in Runnymede, 17miles west of London, UK

"> >"GSV Three Minds in a Can" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

You need to negotiate better. Many high street dealer will match prices
if given a chance .. including postage of course.

why should you have to haggle? If a seller cannot match his competitors then
he will no longer continue trading, its hard but thats life. Ever heard of
the expression "rip off Britain".

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have returned many things online and without doubt found it easier

than

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

trying to explain to a sales person why i dont want the product, the

distant

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

selling law is great!!!!

If you enjoy paying two way postage, yes.

The amount i save is always greater than two way postage and in alot of
cases alot more, plus if the difference is marginal (not in many cases) i
would buy from a high street. If I was to spend £200 on the high street i
would expect to get the similar product for around £150 online. Saving £50
which is alot of postage in anyones money!

"> >> You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

That's the longer term practical side of it, other than that using a
service the shop provides and that is worth something tangible, yet
choosing not to pay, is very bad manners! Payment isn't just about not
stealing, but for rewarding useful service. I'd hate to be doing the
tables at any restaurants the OP eats in...

Yeah, I was trying to find some practical justification for the OP to
behave like a civilized human being, since it no longer seems to come
naturally to many people. 8>.

Could you please focus on the threads rather than witter! I m sure there are
newsgroups on manners and etiquette!

thanks

"S Gibber" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

The amount i save is always greater than two way postage and in alot of
cases alot more, plus if the difference is marginal (not in many cases) i
would buy from a high street. If I was to spend £200 on the high street i
would expect to get the similar product for around £150 online. Saving £50
which is alot of postage in anyones money!

If I can find something for £150 on-line, I always offer that price to a
local shop. Most of the time they will take it. That way I can always try
stuff on *and* buy it cheaply. And they will be there when I want to try
something else on.

With your attitude, you will soon find you are unwelcome in shops, if they
are still around to trade.

Sales staff are used to haggling, and if they are not, that's all to my
advantage. They still make money out of me, just a bit less than if I
didn't make them an offer. I let the over-wedged pay full price.

You can get 10-20% off of all full prices in virtually all of the outdoor
shops. You just have to get them to invest a little time in you and then
ask politely. If you've got a good price on-line, print it out and take it.
Most places will match prices (I usually find I make on the postage too).

Use the on-line retailers for what they are useful for - giving you a
bargaining tool for spending less in real shops. Think about it. It makes
sense in the long term.

With the special offers in the sales at the moment, you can find a very good
deal if you are willing to buy when you try.

Have fun,
Paul

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful person
Peter Clinch <[email hidden]> said
<snip>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

In June/July you could have gone anywhere in Shropshire in regular
trainers most days ..

You could've gone anywhere in the UK in trainers on just about any days!

I'll believe you, but data not available to me.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

after the recent rains, waterproof boots are needed on half the
B-roads. 8<,

Define "needed". For really wet stuff, wellies if you insist on
keeping your feet dry or sandals if you're happy to let them get wet on
the understanding they'll dry out within minutes of emerging from the
pools.

Keeping the water/mud off socks. For some reason I don't dry out as fast
as you claim to, not even if I am barefoot. And I really dislike mud
between toes. Walking in wellies isf the pits, IMO ..

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

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful person Bob
Hobden <[email hidden]> said
<snip>

Quoted message said:

I agree, it's true most people are over shod, but there may be a reason.
The trouble with ordinary "country path" walking in the UK in general is the
flora. Nettles, brambles etc and the occasional barbed wire along the ground
will cause pain and damage to unprotected feet.

My pet hate is grass seeds, which always seem to embed themselves in
some inaccessible part of my socks, where they will stay for weeks (even
surviving washing and tumble drying).

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

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person S Gibber <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

"> >> You realise of course that if everyone does that, there won't be any

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>high street shops left for you to try them at? Personally I'd try AND
>buy in the high street - way easier to take them back if they are not
>comfortable after a few days hiking round the living room.

That's the longer term practical side of it, other than that using a
service the shop provides and that is worth something tangible, yet
choosing not to pay, is very bad manners! Payment isn't just about not
stealing, but for rewarding useful service. I'd hate to be doing the
tables at any restaurants the OP eats in...

Yeah, I was trying to find some practical justification for the OP to
behave like a civilized human being, since it no longer seems to come
naturally to many people. 8>.

Could you please focus on the threads rather than witter! I m sure there are
newsgroups on manners and etiquette!

I suggest you read them then, rather than demonstrating (yet again) your
apparent lack of civilization. You want free advice of boots, you want
free trial of same in shops (with no intention to buy there, in fact you
won't even offer them the option of price matching) and you think you
can lecture on manners and (n)ettiquette? You, sir, are a jerk.

<plonk>

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

Quoted message said:

But it's a [censored] when you get to some point on the route and realize you
are 'under-shod'. I always look at what I think I'll need, and then go
up one grade. In June/July you could have gone anywhere in Shropshire in
regular trainers most days .. after the recent rains, waterproof boots
are needed on half the B-roads.

And a snorkel on the other half..

Richard Webb