Boots

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by foxy mars

For the Pennine Way Walk next year, I'm walking in trainer's. Three of the chaps I walked with on Coast to Coast had trainer's on and had no problems, I'm looking at Invo-8, which is more or less a fell runner's shoe.

I think you mean Innov-8, they seem very popular with runners and I was interested in their 390's, which are really designed for paragliders but are said to be a good lightweight boot for walkers. Unfortunately there's nowhere near me that stocks them, and I don't want to get boots online.

So I'm just breaking in a pair of Hi-tec fabric boots, relatively cheap at about £65. I did get 1500-2000 miles over 18 months from my Scarpa Rangers (the fifth pair I've had), but they cracked over the toes very quickly and I've been walking around with holes in them for the last six months!

Trainers are certainly lighter and more comfortable than walking boots, but I have a tendency to go over on my ankles so I really need the ankle support of a boot.

How do you think trainers will do in the peat morrasses of the Pennines?

[foxy mars]

Thanks, Pete. For correcting me, it is Inov-8 and the trainer's I do fancy are the Terroc 330, got 2 rewards from TGO and Trail for best training shoe. One of the lads's I was walking with on my recent Coast to Coast walk, had a pair of Inov-8 on and had no trouble with blister's and only worn thin socks. The reason why he worn them, because there are easily dried out and lightweight with a good grip. He reckon's the Gore-Tex lining once wet inside, does take a while to dry out and gets a bit pongy.

[Richard G.]

I use the 390-GTX boots for pretty much everything now except summer, when I use a Roclite 318 (non-GTX) shoe. There is a 370 boot now too, with no Gore-tex, if that's what you prefer.

Everyone I know who's tried the 390 agrees that the toe box is a bit roomy and the front of your foot can move about a bit. Not so much of a problem for me, as I have relatively wide feet anyway, but a bit of creative lacing also helps.

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

So I'm just breaking in a pair of Hi-tec fabric boots, relatively cheap at about £65. I did get 1500-2000 miles over 18 months from my Scarpa Rangers

One drawback of all Inov-8's is that, being lightweight, they are no so hard wearing, the rubber on the soles is soft and will wear out much more quickly than many other brands. Can't see you getting much over 500 miles or so out of Inov-8's, though mine are used primarily on soft peaty Peak District moors, so are standing up pretty well

[Pete Collins]

Thanks very much Richard G, it's very helpful to hear someone describe their experience with a boot. It's definitely one I'll keep in mind for next time (I generally go through boots in 18 months to two years), perhaps by then there'll be somewhere local where I can try them. My feet are quite wide, so it sounds like they may suit me. I realised I probably wouldn't get the same mileage I got out of my Scarpa Rangers, though little of my walking is done on hard surfaces.

I was also considering the one's tcvarlh mentioned, the HI-TEC ALTITUDE ULTRA V-LITE ION MASK WATERPROOF HIKING BOOT. I've seen a cpouple of reviews which were initially positive, but were concerned that the boots might lose there waterproofing once they became a bit scuffed. So again, I'll wait and see what the news is on that next time I need to get new boots.

I know this has been said over and over before, but I think it's worth saying again as a general point for anyone reading this thread. It's nice to hear positive reviews of a boot, but the only thing that really matters is: does the boot fit you? A boot can have the greatest possible ratings from magazines and web sites, but if it doesn't fit your feet, it's of no use to you.

As an example, last time I was looking at new boots, several people were praising the Meindl Burma and I'd heard good things elsewhere about Meindl. But I found that their boots just don't fit my feet, so I can't buy them (though I'm sure they're great for other people).

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

I know this has been said over and over before, but I think it's worth saying again as a general point for anyone reading this thread. It's nice to hear positive reviews of a boot, but the only thing that really matters is: does the boot fit you? A boot can have the greatest possible ratings from magazines and web sites, but if it doesn't fit your feet, it's of no use to you.

Couldn't agree more Pete.

My old Meindl approach shoes are size 7.5, but my Roclites are an 8.5, I couldn't even get my foot in a 7.5, something a little odd about their sizing it seems

No substitute for trying them on though and also wearing them around the house all day before venturing outside to get a feel for what it's like having them on for long periods. Still possible to return them in this condition, if they don't work out.

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

...

My old Meindl approach shoes are size 7.5, but my Roclites are an 8.5, I couldn't even get my foot in a 7.5, something a little odd about their sizing it seems

That's a good point to make too, Richard! Sizing does seem to differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. When I bought my Hi-tec's on Wednesday, I also tried on a pair of Salomon's. I said I took a 46, but the shop assistant brought me a 46 and a 47, saying Salomon's sizings were a bit odd and most people had to go up one size in them. And the Hi-tec's I ended up buying were also a 47. But I know my Scarpa Rangers were a 46. (My feet seem to have gone metric, the rest of me hasn't! )

Originally Posted by Richard G.

...No substitute for trying them on though and also wearing them around the house all day before venturing outside to get a feel for what it's like having them on for long periods. Still possible to return them in this condition, if they don't work out.

Another good point Richard. That's exactly what I'm doing - I'm wearing my Hi-tec's as I sit typing this!

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by tcvarlh

I picked up a pair of these online in Nov and they handled the winter well TOTALLY waterproof too NOT heavy and the bed is good.

HI-TEC ALTITUDE ULTRA V-LITE ION MASK WATERPROOF HIKING BOOT
6.5 to 12 (including half sizes).
£69.99

I like the look of these boots, going to check them out in the Go-Doors tommorrow. I changed my mind about wearing trainers, prefer to have some support about the old ankle.

[Jim Ford]

I wore mine the other day in rain and the water just beaded off, but I wonder how the treatment will stand up to heavy scuffing. The 'blurb' implies that the treatment permeates the leather, but I'm reserving judgement.

I've had a pair of decent Berghaus boots for years and must have rubbed several tins of Nikwax into them, but still after a 100 meters or so in wet heather they're soaked through!

Jim

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I wore mine the other day in rain and the water just beaded off, but I wonder how the treatment will stand up to heavy scuffing. The 'blurb' implies that the treatment permeates the leather, but I'm reserving judgement.

...

Jim

Do let us know how you get on with them Jim. That was what the reviews I read worried about, so I'm interested in seeing if they do remain waterproof after scuffing. If they do, I'll consider them next time I get a pair of boots.

Meanwhile, I've just got back from my first walk (about 2.5 hours) in my new Hi-tec V-Lite Rapid Hike IIs - so far, so good!

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

I'm interested in seeing if they do remain waterproof after scuffing. If they do, I'll consider them next time I get a pair of boots.

'tcvarlh' commented earlier in the thread that his remained totally waterproof through the winter, and I guess they must have been scuffed during that time.

Jim