New Personal Leather Carriers

[StuartDH]

After 15 years of heavy use, my faithful Scarpa SL Attack walking boots are beginning to give up the ghost. I'm tempted to simply replace like for like and get another 15 years from a new pair of the same, but I'd also be interested to hear what boots others recommend.

I've not looked at a single boot review or brochure for at least a few years so I've no idea about the latest manufacturers, designs, materials and technology etc.

Any help will be much appreciated as it will no-doubt help me cut through all the advertising hype.

Cheers

Stuart

[Sue Wright]

Hi Stuart,

I don't know how much further (not in miles!) you've gone, but I can certainly recommend the Brasher ones that I bought last year. I've worn them in so well now that they almost fit like a glove!

Sue

[StuartDH]

Hi Sue,

Can't quite bring myself to throw out the old pair just and replace them with something shinier just yet.

I've no doubt that the cold, wet and slippy conditions of the next couple of months will force me to make the swap

[Woodlandguy]

Hi Stuart, I am not sure if you have got your new boots yet, but seeing as you ask, here is woodlandguy's suggestion. I choose British army assault boots. Worn with a wool rich sock, they are excelent. But you have to be willing to try army boots, many walkers don't like the idea. They are leather lined, no breatheable synthetic material next to your sock, just leather hide on the inside and outside. If you keep them polished they will last longer, there will be less chance of your feet getting wet, and you can walk in water up to your ankles in them.

My last pair I brought in April 2oo1 in an army surplus shop. They have lasted me till now, that includes working in them everyday (gardening) and walking at weekends, both days. They still have another 2 years light use in them By the way, they cost £55 new and £35-40 supergrade (which means they have been barely worn.

I would be interested to know what you get, or have got, in the end. I have been so out of touch with modern boots since I swopped from specially made walking boots to army boots. I used to get makes like Zamberlan and Meindl but I realized that they could not take the beating of gardening and walking in for long. For the money I paid for them they should have lasted years.

[StuartDH]

Hi Woodlandguy,

The right boot of the Scarpas finally split a couple of weeks ago and now make uncanny resembelance to Kermit, so I decided to head off to Betws-y-coed to get a new pair at weekend.

However, as soon as saw the snow on the tops of the mountains I just drove straight through the town and headed up in to the hills...see here...http://wildgallery.co.uk/thumbnails.php?album=14

I think I'll being going for another pair of the Scarpas just because the last pair have served me so well. Literally thousands and thousands of miles with almost daily use for more than half of their 15 year lifespan.

I used to be in the forces and got on well with the Matterhorns that they issued, in fact I think I've still got a brand new pair of 10s in the loft that I've never worn because they're a bit too big. I guess I should really dig them out and see if they'll fit. If not, I'm sure I'll be back to Betws-y-coed before too long.

[Eileen]

Hi Stuart, I just wanted to say that I think your photographs are superb. The type of terrain in them is very similar to what we get here in Scotland. It's wonderful to be out in the The countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of modern life isn't it?

BTW I would just like to add that I wear mens Scarpa boots (I've got size 8 feet) and I always replace them like for like. I've had this pair for approx
10 years now. Once I find a good thing I tend to stick with it. Ian, my husband, also wears Scarpa and he's climbed so many bens and walked the West Highland way so often that I think they can find their own way now!!!

[StuartDH]

Hi Eileen,

Thanks for the compliments about the photos. In truth, the whole area of Snowdonia was looking so good that I could simply point the camera in any direction and just start clicking away to get lots of great shots. It's definitely one of the best times of year to visit the mountains, with virtually no traffic on the roads, very few people on the hillsides lots of colour as the autumn reds start to mix with the new greens of spring and all topped of with a dusting of snow.

It's nearly a couple of hours drive from where I live but I'm very tempted to head back out there again this weekend, and maybe even stop off at the boot shop on the way.

[Eileen]

Did you get new boots then Stuart and did you head for the hills again this week-end after all?

The weather was weird around here with frosts overnight then snow, hail, rain, gales and then sunshine!!! What's that song again? Oh Yes, "Four seasons in one day" - yep that about sums up our week-end weather here in Scotland.