Hello
I'm currently in the market for a new pair of fabric boots and I was going to get some Hi Tec's, but after recieving a birthday cheque from my parents, am thinking of spending a little more.
Oswald Bailey's are currently doing the Raichle Sierra GTX for £79.99.
I also spotted GO outdoors are doing the Fusion XCR Mid for £49.00.
Has anybody tried either of these boots?
I will mainly be using them for lightweight backpacking (i.e. I'm a lightweight I can't walk that far) and also for day walks mainly in the Lakes, Snowdonia and The Peak District.

The Sierra's are very light and comfy (for me anyway), though they are lacking a bit in support, particularly when traversing slopes.
For a closer, more supportive boot, you might try the Scout.

I have got some Fusion Mids. They are basically an approach shoe with some ankle support. They have the same fitting as the Raichle boots, which personally I find slightly wider that the approach shoe fitting. I am a fan of Raichles 'cos of the wide fitting for my mutant feet. If you are looking for something to use year round (from Raichle) I'd look for something with a bit more support like the Scout or the leather boots Mt Trail etc. (I have the Mt Trail for the winter and the Fusions for summer).

Have you seen the new Berghaus Pro Rush Mids as a light weight fabric trekking shoe only 468g, a friend just came back from the Lakes after a wet day on the hill and dry comfortable feet were the result, they have a new last so go try them on as the fit has changed from traditional berghaus shoes. I have a pair of the lows which are non gore but still great for dry days.

Thanks for the advice Lads,
I'm going to a few shops on saturday to try a few pairs on, the scout and the Sierra are now seem the favorites, I'm still not sold on approach shoes. Think there best left for the approach from the campsite to the pub.

Sorry to report this but I have had problems with Raichle Sierra GTX boots. I bought a pair in January and by March on a really wet day the water was pouring into my right boot. They were returned to the manufacturer by the shop I bought them from and after 2 weeks Raichle agreed that they were faulty so I got them replaced with identical boots. Now we have just had a long dry spell and I have been wearing them every weekend but on Saturday during a downpour yet again my feet were soaking. Took them back to the shop today and they tested them in a basin of water and sure enough water seeped into one of them within 30 minutes. It is such a shame as they were such comfortable boots.
I have now replaced them with Raichle Mt Trail GTX which were more expensive but maybe more suitable for Scottish weather.

Thanks for your coments ladies and Gentlemen.

After trying on lots of boots, I have come home from GoOutdoors with a pair of Scarpa Peak GTX.

For the money(£55 with the Discount card) and what I'd read they seemed the better option.

Sounds like a good choice let us know how you get on with them always interested in an independent review!!

No probs Forester, hoping to get up Snowdon at the weekend, if I can persuade the missus she wants a trip to north wales.