Firstly, an almost incredible story of excellent customer service from Gore. I bought my Karrimor KSB Gore-tex lined  boots about 7 years ago. They were one of the few boots that seemed to fit my feet.

Originally, they were totally waterproof. By this year, they were totally permeable, despite repeated attempts to reproof (does that ever work?) with spray for Gore tex. The rain just came straight through. I don’t do a great deal of walking or in very bad conditions, so physically they did not look very worn.. I did have all the original receipt and guarantee information.

I contacted Karrimor, who unsurprisingly couldn’t help except to tell me that Gore-tex have a life time guarantee and to try them. Gore (the owners of Gore-tex) sent me a reply-paid label to post the boots to them for testing. In due course, they phoned me to say they agreed the boots had a fault, and would I like to buy myself a roughly similar pair and send them the bill! They have even sent me another reply-paid label to save a stamp when I send the receipt. Fantastic service.

So my recommendation is to always buy Gore-tex products, because when they say a life-time guarantee they really mean it.

And what I’d like to hear is which Gore-tex fabric boots you would recommend for general walking over fairly easy terrain. No mountaineering and rarely walking in ice/snow. But often in wet grass or rain. I have quite broad feet, and a weak ankle which appreciates good support.

The Karrimor were very comfortable and supportive but should I try them again and hope the failure of both boots waterproofing was some sort of fluke? Or is there another make that people have found really lasts well?

Please post your replies.

I don't think Karrimor are alowed to use Gore-tex these days.  The brand has gone down market since going pop and being bought out.  They tend to use eVent instead, high performance material, but arguably not best suited for use in boots.

I found early KSB's a good fit, until they changed the last for the typical fat UK foot.  As you have broad feet the current generation may still be okay.

Speaking soley for myself (no pun intended)

I never really thought goretex had any business being near a pair of boots, its such a thin membrane and is being put into such a wearing and dirty environment. The trouble now is that marketing has its grip, and your average joe wont touch a pair of boots unless they have goretex. Dubbing thats the thing.... or nixwax - whatever...

I thought with textile garments it was only ever guaranteed for so many hours!!... or is that now yesterdays news.

Try the Asolo flame GTX, bought a pair about 2 months ago and they are fantastic. They are leather/fabric and seem pretty hardwearing. They have not had any major abuse yet but initial impresions are that they will last very well. No leaks but they are basically still new!

 Would have to agree with what John says though, I tried on plenty of pairs before deciding that they were the best bet. Getting damp feet will pale into insignificance if they dont fit you.

It seems Meindl still do a boot called the Gerlos, but it's nothing like the ones I used to own. They had a similar upper to a KSB (largely suede with a cordura sections) but used Meindl's spongey air circulation padding to help vent the GoreTex out of the top of the boot rather than through the leather. It worked pretty well and they still do many boots that use it.

For the same kind of uses as the KSB3, I have made good use of a pair of Garmont  Synchros that also cater to wide feet and have good cushioning. I reviewed them here

I have wide feet and have just bought some Miendl burmas . with gortex.

My last pair of gortex boots wore through and began to leak badly . Did a lot of miles though, and were towards the end of usefullness.

The miendls are already showing a little heal wear and that after only one proper outing.

Have you been up to the Cotswold at Llantrisant to look.  Or Up and Under on Cowbridge Road East.  Probably two of the largest boot stockists around Cardiff.  I wouldn't bother with Blacks as they stock the lower brands that use other membranes.

Saying that, I picked up a pair of North Face adrenaline mid cut boots recently for £70.  Loads of room for wide feet.  Very comfortable and suitable for what you describe.  They have goretex lining, leather and cordura style upper which is soft, the heel cup is fairly rigid offering support and with a vibram sole unit.  Wore them first time on a 17 mile walk across all terrain (road and hill).

Keep you options open because other manufacturers are making so good footwear at the moment.

Just come back from shopping trip where (coincidentally) I started with Up and Under, but no gore-tex there felt right (they don't like it so have limited range). Scarpa 95 weren't bad but not perfect. Nothing in Trekkit. But Berghaus explorer V felt great (Millets and other stockist). However, sole doesn't have multi directional grip so you coudl slip sideways and I wasn't sure how rugged they were (soft and flexible is comfortable, but maybe less supportive and durable). Finally, a pair of Salomans (not a brand I usally look at) in Blacks seemed to meet most of my criteria and fitted well - but they didn't have the colour I wanted in stock. I'm thinking of buying on the 'net. However, I didn't know about Cotswold store locally so may try there.

Both Asolo and Meindl were too narrow for one or both of my misshapen and differently sized (!) feet.

Dontcha just love the English translations on the Meindl site: "Hunters need goot boots"

 a

ps lets just say here and now that no - I dont speak any other language so I agree I shouldnt mock - nonetheless I do consider myself an Actives...

Yeah... I've always found it funny that they print a slogan on every box that is, quite frankly, a bit odd to a native English speaker! Shoes for Actives... is that sexually actives? radioactives? hyperactives? I'm not sure. But they are damn fine boots anyway!

Oh... and I should say that even though my French is good enough to be my main working language, I would never put out a logo without first checking it with my native French colleagues. But this is a strangely Franco/Germanic  problem I have found. They often seem to think that they have a better grasp of English than I do. "But surely John.... it is like this, no?'. A started a social running club with a few friends when I was studying at an international campus in Strasbourg. My Swiss running friend decided to have T-shirts made for all of us. They came back from the printers with Stef's design saying 'ISU Running Club - Fit like a Moose' !!! I shall forever attempt to get fit like a moose, if only I could work out what that means!

John

Last years goretex Berghaus Explorer boots. You can still pick them up for £40. Check Blacks out maybe. I have done several long treks in Nepal in these boots and never once got a blister. Even walked on snow in them. No problem. Lightweight, waterproof, highly breathable, extremely comfortable. I can even drive my car in them!  Had a pair before these. Lasted 6 years and again, did treks in Nepal. No problem. Never once got a blister. At £40, they are a give away.