Have you considered trying lightweight shoes? (likes of inov8 or Salomon), they're made for running but just fine for walking too. I find shoes like these are more forgiving when it comes to fit than walking boots, my feet are on the narrow side so I've not needed to research it but I've heard that some of the Salomon ones do come in wide fitting versions as well.
I like your ideas and I'm going to start looking around at those brands. The shoe idea has merit but given the choice I'd much rather boots, I'm used to wearing them all day (steel toes are a godsend in IT) and I get cold feet really easily.
Hi Tech do good lightweight, cheap leather boots. About £50-£60 probably cheaper if you shop around.
I've been using the same pair for many years now and bought another pair on offer at the Outdoor show a couple of years ago but I still haven't retired the originals. They feel like slippers now! Think they used sympatex or some non Goretex membrane and had a vibram sole, though I could be making that up as I've not really studied them for sometime.
I've used them on mountain trails in the UK, Austria and Cyprus (in a fair bit of heat) and recently walking the four miles home in the snow. So for me they cope with a huge temperature range. No leaks, or problems with heat build up even with two pairs of socks in Cyprus.
Could be I've been lucky and/or have tolerant feet but it may be worth your while checking them out. The boots not my feet!
Actually just remembered I haven't got tolerant feet I had a pair of waterproof trainers that felt like an oven so I don't know why I'm OK with waterproof boots?
First an apology to the original thread creator for the hijacking, it's just we're in very similar positions.
I think I may have found what I'm after in the form of the Scarpa Mistral, while they do feel quite snug on the part where all boots feel tight it's fairly minor, sadly they only had the 45s in and in my thick three-season socks I would really like to try the 46s, delivery on Monday at the shop.
If they aren't right though it turns out I'm a lot close to Richmond than I thought. At this point taking a day out there isn't an unappealing thought.
If you're going to visit Altberg, I'd have a couple of warnings for you.
First, their idea of a good fit (and they're quite insistent) is like having your feet clamped in a vice I'm sure it works for some people, but not for me. The first pair I tried on were too small and verging on painful, but they still insisted I wore them for 10 minutes while I wandered around the shop. When I had to take them off, they grudgingly agreed they were too small when they saw how red my feet had got from the pressure. Even then, it was a constant fight to persuade them I needed the boots bigger. I was even told that it was normal for my toes to be hitting the end of the boot while stood on the flat.
Second, even their extra-wide fit is narrower than some of the boots you've already tried.
Hi-tech Magnum Elite II 8in. Ive had mine for about 4 years & there brilliant, Light, comfotable & waterproof with a sympatex lining. I use mine in the Welsh mountains, Scotland & Lake District as well as locally. Ive never had cold or wet feet & in the summer i wear them with very thin socks & there not too hot. My first pair of Magnums lasted 10 years but they were not the waterproof version. The Elite is available for under £100. they do a full leather or leather/textile versions.I can recommend these.
I'm sure it works for some people, but not for me. The first pair I tried on were too small and verging on painful, but they still insisted I wore them for 10 minutes while I wandered around the shop. When I had to take them off, they grudgingly agreed they were too small when they saw how red my feet had got from the pressure. Even then, it was a constant fight to persuade them I needed the boots bigger. I was even told that it was normal for my toes to be hitting the end of the boot while stood on the flat.
