Having recently purchased a pair of Alberg 'Cairngorm' boots, I broke them in on the Hadrian's wall walk (July 2007), it did take a full 6 day's walking to mould them to my feet (not without some pain) I should know better, but I have only been fell and mountain walking for around 50 years. However for build and waterproofness they want some beating. Having worn almost every make of boot over the years, I would reccommend the Altberg range, in particular the 'Mallerstang', a 3-4 season boot, and also the 'Cairngorm', 4 season-crampon rated. Both models are made in various width fittings, and can also be made to measure. The uppers are 2.5 - 3mm Anfibio leather, which is leather from the older cow, hence is more hardwearing. The Altberg company is the only remaining British boot manufacturer.
The Altberg company is the only remaining British boot manufacturer. I take it you mean British walking boot manufacturer. The are many boot and shoe makers still in the Northampton area which always has been the centre for British boot and shoe making. The likes of Sanders, John Sergeant, Loake and of course Church are all still there. The trouble is most people seem to not be able to get their heads round paying upwards of £90 for a pair of shoes. Good fitting shoes are essential and good fitting walking boots are an absolute must. The components used in manufacturing British made footwear are far superior to anything used in the manufacture of shoes elsewhere in the world, for sale in the likes of your general high street outlets. We still have a British footwear industry and it is up to the British public to keep it alive. I apreciate that not everyone can afford British made footwear, but those who can should buy them. Next time anyone is considering spending £150 on a pair of Chinese made Salomons just have a look at what Altberg can offer for the same price. Boots made on a production line in a country where only the "dollar" matters, will not have been made with the same passion as a pair made in a proper British workshop. I have to say however that this passion is also evident in the footwear that comes out of Italy. Where something is made by a craftsman, part of that craftsman goes into every product they make.
Alan, I hope you enjoy your Altbergs and have many many years of service form them. Thank you for buying British.
There I hope I've said it all now, should have put that on soapbox really.
"The trouble is most people seem to not be able to get their heads round paying upwards of £90 for a pair of shoes." That would be for a pair of Church's flip flops I presume. ;0) And I can't get my head around the idea of making a pair of boots "with passion". What on Earth goes on in the British footwear industry? The mind boggles!
The description may be a little colourful, but it does suggest that workers in the British quality footwear industry take an interest in producing a quality product, and pay rather more attention to detail. Hopefully this simple explanation will help to prevent further 'boggling of your mind.
When I saw Altberg I immediately thought of the usual heavy leather clodhopping boots, but I looked at their website to see the latest range and give them a chance. I must admit I was surprised to find two mid-cut size 9s at 1310g and 1340g, which is pretty good for that style of boot (the latter is called, ahem, 'Microlite'!!).
I share your ideas on craftsmanship especially of the British traditional kind, and they are dedicated to quality and expert fitting, but these are still too heavy and their mindset is still firmly rooted in the old style clodhoppers. Now if they channelled some of that pride and expertise into quality modern lightweight footwear we might have some interesting results.
For my size 9.5 I won't even consider anything over 1200g (outside winter), and they should be significantly less.
...Having recently purchased a pair of Alberg 'Cairngorm' boots, I broke them in on the Hadrian's wall walk (July 2007), it did take a full 6 day's walking to mould them to my feet (not without some pain)...
You wore those monsters for Hadrian's Wall in July?. My winter boots for mountains weigh far less than that!.
I have no problem with the weight of the Alt-Berg Cairngorms, as I prefer a substantial boot which will last, and can be re-soled and remain waterproof, in preference to what I term light weight boots for 'softies'. I wear substantial leather boots for all seasons and most terrains, rather than fabric or lightweight leather, which offer little support. However each to our own! There seems to be an obssesion these days with reducing the weight of all manner of gear, which is one way increasing manufacturers profit. Get on with it, build up your leg muscles and stamina and wear the boots.
That would be for a pair of Church's flip flops I presume. ;0) Aw no no no. That would be for a pair of Loakes, Church are far more than that ;-) I guess the point I'm making is partly the sad demise of manufaacturing in this country(nothing I can do about that though...big sigh) but moreso we do have a very good shoe industry here which needs exploiting. As regards passion; I'm a qualified bespoke shoemaker myself, and I did make each pair with a huge amount pride. The industry does need to channel the pride into using new materials, your right Geoff, we did try out new materials and designs and came up with fantastic products but in the main, the market seemed to demand very traditional principles and construction. Look here I go again, tell me to shut up, FGL.
"The description may be a little colourful, but it does suggest that workers in the British quality footwear industry take an interest in producing a quality product, and pay rather more attention to detail."
I know that :0) Are you telling me off? I don't do contrition for gentle joshing. ;0)
Tim, I have no right and no desire to tell you to shut up. What you have to say is interesting so why should I anyway?
I used to buy Loakes, great shoes and were reasonably priced for the quality unfortunately they aren't much different in price to Church now, at least around here they aren't
Naw I'd never tell you off. A mate of mine owns a traditional shoe repairing business down yer in Salisbury and also sells new shoes, his Loakes start at about ninety quid mind you some of his stuff goes out at stacks more than that! ;)
For classic shoes in the Church's & Loakes style, I have had 15 years (several re-soles) use out of my Grenson's . They are much less well known than Church's and as a result are at a much better price!
John You have a very good pair there. I had a pair of Grenson boots many years ago back in 85 or was it 86, no matter, the cut was superb and the leather a fine glassy kid; smooth and supple with sheen as though glistening under a light dew. The cut was a little narrow for my liking so I gave them to a friend who still wears them all these years on. Make sure you keep them alive, it is well worth having them repaired, but always take them to a trusted cobbler.
"the cut was superb and the leather a fine glassy kid; smooth and supple with sheen as though glistening under a light dew"
Just fantastic! Whatever you are smoking, I want some. If you can get that much of a kick (pardon the pun) out of your shoes, you must be a very happy chappy.
Just fantastic! Whatever you are smoking, I want some. If you can get that much of a kick (pardon the pun) out of your shoes, you must be a very happy chappy.
Well I would like a pair of these boots,but the company isn't very flexible and I am not to impressed with their lack of customer service,a sort of get what you're given attitude,so typically british,no wonder people buy foreign,I asked them for cairngorm's without the sympatex liner,as I hate sweaty feet,but they said it wasn't possible to make them without one,"hello since when do cows grow sympatex"? anyway it seams all the rage to have waterproof liners these days,according to Altberg that's what walking magazines recommend to people starting out into hill walking,well I don't do winter mountaineering or even walk in the snow,so I guess I'll just buy German.
