Good Walking boots

Ian Boydon

05/01/2002 at 13:57

Hello, i`m new to this site and I have a query.
I am going backpacking in southeast Asia next month and was thinking I could do with a decent pair of walking boots.
Now bear in mind that I have a limited budget(less than £100) what boots could you reccommend.
I would like them to be very breathable, waterproof and lightweight.
Am I better getting leather or fabric?
I prefer the fabric ones to look at.

Ok thanks

Ian

Drew

05/01/2002 at 17:21

How far, what terrain etc? Give us details, we'll give suggestions.

Michael Brabenec 2

06/01/2002 at 13:47

I'll add my ramble to this.

Good leather is more breathable than any membrane found in fabric boots. Therefore there is, IMHO, no point in buying leather boots with a membrane. Leather boots are 99% waterproof - ie you'll get wet after *hours*, and hours and hours of monsoon, so there seems no point in buying fabric boots. Which, with a membrane, they breathe less than leather, without one, most are sponges.

none of the above is true except the bits that are. ;-)

Dave O aka Jungle Dave ;)

06/01/2002 at 14:01

In my opinion I prefer fabric boots for 3 season stuff and I have a pair of Berghaus storms that cope brilliantly with anything I throw at them and are really comfortable, so In my opionion I prefer fabric boots and would suggest have a look at the berghaus ones on the market
HTH
dave

Ninja Marmot

06/01/2002 at 14:25

I too have a pair of Berghaus suede/fabric boots - don't know model name as they are 4 years old but look similar to storms. Lighter in weight than many leathers and cope with everything wet thrown at them. They and a pair of *strong* neoprene lined trekking sandals would take me most places.

I tend to use just the trekking sandals in rainforest areas due to the wetness underfoot and frequent downpours but appreciate that boots would be needed on some types of terrain.

Ian Boydon

06/01/2002 at 19:15

I`m going to Thailand first and from there who knows?
It should be hot and humid, I will be trecking up into the hills where it is mostley forest and I will be going down to the coast where it will be sand.

Carl Spiers

06/01/2002 at 22:17

You can buy my Berghaus Gore-Tex boots!Look similar to Storm,Size 9,good condition or swap for a 8 1/2!One and a half years old, almost no use!

joan collins

07/01/2002 at 10:24

Ian, I think you would be fine with a sturdy pair of trainers (Salomon Exit Low or similar)rather than full-on walking boots. They're lighter and more comfortable in hot conditions, and they dry out more quickly. You only really need to think about boots if you'll be in hard conditions, either underfoot or weatherwise.

I would also take a pair of Teva-type sandals, for sightseeing and light coastal walking.

Lloyd Bower

07/01/2002 at 10:48

Yeah, I would second Joan's recommendation, multi activity trainers to use the buzz word would seem be ideal.
If you require more ankle support, you could go for the mid versions.

Jon Doran

07/01/2002 at 10:55

I'd also be wary of breathable waterproof membranes in warm conditions - I've yet to find one that breathes well enough to prevent you from getting hot and sweaty feet.

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com

Mark Phillips

07/01/2002 at 14:29

I'd sort of go along with Joan's recommendation too. However, as I live in my Salomon X-Adventure 7s, I'd suggest something like them (or something slightly lighter but with ankle support) and a pair of Tevas.

I've never been bothered about waterproof membanes as it only takes one muddy bog to flow into the boot and that's the membrane blocked up!

M

Jon Doran

07/01/2002 at 14:42

Unless it's very wet underfoot, you might be better off with a pair of fabric boots without any sort of waterproof lining. At least one of the major brands - Scarpa - has some in the pipeline and they'll be much more comfortable in the heat, though they won't keep the water out if you're prone to standing in puddles. Unlined fabrics are significantly more breathable than leather boots and much more comfortable in the heat, in my experience anyway. If you are after a pair of light leather boots, Brasher now do a version of their Supalite boot without a membrane.

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com

neil rich

07/01/2002 at 15:40

how about looking at some of the military surplus stuff for a pair of 'proper' jungle type canvas boots?

Ian Boydon

07/01/2002 at 17:21

I was thinking of maybee getting some Karrimore GTX300`s but you might have changed my mind to getting some cross trainer type thingies.
Do you think the boots could be too hot over there?

Orange Alex Ford

07/01/2002 at 19:17

I have some similar Karrimore's and they get hot when used over here in the high summer...so you'll probably be right and they will probably be too hot.

Kieran Foster

07/01/2002 at 20:30

Not much use for hot weather, but anyone after a REALLY good pair of boots should have a look at

http://www.lundhags.se/sidor/english/index2.html

I own two pairs of these, and the older pair is now 10 years old, on its third pair of soles, and still as good as new - Absolutley Fantastic Boots, not cheap but well worth it. If you get a pair get the wool felt insoles as well. perfection

kie

Joao Fernandes

30/01/2002 at 13:34

Boreal makes great boots. Try the Atlas

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