Walking boots

Caz · 19-03-2004, 12:19

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced place to buy "proper" walking boots?

Need a couple of pairs for my lads for a D of E expedition.

Sparkologist · 19-03-2004, 15:13

It's the old adage, to what type of walking will he be doing and how much do you want to pay? Is it mountain walking or winter walking?
He needs to go to a shop with a decent range of different brands and styles, to try them on. There are two good shops in Manchester that i have used. There is the main Ellis Brigham shop, on Liverpool road in Castlefield, and there is also a branch of Field & Trek on Deansgate. Both shops match one another for price and are ususally about the cheapest around, although it would appear that there is a price cartel operating in this country. They both have extensive websites. Blackburn Camping Centre used to have a good range of boots, but i cannot condone or condemn it, as i haven't been in for a while.
Personally, i wear Scarpa boots, they're well made and will take some punishment.

lettie · 19-03-2004, 17:21

Depends how far you want to go for them Cazzer. The Fell and Mountain Shop can order what they don't have in stock, but they're not the cheapest. If they are doing basic fell walking in the summer time, the boots that they sell quite cheaply at Winfields will suffice. Got mine in Ambleside, there are plenty of good shops up there, They are Scarpa, had them for 3-4 years, but they are on their last legs now, done plenty of mileage in them though, Skye, Lake District, Scotland, Mt Blanc, Mt Olympus (twice) and loads of local walks, need a new pair myself, look out for sales, as you can get good discounts.

lettie · 19-03-2004, 17:23

Forgot to mention, you used to be able to order a catalogue from Field and Trek website and they have good mail order sales from time to time. Not looked at the website for ages, so not sure if you can still get the catalogue, but it may be worth a gander.

Caz · 19-03-2004, 18:01

Thanks a lot.
Burnley or Blackburn is the furthest I can go due to having no transport.
Apparently it seems I can get a 20% Boys' Brigade discount at Millet's in Burnley, which means the cheapest boots (eurotrek) I can get for around £32 a pair. I need 2 pairs and also gaiters (cheapest £8 per pair with discount). They will also need suitable clothing.
Problem is I don't want to spend too much initially, as I am on a limited income,and they may not use them much afterwards. They do a lot of walking anyway, but have always worn trainers.
They need them particularly for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition in May. They need to be waterproof to a reasonable extent and suitable for hill walking or flat.
It's looking like my best bet is going to be Millet's, so thanks both of you.

lettie · 19-03-2004, 20:32

Cazzer, I have 2 navy blue waterproof over jackets (cagoule type) and 1 pair of navy waterproof over trousers. You are welcome to borrow them if needed, as I don't think I'll be needing them this summer. If you want to take a look at them send me an IM.

mez · 20-03-2004, 10:04

cazzer i bought myself a pair from mad house (boots) they where only a tenner each, its a shame to pay a lot wen they wont use um that often, im lucky my susan takes same size as me so she borrows mine when shes on camp ( shes in girls brigade)

mez · 20-03-2004, 10:04

sorry madhouse accrington peel st ,

SuperAccyStan · 21-03-2004, 15:21

Millets is the best place, pricey though.

mac · 21-03-2004, 20:16

someone mentioned the types of boots. its a very good point. i have 2 pairs of boots. my first set are hi tec. yes i know hi tec. they are incredibly comfortable and ideal for walking on set tracks. cost £45. my second set are north face. again comfortable buit took a while to break in properley. they have harder souls ideal for more rugged walking. paid £60 for those reduced from £110. got them in Wales.

a good place to look is millets where i bought the hi tec boots or if you can travel get over to the settle area and have a look around the shops for last years stock. big savings that way.

Caz · 24-03-2004, 16:40

Thanks Lettie, but jackets sorted now.

Would prefer to get proper walking boots mez. Have had the type from madhouse and such and they tend not to be sealed around the tongue area. they are going on a 3 day trek out in the wilds and will probably be going through wet or muddy terrain.

Actually super accy stan, Millets is the cheapest really, that's why I'm going there.

Mez, is your grand daughter going to Firm Foundations this year? My lads are going.

mez · 24-03-2004, 17:35

yep i think so , well i hope so, gives me a rest, ha ha

Sparkologist · 27-03-2004, 12:06

I have just been informed that the Karrimor outlet shop on the Clayton Park industrial estate is still open, and that they have a wide range of boots and waterproof clothing with discounts of up to 50%

Sara · 27-03-2004, 13:07

My son went on an outward bound course last year and the centre provided him with walking boots, have you checked if you can hire them or not?

Caz · 03-04-2004, 23:44

Thanks sara, but no, it's not an outward bound, it's for the D of E and they'll need them several times over the next couple of years.

Cheers sparky, been to Karrimor today, got 2 pairs of Karrimor KSB Goretex boots, £40 per pair, but worth well over £100 apparently.