I love my leather Altbergs for when in the woods or on my explores (urbexing) and my leather Meindl's for winter hiking but for the rest of the time when hiking/walking I'll always use fabric, many times trail runners. So much more comfy and light.
I would love a pair of really nice russell moccasins but the thing that gets me is the astronomical price. Those types of leather boots are so appealing to me because they just look handmade and beautiful, while also still looking rugged and maintaining longevity. Modern hiking boots are usually mass produced and still have their advantages such as waterproofing technology but the russells last forever and still provide a great product throughout the years
They do have a look to them. I worry about extra stiching as it can be a point of water ingress but they certainly look beautiful. Some things are like that I guess, they just appeal from an aesthetic point of view. I bought a new camera, a Nikon Zf, its awkward to hold without buying an additional grip, but those old fashioned dials and the 'clunk' as you turn them, gorgeous. Makes me want to go out and take pictures.
I'm amazed that your leather boots have lasted you for 10 years. The soles of mine generally wear out in 6 years. Fabric boots can be OK if you are a fair weather walker who always sticks to firm paths but, as you say, once the waterproof lining wears out they just leak. I don't do so much walking these days, but I have to be out for the dogs every day, rain or shine, for a couple of miles, so leather is always my preference now.
Its probably because I have far too many pairs of boots and I tend to rotate them, I've got two pairs of altbers, warriors and defenders, plus Haix and a cold weather pair!
@@dogdadoutdoors I had expected no less :D I wear leather ankle boots while the going is firm, switching to leather wellingtons for most of the winter when it gets muddy. Saves getting mud all over my trousers.
I've just bought Altberg Defender boots for £39. As you say, it depends on the time of year as to which makes more sense, still for me, the most important thing is when walking over rocky terrain, which boots cushion your feet more, I have a pair of Karrimor Bodmin fabric boots and was very impressed with there waterproofing, but I felt every pebble and rock. Let's see what the Altberg is like.
I imagine you'll like them if they fit. I guess you got surplus ones from the price? Just be aware the military ones (defenders) are a bit different to the civii versions (Warriors). Mainly its the fit, the defenders are made to the MoD's own fit which is a little bit narrower in the heel and a little bit wider in the forefoot, but they only come in one width and whole sizes. The warriors come in half sizes and 5 different width fittings, and if they don't work they have other boots to fit different foot shapes, their A-Form (narrow heel, wider forefoot) or a beefed up version the G-Fit which is same sort of shape but wider with more volume. But quality boots, you'll wear the soles out before they break.
Useful video thanks. I am the same age as you and have an old ankle injury. Even though I work in town I now wear leather hiking boots all the time to protect my ankle. I wear my older pair of hiking boots when out hunting. Typically Lowa or Meindl. When waxed they last years. Interesting as to how the stiching lasts on the synthetics? Cheers Dave 🇬🇧 🇳🇿
You are welcome David. So far so good on the stiching. I did have the stitching go on a pair of walking shoes from Decathlon, but Decathlon have a really great warranty of 2 years on a lot of stuff so I returned them with the sole half worn down and they replaced with a brand new pair new questions asked. 2nd pair I literally wore to death. They are my cycling shoes now as they are still waterproof, they just don't have much grip on the outside edge as I pronate.
I have iturri cold weather leather boots for the wet winter months. They are heavy but offer protection, and they are 💯 waterproof. For more chilled walks I have adidas terrex which are super comfy and light but little protection.
I think thats it, you choose depending on the terrain and your needs. In some cases heavy leather boots are a bit overkill, but in others, you'd be so glad you brought them.
i've swapped back to leather boots over fabric. Fabric offer litter weight and I feel work well in summer months, but I have found that they can be punctured by thorns , brambles etc. Since I'm out in rough woodland a lot , especially when coaching or marshalling I found the leather ones are more durable. BTW I wrote a review of the Salomon gtx hiking boots on website a few years ago
Must admit, I've not seen those so had to look. Am I right in thinking they are the kind of thing you would wear when its usually OK, but have occasional wet and mud? Here where I live from the late Autumn through to Spring its often wet and muddy and so most people just buy footwear that works on its own as they need it every day, if that makes sense.
@ I was just wondering how useful overboots or gaiters are with walking shoes for winter hiking. Some people don’t like wearing boots or prefer to go hiking in shoes. I suppose it depends on the local terrain and tolerance of the dampness and cold.
I have both. I think the key difference for me is that leather will always reward you with comfort and is repairable. Synthetic materials will be consistent out the box but will need replacing. Synthetic can offer better insulation properties if working at or above the snow line and you don’t need to treat them with anything if you don’t want to. To get a proper leather boot, you’re talking 3-4mm leather which weighs A LOT and is going to cost £500-750 outlay. I now avoid waterproof lined leather boots because no manufacturer can make a lining that works long term, or is fully repairable. Meindl are shocking for this and their warranty is a joke - they won’t cover anything and always have an excuse. If I’m out for multiple days and need reliability, there’s no contest and I’m reaching for my heavy triple stitched single piece leather boot (Dundas store Bjorn). They won’t let you down when you can’t afford it in the middle of nowhere. The risk with a glued synthetic boot is the sole and uppers can fail. That happens on the side of a mountain or the middle of a multi day hike; that’s gutting and potentially dangerous (carry approach shoes in bag). The other issue I see a lot with leather boots now is most £200-300 boots simply aren’t well made and are also glued together (not stitched) with the goretex liner which will fail before the rest of the boot. Therefore, if you have the money, buy both but spend the extra on a double or triple stitched leather boot. If you don’t have the money, buy a decent synthetic boot but make sure you keep it clean to minimise risk of premature failing. The other thing seldom mentioned is investing in good quality insoles for boots to give you that extra support when your feet get tired and decent socks. Both things can totally change your experience. if i need insulation with low weight for day trips, I’m reaching for my Asolo Fugitive because they are the best all rounder I’ve found. Give the boots a rinse (inside and out) to keep sweat and sediment from wearing through the goretex liner, and you’re good. If need reliability then I’m reaching for the Dundas - and they are one B-E-A-utiful boot 😎
Outstanding and simply professional review man! Fantastic work!
Cheers buddy, thank you very much!
I love my leather Altbergs for when in the woods or on my explores (urbexing) and my leather Meindl's for winter hiking but for the rest of the time when hiking/walking I'll always use fabric, many times trail runners. So much more comfy and light.
Yes I think that is pretty much where I am now. Altbergs are great when its wet and muddy, but they aren't the most breathable.
I would love a pair of really nice russell moccasins but the thing that gets me is the astronomical price. Those types of leather boots are so appealing to me because they just look handmade and beautiful, while also still looking rugged and maintaining longevity. Modern hiking boots are usually mass produced and still have their advantages such as waterproofing technology but the russells last forever and still provide a great product throughout the years
They do have a look to them. I worry about extra stiching as it can be a point of water ingress but they certainly look beautiful. Some things are like that I guess, they just appeal from an aesthetic point of view. I bought a new camera, a Nikon Zf, its awkward to hold without buying an additional grip, but those old fashioned dials and the 'clunk' as you turn them, gorgeous. Makes me want to go out and take pictures.
I'm amazed that your leather boots have lasted you for 10 years. The soles of mine generally wear out in 6 years. Fabric boots can be OK if you are a fair weather walker who always sticks to firm paths but, as you say, once the waterproof lining wears out they just leak. I don't do so much walking these days, but I have to be out for the dogs every day, rain or shine, for a couple of miles, so leather is always my preference now.
Its probably because I have far too many pairs of boots and I tend to rotate them, I've got two pairs of altbers, warriors and defenders, plus Haix and a cold weather pair!
@@dogdadoutdoors I had expected no less :D I wear leather ankle boots while the going is firm, switching to leather wellingtons for most of the winter when it gets muddy. Saves getting mud all over my trousers.
I've just bought Altberg Defender boots for £39. As you say, it depends on the time of year as to which makes more sense, still for me, the most important thing is when walking over rocky terrain, which boots cushion your feet more, I have a pair of Karrimor Bodmin fabric boots and was very impressed with there waterproofing, but I felt every pebble and rock. Let's see what the Altberg is like.
I imagine you'll like them if they fit. I guess you got surplus ones from the price? Just be aware the military ones (defenders) are a bit different to the civii versions (Warriors). Mainly its the fit, the defenders are made to the MoD's own fit which is a little bit narrower in the heel and a little bit wider in the forefoot, but they only come in one width and whole sizes. The warriors come in half sizes and 5 different width fittings, and if they don't work they have other boots to fit different foot shapes, their A-Form (narrow heel, wider forefoot) or a beefed up version the G-Fit which is same sort of shape but wider with more volume. But quality boots, you'll wear the soles out before they break.
Useful video thanks. I am the same age as you and have an old ankle injury. Even though I work in town I now wear leather hiking boots all the time to protect my ankle. I wear my older pair of hiking boots when out hunting. Typically Lowa or Meindl. When waxed they last years. Interesting as to how the stiching lasts on the synthetics? Cheers Dave 🇬🇧 🇳🇿
You are welcome David. So far so good on the stiching. I did have the stitching go on a pair of walking shoes from Decathlon, but Decathlon have a really great warranty of 2 years on a lot of stuff so I returned them with the sole half worn down and they replaced with a brand new pair new questions asked. 2nd pair I literally wore to death. They are my cycling shoes now as they are still waterproof, they just don't have much grip on the outside edge as I pronate.
You have a great narrative voice mate. Just found the channel. Enjoying the content. New sub from me mate. Greetings from Ireland ☘️☘️
Cheers buddy, much appreciated.
I have iturri cold weather leather boots for the wet winter months. They are heavy but offer protection, and they are 💯 waterproof. For more chilled walks I have adidas terrex which are super comfy and light but little protection.
I think thats it, you choose depending on the terrain and your needs. In some cases heavy leather boots are a bit overkill, but in others, you'd be so glad you brought them.
i've swapped back to leather boots over fabric. Fabric offer litter weight and I feel work well in summer months, but I have found that they can be punctured by thorns , brambles etc. Since I'm out in rough woodland a lot , especially when coaching or marshalling I found the leather ones are more durable. BTW I wrote a review of the Salomon gtx hiking boots on website a few years ago
Totally agree.
How about over boots for wetter, muddy or snowy conditions?
Must admit, I've not seen those so had to look. Am I right in thinking they are the kind of thing you would wear when its usually OK, but have occasional wet and mud? Here where I live from the late Autumn through to Spring its often wet and muddy and so most people just buy footwear that works on its own as they need it every day, if that makes sense.
@ I was just wondering how useful overboots or gaiters are with walking shoes for winter hiking. Some people don’t like wearing boots or prefer to go hiking in shoes. I suppose it depends on the local terrain and tolerance of the dampness and cold.
I have both. I think the key difference for me is that leather will always reward you with comfort and is repairable. Synthetic materials will be consistent out the box but will need replacing.
Synthetic can offer better insulation properties if working at or above the snow line and you don’t need to treat them with anything if you don’t want to.
To get a proper leather boot, you’re talking 3-4mm leather which weighs A LOT and is going to cost £500-750 outlay.
I now avoid waterproof lined leather boots because no manufacturer can make a lining that works long term, or is fully repairable. Meindl are shocking for this and their warranty is a joke - they won’t cover anything and always have an excuse.
If I’m out for multiple days and need reliability, there’s no contest and I’m reaching for my heavy triple stitched single piece leather boot (Dundas store Bjorn). They won’t let you down when you can’t afford it in the middle of nowhere. The risk with a glued synthetic boot is the sole and uppers can fail. That happens on the side of a mountain or the middle of a multi day hike; that’s gutting and potentially dangerous (carry approach shoes in bag).
The other issue I see a lot with leather boots now is most £200-300 boots simply aren’t well made and are also glued together (not stitched) with the goretex liner which will fail before the rest of the boot.
Therefore, if you have the money, buy both but spend the extra on a double or triple stitched leather boot. If you don’t have the money, buy a decent synthetic boot but make sure you keep it clean to minimise risk of premature failing.
The other thing seldom mentioned is investing in good quality insoles for boots to give you that extra support when your feet get tired and decent socks. Both things can totally change your experience.
if i need insulation with low weight for day trips, I’m reaching for my Asolo Fugitive because they are the best all rounder I’ve found. Give the boots a rinse (inside and out) to keep sweat and sediment from wearing through the goretex liner, and you’re good. If need reliability then I’m reaching for the Dundas - and they are one B-E-A-utiful boot 😎
I've not heard of them, I'll take a look.
Asolo are junk now. I go through them like Reese peanut butter cups lol