Hiking Boots

kelbal · 21-09-2014 7:02pm #1

Hi Guys,
I need a pair of hiking boots, and unfortunately the budget is limited (€70 ish). In that price range the options seems to be either Regatta or Hi-Tec. Just wondering what people's opinions are as to which is a better brand?
I know, if I spend a little more I'll get a much better shoe, and the waterproof capabilities of these brands will be short-lived, but thats what I'm limited to. Opinions appreciated, Regatta or Hi-Tec?

thanks

Finnt · 21-09-2014 7:12pm

I don't know about regatta, but I'd a pair of hi tecs I got bout 6 months out of them. I'd a pair of karrimoors too got a bit longer out of them. Neither could hold a match to my meindls tho!

kelbal · 21-09-2014 7:17pm

Finnt wrote: »

I don't know about regatta, but I'd a pair of hi tecs I got bout 6 months out of them. I'd a pair of karrimoors too got a bit longer out of them. Neither could hold a match to my meindls tho!

meindl's, I wish:rolleyes:

allthedoyles · 21-09-2014 7:29pm

Would you consider going to one of your local shoe shops , and pay them a few euros weekly .

You would be surprised at how quickly you would have the full amount paid off .

kelbal · 21-09-2014 7:37pm

allthedoyles wrote: »

Would you consider going to one of your local shoe shops , and pay them a few euros weekly .

You would be surprised at how quickly you would have the full amount paid off .

thanks, but no

Finnt · 21-09-2014 8:14pm

kelbal wrote: »

meindl's, I wish:rolleyes:

Check amazon for karrimoor ksb boots,
As well sometimes army surplus places have army edition meindls on the cheap. I've seen them on ebay

kelbal · 21-09-2014 9:57pm

Finnt wrote: »

Check amazon for karrimoor ksb boots,
As well sometimes army surplus places have army edition meindls on the cheap. I've seen them on ebay

Thanks, those Karrimors look the business. I have bought shoes online before, but I do like having the option of returning them to the store if I'm unhappy for some reason. I'd probably have to pay quite a bit in postage to return them to the UK if they weren't right size-wise

01-10-2014 10:25am

Would you try EBay? Or a site with a buy and sell section like UKClimbing.com?

Risky, of course, but if you have a definite idea of your size...

I know people will complain about the fit and all that, and say you need to go to a proper outdoors shop etc. But some of the great mountaineers got by on hobnail boots with nails hammered in. Was looking for a pair of crampon compatible boots last year, didn't want to spent a fortune on boots that might only get used a few weekends of the year here. Bought Scarpas second hand on UKClimbing.com for about €40, used Parcel Motel to reduce the postage, and they are perfect. Any fit issue was sorted out with an insole. Do make sure to get pics of the sole beforehand. Worked out far better for me than my first pair of boots, HiTec, bought in an outdoors shop, lasted a few weeks and burst (though on the other hand I did at least get credit in the shop).

Or else just keep an eye on TK Maxx, you'd be surprised at what lands in there.

kelbal · 01-10-2014 10:37am

Thanks. Actually went and bought a pair of these....

http://www.mandmdirect.ie/01/details/KM327/Karrimor-Mens-Barney-Weathertite-Hiking-Boots-Brown

Took a chance on the size because there was an OK returns policy - but they worked out perfect.

They seem a good quality boot for the price.

Thanks Finnt for the Karrimor recommendation!!

01-10-2014 11:33am

kelbal wrote: »

Thanks. Actually went and bought a pair of these....

http://www.mandmdirect.ie/01/details/KM327/Karrimor-Mens-Barney-Weathertite-Hiking-Boots-Brown

Took a chance on the size because there was an OK returns policy - but they worked out perfect.

They seem a good quality boot for the price.

Thanks Finnt for the Karrimor recommendation!!

They actually look very decent for the price. Leather is good, particularly coming into winter. I'm not a fan of thinsulate, and I guess if I was being very snobby I do like Vibram soles, but seem impressive for €70. Good luck with them and maybe give a report back some time...I'm always interested in boots at the less expensive end...as you may have guessed from my EBay post above!

Cork boy 55 · 01-10-2014 1:17pm

kelbal wrote: »

Hi Guys,
I need a pair of hiking boots, and unfortunately the budget is limited (€70 ish). In that price range the options seems to be either Regatta or Hi-Tec. Just wondering what people's opinions are as to which is a better brand?
I know, if I spend a little more I'll get a much better shoe, and the waterproof capabilities of these brands will be short-lived, but thats what I'm limited to. Opinions appreciated, Regatta or Hi-Tec?

thanks

I have brought HI-tec's ("falcons" IIRC) , they are great for price about 50 euro
Brought em on impulse when i was in buying runners
surprised by quality for price, wear them for all but the most strenuous stuff
excellent waterfproofing and hardwearing
IF you just doing light to moderate stuff they are ALL one needs IMO.
I think they will wear out faster than more expensive brands though

Don't know about regatta but I think they are bad brand do a search on this forum

Nautilus72 · 03-10-2014 2:21pm

Hi Karrimor ksb boots were €215 now reduced to €72 and €5.99 shipping. Also Karrimor Transits reduced from €235 to €68.99. PM for details.

kelbal · 05-10-2014 8:17pm

Nautilus72 wrote: »

Hi Karrimor ksb boots were €215 now reduced to €72 and €5.99 shipping. Also Karrimor Transits reduced from €235 to €68.99. PM for details.

already bought karrimors, thanks though

sheesh · 10-10-2014 11:54am

I bought a pair of hi tech trail shoes a few years back as an everyday pair of shoes and couldn't fault them wore them most days for a year and they were great walked in them too.
got a pair of grisport terrains for €60 in a sale last year have been wearing them full time they also did the second day of the dingle way and my feet were perfect after it.

I have wide feet and I'm a fat lad.:o so both of those would do fine.

Msquack · 29-05-2015 11:27pm

Hi, can someone recommend hiking shoes/boots. I am size six female with medium width feet. I have high arches so looking for good support. I used to have the plum merrell siren sport gore tex. They fit so good. Anyone know of anything similar in a 80-100 euro budget?