Typical, the week before we go on a walking/camping holiday in Wales my Regatta walking boots seem to be letting in water - we went out on sunday for a 6 hr walk and even though the ground didnt seem that bad my feet were really wet when we got back - I am now faced with the dilemma do I buy a new pair and risk blisters or try and re waterproof the old ones - have seen a pair of Karrimor boots for a good price on amazon, does anyone have any experience of these.
I wouldn't buy walking boots without trying them on. I have a pair of karrimor boots and they are good. If you have a TKMaxx nearby(they have walking boots at good prices), or a Blacks etc with a sale on would recommend trying a few pairs on before buying.
My leather Scarpa have seen me through the last few months of rain, mud and really atrocious weather and I walk three days a week for at least 10 miles a day, sometimes up to 14. My feet have been as dry as a bone but the gaiters are muddy and waterproof trousers have been muddy right to the top as the mud is drawn up as I walk.
Remember it may not be your boots that leak but the fact that water has leaked down from top. Did you wear gaiters? I have had really soaking socks due to long grass and socks leaching, but boots are actually fine.
Also worth using the waterproofing occasionally, wax for leather and suede nubuck/fabric for the fabric boots.
If you do buy good boots you need to wash/wipe them out inside too as sweat damages the waterproofing.
i have karrimor boots and would try some on before buying to see how they feel. if your going for the leather ones i'd suggest breaking them in well before big hikes and give them plenty of dubbing. mine are really comfy now and never leak and i have done the 3 peak challenge and welsh 3000's in them plus 5 hr walks most weekends. so i have had value for money
Thanks for everyones advice, going to get a new pair and waterproof the old ones, take both and see how I go (hubby dont know I am taking both pairs yet - well a woman always has to have more than one pair of shoes)
Mine is a pair of Salomon, and they are the most comfortable shoes I own.
DK
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I have a pair of modern lightweight boots that are comfortable but they leak in really wet conditions, whereas my old Scarpa one-piece leather boots have never leaked. To replace my Scarpa boots today it would probably cost about £200 - £300.