[JarvisCocker]

Hi all,

I'm not sure what I've let myself in for but it seems I'm doing a walk up Ben Nevis for charity

I want to get some walking boots so I can get them worn in asap, I've no idea what to get. Can anyone recommend any, or recommend a good shop? I've always gone to CCC for outdoor stuff in the past. Are they a good place to buy boots from?

[MissChatter]

CCC are prob still your best bet or yomens in town. as they are not expensive shops

[JarvisCocker]

Where is Yomans?

[1960boy]

Between The Bankers Draft and The Argos.
Here is a link to it
http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/mai...heffield_store

[JarvisCocker]

Originally Posted by 1960boy

Between The Bankers Draft and The Argos.
Here is a link to it
http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/mai...heffield_store

Thanks for that, I'll take a look.

[JarvisCocker]

Well the prices on the website for Yomens look very reasonable indeed.

Can anyone actually recommend any boots? I've no idea what the best ones are going to be for what we are doing. Obviously want my feet to be as comfortable as possible for such a trek, last thing I want is a blister half way up!

[1960boy]

I'm no hiker but i expect you'll always get blisters with most new footwear Jarvis.

[Keefys]

Originally Posted by JarvisCocker

Can anyone actually recommend any boots?

Only one word IMHO - Merrell. You'll have trouble finding them at a discount, they don't need to discount them, they just sell! I've got two pairs of walking boots, my heavy winter Hi-Tec's and for this summer I treated myself to some Merrell's. WOW For me the Merrell's seem to be the comfy slippers of the walking boot world First time out I did about 8 miles, they didn't even seem to need wearing in.

You will pay for them, mine were about £90, add a couple of pairs of good quality hiking socks (essential, it's the socks that give you blisters, not the boots) and you're over £100. Once you know what they look like you can spot Merrell's, have a look at the boots you see serious walkers wearing, you will see an awful lot of Merrell boots!

I've no connection with the company, I just use the product, they are the only walking boot I've ever owned where I wouldn't hesitate to go and buy the same thing again.

Keith

[Alligin]

Hi Jarvis
I would recommend a pair of Saloman boots complete with lace lock or Scarpa's. Neither pairs of boots are the at the cheaper end of the market but you do get what you pay for. I would suspect you are using the Tourist trail for the climb, so it's best to allow for the rocky zigzag path after you cross the red burn. Both makes of boot will give you ample ankle and toe protection for the condition that you will incur, also both makes are reasonably light in weight, and are usualy stocked by CCC.

[Alligin]

Jarvis forgot to mention,
CCC or the Outdoor Shop do seem to stock equipment which is from the previous years range and you can come across some real good bargins, I wouls also recommend a three season boot for Nevis.

[taxman]

Originally Posted by JarvisCocker

Well the prices on the website for Yomens look very reasonable indeed.

Can anyone actually recommend any boots? I've no idea what the best ones are going to be for what we are doing. Obviously want my feet to be as comfortable as possible for such a trek, last thing I want is a blister half way up!

You really need to try a few different boots on. Some makes have a wider fitting than others so it depends on your foot shape and personal preference. I tried a few on at CCC and was surprised at how boots that were ostensibly the same size had a totally different feel.

[altus]

Originally Posted by JarvisCocker

Well the prices on the website for Yomens look very reasonable indeed.

Can anyone actually recommend any boots? I've no idea what the best ones are going to be for what we are doing. Obviously want my feet to be as comfortable as possible for such a trek, last thing I want is a blister half way up!

As Taxman said, you need to try on different pairs to find ones that fit you best. Different footwear manufacturers have different ideas about how feet are shaped - hence the need to try on a wide range. The sales staff should be able to advise you both on fitting and the sort of boot you'll need for the walking you'll be doing.

[JarvisCocker]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I guess I'm taking a trip to CCC this weekend. I want to get then asap so I can get them worn in.

Alligin - yes we are taking the tourist trail. Have you done it? Come on, hit me with it, just how hard is it?

[Village Owl]

I've recently bought myself some, but off the web and not from the shops. I got mine from www.newforestfootwear.com they have some good discounts on offer at the moment.

Other websites I tried were the following:

www.trekwear.com
www.directsportsshop.co.uk
www.amazon.co.uk
www.chelstondirect.com

The ones I bought are called Northwest Terrioty Inukik, they arrived quickly and look and feel fantastic.

[Hippiechick3]

I got some Salomans for £40 in TK Max recentley. I agree with everyone else though - its what feels right when you try it on.

[Alligin]

Hi Jarvis
I have done most routes onto Nevis but don't be fooled by the word TOURIST it can still be a serious walk depending on the weather conditions. The walk itself is not too bad but after the Red Burn the path does become more rocky so watch out for your ankles and toes and remember you are starting out from a sea loch so you do climb every foot of its height. Also do carry enough liquid as once again after the Red Burn you will not find any water even to use to cool down if it's hot?????. Technically no problems on this route but it is a hard slog but well worth doing, you never know after doing this you may want to go back and try another route. As to footwear iv'e seen people using this route wearing normal trainers or light weight shoes, carrying a poly bag with their food in but remember the top 100ft or so can be snow covered not at all times but its worth thinking about.

[Vala]

as everyone has mentioned - you really need to try loads as the best boots are ones that fit you - for mountain walking you ought to make sure that its sturdy and supportive, assistants in shops will help. Ben Nevis can be a tricky mountain depending on the weather - you want good kit
A goretex membrane will ensure waterproofness. As with most things you can pay what you want, but recognised quality are Scarpa, Meindl, Salomon, Brasher, Zamberlan, but you will pay

Karrimore, merrel, Berghaus all a little cheaper

Shops, personally I like Foothills on Edgedale Road (just off Abbeydale Road) as they will take the time to get a boot that fits you

Have fun on Nevis!

[JarvisCocker]

Thanks for the info everyone. I went to CCC and I've got Brasher Hillmaster boots. I love them. The are very comfortable. I tried loads on and settled on these. I thought I wanted some fabric type and I've ended up with leather ones, but they did fit the best. Working on getting them worn in now.

Oh and now it looks like we might be doing Scarfell Peak instead of Nevis.

[taxman]

Originally Posted by JarvisCocker

Thanks for the info everyone. I went to CCC and I've got Brasher Hillmaster boots. I love them. The are very comfortable. I tried loads on and settled on these. I thought I wanted some fabric type and I've ended up with leather ones, but they did fit the best. Working on getting them worn in now.

Oh and now it looks like we might be doing Scarfell Peak instead of Nevis.

The ones I got from there are Brashers as well. Apparently their fit is a little wider than other makes. Hope you have a great time with them.

[Merry_Legs]

I got Brashers from there as well, they were a lot more comfortable than Scarpa.