Goretex boots ... is it just me?

[reecesanford]

Interesting read.
I too am also struggling with choosing a new pair of boots and have been for the last 12 months.

I currently own a pair of Mammut MT Trail XT GTX boots which weigh a tonne. They have been resoled once but are still waterproof and in great condition. Bearing in mind I very rarely look after them. Reckon I put wax on them once a year.

Before these I had a pair of Raichle and between the pair of them I reckon they've lasted 8 years.

I use trail shoes alot especially Salomon's and some have only lasted 2 months and thats just been dog walking in them.
Waterproofing has been nothing short of shocking.

I need a pair of decent lightweight boots but cannot see the point or have the finances to spend £160 every year because they won't last.

Fabric boots to me seem a waste of time. All I seem to see are goretex lined boots which like people have mentioned won't last.

Decisions decisions

[ChrisButch]

Meanwhile - here's proof that they don't make 'em how they used to ... my now 'gardening boots' that I mentioned when I opened the thread ... they really are still waterproof!

boots1a.jpg

boots2a.jpg

Oddly enough I too have a pair of ancient Brashers also relegated to gardening, look virtually identical (except different colour mud here in Devon!)

[MusicalHiker]

Reading this with interest. I'm in the Lakes just now and looking to buy new boots. The last ones I bought are still fab in dry conditions, very light and comfy and grippy (Berghaus Explorer Trek, £66 in a sale) and the best I've had yet, but they were only truly waterproof for the first two years and they are now over four years old.

I need a decent leather pair for wet conditions and I'm thinking about something like Scarpa Deltas but I'm concerned about how long they are going to last, and for £200+ it's a worry! I read somewhere that Goretex is guaranteed
for life.... that must be nonsense though...

[Mal Grey]

Reading this with interest. I'm in the Lakes just now and looking to buy new boots. The last ones I bought are still fab in dry conditions, very light and comfy and grippy (Berghaus Explorer Trek, £66 in a sale) and the best I've had yet, but they were only truly waterproof for the first two years and they are now over four years old.

I need a decent leather pair for wet conditions and I'm thinking about something like Scarpa Deltas but I'm concerned about how long they are going to last, and for £200+ it's a worry! I read somewhere that Goretex is guaranteed
for life.... that must be nonsense though...

A guarantee for life is not a guarantee they won't wear out, it just means they guarantee no actual faults in the fabric. Given that such faults likely appear quickly, its a bit meaningless.

My last leather boots lasted 15 years (so about 12 weeks of winter walking plus 4 weeks trekking and numerous weekends). They still didn't leak much when I replaced them, but I couldn't get a good enough replacement sole for the model due to an unusual last.

[MichaelUK]

I've just purchased a pair of Alt-Berg Defender High Liability boots, army boots, and yes it would be daft buying only one, so bought a pair. £65 off ebay, brand new, boxed with extra laces and spacers. They are an all leather boot with a none water proof lining. However they are waterproof if cared for correctly. Very comfortable, an excellent winter boot.