old-fashioned hiking boots

[normanf]

I ordered the urban version of Galibier's famous Super Guide mountain boots. The Super Touring is double-stitched, all-leather boot made by Richard Pontvert in France. Here is a picture:

The Super Guide was the top of the line boot, worn by mountaineers in expeditions all over the world. Its still one of the few boots still hand-made.

 

[Mangrove]

According to several Finnish sources, traditional Finnish "Lappish boots" (fi. lapikkaat) were the best option for boreal spring, summer and fall. These boots have been made since 1930 with the same patterns by the same factory. These were also used by the Finnish Defense Forces from 1920s to ~1980s. These were treated with mixture of tar, tallow and blubber to make them almost waterproof (I have recipes if anyone is interested).

Lappish boots - Töysän Kenkätehdas Oy

 

[botty]

I have just bought a pair of these. They feel really well made, the sole is not as curved as the picture suggests. Going to take some breaking in though but the feel like they will live longer than I will.

http://www.williamlennon.co.uk/footwear/268r-hill-boots.html

edit to add: If someone can work out how to post the photo off the website feel free. The picture seems to have some protection on it.

 

[Methuselah]

I have just bought a pair of these. They feel really well made, the sole is not as curved as the picture suggests. Going to take some breaking in though but the feel like they will live longer than I will.

http://www.williamlennon.co.uk/footwear/268r-hill-boots.html

edit to add: If someone can work out how to post the photo off the website feel free. The picture seems to have some protection on it.

Here you go:

 

[PADDY]

Those are some serious boots!! - Lovely Jobley...!

 

[botty]

Just started the breaking in process. 6 mile walk home tonight went well but it feels like you are walking with 2 house bricks strapped to your feet!

 

[esteban68]

you'll get used to it, I've worn steel toe capped boots for much of my adult life in fact since I was about 15 and after a bit anything else feels too light!

 

[BrianS]

Hi anything new. Brian

 

[budrichard]

"To summarize the above thread, I found two practical options, Mendl from Germany and Limmer in the U.S. Limmer is a custom boot maker in New Hampshire that also sells a line of ready made boots manufa ctured for them by Mendl in Germany."


My wife and I have custom Limmer's made for us about 20 years ago. While waiting for the custom Limmer's I purchased a pair of their ready made which I think were a first or so offering and I don't know who manufactured them.
There is no comparison between a custom Limmer and ready made Limmer or any other hiking boot. Custom Limmer's have a wide toe box such that it almost looks like your are club footed but the protection, comfort and fit are great. The ready made is good quality and heavy duty ( they have since come out with a lighter model) but just don't have the fit of custom. If purchasing Limmer, go custom but I don't know the delivery time these days?
I noticed from the website that Limmer requires a final fit in Intervale at the shop. That is how it should be. My first pair had to be remade because of my high arch and I would not order another pair without going to the shop. In Wisconsin my hunting boots are made by Russell and I have them fitted at the shop also.
It's a bit of trouble but well worth it as the difference can be like night and day!-Dick

 

[andy richards]

A few weeks ago I found this new pair of Dutch army boots dated 1/1967 which cost me only $ 15,-. Right now I walk every day on them as I intend to use them for my hiking trips. They fit perfect and look like the old US Army style boot I was told on the FL.
Cheers,
Andy

 

[esteban68]

Still jealous of those beauties Andy!

 

[andy richards]

As promised I keep an eye on the right size for you!

 

[esteban68]

You are a gentleman Andy...let me know if there's anything from the UK you are after.

 

[Pinesiw]

Dick proenneke wearing a ll bean style boot

 

[Pinesiw]

Along with his filson double tin pants

 

[Tomasso]

I love that guy!

 

[jkingrph]

I have an old pair of Vasque mid weight boots that I purchased back in 1972 when stationed in Turkey, to wear boar hunting back in the mountains. The waffle stomper soles were much better than our issue combat boots for hiking those mountain trails.

After a lot of use there for two years they have only seen occasional casual use since and are still in excellent shape.

I purchased them mail order from Eddie Bauer, when they were still a real outfitter.

 

[Mike K.]

Any thoughts about these?

 

[Renault]

Month ago did a hike thru the Guadalupe mountains national park in my new redwing iron rangers. These are some of the best boots I have ever owned! They did very well.

Renault

 

[Wolfgang]

I am just ordering new reproduced gebirgsjäger mountain boots for my WW2 reenactment, so I am selling this Swiss mountain boots from '50/'60-ies