So as the title ,I am looking for some good hiking shoes boots ,thinking of going travelling again ,SA first probably so need something for the bush but general purpose for here as well ,need time to break them in so some short hikes up mountains here in Spain.

Magnum Army Boots.

IMO anything else is an expensive lie.

I've not used the Magnum boots that Rusty makes, so it could just be that I'm an ignorant sucker, but I am very attached to my Salomons.

With good boots it's more about finding one that fits your foot, I've tried a fair few which didn't despite otherwise being 'a good boot'.

I spent ages trying many different brands and models until I found something that fitted my foot perfectly. Can't for the life of me remember the brand though, but that isn't really important anyway.

No-one can simply recommend a particular make to another person IMHO, because of the variety of types and fits. I have two problems, myself- I have size 11 feet, but they are narrow and one foot is half a size larger than the other. This makes it very difficult to get one pair of boots that fit comfortably.

Many boot manufacturer's use Vibram soles, which- many years ago- I was told are one of the best and a sign of good boots. Also, if a boot includes Goretex, then they have to be good quality as I was assured (again, many years ago) that any product including Goretex has to be well made otherwise the inclusion of Goretex is a complete waste of time. I think that the Goretex manufacturer insists on high build quality for any products that include Goretex.

Beyond that, you have to make sure that you get a comfortable, well-sized pair of boots that are suitable for the purpose. If you intend to use them in this country, then you might like to consider three-season boots, but I can't say whether they will be too thick and therefore hot for use in other countries.

IMHO, if you want a decent pair of boots, depending on which type you choose, you should be looking to spend a minimum of £50 and I usually spend nearer £90 when I buy three-season boots.

A quick Google brought up this- http://www.walkandramble.co.uk/expert-a ... -help.html - which appears to be a pretty thorough article, although you might like to explore some issues in greater depth.

Stupid question:

Does it have to be boots? There are lots of alternatives these days and tbh for travelling (something I'm considering myself atm) I'd want something a little more versatile. For example, plenty of places you could use a good pair of boots here, but it's too bloody hot most of the time AND what do you do in the evening when you want to go to dinner in the fiver star hotel I'm currently sitting in?

For travelling, one pair of shoes would be a distinct advantage IMO.

I've got a pair of Scarpa scrambling shoes - the technical term is 'approach shoes' I believe - and a very good pair of Brasher hiking boots. As above, I wouldn't demand you buy the same but I can say both have proved comfortable and hard wearing for me. Brasher are also a British company, if that matters at all.

Jon

thats why I was thinking shoes may be preferable ,wasnt planning on walking from here to CapeTown.

I have a pair of La Sportiva trainers which whilst they aren't technically approach shoes would be very comfortable for walking on flat terrain and even some more rocky bits:

http://www.lasportiva.com/catalogue/cat ... anguage=EN

I've a pair of Scarpa Rangers and I love them, they did set me back 100 quid but were worth it.

Thanx gives me somewhere to start............

Gadget show did a boot item a couple of years ago. IIRC salomons came out top - not really a "boot" more a heavy trainer. There reviews often a bit trivial, but \I think this was a good one.

Not really the same thing, but my salomon snowboard boots are fantastic. If their shoes are as good, they'd be a good bet.

IMO Meindl boots are top quality and comfortable.

+1 to Meindl

I got a pair of these (light hiking shoes not boots, can't remeber the exact model) about a year ago and I practically live in them, very comfortable and durable but just light enough for more casual use too.