Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog
Brecon Beacons Park Society
www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org

The article shown below is from the Spring 2004 edition of
 THE BEACON

BOOTS ... BOOTS ... BOOTS

  Diana White  takes some advice from John Inns of 'Crickhowell Adventure' 

The ideal time to buy boots is after a walk when your feet are warm.  Take your own thick socks and allow plenty of time - never buy boots in a hurry.  Choose a shop where the staff know what they are talking about, where you can see a selection of good quality designs, and where you can discuss your requirements and be sure of a correct fit.  You will probably need a half size larger boot than you do a shoe.  Buying by mail order is not a good idea as you cannot be sure of quality and fit.
Boots have become lighter with glues replacing stitching and nylon stiffeners replacing steel plates.  The weight of soles has also been reduced with advances in rubber technology.  The sole unit has to balance durability and grip: softer rubbers grip the best but are less durable than harder, heavier rubbers.  Leading manufacturers of soles are Vibram and Skywalk, and their trade names are always featured on their soles.

There are three categories of boots, and your choice will depend on the type of walking you intend to do and the climatic conditions.

l.  FOR TREKKING IN HOT, DRY CLIMATES OR WHERE WET FEET AREN'T A PROBLEM

Suede and nylon (fabric) boots without a waterproof lining are ideal.  They are light and breathe well, which is important in the heat.  Cost: £50 - £60.

2.  FOR UP TO THREE SEASONS (NOT WINTER) HILL WALKING

Suede and nylon (fabric) boots with a waterproof lining, usually Goretex which is breathable, are generally the best choice.  This type of boot is not as light or as breathable as category 1 above, but it will keep your feet dry.  Cost: £80 - £130.

3.  FOR ALL SEASONS HILL WALKING, MOUNTAINEERING, AND ACTIVITIES ON SNOW AND ICE

You will need the best grade leather, traditionally calf with a shiny finish.  However Nubuk leather is being used increasingly for this type of boot.   It has a slightly rougher finish than calf and is also slightly more supple and comfortable which reduces the walking-in period.  Leather is reasonably waterproof but requires regular wax treatment.  There are also lighter weight leather boots with a Goretex lining - the Goretex compensating for the lighter leather to keep  the boot waterproof.  However, for mountaineering and activities on snow and ice, heavier leather boots with stiffeners in the sole are needed to permit the use of crampons.  Cost: £70 - £150.

CARE OF BOOTS

Fabric boots, as categories 1 and 2, need very little care.  If they become caked with mud, wash it off with cold water and leave to dry.  If there is only a small amount of mud on the boots, leave until the mud has dried and then brush off.  With category 2 the water repellancy of the outer fabric can be maintained by spraying with G-Sport.

 Leather boots, as category 3, need to be treated with an appropriate waterproofing and conditioning wax.  These waxes are availabe at outdoor activity shops and are increasingly water-based.

WALKING-IN YOUR NEW BOOTS

Begin with walks on level ground.  Carry a pair of trainers or old boots and change into these if you feel a blister developing.  Modern, lightweight boots are much easier to get used to than the old-style heavy boot, and some companies (e.g. Scarpa) provide wider-lasted boots that are particularly suitable for some British feet.  

Sadly, John Inns died in 2006, whilst walking in the Brecon Beacons National Park.