The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Boot Selection - My Top 5

[@SkullSnax]

Man it’s so great to see you getting some joy talking about stuff you love and not just stuck chatting football. Keep up the good work.

[@Howson-IRL]

I appreciate that!

[@stephenharris5519]

I’ve only just started walking and one thing I will say is the £40 pair I got recently are a 1000% increase on wearing normal footwear. So if you are a beginner just wanting to see how you get on then grab a cheap pair and see if it’s for you. Keep up the good work Ste.

[@RamblingTog]

GTX Gortex

[@virob9561]

Just to clarify mate, GTX stands for goretex lined. Boots are classified from B1-B3 with B1 being slightly stiff summer boots (the adidas here are B0) and the Mantas are B2 which are stiff (to take a C1 or C2 crampon) and usually insulated. B3 are like your Scarpa Phantom Tech full alpine mountaineering boots and they will take a C2 or C3 crampon. Just to note on the B2 boots, they have a ledge on the heel which allows a C2 crampon (such as the Grivel G12 to clip on securely. For winter in the UK, you need B2s for all the reasons you stated. But for scrambling and summer stuff all these are quality. Love this stuff mate, UTR

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@ogmc4152]

This is a total 180° from paddock and i love it. The information hints & tips are spot on. Just want to thank you for inspiring me to get out to the grampian mountains and start walking the munros. Much appreciation!

[@anthony1234dunne1]

Think you mean 180° ( 360° would be a full turn, you'd be back at the same spot). The IRL stuff is great

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate!

[@ogmc4152]

@@anthony1234dunne1 lol your right mate my brain hadn't woke up then Cheers 👍

[@davidrichardson5966]

Nice video. Would you be able to do a video about insoles / footbeds? I have used various and am interested in other people's views.

[@anthony1234dunne1]

Love these, as someone who'd love to get into a more outdoor life these are great for me as a beginner.

[@Howson-IRL]

More videos to come! Get yourself outdoors.

[@DWillis7]

I also have the Quest 4s. Epic boot. Unbelievably light. Almost like trainers in terms of weight and comfort. Nice to see the army made a good decision regarding an issued boot too with the Akus. I have a pair of the Altberg Defenders as a winter boot, but I pretty much never wear them anymore due to their weight. Quest 4s all the way for me.

[@Howson-IRL]

100% with ya.

[@welshhillwalking]

La Sportiva TX4 - comfy out of the box.

[@lawrencebuckley4750]

My go to has always been Lowa gtx.

[@kfaposse]

another cracking vid Ste - top content - I was a bit worried by that sheep giving you the eye then it high tailed it out of there!!!

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks 👍

[@mikeporter2284]

What a tremendous video. Some of these products are completely new to me. Do a few more reviews on other bits of kit. Thanks.

[@Howson-IRL]

More to come!

[@limericklad2000]

Been wearing nothing but Salomon's for years. Bought a new pair before I went on my honeymoon and they did me proud for two weeks in the Bornean jungle.

[@Wut3225]

I still love my old Lowa patrol boots. Lowa just seem to fit my foot shape better than most others.

[@pattisserieliulau7684]

Palladium is best for me

[@PhilBerry83]

I love all this type of stuff Ste! I wear the scarpa mistral GTX (goretex) I’ve done over 150 miles in these and there’s not even a mark them, brilliant video!

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate!

[@jackcurley7874]

I got a pair of Hoka hiking boots for hiking the mountain they are very good for people like meself that has wide feet . There was no breaking them in the fit like a glove straight away and have big souls in them so you barely feel any rocks when your walking over them

[@samfoxon1448]

As someone only just getting into hiking and trail walking, i bought a pair of Adidas Terrex. I love them. I think you sacrifice the longevity of a higher quality boot, but for comfort they're awesome. I've done short trials and climbed Ben Nevis in them. All weathers. Maybe an upgrade is needed for the more challenging climbs. But I would always recommend them as a first time pair.

[@Angrybillbo]

Good vid Ste thanks, think I’ll choose one of these boots soon. Will you cover any other clothing items for hiking/walking ?

[@Howson-IRL]

That's the plan!

[@robpalmer1256]

AKU Pilgrims are what I was Issued, I know wear them for work and agree totally, reliable and comfy. Scarpa are my other go to boots especially for winter mountain or scrambling I grab the Ribellos every time.

[@tonylomas9773]

I have a pair of Salomons. No idea of the particular model but look like yours. They are the best boots I’ve had. Only hike in the UK a couple of times a year and they have been excellent for a few years now. The thing I like best over my old cheaper boots is the soles and the grip they provide on wet rocks.

[@Howson-IRL]

Good choice!

[@henrysmith5413]

Great review. I used the Salomon Quests across the Haute Route, Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro Summit. They have a winter version as well which is warmer. Very comfortable and suitable for all the great approach treks. I wish I had worn them to K2 base camp but used the Scarpa Mantas because we were to go over then Gondogoro La pass and needed crampons, the Scarpa were too firm for the approach trek and I got a nasty blister from them. I should have carried them and used them only for the climb, but might have got away with it with a better fit.

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely stunning review man, this looks and feels amazing! 👏👏

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks mate!

[@wayne3078]

I have leather Hi Tec summit I bought them when I began walking to see if I liked hiking since then I’ve had 3 pairs I love them. Also bought some Hoka walking boots last year and they’re unbelievably comfortable but I have found the sole wore through quickly which was disappointing

[@-zerocool-]

Trying to find a waterproof boot with good wet stone grip, so hard to find. Great video.

[@Howson-IRL]

Hope we helped!

[@viva396]

Great video Ste 👍. I currently use the Scarpa Maverick GTX hiking boots. Bought them when I started to work through the wainwright fells last year and so far found them to be a great pair of boots. Got a great deal on them at a website called Sports shoes (like £100 off the rrp - probably due to them being a size 12 and therefore leftover stock) but I also find Sports Pursuit to be a great website for discounted outdoor gear

[@jasonbridge4204]

Great video, really good advice. Boots are expensive, so this really helps with decision making on what pair to purchase. Any advice on waterproof jackets? I struggle to find one that keeps rain out....but is breathable, so you don't end up soaked in sweat.....as that kinda defeats the object.

[@vladimirtheredsun]

Good content. Thank you!

[@J-Walks-007]

Great info as per Ste!👍 I’m 99 Wainwrights into my Scarpa Gtx pro’s & love em with a passion, in the summer though I go Lonepeak Altra 8’s paired with sealskinz socks to move fast & light👌 zero drop/wide toe box…it’s like hiking in slippers 😂😂 Thanks for sharing

[@Wildernessoutside]

I always use a scarpa trek gtx great boot and comfy straight out of the box only gripe I’ve had with scarpa is the uk customer service is crap , summer time I use trail runners like the altra loam peak 4 or 5s but looking at getting a pair of norda 001s and giving those a try

[@Coopdegras]

I've had a pair of Altberg for a while they're hard wearing comfortable plenty of ankle movement but I've been trekking/hiking even snowmobiling in the they're just a bit heavy on long walks but that weight almost aids me with the walking.

[@stephenwilson5453]

Great video again Stephen. Are the Palladium’s waterproof with them being canvas. Can you do a video about Gloves. My hands are always freezing. I’ve tried all sorts and none have been suitable, or can you just give me a recommendation. Cheers keep up the great videos 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

Great suggestion mate! Thanks.

[@Chili-Tom]

Some good boots there, I have the Salomon's myself and they are just so well made and last years. Love the look of the Adidas ones, I do a lot of tabbing in my own time and usually use the issued AKU ( Pronounced Ah-Koo btw) but I think I might try the Adidas for moving fast and shuffling/ boot runs. Used to have a pair of Altberg sneakers but they wore out fast.

[@remyphilly5168]

I had a pair of Wind River boots thag lasted me almost 10 years. I did tons of walking in Iceland and Alberta Montana Idaho Oregon Ontario Quebec Washington State and British Columbia. Not to mention used them as winter boots in between all those trips.

[@625Joe]

Nice vid, straight talking from someone who’s actually used the boots at work and as a civi. 👍🏼 I’m a Meindl fan and have had a few pairs which fit me nicely and fit all seasons. I’ve also had the Aku boots, but they felt a little narrow. Really good, lightweight, grippy and you can move fast in them. I also found them a bit hard work on roads and hard packed routes. Now looking at the Salomon Quest 4 gtx…🤔 Great review. 👍🏼

[@Howson-IRL]

Yeh if I could have any criticism of the AKU it’s on tarmac or hard surface they’re a little hard. But when you think what they’re meant to be for - ie not that - it makes sense. I’ve been wearing the Adidas Terrex boots on some hard standing of late. They’re decent. But lack the grip if you go anywhere muddy

[@billcalland]

Hi Steve what insoles do you use how is the defender going

[@andytudor6377]

Great content, appreciated 👍

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks for watching!

[@MyDaz1979]

Which of these would you advise for a wide foot thanks

[@Fearwolf2013]

I'm interested in the Adidas

[@danpena3631]

I currently have a pair of Merrell hiking boots which I use for bush camping and hiking in Australia… very comfy, offer enough support and warmth in the Aussie winter 😂 I know it’s not that cold

[@AntoJones]

I've a wide foot to I have the Sketchers Relment Pelmo, a relaxed fit. Also have a pair of Adidas Juniper Trail 2 goretex trail running shoes for a dryer easier trail. They are unreal and super lightweight. Hiking in Ireland so we've about 80% rolling hills with bog 😅 and 20% rugged sharper inclines.

[@xxiiivii]

Not specific for hiking but the lowa combat GTX are fantastic boots

[@999zahra]

Gucci Army boots you have there Steve, I still have my 2 pairs of boots with my demob kit minus the cheesegrater insoles.

[@Vow247]

Whats good if I need a wide toe box?

[@Pionerah]

Hi ste great content. I noticed all the boots are textile and not leather. Is there any reason for this? or have you just not found a good leather boot that suits your feet. Coming from somebody who's using Quest4d and/or Scarpa delta

[@tomwhitmore]

What insoles do you buy?

[@1968hvr]

Hey buddy, what brand is that shirt

[@Howson-IRL]

ThruDark

[@buffywhatever1093]

Adidas Terrex are super comfy, but they have to work on the toe box, even after a few hundred miles, they begin to develop holes where the toes bend. Salomon are tougher and understand the market. Hybrid walking boot/trainer seem to be the popular choice now and great for most terrains in the uk. Ignore approach shoes, they’re a waste of money. Go flexible, GTX, and shop around for bargains!

[@Howson-IRL]

I've still not managed to dip a toe into trail shoes/trainers just yet.

[@buffywhatever1093]

@@Howson-IRL Yeah, they seem to be gaining a lot of traction, which is unsurprising, as people want kit that’s not too cumbersome. From my personal experience, you go hiking boot or you go trail trainer, like you said in the video, choose the right kit for the right terrain. Tidy video. Cheers.

[@Howson-IRL]

@@buffywhatever1093 Think I've been indoctrinated by the green machine to wear boots no matter what.

[@buffywhatever1093]

@@Howson-IRL Quite right 👍👍

[@Scottuz]

I had a Pair of Meindl hiking boots, bought from the boot of a mates car, for £15? with Crampon fixings, waterproof 100% leather, inner sock, Great pair of boots lasted me for decades, used them regularly, for shooting, lamping but they disappeared years ago, into the Black hole, of missing things

[@SteMilne]

Grip is the key factor for me. Had a lovely pair of Haglofs but the grip on wet rocks was poor. Scarpas are my current go-to boots... Although those AKUs look pretty nice 🤔

[@philipjolly6297]

Great video, not sure if it’s been mentioned, but Salomon is owned by Adidas, I believe.

[@Howson-IRL]

Thanks for the info!

[@GreenandGold]

Can anyone confirm if the Saloman is true to size or shall I be going up a size? Cheers!

[@bigsmoke5219]

How do the Aku’s fit? True to size, or need to size up/down?

[@JamesTopham-t4y]

I size up as narrow boots

[@kfaposse]

One more thing - how about detailing how you break a boot in properly and what you use for insoles/laces/socks/blister protection

[@Howson-IRL]

Good suggestion!

[@MegaCatfish88]

All have Gortex hence the gtx.

[@robertmansell3667]

Alt-bergs all day for me on serious days,British company that supplies the military,great fitting and repair service.for bog standard easy walks I’ll wear pretty much any lightweight boots.GTX =Goretex which is something I’m not keen on in boots tbh.

[@MrSprtaylor]

Try the Salewa brand, CROW GORE-TEX® MEN'S SHOES best boots I have bought since my military days ;-)😮

[@michealjemeljanow488]

Gtx is goretex mate

[@JB-td9fz]

La sportiva are the Goat

[@propanbutan4634]

I can't find that adidas model anywhere. What is the model? Thx

[@Howson-IRL]

It's on the screen at 2:45, my friend

[@propanbutan4634]

​@Howson-IRL thank you

[@GreatestCornholio]

I’m totally wary of Salomon boots now after I had to return the last pair. They leaked horrifically from just walking through wet grass. Unfortunately I was already 2 days into a hike and had no choice but to continue. It rained for the next 3 days and my feet were soaked the remainder hike 😖

[@Savazhe]

I'm sure someone's already said it, but GTX is Gore-Tex

[@matt6477]

Great video. Watch out for Salomon - I think the quality has dropped 👍

[@Montana909]

GTX could be GORE-TEX.

[@Howson-IRL]

Could be indeed...

[@Matthewhew30]

I’m hearing a lot that Salomon boots have dropped in quality in recent times. Have you found that to be the case?

[@dutchman8758]

Got Altberg defenders, look a bit of a twat in the summer with em though 😂

[@Rjm231]

Comment dropped

[@bargepoled]

Had a pair of GTX 4's for years. Solomon replaced them twice under warranty because they ripped up. . I wouldn't buy them again as they tend to rip once worn in and get damp at the obvious weak spots where the toe box bends. Top of the range Karrimor are half the price and just as waterproof.

[@bargepoled]

Anyone need a giggle look for "Keith flints camping shop review". It's hilarious.

[@Northernerdownsouth]

Asolo Fugitive. Literally bombproof. I’ve worn almost every brand available. I used to love Meindl and Lowa but both are terrible quality nowadays. The Asolo can do it all. Short dog walk to Ben Nevis. I walk them on Dartmoor through bogs and on the beaches on the southwest coastal path. Brilliant boots. The other brand which are very comfortable and have a range is Brandecosse (Dieme rebrand). Very tough. Aku are terrible for support. Good for a path or assault course. Terrible anywhere else. Imo, the Haix were better and not much heavier

[@Howson-IRL]

Great shout

[@Tops1212]

GTX= Goretex

[@brianeamens6135]

Gtx probs Gore-Tex

[@einzelganger7245]

Oh didnt know u like hiking too. Come to Nepal for best trekking experience and our country is full of man united fans. Long live mountains long live man united

[@craighogan23782]

Gtx = goretex membrane

[@ssheldon1616]

Love these Ste. IMO, your boot selection is far too rigid for what you are doing. It might be why your feet are always giving you problems. With your condition, you might want to get a gait assessment and likely, orthotics. I use Merrells and Arc’teryx in either boot or low cut, depending on weather, the flexibility is a benefit to me, but understand people wanting the security of a rigid boot due to fear of rolling an ankle. I hike every day in all weather, but also don’t have ankle or foot issues.

[@markjackson6325]

GTX = Gore-Tex

[@robm9658]

Gtx goretex ste 😂

[@MVDP23]

£350 😳

[@Howson-IRL]

That's the problem with specialist boots.

[@MatthewBoulton77]

GTX = Gore-Tex