American here. Forget the outdoorsy stores. Go to a place that sells working-man's shoes and clothing for carpenters, masons, and other roustabouts. Get yourself some shin high boots, gel inserts, and WOOL socks. They won't be as comfy as pricey hiking boots, but they will hold up better than their lightweight cousins, and be protect your ankles in the bargain. -- That said, I do have a pair of weenie hiking boots made by a company called Whites. They are manufactured in ?Romania?, and outperform Chinese boots hands-down. I was shredding Keen boots about every nine monthsI’m after a good pair of tough waterproof leather boots. I have seen a decent looking set of Buckler rigger boots, but am open to suggestions. Have about £100-£130 or so to spend. UK based.
I worked offshore on ships and oil/gas rigs where steel toe-capped rigger boots like the ones you are looking at were mandatory, but IMO they are too uncomfortable for walking any distance. I certainly wouldn't consider hill walking in them. How much walking are you planning on doing and in what terrain ?I’m after a good pair of tough waterproof leather boots. I have seen a decent looking set of Buckler rigger boots, but am open to suggestions. Have about £100-£130 or so to spend. UK based.
I think thats right.Traditional outdoor/hunting boots work. The problem with 'outdoor shops' is that footwear is becoming disposable and running-shoe derived. I recently wanted to replace a pair of Lowa leather hiking boots and had to order them from online shop - the local outdoor shops looked at me and said 'is that a brand of shoes?'. Yes, Lowa is like Scarpa or Garmont ;-)
Hunters, particularly western hunters (in US) still demand burly footwear.
Schnee's this outfit has great boots, I'm sure you can find something along the same lines in EU?