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Hi everyone,

as the thread states: I'm in the market for a new pair of hiking boots.

I'm having a pair of Beck's which might still last me for the better part of the year, but I'm intending to buy a pair & walk them "in" before some serious hiking.

Haven't decided what I want to spend, but I want a proper hiking boot this time around. Is thaere a store that I can buy some (more serious) Scarpas?

Heard the Montrails are pretty good too. How about the Torre GTX?

Any other suggestions?

Thank you.

Jacques

Haven't used either brand personally, but they seem to be reputable. I know Drifters in Joburg have stocked Montrails before. You could also try Hikers Paradise in Centurion, if you can get there. Haven't been to either store for a while, so not sure what they have in stock. Check out mountainmailorder.co.za, they have a pair of old style Torre GTX's on special currently. Check out www.mammothoutdoor.co.za for some Scarpas. Let me know what you land up getting and where, since I'll be scouting around for new boots too in the next while.

From what I know (used to sell hiking boots a while back), the Montrail Torre GTX are fairly lightweight i.e. not as rugged as some Scarpa's. I would use them for light trekking - a few days in 'Berg at the limit. I decided on a pair of Asolo Flame GTX (found on gumtree for R1500) as they seemed a bit more robust and supportive. However, it looks like the soles won't last very long on these and would suggest a boot with Vibram soles (based on past experience). Take a look at the La Sportiva Makalu when you're in CT - I think mountainmailorder has them...They're old, but bullet-proof.

Good luck

Thanx for those replies so far. Checked on mammothoutdoor & mountainmailorder. At Drifters & phoned Hikers Paradise.

Seems like the LA Sportiva Karakorum with Gortex www.mammothoutdoor.co.za/la-sportiva-karakorum-mens-mountaineering-boot-p31995.html

or the LA Sportiva Makalu www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=469

or the La Sportiva Val Di Fem at Drifters (R3 300) are the "best" money investments for boots.

The Montrails has a different rubber lining along the "bend-side" of the boot & I'm pretty sure it'll start to deteriorate there quite quickly.

Will let you guys know on what I've decided.

PS: Has anyone tried to import boots from (eg.) Italy or the USA?

I'd opt for the Karakoram GTX for that kind of money. Global warming = more rain! However, I would still look on gumtree, climb.co.za etc. A guy bought my Asolo's in from the States (He paid $210, plus duties and postage) and they were too small! That's why I got them for R1500 brand new!

These boots are half the price overseas - we get ripped badly here. But, the risks of incorrect sizing are high.

I bought a pair of Salomon scs Gtx last year and so far they have been bomb proof. They are light weight , comfi , breathable and very supportive. Ive used them in the Berg during very wet days and in the Fish River Canyon and my feet have stayed dry.I use their trail running shoes to and im very happy with them. They are becoming a bit of a "yuppie" brand but there older boots I still find good. is there any reason this brand has been left out?