Altberg Boots - which one do you recommend?
 

Hi there,

I know there's another active thread on boots already, but I'd hope this new thread to be Altberg-specific, since they are fairly popular.

I've pretty much decided on a custom-made Altberg but don't know wether to go waterproof or not. I'm currently planning UK to Sydney, likely on the southern route through Iran & Pakistan.

What's your experience with Altberg shoes? Which one would you recommend?

hoggs
 

waterproof hoggs are the way forward, they are supplied with something called 'lederwax' or something similar and it is good stuff. I clean my boots weekly with the stuff and water just beads and runs off! I wear my boots daily for the last 15,000 miles, never leaked including standing in 6" of muddy water for a while trying to pick up my bike after an 'off' at the UK HU offroad rideout last weekend........my oh my it was WET!!! My only advice is carry extra laces, original set so far but they look a bit rough now...they may let go soon.

Roger.

I've been thinking about a pair of these as well but what are they like comfort wise for walking in ?
Website in case anyone needs it is - Altberg Bootmakers - Richmond, North Yorkshire
Thank you.

I went for the Hogg Microlites, they are not as high as some of their other boots - a bit less protection in an off I suppose, but are not too bulky and can be worn with shorts without looking too silly.

Despite not having a waterproof lining they are totally waterproof (the w/proof lining will make them hotter/sweatier to wear.)

I have had my own personal issues with Altberg but I am growing to really like them & are now my bike boots of choice.

Two points to note are;

* There are 2 types of sole, their traditional & their 'microlite' sole, the microlite is quite thick (a bit bulky for changing gear) & foam based but are lighter.
Their traditional sole is not as thick, a bit heavier but has no shock absoprtion at all, kinda 'jarrs' the legs & back when walking.

* There are different midsoles available, as standard their bike boots come with a very stubborn midsole, good for crush protection, not very good for walking as they reduce flex & strains the foot after a while, I went for the most flexible midsole.

This is only my opinion & hope that it helps

Phil

I went for the waterproof Hoggs (Hogg All Weather) and have been really chuffed with them. I've found there's plenty enough feel for riding with enough support for walking. I don't do mega hikes but have scrabbled/walked for up to 6 hours with no problems ranging from hot/dry to cold/wet.
I went for the All Weather ones as I'd rather be too hot than too cold - maybe I'm a wimp but it's a discomfort that's easier to cope with!
The main thing I'd say is to get some decent socks. With the All Weather you don't need to worry about thick socks - they can be pretty thin but obviously moisture wicking would be a good idea if you're worried about sweaty feet!

High Bandog Desert boot for me. Thin socks and a waterproof overboot, though not needed them yet

John

hogg lite orig for me
 

chose them cause i´m australian and don´t need to deal with super low temps at home.
i recommend not purchasing boots with goretex linings if you´ll be in hot climates because they are just too hot. i carry a pair of goretex socks to put on in case it get either really cold or wet. works well.
i would highly recommend the boots from altberg but found the company´s customer service lacking.
make sure you give them plenty of time to make your boots, or maybe just don´t order them in the northern summer - this could have added to the delay in delivery time for me.
grouse boots though. wokr well for hiking up to several hours a day as far as i have tested them so far.
andy.

Altberg Hogg All Weather are THE boots. Good for riding, walking, hiking, for anything. :)

Here's my full review of Altberg Hogg All Weather boots

My Hogg All weather lasted for 10 years of almost daily used, polished with Ledergrease about once a month they were totally waterproof for about 7 years before they started to leak. They are comfortable for walking in, Altberg make a very similar hiking boot which is just a shorter version I would highly recommend them. I have since bought another pair and am just squeezing the last out of the first pair when it is dry.

I have the ultralite Hoggs and love them to pieces. Unfortunately my Ledergris leaked once I hit the hot countries and 2 years of no Ledergris has left them quite cracked. I'm glad I went for the non waterproof variety. I wear seal skin socks in terrible weather, but even now they leak in torrential persistent rain.

An unexpected bonus has been that the black boots are perfect for working in security and hospitality.. So comfy I can do a 12hr security shift on my feet the whole time and my feet are fine. I did get a pair of the swartz footless thrown in and they feel grand. My soles are starting to wear thin.. The toe strap on the gear change foot needs restitching and i've worn a big hole on the heel.. Today I'll take them to the hobblers for repairs and maybe get another year out of them..