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Boots

Scarpa boots are usually excellent. Those that I've owned (Manta) lasted a good fifteen years. They aren't the lightweights like the Brashers I've seen and they don't have the soft foam sole that some of the Brashers do.
 
I have used Scarpa SL's in their various guises for nearly twenty years now. Got through three pairs and five re soles. Great all round mountaineering boot, can be used with flexible crampons. More or less the gold standard for summer mountaineering and winter walking in Scotland or the Alps. Much too good for fishing in.....although at the price shown on that site I would get 'em. My last pair, brought around seven years ago, cost more than that.

Best get some decent in-soles as unless they have changed, Scarpa in soles are thin and don't give that much support. The leather on Scarpa SL's is very thick and last a good long time. Get them a size bigger than usual is you are going to wear in the winter to take thick socks-
 
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I don't fish in mine either. prefer trainers or sandals in the summer and wellies or high topped army boots in the winter. Mountaineering boots are great for walking and scrambling over tricky ground, but less good for sloshing through rivers and getting covered in mud. The thick leather on Scarpas also takes ages to dry once soaked through and although very water proof, they aren't very high so unless you never set foot in the river they will get wet through regularly.
 
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I have had Brashers and two pairs of Meindl boots over the years, got these Scarpas three years ago and they are fantastic, use them for fishing, walking,etc and they are still like new:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarpa-Trek-GTX/dp/B001HQR59U

As Pete says get a full size bigger, I had my feet properly measured and that was recomended, allows your feet to spread fully under load and also wear thicker socks. I wear proper hiking socks with a heavily padded foot, summer and winter (different weights for each), it combats the lack of a slf moulding insole although you could add a memory foam insole......
 
I've bought a pair of Brashers Hillmaster GTX off ebay brand new for 70 quid, and I must say they are excellent. I use mine for fishing and most of the walking is through boggy farms.I would invest in maybe a thermal insole or decent sock as I did find them quite cool, on a late night session.The waterproof quality are spot on, but you need to nik wax them after every use. I personally would research the boots you are after on walking and climbing site,s, as they give a good indication of which boots are best. Also try Go outdoors,as they have a offer on the brashers this week ,and can also give you expert advice on which boot would suite you. Good luck steve.:)
 
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