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A couple of weeks ago I was out walking in the Glenbrook Gorge , just west of Sydney and found that the sole was starting to peel away from my Meindl boots.Ive only had then for 20 odd years and feel as though they are just broken in.
I was horrified, we are off to PNG in 2 months and just when I need them most they start to fall to bits on me.
While I was searching the net for a good boot retailer I came across an article on a Paddy Pallin website about a company in Salisbury Road Hornsby that does hiking boot repairs.
It cost me $45 and they look as good as new and the guy gauranteed me that they were as good as new.I cut and pasted theguys contact details from the Paddy Pallin website.
Nu-Tred
3/12 Salisbury Rd
Asquith
NSW 2077
PH: 02 9477 3944
Fax: 02 9482 1766
Mobile: 0414 424 060Nu-Tred having been providing specialist shoe and boot repairs for 11 years. As well as repairing a wide range of walking and sporting footwear, they specialise in outdoor brands such as Scarpa and Rockport
hi peter , you probably will not like to hear the advice that I am about to give you ,but I think it is time for a new pair of boots. The last thing you would want to have to deal with on the track is a pair of boots that have imploded. Think of where you are going , think of eight or nine days solid trekking with combinations of water, mud, tree roots, twisting/torsion stressing climbs and descents. I love my boots too but before kokoda I parted with my 10 year old Salomon boots and bought a new pair of Rossignol's- great decision. No worries and how the comfort technology has changed. I had no feet problems whatsoever.In the end the choice is yours and you have made it, but that boot repairer( who has given you such a glowing endorsement of his own work) is a long way from imita ridge if your boots do crap themselves.
hey in any case enjoy the trek , you will love it. I hope to go back next year.
PeteI had the same doubts,Im off for a few days of walking next week to give them a bit of a tryout.The guys at Paddy Pallins recommend this guy, so I'll see what happens.
I dont have time to run a new pair of boots in.
This boot repair guy is from germany and reackons he useds the same products the factorys do,I'll suck it and see.He is also a retailer of boots and didnt try to sell me a new pair, such is his faith in his repair capabilitys.Hi Peter,
I would suspect your actions (repair and preference to stay with your existing boots)) are sound given the source of your advice from Paddy Pallin.
I went with my 15 year old Kathmandu Trail boots in 2007. The secret of their longevity is the preservation attention they have constantly received during use, and particularly when not in use.
A regular liberal coating of snowseal has been invaluable.
A member of our group had major problems with his boots, the major cause was that his boots had been bought back into service after many years after sitting in a shed without preservation attention.
His boots eventually got him through though with the help of Plastic ties, spare laces and duct tape.
It is however most inconvenient having to stop every couple of hours for ongoing repairs.
Best wishes for your continuing preparation and your trek , Enjoy.Geoff Hardie
I may have made it sound worse than it was,,it was just the sole starting to seperate, theres no major structural damage or any sought of rot or tears in the fabric.
Well, what can I say. My boots nearly made it, they blew out about 3 hours short of the Goldie River crossing so I finished the trek in sandals and socks. It was awkward to say the least.
My boots are now a permanent part of the track, sitting on a log for the rest of eternity.
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Boots_3.jpgThe next boots I get will be these http://www.kitbag.com.au/category910_1.htm
they are made to Australian milspecs in the USA and are worn by our special forces troops.
My son said a lot of his mates wore them in Iraq when he was there, instead of the issue boots.What would they be like in weight though – would they feel heavy on your feet – being that the special force troops etc use them?
Peter, It seems your boots were in far worse condition than you thought before you started your Kokoda Trek. On your choice for the future, I am not sure if the split grain leather and the DD Diamesh have worthwhile water resistant qualities to make them a good option for Kokoda,. I stand to be corrected though. Of course, any boots will quickly become water logged on Kokoda.
I would have thought conditions in Iraq would be quite a bit different to Kokoda. High ankle support is nevertheless important for Kokoda.
Again, it is what works best for each individual.
Cheers, Geoff Hardie
Hi Fluppy ,the boots are very lightweight, my son has a pair of standard boots which weighed about the same my original boots, these newer ones are a bit lighter. Our special forces guys carry 50kg packs, most of it ammo etc etc, so the rest of the gear they carry has to be lightweight, thats why they buy there own kit, because the issue stuff isnt as good. I know this from experience.
Geoff
Great for use in desert or jungle envoirmentsDetailed Description
The Garmont Multi Terrain T8 boot is unlike any other pair of boots you will ever wear. Starting from the ground up, the boot is equipped with a Super Vibrum sole for maximum traction and stability and maximum shock reduction in nearly all environments or surfaces. Next the T8 is constructed with a tapered nylon woven footboard, on top of that is a custom designed insole. The boot utilizes a foot bed cup system that makes the boot work with the rest of your body providing awesome stability reducing the amount of stress on the ankles and knees. The entry way is constructed with a swept back concept to allow a snug, comfortable, fully supported fit without all the unnecessary padding.
The upper is constructed with abrasion resistant split grain leather combined with dd diamesh for excellent breathing and ventilation. We then use zero optical refraction hardware along with roller bearing and hook less rigging proof hardware to make the T8 operate flawlessly in all operating environments whether is be ground or airborne operations.
Our foot bed cup system combined with our heel retention strapping system allows for maximum stability and support in nearly all conditions and environments. The Garmont T8's lightweight, rugged and durable construction allows this boot to perform amazingly in all conditions. The T8 performs well and dries out rapidly should you work in an amphibious environment or an extremely wet climate.
Desert Sand in Color. Vibram sole for traction, comfort and durability. Complete with quad stitching, heavy duty yet lightweight outer and built to last. This will be the last boot you ever try.
Sizes shown are U.S which is one size up from australian
I.E australian size 9 is U.S 10
All sizes are wide
I can keep them waterproofed myself as well. I'll try them out and see. If they arent suitable I'll give them to my son, he wants a pair.
Editor's Note: Peter, are you planning on walking Kokoda again down the line to buy a new pair of boots or are you planning on heading off on another walk?
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