UKC

Anyone got any recommendations on where to purchase a pair of B2/B3 mountain boots from. I`ve been told of the importance of getting the correct size and shape rather than style, but I don`t know anywhere which has highly skilled staff that I would trust enough to measure my feet (only got Cotswold locally). If anyone has had a great experience with any particular shop or staff with buying boots can you please let me know. I live 20 miles north of London, but don`t mind travelling if it`s worth it. Any replies most welcome.

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: I found Sonw and Rock had a speciliast, who really knew climbing and mountaineering. GoOutdoors were helpful, but clueless. I haven't been to Cotswold looking for boots, as the range was covered by the other two shops.

Hi,

LOL, actually I work at the Cotswolds in St Albans, and we are not all jummies! It's just a fact that there's not that many mountaineers working in shops in Hertfordshire, so it depends allot on the member of staff who is working that day. I'd help you out, but I'm climbing and trekking in the Himalayas for the next few months (I'm writing this from India). If you have been in there and not found a mountaineer to speak to my best advice would be to try the shop at the Castle climbing centre in north London (I think it's the same shop as West Way). Every time I've been in there they've really known their shit and had some shiny gear.

If you really want to speak to staff who are climbers and can travel anywhere then go to where the climbing is. I know for a fact that Cotswolds in Keswick and Bewts y Coed and Manchester have some hardcore climbers as staff, some of whom are in mountain rescue. There's also V12 in Llanberis and Needle Sports in Keswick who are probably the best climbing stores in England and Wales (In my humble oppinion). Can't remember what Needle Sports range of winter boots is like.

I've tried to be impartial, hope that helps.

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: Don't dismiss Cotswold, especially the Cirencester branch, where you can book a slot where they'll spend ages fitting you correctly.
Also, Peglers of Arundels dedicated bootshop is highly recommended

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: Another Vote for Cotswold. Recently brought some B2 boots from them and they took time to measure my feet correctly (with and without thick socks) and give good advice. It did help that I had spoken to various trusted friends before hand to get a few opinions so any questions I had where answered sensibly and supported the opinions of my friends.

PS. This was the Brummie branch

In reply to imkevinmc:

Peglers in Arundel is very good. If you see Dave Pegler he is good, they also had a wide range of style when I was there a few years ago - much wider than many chain stores, including some more unusual brands you don't see at them...

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: Another vote for Dave Pegler. I made the trip down from London (not far on the train out of Waterloo or Victoria, can't remember which) but well worth it and Arundel is a pretty little place. He'll look after you well.

In reply to mantlej: Yes, if you can, make a day of Arundel. But give them a ring and expalin your needs, especially if you're travelling on a Saturday. Shame to go all that way and find they can't give you the time you need

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!:

There's Mountain Feet, in Oldham, they love the whole boot fitting thing.

In reply to bigmrphil:

Not anymore, it seems - you'll need to go to the Westway to get boots now. This is the best place bar none for Sportiva Nepals, but if you need something different I'd add another recommendation Peglers.

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!:
Good advice and help in the shop is important, but so is trying different makes of boot, built on different lasts. Ring ahead and ask what stock they have in your size (+ and - 1 size) of what makes/models.
My feet are too wide for a Sportiva boot, but Scarpas generally feel great FOR ME.
Personally, Scarpa Charmoz are just about the best boot I've ever owned, and come out for everything I do except steep Ice Climbing (Scarpa Jorasses then)
Ultimately the best person to fit boots for you is yourself - don't be afraid to spend 20minutes walking round the shop browsing whilst wearing new boots, and be sure if they press in the shop, they're going to kill on the hill.
Enjoy the shopping!

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: As another member of staff for Cotswolds (oh nooo!) I would reccomend heading down. We dont have the best range of Winter boots in all our stores, but even if you head in and get your feet measured it will be worth it, and again it does depend who serves you (like any shop i suppose!) Measuring feet is pretty much the first thing were all trained on and to quite a good standard (if i do say so myself). If there is a particular boot your after and you know what region your foot size will be give the store a ring first and see what their stock is, were always happy to pull stock in from other stores for people to try on.

I also second the comments of previous posts on this thread that Snow and Rock have a nice specialist range, and Needle sports is Keswick are wicked!

In reply to Burty21: most boot companies do sale or return on most footwear, particularly mountain boots. Cotswolds have the power to use this facility if asked nicely. so if there is a high end boot your after then they can usually get hold of it if they are brought into the country by the distributor.

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!:

If you get anywhere near Hampshire, Barkers in Ringwod (www.barkers-ringwood.co.uk) is about as good as it gets for boots...

In reply to imkevinmc:

I agree. The Harrogate shop has always been good.

It also depends who you get on the day. My wife went for boots in another shop and we had show the assistant how to get the display crampon off the boot for it to be tried on. She liked the boots, but decided to go back when the 'boot specialist' was in and bought another boots as a result.

In reply to uncontrollable:

Couldn't agree more. Steve will sort you out with the boots that suit your feet and not what is fashionable. He spent a total of 6 hours sorting my mate and I out for the Alps and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: George Fishers at Keswick, brilliant boot fitting dept. lots of experience and lots of boots, used them on B2/B3 boots and B0 boot fitting. worked every time.

In reply to NeillyBonkers!!!!: hi cotsworlds in St Albans are v good