UKC

Hi folks, the time has finally come to retire my trusty Scarpa walking boots (approx 15 years old), the soles are worn smooth, there is very little cushioning and they are not as waterproof as they once were so although all of these issues could be addressed it is just delaying the inevitable.

Soooooo, does anyone have any recommendations for knowledgable retailers in the Sheffield area who have a decent selection of 3 season hill walking boots (no crampons) to actually try on. I  am veering towards good old fashioned leather but am open to persuasion  ( (c) J Armatrading ) but good advice is more valuable than a cheap pricetag.

Thanks GS

Outside would always be my go to option. 

I'd suggest a visit to Foothills, not far from the Works.
(But they're a little bit off the beaten path and easily missed.)

https://goo.gl/maps/61rR5HSnb5mEz6K59

E2A: They take bookings for boot fittings, if you want to spend time trying on lots of boots it would probably be worth giving them a bell to make an appointment.

This might be controversial but I got my last boots from Sports Direct (in Derby, but sure Sheffield will have one), they had a really wide selection of boots and sizes to choose from and I was really glad to try so many on and pick some that felt really comfortable. I actually went from Scarpa (which I found really uncomfortable unfortunately) to Karrimor, which have been ace.

Hi Jenny,   Thanks for thre suggestion, Outside was my first thought but their range seems a bit limited and I have had a mixed experience with them in the past.

Foothills ! Good call, I had forgotten about them, as you say they are somewht hidden away. They may indeed be where I sourced my original Scarpas !

Whilst you may indeed get a bargin at Sports Direct, I'm not sure I would get many valuable insights into the best boots for long Scottish days  from the bored seventeen year old dressed from  head to toe in lurid Adidas/Lonsdale/Puma etc etc  (my apologies if I am stereotyping )

In defence of sports direct (there’s a phrase I never thought I’d use…) my recent experience of some outdoor specialist shops did not guarantee all that much wisdom or knowledge in relation to boot choice.  Admittedly that was related to new B-rated boots for winter, but still! 

Totally agree, sports direct (or go outdoors) might be ok if you know how to fit boots and exactly what model suits your needs. But for most people you want a proper knowledgeable fitting service, for which I would never trust either of them.

I've always been a fan of Cotswolds. 15 miles away however. Whilst I don't think I have specifically been to the one in Bakewell, all the others I have visited have always been really helpful and are quite happy to let you wonder around the shop for as long as you need testing their boots.

They are also good with returns if you buy and test around the house and don't get on with them.

For me that's what's most valuable, the no rush, take you take here if you need me approach.

Go Outdoors in Wakefield? As noted above, you’ll be distinctly short of expert advice and fitting skills there, but they do have a reasonable range of boots.

Hathersage Outside is easy from Sheffield by public transport, if that helps. You could try your luck, if you don't like anything it wouldn't be too much time lost to have a cuppa and go home again

I went to Outside recently and they had  a wide range as always and, crucially, unlike Go Outdoors, they had  all the sizes + they knew what they were talking about.

Which was nice...