Six months ago I purchased a new pair of work boots from the on-line retailer we all know and love. I try to make a point of buying British but I don't carry this to excess. I shop in Aldi, Lidl occasionally big supermarkets for stuff the former don't stock. I buy French cheese etc. Now these boots were made in Northampton and advertised with leather uppers and a waterproof sole and welt. At £30.00p I considered them a bargain.
They are uncomfortable and absolute rubbish, I couldn't bear to throw them out but last week when trench foot became a persistent problem I ventured into Hogg's. Hogg's manufacture boots here in Fife but one has to be careful; prices can be in excess of £200.00p per pair. That would be too expensive for me even if I only had one leg or learn't to hop everywhere. I got a beautiful pair of new boots. They are comfortable, leather, have a special lining to stop my feet stinking, steel toe caps and a steel shank in the sole.
I ought to have taken their portrait prior to wearing them but I have given them a clean and so far not spattered them with weld, angle grinder sparks, diesel or hydraulic oil. The muck is mostly a mixture of Type1 and pig shit. £60.00p for the pair so I'm happy and have dry feet.
The leaves are falling at long last, it's a grand sunny day and all is well with the world.
The leaves are falling at long last, it's a grand sunny day and all is well with the world.
AUTUMN LEAVES.
Have a good Guy Fawkes night. Pity we can't find a replacement. Blowing up the swamp that is Westminster is long overdue.
Have fun.
I'm a real miser when it comes to purchasing footwear, Adrian. I suspect that I've never paid more than £20 for a pair of shoes or boots! Sometimes I get lucky and find a pair that lasts for many years (just thrown away a pair of leather boots that were in regular use for twenty years). Sometimes I'll only get 6 months out of a pair, however, - like the pair of walking boots I bought from 'Go Outdoors' when I forgot to pack my boots when I went to Scotland this year.
ReplyDeleteGreat autumn scene in that last image. Best wishes - - - Richard
Richard, Don't call in at Hogg's £20.00p is change there but they do do heavy denim jeans that last as long as Levi's but better as they are cut in old men's shapes. They are £30.00p.
DeleteJust a quick composite of falling leaves but thank you.
Our work buys the same boots. They almost crippled my toes. The only decent heavy boot was Doc.Martins but they fall apart now they're made in India
DeleteDouglas these Hoggs are good and CAT boots are said to be okay. I think everyone sells CAT boots but here Reekie Tractors sell them in Cupar.
DeleteLike Richard I tend to go for 'bargain' prices. Similar results with shoes. Some last years, others months. I do hate breaking in new shoes, tend to aggravate my gout if they are too stiff.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you have to be careful but these should last a couple of years so will work out cheaper. If they rust, bust, pick up dust I can take them back they are only made a couple of miles away.
DeleteThe farrier has done you proud Adrian, they should keep you trotting along for a good few furlongs!
ReplyDeleteIt must be that time of year? I'm off tomorrow to buy a new pair of walking boots, I've had my current pair for almost 2 years to the week, they've covered quite a few miles in that time and performed well...up until a couple of days ago, when I went walking in some long wet grass and ended up 'sloshing' my way back home!!
The cost of walking is getting dearer though..£130 two years ago, and the same ones now...£153!...{;o(
I wonder if the increase is because of Brexit or despite Brexit. I have stopped buying good walking boots as I don't walk far enough.
DeleteThese seem a good buy so far. Got to go and start a naughty Kubuto diesel now but will pop plastic bags on over the new boots.
I have so many shoes !!!I wonder why !!
ReplyDeleteyou wear your boots a long time I see and the news are
great !
Marty, I am bad with shoes and clothes as I always forget to change new for old before work. Ladies always have lots of shoes.
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