{"id":179,"date":"2013-02-07T21:58:21","date_gmt":"2013-02-07T21:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.greencraft.me.uk\/blog\/?p=179"},"modified":"2013-12-08T18:43:40","modified_gmt":"2013-12-08T18:43:40","slug":"these-boots-are-made-for-bushcraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.greencraft.me.uk\/blog\/?p=179","title":{"rendered":"These boots are made for…..Bushcraft"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThe kit we use in the woods is a very personal matter and no item more so than the footwear we choose. And it\u2019s not just in the woods \u2013 work shoes (when I was a chef) and, of course, running shoes when I was pounding pavements and running marathons.<\/p>\n

Over the years I have tried a lot of clothing and footwear, everything from army surplus boots, to traditional walking boots and everything in-between. Like most people I have researched my purchases, looked at what other people use and looked at what the outdoor \u201ccelebs\u201d and guru\u2019s use. I have used boots from all sorts of manufacturers: Lowa, Miendhl, Lundhags, Merrel, Nike, Zamberlan, etc,etc. Hunting boots, walking boots, approach shoes, cross trainers \u2013 you name them, I have probably tried them \u2013 even Crocs!!!
\nWhen I was working for Bison Bushcraft, Roger and I designed a boot especially for bushcraft. We were looking for something light that allowed you to feel the world around you, the idea was for an \u201cenclosed flip-flop\u201d, a simple shoe with no raised heel (this simplistic idea seems to have taken off with the advent of \u201cbare-foot\u201d& \u201cminimalist\u201d shoes). While very good, they were not the \u201cideal\u201d for year round use and had a slight flaw in the design.
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One thing that become apparent is that no one pair of boots can be suitable for all conditions in our world of bushcraft.
\nSo what is the answer?
\nI looked at the clothing I use in the woods (more specifically \u2013 what covers my legs!) and there was the answer!
\nMost of the year, I wear an old pair of British Army Lightweights (cheap, robust, fast drying, not too many pockets). If the weather is hot and I decide to get my legs out \u2013 a cut-off pair of German Army Moleskins (baggy, made of cotton & super comfy). When the mercury drops and the weather gets cold & damp, I want something that offers more protection. I have a pair of Tuff-Stuff \u201cBushman\u201d trousers that are made of polycotton canvas, have cordura pockets for knee pads and have a few sensible pockets.
\nSo all I needed was three pairs of boots!
\nThe boot that I have chosen for use most of the year (and I am still testing eight months on!) is the Vivobarefoot Mens Off Road Hi M Leather Trekking and Hiking Boots<\/a>\"\"
\n, a water-proof lined leather minimalist boot, that is amazingly lightweight, grips superbly and lets you feel the world under your feet. I have used them in the woods, on the Cornish coast path and as a general purpose boot while teaching. These boots need care, don\u2019t use them for everything! Like plumbing, going to the pub, going to Tesco\u2019s, etc,etc \u2013 because they are not made for that sort of use \u2013 the clue is in the name \u201coff-road\u201d, use them for that purpose and the sole will last!
\nIn the heat of the summer woods \u2013 you want something very light, very soft (so you can feel the forest floor), grips well and dries fast. Again I looked to Vivo-Barefoot and I use their \u201cVivobarefoot Mens Neo M Trail Running Shoes<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201d shoe. This was the first shoe I got from this company and I have been using them for over a year and they are superb. Incredibly light, very \u201cgrippy\u201d and the sole allows you to feel everything that lies beneath your feet. They also make excellent \u201ccamp-shoes\u201d to change into at the end of a hard days hike, weighing nothing and packing down very small.
\nMy one word of caution with \u201cbare-foot\u201d or \u201cminimalist\u201d footwear is, that the properties that allows you to feel everything – does just that! If the ground is cold, so will your feet be!
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\nSo what to wear when it\u2019s wet and the ground is cold?
\nFor the answer I looked to countries where the winter months mean snow, cold & wet for the duration. In countries where it remains cold & dry \u2013 Muk-luks are favoured, however in places where wet is also added into the equation, the \u201cPac\u201d type boots seem to be favoured. These boots have a rubber foot section (like a wellie) and then have a leather top that, laces up. The inner is usually made of felted wool (or similar), keeping your feet warm & dry.
\nI purchased a pair of Seeland Pac Boots (\u00a342) at the beginning of the winter. Last winter I used a Gore-Tex & Thinsulate lined \u201ccold\/wet\u201d boot and in prolonged use had cold feet most of the time. This winter with my \u201cold-school\u201d Pac Boots, my feet have stayed warm and dry. The dry part was severely tested while teaching scout-leaders in Gloucester in November when we had 14 hours of torrential rain and wide-spread local flooding.
\nWhile feeling \u201cbig & clumpy\u201d compared to my other \u201cminimalist\u201d footwear, they have become a firm winter favourite.
\nSo there you have it \u2013 my thoughts on footwear for use in our woods, the whole year round. And as far as cost goes \u2013 the three set of footwear, suitable for use the whole year round \u2013 was \u00a3180\u2026.which for a \u201cyear-round\u201d set of footwear \u2013 I think is quiet reasonable.
\nTil, next time.
\nNeil
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