Altberg Defenders

[Ichy]

I'm after some replacement boots and noticed a load of ex-military Altberg Defenders going for £30 or less. Are they any good?
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https://www.metacafe.com/watch/1972097/how_to_behave_on_a_forum/

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

They're my current boot.
Get them.
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Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
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The Harry Turner Project

[Ichy]

Done. Ta.
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https://www.metacafe.com/watch/1972097/how_to_behave_on_a_forum/

[stinkwheel]

I'm rocking a pair myself.

BUT

They are NOT waterproof, and they don't pretend to be. The leather they are made from IS water permeable. They are designed to be used in conjunction with waterproof socks and to dry out quickly once they are wet.

I am doing this and it's working for me so far.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

I walk a lot, they're mainly rural miles and plenty off the beaten track.
Over the past 5 years I've worn out (or they've fallen apart/split) Meindl, Brasher, Berghaus, Scarpa, and Merrell boots (all upper leather) and these £30 2nd hand Altbergs surpass them even without the goretex.

6 month old Brasher Boot - Plenty of tread but already showing signs of sole separation (good name for a band).

https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/EA81C08F-5DE3-4B17-81D3-5443280CA6AF_zpsracf6eh1.jpg


https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/9AEDC355-8F7C-4D92-94BF-47B5E79701BE_zpsnprvp8n0.jpg

They'll never beat the Dutch Army boot of the 80s (stitched on sole and a buckle fastener) but they're fast becoming a new favourite.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[MarJay]

I've worn Alt Berg boots as my 'with jeans' boots since 2000. I couldn't recommend them more.

I have a pair of Bandog (I think?) boots, and they are waterproof, comfortable and well built. I crashed in them a couple of times and they still look new. I've had them re-soled due to the fact that I have a bone disorder which means I seem to wear out the very back of the right heel of all of my shoes, but now they've been re-soled they are again like new. These particular ones I've had since about 2006 ish?

Either way, good boots.
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Ichy]

FWIW

I ended up buying a new pair for £50. Pretty happy with them, certainly feel good quality. Only had them on for two days and I reckon that if I was to die soon then I'd still be standing upright when they find me. Definitely need wearing in .
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[Ben90]

I picked up a new pair too. At first I liked how there were soft panels at flex points like the ankles, but upon wearing them I could feel the pointed cut of the hard leather parts when flexing my ankle sideways on slopes - I'm sure they'll wear in soon. Still very comfortable and I walk about 3 miles a day at work over rough terrain.

Bought a pot of Leder-gris and treated the boots before first wearing them, the water beads off like a duck's back
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Yamaha FZ6 S2

[stinkwheel]

They certainly take a bit of breaking in.

The trick is to get them soaking wet then walk about in them until nearly dry THEN grease them.

Oh yeah, if you want some REALLY top-notch leather grease, try Lundhags. Smells like woodsmoke.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Ichy]

[.....]

Alt berg do Leder Gris in clear too.

[Bikeless]

I have a pair of ex army goretex pro boots, got the local cobbler to resole them with vibram soles, comfortable and waterproof although heavy compared to a dedicated walking boot.

[stinkwheel]

[Ichy]

[stinkwheel]