I have been using my Alberg Malham walking boots for a few years now so it’s high time for a review.
The Altberg Malham is a 3 season leather boot with a Sympatex lining making it suitable for typical British wet weather hiking and hill walking conditions. It’s a lightweight flexible boot so not suitable for heavy winter conditions requiring crampons etc. (you can of course use microspikes for icy conditions).
Who are AltBerg?
Britains last walking boot manufacturer still manufacturing in the UK, as well as Italy, Alt-Berg were formed with the closure of the Richmond, Yorkshire shoe factory in 1989. After the difficult early years of forming a business, for more on this see the Altberg site, they are now well recognised for quality walking boots as well as supplying the military and emergency services amongst others.
Altberg Malham fit and comfort
Altberg offer boots built around a range of different lasts, ideal to finding a boot pair with the ideal fit for every foot. There are five different standard walking boot lasts for different width fitting as well as the Aforme, Gfit and Sfit.
The Malham uses their Aforme last which is an Asymmetric last based around a running shoe style fit. A narrow heel and midfoot with a wider forefoot and increased upturn on the toe end.
Fit is personal but as a runner on both road and trail, with very much a wider forefoot and narrow heel, I find the Aforme last works really well for me. I can honestly say I have never had such a comfortable pair of walking boots out of the box, almost slipper like. This comfort has maintained on many days out walking.
The soft leather and padding of the Malham also no doubt contributing to the comfort. After many long days in the UK mountains I’ve yet to suffer a blister
Waterproofness
Historically for a full leather boot achieving good waterproofness was a matter of well constructed boots and a liberal application of boot dubbin. Finding a modern walking boot that doesn’t rely on a waterproof liner is a challenge. I believe the problem with this is that a waterproof liner sock allows the many manufacturers (including some big name ones) to “get away” with less rigourous boot construction, focusing instead on manufacturing efficiency to maximise profits. Using my 20+ yr old Sportiva Makalus as a reference point, as well as the leather boots I used growing up, it is very possible to have an unlined totally waterproof boot.
So it is slightly disappointing to me to some extent that these boots do have a liner as it is hard to disentangle whether the strong performance in the wet I have enjoyed is a result of quality build or just the liner. Notwithstanding that they have performed well for me in wet UK conditions and am pretty confident that the leather and build quality are strong enough that even if the liner dies they will retain a good level of natural waterproofness.
The liner used in the Malhams is a Symptex liner. Not as well known and the leading Gore Tex product the Sympatex liner works slightly differently. Rather than relying on a micropore design like Goretex, which allows the transit of water vapour but not liquid water through these pores, Sympatex is a closed liner. So no micropores but does allow water transit through absorption and evaporation. So sweat and other moisture is transported away from the foot to maintain comfort.
Does Sympatex work as effectively as Gore Tex? It’s hard for me to say at this point, maybe something for follow up research.
Altbergs own Leder Gris wax is recommended for reproofing. I tend to apply some after any lengthy hike, especially wet, to keep the leather in good condition. Whether other waxes work as well I cannot say although it is certainly true that wax types can suit leathers tanned in certain ways better.
Sole and grip
The Malham uses the popular Vibram Masai sole. Theres not much to say on this. Vibram’s in their various configurations are pretty much the industry standard. They are typically long lasting with good general grip. As is often the case the compromise on grip is wet rock. However have not really found any sole material that consistently grips on polished or slimy rock and is also hardwearing. Altberg will also resole your boots which means you can enjoy many more years of use of a boot you know fits your feet well.
Another feature of the boot I like is the small rubber rand that protects the lower edge of the upper and adds some additional waterproofing. This should help prolong the life of the boot.
Conclusions
These are expensive boots, current RRP is £215 although available for around £180 if you shop around, but I recommend these strongly, for those with the foot type suited to this shape. They are certainly the most comfortable leather boots I have owned and do all the things that leather walking boots should do well.
Altberg also receive additional points in my eyes for UK manufacture. In the race for profitability of globalisation, it’s certainly nice to support home grown companies who value quality. This might be a luxury but a luxury that will disappear if it doesn’t recieve support. And in all honesty good quality leather boots made in europe are all getting towards the £200 mark in cost.