Altberg Malham Boots - First Impressions

Are walking boots from Britains last walking boot manufacturer worth it. First impressions on a pair of Altberg Malhams. 

Price paid: £170.99 on offer. £190 SRP

If any good is to be taken from both covid 19 and the growing climate crisis, maybe it will be a positive impact on choices we make as consumers. Whether through disruption to supply chain, reducing income or the growing awareness of how royally stuffed up the natural environment is becoming, never has there been a better reason to think hard about where we spend our hard earned pennies.

So with a warm glow of self righteousness, and a need for a new pair of walking boots, I decided to stump up for a pair of Altbergs. Specifically for the reason that they are traditionally made leather boots from Britains last boot maker.

Why Altberg

Operating since 1989, Altberg was setup from the ashes of Britains failed shoe industry, crushed under the competition from the east. As well as still manufacturing in Richmond, Yorkshire, they operate a factory in Italy. Italy is by far Europes largest shoe manufacturing country with over 50% production residing there.

So to add to a move away from fast fashion and ocean polluting plastics, by choosing Altbergs I can add supporting local industry to the virtue ticklist.

Why leather boots

I predominantly use trail shoes in the hills if it's dry, even for long distance walks occasionally donning an old pair of scarpas when it's wet. However the scarpa boots have always been too narrow across the toes and gore tex shoes always offer a limited lifespan. Good quality leather boots, treated with the occasional Dubbin (or leder gris in the Altberg case) remain waterproof way pretty much ad infinitum.

Much to my chagrin it is almost impossible to find unlined leather walking boots anymore. The much discussed reasoning on the forums being that its easier to make boots poorly with a lining than create really waterproof boots. However other Altberg reviews suggest that this is not the case and well waxed Altbergs remain waterproof. Time will tell.

The Malham boot

From the Altberg site:

"The Malham is a day hiking boot for hill waking on paths and trails. The leather is very soft and supple to give excellent comfort with very little ‘walking in required’. The Malham boot is made on the Altberg AForme last which has a narrow heel and waist, the toe of the boot is sprung slightly upwards, so that the boot rolls forward when walking, which enhances comfort and balance on hills and uneven terrain. The boot is very lightweight (672g size 9) and the micro layer between the sole and foot gives excellent shock absorption"

https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/aforme-boots13/malham

With a range of boots available the choice of the Malhams boiled down to the fit. Altberg offer 6 last sizes, i.e. 6 different width/shape combos to find the best fit. Malhams use the A form last which is tailored for what altberg called the Asymmetric foot. My narrow heeled, wide but low profile forefoot and striaght line from big to to heel perfectly matching the Aform shape. 

First Impressions
The leather is beautifully soft so on first wear they are instantly comfortable. Lacing fittings and laces seem good quality and lacing is straightforward and smooth. Soles are Vibram Masai and resoling is available when required.

Size wise I typically wear between and 9.5 and a 8.5 depending on the precise shoe. In strict measurement terms my feet measure a 9 and an 8.5. The 9 Malhams fit nicely.

A short walk around the local woodlands highlights the purported lack of need for breaking in and an out of the box fit. Supremely comfortable although the slight rocker (curve) on the sole, designed for use in rougher ground, is a bit different when you have been wandering around in trail shoes for a long time. Will get a proper walk in the Black mountains in as soon as lockdown eases.

All in all first impression is very positive and the proof will be in the pudding on some extended walks in bad weather!

Pros
The A-form last is ideal for certain foot shapes

The boots are clearly constructed to a high quality
Comfort out of the box from soft and supple leather
Lightweight for a leather boot

Cons
Lined. Would prefer not to have the sympatex lining. Don't think is really necessary and makes shoes hotter.

Once have spent a few 100 miles in them will see how we go.