A six-month review of a comfortable classic Italian walking boot.
Price: £120

The Lomer Keswick MTX walking boot is comfortable, warm and stylish. Made by a respected Italian shoemaker, it is built with both quality leather and expert craftmanship. Longer lasting than any other boot I have known; I really recommend this boot for anyone who enjoys a good walk.

I first had a pair of Lomer boots when I was a teenager. My dear mother bought a pair of that were slightly too big so I could grow into them. I did grow into them, and they kept going with me for well over ten years. Having tried boots from other popular brands; that have fallen apart within a year. Struggling to source another pair of Lomer in England for many years; I bought this pair as soon I saw them by chance on Amazon.

Comfort

I have worn these on cold winter days to just work in the garden. They have all the flexibility and feedback of a trainer, so it easy to drive in them too. Feathering the clutch, or just not pressing the wrong pedal is no problem in these boots.

For the last six months, I have been on a Sunday walk almost every weekend in these boots. Walking for a distance of anywhere between two and twenty kilometres; they have felt cool in summer and warm in winter.

I have climbed: Scafell Pike and the Corridor Route, the highest mountain in England in these boots. When returning to the car after a week of walking, my feet were not sore, blistered or cold. I have spent fifteen hours climbing: Posets, the second highest mountain in the Pyrenees in these boots. The thirty kilometres of distance and the 2,500 metres in altitude gain had no effect on the comfort of these boots. The low mountain temperatures, sharp rocks and the uneven scree slopes; were no problem for these Lomer boots. The soft but flexible Vibram sole kept me comfortable. The quality leather uppers kept my feet warm but dry from sweat as well as rain. The quality insole and classic lacing system prevented any blisters or skin abrasions.

These Lomer boots are as comfortable as any trainer, shoe or slipper. I would go as far to say that it feels as comfortable as walking through sand with bare feet.

Design and Style

The Lomer Keswick boots is of a classic design. None of those gaudy colours or brand names plastered on like an unwanted cast. The leather on these boots is a smooth chocolate/ coffee brown colour. The uppers are full grain leather that is 2 millimetres thick. Underneath this, there is a patented lining called: MerTex. This membrane allows the foot to breathe whilst being resistant to the ingress of water.

The placement of the lace eyelets allows for a snug but flexible fit. With a line of eyelets further back to maintain tension from the horizontal foot to the the vertical ankle. The boots come with a two-tone colour coded lace as well as the the classic red laces in the photgraph.

On the inside, a smooth leather is used so I have never had problems with blisters or other abrasions. Beneath my feet there is a removable soft foam foot bed. With a: ‘3-millimetre-thick anti torsion mid sole’ to reduce lateral twisting of the foot. For the sole, Lomer has used a soft Vibram sole which flexes well on loose and uneven terrain. However, with a deep tread, you cannot feel sharp and uneven rocks when you step on them.

http://www.lomer.it/en-UK/caffe.php

The history of Lomer

Lomer started making hiking boots in 1975; in the town of Montebelluna, in Treviso, Italy. An area known for shoemaking for over 100 years, where around 400 companies now employ 6,000 people. Generations of shoemakers have passed down lifetimes of specialist knowledge and skill that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

With a commitment to: “to produce boots and shoes that offer legendary comfort, coupled with style, craftsmanship and exceptional value.” Lomer can boast that their boots are still designed and made in Italy with only the finest materials.

Checkout their website and see the whole range here: http://www.lomer.it/en-UK/

Wear after six months

So, all boots and shoes look good on the super fit and healthy models in the online adverts. These Lomer boots still looked good when I first took them out the box and put them on my ugly feet. Yet hiking in the high mountains is no catwalk in a fashion parade. Reliability and comfort are paramount when you are high on the mountain with the risk of a long and cold walk ahead. Thankfully, I can attest these Lomer boots have served me well so far.

Yet I have noticed a number of build issues and signs of wear:

– where the front of the sole meets the front of the toe box, the glue has failed leaving a small gap.

– the top of the toe box has various scrapes from me stumbling, sharp rocks and undergrowth.

– the soft Vibram sole is showing signs of wear in the heel area. Yet this seems average for six months use.

– after walking in the rain for over three hours, water had entered my right boot and was visible on the insole.

– the care advice states to not use soap to clean the outer surfaces. Instead wait until the mud dries, then brush it off. However, muddy clay sticks to the soft leather and does not come off even when dry.

Apart from the tread wear, I feel all of these issues could be solved with a ‘rand’. A waterproof strip that protects the uppers in the high stress areas just above the sole.

To help protect and maintain the leather uppers; I use Renapur balsam wax. Which helps clean as well as protect from the mud and rain.

Walk on

So, despite the areas of wear, I am very happy with these Lomer boots. I have tried other boots that have started to fall apart within the same time, such as the: Berghaus ‘Expeditor Ridge 2.0’ walking boots review. Therfore, I will be happy to buy them again if these last for at least five years.

As mentioned, they are agile and flexible enough to be worn as day-to-day footwear, around the house and town. They are capable on any level of hill or mountain walking in the United Kingdom and Europe. However, if you are walking in winter and there will be continuous snow and ice on the ground, I would recommend wearing a thicker winter boot.

My funny feet are slightly different in size. With my left foot measuring just under a UK 9.5 (Euro 44 or US 10) and my right being just under a UK10 (Euro 44.5 or US11). Yet a pair of these Lomer boots in UK10 (Euro 44.5 or US11); fit me perfectly whilst wearing a thin office type sock and a thicker wool sock over the top. Without any movement or feeling too tight in the pressure point areas.

Therefore, I would highly recommend trying these boots from Lomer. Check out their website, if you prefer a different style or have a different application. I am not sponsored by Lomer, or the sole Uk distributor. They can be bought online from: Winfields Outdoors here: https://www.winfieldsoutdoors.co.uk/lomer-mens-keswick-mtx-hiking-boots-caffe/

I will report back in another six months to record any changes.

We hope you can enjoy a good walk with mother nature; whatever you wear.

The second highest mountain in the Pyrenees.

My apologies again for not blogging more often. I have plenty of ideas, that will hopefully make for an interesting read. With the long cold nights of winter upon us; I hope to use the time wisely and put all those ideas to paper. Today’s blog is about my ascent of the second highest mountain in the Pyrenees. Standing at 3,369 metres and over ten miles from the nearest road; climbing Posets is a great day out in nature. I have written a full account of my day on Posets; which you can read here: Posets.

If you do not have time to read or just prefer photographs; here below is a photo journal of that day.

Climbing out of Eriste

Through the forests of the deep Eriste valley

A view back down the valley to the Refuge Angel Orus and the approximate route through the trees.

Sunrise

To the Canal Fonda

A view up the Canal Fonda; without snow in early October 2022. The path keeps to the cliff on the left until it reaches the Coll in the top left of the photograph.

Espalda of Posets

Views from the summit of Posets

Taking it steady on the descent

“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.”
― Edward Whymper, Scrambles Amongst the Alps

I started walking at 4am and reached the summit around 11am. I am a slow walker, and I was carrying a fairly heavy rucksack with too much emergency clothing and cold weather equipment. The route was easy to follow, yet a headtorch is obviously needed if beginning your walk in the dark. Watch out for the path on the right in a wide grassy valley, approximately an hour above the Refuge Angel Orus.

I spent approximately twenty minutes on the summit; enjoying the views as well as a packed ham and cheese baguette. Having climbed many mountains of similar size; I knew reaching the summit is only halfway. Descending can be just as tiring on your legs and joints. As well as the reduced grip caused by your centre of gravity being slightly behind you as step down. On the higher slopes there are many sections of oose rock or scree. Take care and concentrate on each step.

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A route to relax

I stopped many times on the descent to take in the views and rest my now tiring legs. There is a stream in the valley before the Canal Fonda for drinking water. It looks clear yet I used sterilising tablets to be safe.

I think this route is unsuitable for younger children. I would only consider taking a teenager who wants to do the walk. Similarly, small dogs might struggle with some sections, high on the mountain.

This route is not technically difficult so I would highly recommend to any keen hill walker if you were in the area. My level of fitness was low at the time, so I struggled walking for a few days afterwards.

A memorable day all the same. With many wide and varied views in the natural beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees. I hope you can come and enjoy it too.

My apologies, I have been so busy of late; I have not been able to share my routes to relax.
Yet as Confucius once said:

‘Roads were made for journeys, not destinations’.

A cool, colourful and comfortable off-road trainer

New runner

I decided to take up running last autumn; as a way to keep fit in the long nights of a English winter. Check out my previous post: Run to relax; for my views as a new runner. Having used a pair of Adidas Terrex for these four months; I noticed they were beginning to show signs of wear. Therefore, after weeks of online research; I decided to buy and try these Salomon Speedcross 5 trainers. Designed for trail running; these work perfectly in soft or broken ground, well away from the knee beating tarmac.

Designed in France and made in China

I had heard of the Salomon brand from friends who own and run in these fashionable French trainers. So like a magpie; the bright orange sole and the ‘Crystal Teal/ Barrier Reef Blue’ uppers caught my eye too. Realising a huge part of running, is having the motivation to get out and run; I thought investing in these trainers would give me extra drive to go for run. In addition, spending £120 on these trainers; has given me the confidence to enjoy a run and not just see it as a necessary evil to keep fit.

However, experience replaces naivety day by day; so I am well aware of the questionable build quality and strength of these Chinese made shoes. The upper materials are paper thin and the sole is glued on; so I am open minded about these possibly Icarus like trainers.

Cool and clever features

Salomon has a range of features that make this shoe worthy of wearing on a long off road run.
It has ‘SensiFit’ which uses soft rubber to help mold the shoe to shape of your foot. It has ‘EnergyCell+’ which is a midsole compound; that helps return some of the downward energy to your foot as you lift to take the next step. Traditional laces are replaced by a lighter drawstring cord that stow neatly in the tongue. It also has ‘Molded OrthoLite® sockliner’ which helps cushion your foot as well as allowing breathability which is important on a longer run.

Yet this is all packed into a trainer that weighs just 320 grams (11.28oz); which feels incredibly light as you run through heavy mud or grass. The thick 5mm tread lugs give reassuring grip in mud and grass; yet don’t feel too slow on hard concrete. With uppers made from a material that reminds me of fibreglass; these trainers are amazing just to look at, let alone wear!

Pros and Cons after one 5km run:

So I have only run 5 kilometres in these shoes as I write. Yet using the online size guide; they feel very comfortable and fit perfectly to my feet. Check out the page on the official Salomon website: https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-emea/product/speedcross-5.html#color=59754

As mentioned, I am a newcomer to running and will hopefully enjoy improving my fitness over the coming year; whilst wearing these trainers.

I am aware of the possible quality issues with this type of synthetic high wear trainer. Yet I felt it was necessary to invest in the right footwear in order to enjoy a good cross country run.

I will update this page in a year; or when any issue arises with these Salomon Speedcross 5 trail running shoes. Cheers; keep on running!

Find some decent trainers, a quiet path and time every few days to go for a short run. In just a few weeks, you will be running further and longer; you will be running to relax.

I took up running this year as a way to keep fit in the long dark evenings of the English winter. I normally keep fit by riding my bike; yet starting and finishing work in the dark has meant that I would be riding in the dark after work. Although I could obviously use bike lights to show the way through the dark; I sadly feel unsafe cycling on the busy roads near my house. So deciding to taking up running was the only logical option for me.

Dusting off a pair of older trainers; my running life began in early autumn. Thinking of a few quiet places I could run on the drive home from work. I remember that first evening, like the slow kid on a school sports day; I tied my shoes laces and locked the car. Climbing over a stile, I was met with the view of the long avenue in the photograph above.

Conscious that I was out of shape; aware that someone might be watching; expectations of the coming pain; I started walking faster and faster. A fast walk became a jog, a jog became a run and I was there! I laughed as I was doing the seemingly impossible; I laughed at the freedom and the speeds I could reach. Drinking in the air for all its oxygen as I constantly changed my untrained pace. After what seemed forever; I slowed to a walk to recover and catch my breath. I looked around to see the distant I had covered; it could not have been more than a 100 metres!

Yet I had took the first steps and I knew that the only way was forward.

Routes and running shoes

When you first start running; your choice of training routes is the key to success, enjoyment and relaxation. Local running clubs choose to run around the estate where I live; probably because it is flat pavement and well lit with streetlights. However, I prefer to run on grass or muddy trails because I believe this helps cushion the impact on my knees.

I prefer routes far away from roads as well. This to not only avoid the danger of vehicles and their pollution but the stress of worrying about crossing roads or giving way to other pedestrians and obstacles. In addition, to make running for interesting; I always try to run a different route every time. This helps the distance feel shorter as I concentrate on the differing landscape.

If you feel conscious about your appearance; then wait until dusk, when there are a fewer people outside. Or use a map to find remote footpaths or find a friend who is willing to go running with you.

Eucles and the runners of the Sahara are able to run in bare foot; soldiers are trained to run in boots; yet we are lucky to be able to choose well designed comfy running shoes. If you are new to running and not sure if it is for you; then you can find cheaper running shoes for about £20 in shops like Sports Direct. Yet, use Google to research the vast choice of shoes available and choose a pair to fit your budget, style and foot size of course.

I started running with a pair of Adidas that I had already bought as a pair of casual shoes. Although the trainers have a well cushioned sole with tread by Continental rubber; they have a small toe box for my wide feet. They are well made, with quality materials; yet within just a few months of running in them, I can see signs of wear.

Discipline, goals and just doing it

So in just a few months I have gone from not being able to run for a bus; to running ten kilometres. I started off with the target of five kilometres. I have found Strava to be very helpful because you can keep a record of your times over chosen distances. In the beginning I would walk more than I could run to recover; my pace was too fast and my arms flapped like a drunk ostrich.

Yet with the discipline of running at least twice a week; my stamina has grown. I can now run five kilometres without needing to stop once to rest. My pace is slowly increasing every time. I have learnt that a gentle swing of the arms helps the legs and body weight on to the next step. I have seen new places in my local area; in my need for new routes.

I weigh just over 100 kilograms; so I am happy with my new fitness. Yet I am aware of my limitations and know I need to protect my joints as I am past the age of forty. If I run fast one week yet slower the next time; I am not worried, for I know I am exercising the same. My goals are to reduce weight through dieting as my running strength increases. I have a dream that I can one day do a Olympic length triathlon; not for competition or praise but just to know I am at a standard of fitness that will help me enjoy this life.

So go on; get out there too and just do it. Enjoy it, relax and run.