Thailand forum

Buying hiking boots in Bangkok / Chiang Mai...

misterwoods

motodop
Posts: 26

What are my options?! How do they compare for price to the uk / Ireland?

Cheers...

#1 Posted: 17/6/2009 - 22:08
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

misterwoods

For what purpose is the purchase? To use in Thailand and dispose when leaving? Or, as an alternative to purchasing in the UK and taking back to UK?

Cheers

#2 Posted: 18/6/2009 - 06:53

------------------------------
An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
misterwoods

motodop
Posts: 26

Certainly not to dispose off... I need to buy a new pair and just wondering about my options there.

#3 Posted: 18/6/2009 - 18:29
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

Private message

Yes you can buy trekking boots in Thailand -- both real ones, second hand and cheaper rip-off brands. Note unless you're planning on some very very serious walking, some sturdy sandles, like Tevas are more than enough.

#4 Posted: 18/6/2009 - 18:46

------------------------------
iPhone Apps for Southeast Asia
misterwoods

motodop
Posts: 26

Even in wet season would you say tevas or runners are ok?? OR am i better with waterproofs...?

#5 Posted: 18/6/2009 - 19:00
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

misterwoods

It's been my experience that few retailers in SE Asia stock western gear just in case someone wants to buy.

So, work out what YOU want in Ireland, find the price/s. And, if you happen to be in some place where they actually have that brand / size and the price is right, you're in luck.

But, to me, the right boot is more important than saving money.

Cheers

#6 Posted: 20/6/2009 - 12:34

------------------------------
An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

Private message

Unless you're doing some very serious trekking, even in wet season, I'd lean towards some kind of durable sandal rather than something enclosed. For the following reasons:

1) It's open, so no need for socks - so no wet socks
2) It's cooler on the feet
3) They're much easier to lug around than boots -- even if you do use boots for the trek, day to day in Bangkok for example you won't be wearing them, so it's just something else to carry.

If you're opting between runners and boots however, I'd prob go with boots, only cause they're waterproof.

#7 Posted: 20/6/2009 - 14:37

------------------------------
iPhone Apps for Southeast Asia
dageshi

tourist
Posts: 56

I've bought walking shoes and hiking boots twice in thailand both in thailand, may I strongly suggest you buy them at home instead. Reason being while much footwear is made in SEA it almost all gets exported to the west because certainly with the larger sizes most asian people won't fit into them (too big) so as I found most good boots in larger sizes (I'm size UK 11) and I had to spend alot of time looking for a shop to buy them and when I did there wasn't much of a range and my size cost the same as it would back home.

My 2cents.

#8 Posted: 20/6/2009 - 17:02
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

On sandals versus hiking boots, I'll NEVER[/i go for boots.

The only hassle is leeches. But, even with boots, one is not immune. At least with sandals, one can remove the said creature more efficiently.

Cheers

#9 Posted: 21/6/2009 - 09:34

------------------------------
An Australian Veteran globetrotting...