My parents got me into walking, though from a young age I hated it as my feet hurt. It was only when I begged to see a doctor they actually found I had a genuine problem with my ankles. So, fast forward to about 2003/4. Things hadn’t quite worked out for me on a personal level so I was feeling quite sorry for myself. Nevertheless I decided to go on holiday and join my parents at their Welsh mountain retreat. During the stay my dad insisted on getting me some walking boots. I didn’t really know what I was doing back then and probably didn’t even wear thick socks but ultimately I ended up with a pair of size 10.5 Trezetas. I liked them because they weren’t full leather and didn’t need resealing all the time. Also from a cosmetic appeal I liked the style of them. They were my first fabric boots and I think they cost £70.
Since then they signalled a change in my outlook and interests. Slowly but surely I became more and more drawn to being outdoors and walking. Not only that but these boots were so smart I wore them in the winter when going about my business. Over the years they’ve come to Germany, France, Italy, New Zealand, Canada.
One of my favourite moments in them was when I almost died in a bog. I was on holiday in Wales and had gone off to walk near to Lyn Bodlyn. No maps or compass in them days either! Anyway it was a gloriously hot day I think North Wales was in a state of drought. Having reached the far side of the lake I decided to follow the stream back to a small bridge. Mistake 1. I soon realised that this wasn’t such a good idea and I didn’t fancy wading in the stream. As an alternative I decided to walk in a straight line back to the path. Probably about half a mile as the crow flies. Mistake 2. Despite the drought, a bog was still in full effect. Turning round wasn’t much help so I decided to plough on which rightly or wrongly I thought would be better than trying to retrace my steps and walk downstream.
I’m well over six foot but a couple of times I ended up knee deep in ooze. There was a brief moment of panic but I quickly supressed this as it wasn’t going to help. Gradually I got closer and closer to the safety of the path but that wasn’t the end of my problems. I’d since run out of water and it was mid-afternoon with the temperature in the high 20s.
Well obviously I didn’t die but I learnt some valuable lessons on that day. It took over a week for my boots to dry out and they lost their shine in the muddy bog. They also stank for months as a reminder. Now I never go anywhere without more than sufficient water, a map and more importantly looking at the landscape and exactly what is underfoot.
Despite them still being very comfortable, the soles have worn out of grip, the lace hooks have worn to a razor sharp edge and the rubber rand is coming away slightly, so it’s now time to retire them.
They will get a new lease of life as my dog walking, gardening and allotment boots and should serve me well for a few years to come.
What is it: Footwear - boots
USP: The khaki/green style sold me.
When did it come into its own: Every time I went walking!
Was it worth it, really: Encouraged me to get out!
Where did you get it?: Beddgelert
Rating: 8/10
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