Altberg Boots Sizing

[Turbo]

I'm going to buy a pair of the British army surplus altberg boots on ebay after reading good reviews on here.

What I'm wondering is what is the sizing like since I can't try them for size before I buy them. I'm normally a size 8 but to wear heavy socks I'd need an 8.5. The altbergs don't come in half sizes but there is an 8 wide which some say is the equivalent of an 8.5.

What have you guys found with your altberg boots regarding size?

 

[Farside]

I'm going to buy a pair of the British army surplus altberg boots on ebay after reading good reviews on here.

What I'm wondering is what is the sizing like since I can't try them for size before I buy them. I'm normally a size 8 but to wear heavy socks I'd need an 8.5. The altbergs don't come in half sizes but there is an 8 wide which some say is the equivalent of an 8.5.

What have you guys found with your altberg boots regarding size?

I bought a standard 11, and they fit me fine. Normally I'll try for an 11 wide, but no complaints here. Otoh, heavy socks in winter might see them being a touch not wide enough.

 

[Tangledfeet]

If they're too short your big toe (and other toes) may touch or rub against the front of the boot... I'd go nine. Nothing worse than boots or shoes that are slightly too small!

 

[rtbcomp]

I find with boots that they're sized to allow for socks. I bought some size 8 slippers and they were too tight, but some size 8 boots allow me to wear two pairs of socks (1 normal, 1 thick) without a problem.

 

[Migmac]

I’ve never had altbergs but I wear meindls every day of the year. I’m a ten and only ever buy tens, can wear thin socks in the summer and thicker wooden ones in the winter without my toes getting pinched. I find leather boots tend to be made quite spacious.

 

[pedrobedro]

and thicker wooden ones in the winter without my toes getting pinched

I'd be more worried about splinters I have some Meindls which are 8.5 and just a bit cosy with thicker socks but a friend has the worn in Altbergs and they are not tight at all. They are pre-bedded so don't go over too much.

 

[Migmac]

Woollen not wooden! Should read before I post

 

[bigegg]

Im size 9, with quite wide feet.
I bought altberg size 9, and they're comfortably snug with a pair of Screwfix thermal socks..
there's probably enough room for a second pair of thinner socks if necessary.

something I've found is that the lacing system is such that there is a fair amount of adjustment available - much more than in shoes, and even some trainers.

 

[robwizard]

I have some of the jungle boots in size 8 regular, wish I'd gone with the wider ones to be honest as they are rather tight.

 

[reedx]

I had to go 1 size up and wide fitting for my Altberg motorcycles boots.

Colin

 

[slimjim]

I had to go 1 size up and wide fitting for my Altberg motorcycles boots.

Colin

Me too

 

[Turbo]

Thanks for the replies. Opinion seems to be split so I think I'll go for the wide fitting ones - easier to wear extra socks or add insoles than to chop off your toes!

 

[Turbo]

I've been watching ebay for the right boots to come up but that didn't always coincide with me having any money but finally the gods aligned & I have new boots!

They were in great condition when they came with very minor scuffs on the toes & little wear on the soles. I used the altberg leder-gris polish & it brought them up like new, I can really recommend this product.

I was very impressed by the build quality of these when I was polishing them, great quality materials used.

Unfortunately they had mismatched insoles fitted, leaving one boot slightly higher than the other. Contacted Altberg & bought a new pair of insoles & spacers for £14.50.

On the subject of sizing, these are a perfect fit for my size 8 feet so I would suggest going up 1/2 a size if you are buying these.

Oh, by the way they are sooooo comfortable, I hate taking them off. I haven't worn my steelies since buying these!

Also discovered why the market is currently flooded with these. The army has deemed these unsafe as they use quick hooks for the upper lace holes which could catch in netting, etc. & are changing to a mk 2 version with all lace eyes. So I would advise you to buy a pair when they are plentiful & cheap, I'll be buying another pair to have in stock.

 

[Rannsachair]

I have 2 pairs of Altberg motorcycle boots, lasted years,, very comfy and well made. I bought my first set at the Scottish motorcycle show of the Altberg stand avout 20 years ago the second set were an ebay bargain described as ex police and like new for £30.

 

[Screwdriver]

I literally just bought (yesterday) a pair of boot to replace my old worn out KSB gardening/workshop/everyday boots.

I can thoroughly recommend the brand which is new to me. Superb quality, horribly expensive when new, bought secondhand.

I am horrified at the prospect of spilling oil on them or setting fire to them in the workshop, it would ruin the fabric so a pair of Alt-Bergs looks ideal. I am a 8.5 wide foot so are you saying a 9W would be a better fit? I note a lot of sellers are not posting images of the actual item and Vibram soles cannot be re-soled so if the sole is thin the boot is dead. Is there anywhere one can try them on for fit? Does anyone here have a pair for sale?

I am tempted to buy a couple of pairs if I can afford it, especially if they are getting rid of the hook eye system which I much prefer.

 

[premmington]

Boot sizing...

I am short and fat in stature - so I have wide feet - i am just over a size 8.

But I always buy size 9.

Hate lace up boots - as I have a bad back and a big tummy .

I always buy slip on boots - Blundstone 960.


Another tip I picked up for work boots is to have a couple of pairs on the go - wear them for a day or two then swap them for another set.

This allows them to dry out properly...

 

[Tangledfeet]

Unfortunately they had mismatched insoles fitted, leaving one boot slightly higher than the other. Contacted Altberg & bought a new pair of insoles & spacers for £14.50.

Just off the phone after buying some myself... lady I spoke to said I could have spacer and insole for a tenner and three quid for postage!

 

[graffian]

Bought some altbergs from ebay a week or so ago. I had size 10 dickies steelies till I got the altbergs, the dickies size 10s feel liek all the other size 10s I have had. The size 10 altbergs are a bit tighter but seem to be ok.

 

[Turbo]

Just off the phone after buying some myself... lady I spoke to said I could have spacer and insole for a tenner and three quid for postage!

So you got the stuff cheaper but got robbed on postage. Still worked out cheaper than me by £1.50!

 

[bigegg]

I put "home bargains" gel insoles in mine: £1 a time.