After breaking in, Gemma Palmer found the Altberg Fremington Walking Boot impressive.
Stepping into the Altberg Fremington Walking Boot was a bit of a change-up for me, moving from my usual lightweight trail boots to these classic leather ones. It took a week, but I grew to appreciate them.
Gemma Palmer recommends
Overall, I’d recommend the Fremington, especially for those seeking a traditional leather boot with a wider fit.- traditional design
- durable construction
- foot support
- width options
- firm sole takes some getting used to
| Quick Specs |
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| Price: no US shipping / £229.99 (available from Altberg) Weight: 1050g per pair (size UK5) Materials: Nida Hydro full grain supple leather, Sympatex®, Tri-Flex® 2L, Rubber sole Features: Padded leather ankle cuff Waterproof: yes Sizes: UK 5 – 8.5 (inc half sizes) Men’s version? yes www.altberg.co.uk |
Admittedly, the initial rigidity took some getting used to! At first, I was a little concerned about the toebox length – width was perfect, but they felt snug. A quick adjustment to the laces, loosening them slightly, and a short break in period later, and my toes were much happier, particularly when braking on descents. The midfoot and heel fit was excellent, offering ample volume and securing my foot without any rubbing or hotspots, meaning I didn’t need to over-tighten the laces.
The boot, combined with the Trek Airgrid insole, provided superb cushioning and breathability, ideal for longer hikes. However, I found that extra-thick socks were a tight squeeze at the toes, which highlights Altberg’s sizing advice – go up a size. It’s a shame for those with bigger feet that they stop at UK 8.5.
Out on the flooded nature reserve trails, these boots handled terrain changes with ease. The Defender Hi-Traction soles firm design gripped everything – mud, wet surfaces, you name it. The brown mud did clog the heel at times, adding a bit of weight.
Marketed for urban use too, they performed at their best on gravel trails, where the micro mid-layer smoothed out uneven ground. Excellent support and comfort from the padded cuff’s supple leather, a perfectly dialed in fit with the six-point lacing, and dry feet thanks to the waterproof lining.
Overall, I’d recommend the Fremington, especially for those seeking a traditional leather boot with a wider fit. The robust construction, durable leather, and well-attached sole (hidden beneath the protective trim) are very impressive. Being resoleable makes them a smart investment, and I plan to keep the uppers in good condition to use that feature in the future.
Testing conditions
Gemma, who is 5’10” and wears UK size 8.5 shoes is hiking the diverse terrains of the East Midlands, including its rolling landscapes, nature reserves, and reservoir trails. This often leaves Gemma with tired feet, especially true on hard terrain. Her wide forefoot, high arch, and narrow heel are likely factors. She wore the boots with lightweight and midweight walking socks in temperatures between 4 and 17 degrees Celsius. Compare this with other hiking boots for wide feet in our buyer’s guide.
