Hikers Wool Blog

.....my first tramping boots. When I first was coersed into a weekend tramp in the Tararua Ranges back in 1970 something I was not sure if I was going to like this seemingly arduous excercise just to climb a few hills and then stumble back down again. Having no suitable footwear I  went to the local shoe store and from the men's section, I bought a pair of Bata work boots. 

I had no idea that I would end up with a great affection for these simple boots. They were no things of beauty or fashion - purely functional. They had heavy rubber tread soles, thick leather uppers with no lining whatever and laced up to the ankle with leather laces. The choice of colour was black or black. They were what they said they were - work boots.

I put them on with two pairs of thick woolen socks and set off for my first weekend in the bush. "You'll have to soak them in the first stream" they said....."makes them mould to the shape of your feet!" So into the first stream I went and came out with cold wet feet and water squishing between my toes. I tried not to think about it.

After a while my feet warmed up and although my socks and boots were still wet they caused me no problems. That night I dried out my socks by the fire and put them on again the next day with my still damp boots and set off. I wore those boots for 3 days like that and back home when they dried out I used leather wax to soften and condition them.

I have to say I was a tramping convert after that first wonderful weekend and I wore those fabulous boots (which did mould to the shape of my feet) for quite a few years.

Eventually I gave in and purchased a pair of "real" tramping boots with  flexible soles, lined, padded tongues, cushioned ankle supports and trendy enough to wear on the 'plane when they wouldn't fit into my pack! However, I still have a soft spot for my trusty old Bata work boots. They don't make them any more.