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A very good boot is
this
by Meindl, which is issued to the UK military who often flog them cheap and unworn. Very breathable and zero maintenance, and fairly grippy but not too stiff sole. I have done about 2000 miles on one pair, and just got new pair (for £40) although the first pair are still fine. In wet weather I wear sealskin or gore tex socks, but otherwise they cope with a lot more abuse than you might think. They come in half sizes. Go to a boot shop and get fitted for any Meindl boot, the sizing is very consistent.
I have a couple of pairs of the Meindl Borneo 2, which I have had for years, and are very good, but they are very stiff and the sole is very hard. I really only use them for upland walking. They are probably the best non gore tex boot available, and can be had for £120 if you shop around.
adroit-
Those Meindl desert boots look really good at £40-£50. Unfortunately everyone seems to have only small sizes in stock.
There seems to be some question over the durability of the Meindl Borneos. A long time ago I had some old German army surplus boots - they were completely indestructible and comfortable. They were at least a size too big for me, though. I see you can still get German "para" boots. Soles look a bit shit but might be worth a punt.
ChasnotRobert
What are the best walking boots?
And why does everything have to be effin Goretex lined? My feet get hot; I don't want lined boots. Choice seems to be between:
http://www.uttings.co.uk/p108012-zamberlan-1020-nuvolao-nw-walking-boots-men-s-waxed-mustard-1020pm0p-db/#.Vtq8M2IgGSM
And these
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/98570/products/meindl-borneo-2-mfs-mens-mountaineering--and--hiking-boots.aspx