Proper leather shoes

Grunten seems to fit the bill

thanks; like the look of those.

Zamberlan still look to have a couple of non-GoreTex leather boots in their range; my pair's getting on for 20 years old and is still going strong, though the uppers are fairly scuffed now.

I had zamberlan boots previously; they were great. Bought when I was a teenager, lasted until my 30s when eventually the soles came away from the uppers.

I tried to find a non gtx boot in their range but failed.

Meindl

Yes, some good options there. Possibly Sonnblick would be the one.

Yeah, looks like they may have stopped them. I found this, but I guess it's NOS (and not exactly cheap): https://www.uttings.co.uk/p110776-zamberlan-1023-latemar-nw-walking-boots-men-s-waxed-dark-brown-1023/#.XFWVzWmnw0M

The Meindl Borneo Pro would be my choice. I bought my first pair 22 years ago, and my second about 6 years ago. Both pairs are still going, the older pair has developed a leak where the leather has cracked. They are pretty rugged and not heavy, and they are so comfortable! I wear them most days from about September through to April, for dog walking and conservation work. I got a pair last year in return for some work, and I haven't worn them yet, I figure between the three pairs I have walking boots to outlast me.

Yeah, they look good.

Also like those Zamberlan that @Thrustvector linked above.

Spoilt for choice now!

What size are you?

10

Anything else to look at?

Sorrel Madson - got mine for about £90 last year

I have the LOWA Patrol - high leg ones. To be honest they are not great. I had the shorter ones previously and the were fantastic. Make sure you get the correct size. Mine might be half a size out.
That link seems expensive too. Mine were £185 posted.

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Altberg make some decent boots. Ages ago my wife sent me to a boot fitter who is a bit like the Bike Whisperer but for shoes. He guided me towards a few different boots and I went for the Altbergs. Been great ever since

Own both some nice double-stitched Hanwag Hörndls (which are properly capable - the Gruntens look a bit more everyday suitable) and Sorel Madsons, which are really warm and comfy. Would recommend both brands for good boots that don't look quite so technical/DofE

I ordered a pair of Yuketen Ghillie Moc's with lugged sole in the end from Triads for a bargain £181 due to no VAT :-)

https://www.ardmoor.co.uk/hoggs-of-fife-rannoch-lace-up-boot-668r

These are a good deal as they’re made by Cheaney.

These are so mint. If I wasn’t on a shoe/trainer buying embargo I’d have gone for it.

Ok, I'll risk it over here, despite the guaranteed derision - anyone here wear Duckboots (the Danish ones)?

I've two pairs of Duckfeet boots. The Roskilde chelsea type and the Faborg unlined lace ups. Both incredibly comfortable and to my mind, v cool in a 'not Redwing' way. I also have some old redwings. Thing is, the crepe sole is super comfortable on the Duckfeet but wears down quite quick and when it does, hellishly slippy on wet pavement (or mopped floors in King hospital in Denmark Hill when carrying my 1 yr old - she bounced, I didn't). I've just had both resoled expertly with Dainite soles and expect a number of more years out of them. But the leather and upper construction are super strong and soft. Zero derision from me. @withered_preacher

@ChasnotRobert I've some Hanwag Tashi no goretex Yak leather boots. They're magic, light and uber comfortable.

At the pricier end I've also some no goretex, no concession, Schuh Bertl boots which are heavy, incredibly well made and I expect to have forever

https://schuhbertl.com/shop/stiefel/art_01.htm

Very nice indeed.

Wow, thanks for the indepth and irony free review! (hope you both are ok)
I will delve further into these, looking for a desert-type boot for my wide forefeet.

I have two pairs of these. Inexpensive and very comfortable. Reiker even sent me replacement laces when mine broke - great customer service. I’m currently looking at another pair as I can’t be bothered to look around and I know they are great.

I have two pairs of these. Great shoes, very comfortable and inexpensive. I am looking to buy another pair. Reiker sent me replacement laces when I needed them - great customer service.

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Thanks for the recommendation, still interested in experiences specifically with Duckfeet though.

Bollocks, had set a snipe for these which I was sure I'd deactivated but apparently not. Ah well, let's hope they fit. And are a bit darker in the flesh.

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Late to the party, but have a look at William Lennon boot makers, some nice traditional looking boots on their site.