Faulty boots, shop asking me to jump through hoops

bootsandblisters

Okell said:

@bootsandblisters 

(1) who did you buy from?  

(2) what is the make and model of boot?

1. Country & Stable

2. Mountain Horse snowy river short riding boot. Designed for yard and riding - I do both plus a bit of wandering in woodland. They are not as refined as they look, they're a fairly bulky boot. They haven't been used in the way I'd use hiking boots. Regardless, they're advertised as waterproof construction and for winter use - if I used them in winter I'd have icicles for toes.

lincroft1710

Given that MHSR appear to be a very popular boot, have you tried looking online to see if anyone else has experienced the same problem

bootsandblisters

lincroft1710 said:

Given that MHSR appear to be a very popular boot, have you tried looking online to see if anyone else has experienced the same problem

They've been around a fairly long time, it might be longevity rather than popularity. I looked at reviews before I bought; not that many but they're generally positive, and from people using them in the same way I have been.

Arunmor

I use mink oil boot polish on my boots which I use for shooting they are now close to 20 years old and only leak when I go wading over a foot deep .   Give that a whirl (old fashioned is best and keeps the leather supple)

Is the tongue fully stitched into the boot?   If not that may explain the problem.  I've given up on the likes of goretex as they never stay waterproof for too long.

bootsandblisters

Arunmor said:

I use mink oil boot polish on my boots which I use for shooting they are now close to 20 years old and only leak when I go wading over a foot deep .   Give that a whirl (old fashioned is best and keeps the leather supple)

Is the tongue fully stitched into the boot?   If not that may explain the problem.  I've given up on the likes of goretex as they never stay waterproof for too long.

These boots are definitely faulty and I'd rather not patch up a problem that not of my making nor mine to go to the expense of solving, but I'll take that advice for my next pair of boots!

Grumpy_chap

Arunmor said:

I use mink oil boot polish on my boots 

Looking online at the boots the OP has purchased, they are never going to be waterproof without regular waxing.

bootsandblisters

Grumpy_chap said:

Arunmor said:

I use mink oil boot polish on my boots 

Looking online at the boots the OP has purchased, they are never going to be waterproof without regular waxing.

Which is fair - and I have cleaned and waxed them a couple of times. But they were leaking within the first few days - it has been incredibly dry so it wasn't clear that it was the boots and not my feet sweating (b/c the inner is basically plastic) until it had rained and my feet got completely soaked. Guidance in the box says clean off dirt and mud, and treat with conditioner to keep the leather soft. Nothing about using oil to retain waterproofness, so I've done more than their guidance states really.

Okell

I've been Munroing on and off in Scotland for over 30 years and I swear by a liberal and frequent application of Nikwax on my boots.  (I even have a 30 year old pair of Zamberlan Ultralites that were retired from hill walking over 20 years ago but are still waterproof and are my "go to" footwear when it snows at home).

But if @Arunmor is a stalker or something in the Highlands I'll defer to his opinion that Mink oil(?) is the answer.

I don't think I'd be happy with boots that have a plastic(?) inner.

Grumpy_chap

Okell said:

application of Nikwax on my boots. 



I don't think I'd be happy with boots that have a plastic(?) inner.

Nikwax is my goto treatment - it still keeps alive the boots I received for my 18th Birthday.

I also would not like the plastic liner - it would be certain to create humid conditions inside the boot.

MayDogsandCoffee

The boots are not fit for purpose and they need to refund - no quibbles.  Not sure on the online purchase but the sales of goods act is that you sales contract is with seller not manufacturer so don't let them go down that route - it is for them to refund and do what ever they want with factory. I would look for their fb page and every associated page you can think of and start leaving reviews, stating can't get refunds (that wakes them up).  It is better to purchase online with CC, then if a site is dodgy they don't have access to all your bank details and therefore funds.