In reply to nickinscottishmountains:
I'll be contrary and say definitely not Altbergs. They fit the 'sturdy' requirement, but 'flexible'? I have a pair of 'Malham' boots which felt fine in the shop and walking round the house, but my heart sinks when I decide to give them one more try (I've done about 200miles in them so far).
Absolutely 'dead' feel to them, transmit the dull 'thud' of every single step on hard paths and feel like a pair of lead diving boots. Horrible things, I only wear them for short walks in muddy conditions and persevere with them because I'm a stingy Yorkshireman who wants his £150 worth of use out of them.
I'd rather wear boots DMS with the cheesegrater-like insoles than Altbergs.
Post edited at 16:22