Karrimor KSB Reviews
Latest Reviews
“KSB Boots Very Disappointing”
Written on: 07/05/2013
I purchased a pair of KSB Aspen Mid 111 weatherlite waterproof boots some 6 months ago. Use them for Saturday walks of 16-20 miles round trip usually North or South Downs Way. I had to purchase a larger pair than my usual shoe size due to there being no width choice available. The first time I used them, they got wet on the outside, which fairly quickly soaked through to my socks, so I had wet feet with boots labeled waterproof. There had been a lot of rain, so I had to accept at the time... (read more)
“Karrimor ksb hot rock weathertite”
Written on: 05/04/2013
These walking shoes are about as robust as a pair of slippers. My pair had the heels worn through to the air pockets in 6 months. when I took them back I was told that was all I could expect from them and that was their expected lifespan. A brand that has definitely gone down the pan. (read more)
“Karrimor KSB350 Event 2”
Written on: 21/11/2012 by migwelda
Have had ksb's before, that i was very happy with. They where my everyday footwear and lasted 3yrs. Never leaked or fell apart just wore out. So having owned Karrimor before i decided on some more. Since having these boots i've started trekking and have got them soaking in deep, muddy water logged fields and cannot believe how well they have coped. They are comfortable warm and sturdy i would recommend these to anyone on a budget as for the price i don't think they can be matched(£50... (read more)
“POOR QAUILITY WALKING BOOTS FROM DRAGONFLY?!!”
Written on: 21/10/2012 by Vince77
After 7+ years I reluctantly retired my merrell walking boots for no other reason than the soles had worn down so making them a bit slippery. I spent a fair bit of time looking at other walking boots & being happy with other karrimor products I put my faith in a pair of there top range walking boots at £90. From the first long walk they was not as comfortable as my previous merrells. I’ve had them for a year now but only worn them 10 times or so, as I bought them only for when we go on... (read more)
“karrimor ksb weayhertite boots”
Written on: 01/09/2012
bought these boots end of july,soles worn out already 6 weeks life span very disappointed.I Will not be bying karrimor again (read more)
“Karrimor KSB - heel collapsed”
Written on: 10/05/2012
I had a pair of "old Karrimor" KSBs - lasted over 10 years - huge use - worn but still serviceable. Last year I bought a pair of "identical" "new Karrimor" KSBs from Field & Trek in Covent Garden. After about half a dozen short outings the internal heel on the left boot completely collapsed in on itself rendering them useless. F&T don't want to know as they are over a year old (I didn't use them much!) Avoid "new Karrimor" footwear like the plague - its is just terrible quality trading... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 03/06/2012
Just had the same problem with a pair of two pair reggata boots but Hawkshead refunded money on one as only 4 month old
The others were 12 month old
I think this is a common problem due to most boots been made at the same chinese factory
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“Karrimor KSB - 6 months use at most”
Written on: 18/04/2012
First set of Karrimor boots and will be my last. The heel wore through in no time and although still waterproof on uppers, the cavity in the heel lets water straight through to inner lining. Karrimor themselves call this wear and tear and is not a design or manufacturing fault. Very poor in terms of value for money and given the competition I will look elsewhere. (read more)
“fantastic boots”
Written on: 07/10/2011 by ombrearanya72 (1 review written)
iv had 4 pairs of these boots over the last 5 years and they are by far the best boots iv owned. iv recomended these boots to two of my friends who wear them and agree they are brilliant. iv climbed and scrambled up the top 14 peaks in the UK in these boots. i wear them nearly every day and purchase a new pair every year wearing the older pair for work. even with my job working in a garage with oil and stuff on the floors and on my feet 8 hours a day they still last another year at least. if... (read more)
Irgrant's Response to ombrearanya72's Review
Written on: 07/05/2013
They can't be the same boots I bought!
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“Karrimore event boot - fine at first- fell apart later”
Written on: 09/09/2011
Purchased Karrimore 'Event' boot March 2010 after recommendation from friend. Initially very comfortable, light and water proof on day walks and a couple of long weekends in the Lake district. Just finished Tour Mont Blanc in the Alps, the sole became worn through after 7 days and the rubber glue to upper started to peel away! The boots have plenty of tread left but both soles appear to have lifted from the main boot and disintegrated. I am aware that the boots are 18 months old but... (read more)
“KSB boots well below expectations”
Written on: 15/08/2011
I purchased a pair of KSB Tour 11 waterproof boots some 6 months ago. Used them for some minor walks at first as it took quite a long period to break them in. After this period, on my second long hike, the weather was very wet and the boots became completely saturated on the return leg of the hike. Unsure as to why this happened, I dried them out slowly and used them the following week-end with the same result, however the conditions were not as poor as the previous week. I returned them and... (read more)
Thewalkingstore's Comment
Written on: 03/04/2013
All boots need waterproofing on the outers to prevent saturation as you yourself pointed out, if the outers are soaked where does your sweat go? Nowhere, stays where it is inside the boot, proof the outers and see the vast improvement in performance the liners on all lined boots should be viewed as the last line of defense against water ingress. All proper walking shops will tell you this when your buying the boots.
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Showing 1 - 10 of 56 Reviews
“Worn out in 3 months. Whats happened to the Karrimor...”
Written on: 21/06/2011 by johnrlang
Purchased in February, dead by June 2011. The soles were worn through, rubber toe protection falling off, insole insets unglued, lining worn through. These shoes were fairly comfortable and used regularly for bushwalking in Perth. These hiking shoes have been the worst wearing of any brand purchased previously. (read more)
Guest's Response to johnrlang's Review
Written on: 22/06/2011
Can't speak for walking boots, but I purchased wellingstons that were split in four places within one week. Karrimor refused to recompense as I bought from an intermediary, not direct from them. Utterly disgusted!
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“12 month Guarantee? Soles knackered in under 8 weeks!”
Written on: 27/05/2011 by fishyboots
Boots were really comfortable and i wore them very happily with expectation of a long happy life together, man and boot in perfect harmony! However, after less than eight weeks use I noticed that he soles had begun to wear through. i am most annoyed and will be trying to return them, wish me luck! (read more)
“Had my KSBs for 2 years. By far the most comfortable...”
Written on: 07/05/2011 by admiralhardinge (2 reviews written)
Had my KSBs for 2 years. By far the most comfortable boot I've ever worn. Used virtually every week in all weathers including 2 Alpine backpacking holidays. Now the waterproofing and some of the stitching has gone.
However, buy sensibly for approx £50 and these are a bargain, even if you have to change them every other year. Rather £50 and comfortable replaced every 2 years, than £100 and never perfect comfort, even if more expensive boots do last longer.
(read more)
“Good boots Comfy, Good sole, Water proof, Sturdy...”
Written on: 20/04/2011
Good boots Comfy, Good sole, Water proof, Sturdy around the ankle.
I have a funny feeling that most of the reviews here are from the competition. I have had many boots over the decades, Brasher, Salomon, Berghaus etc... I find Karrimor to be more or less in the same boat when it comes to hiking, walking boots. I enjoy rock hopping going of trail giving my boots and I a good scramble and of ccourse doing the garden, its not all fun!
Hope this review helped. Remember most boots now use Vibram...
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“I'm up to 500 miles now and the boots are looking...”
Written on: 12/04/2011 by Phil of Cilcain (1 review written)
I'm up to 500 miles now and the boots are looking somewhat worn. The sole and uppers are still good, but the heal has started to break up a little and the boots are no longer waterproof, the EVent lining having worn through at the heal. The laces have been replaced.
They are still the most comfortable boot I have owned (now, as long as it's dry!) and for £50 great value, but perhaps better suited to someone who walks less than the 1,500 miles per year I do. Next report at 600 miles!
(read more)
Guest's Response to Phil of Cilcain's Review
Written on: 26/05/2011
I took these boots back to Field & Trek, Chester and asked for their comments on the condition after just 6 months use. They replaced them without question. Great service from Field & Trek, good boots comfort wise, good value, but doubtful durability.
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“worst pair of boots ever, leather cracked and split...”
Written on: 26/03/2011
worst pair of boots ever, leather cracked and split even though was treated and water proofed after every wet muddy walk. should have took them back,cheaply made and poor quality. (read more)
“Brought these for £40 from Blacks. Comfy to start with...”
Written on: 26/02/2011
Brought these for £40 from Blacks. Comfy to start with but never really waterproof when put to the test in the hills. One of the lacing points has ripped out and some of the others are 'sharp' so they cut into the laces leaving you with tiny bits to tie up the boot (a real pain on a long walk). Old KSBs used to be bulletproof; not so the new ones, wont touch them again! (read more)
“Superbly comfy straight out of the box BUT - and it's...”
Written on: 16/02/2011
Superbly comfy straight out of the box BUT - and it's a big but - as reported by numerous others, after about 3 months use the waterproofing failed on both boots and one sole has worn through.
Fortunately I 'only' paid 30 notes as opposed to the 90 they were originally priced at, but even so, appalling quality! Best stick to Hi-Tech or Aldi for low priced reasonable boots. Never again will I buy Karrimor...
(read more)
“Same as everyone else's poor review. Boots fell apart...”
Written on: 02/02/2011
Same as everyone else's poor review. Boots fell apart after abot 30 miles of walking. Karrimor will not respond to any contact - just don't bother with them. (read more)
“Unfortunately I have just had an invasion of mice in...”
Written on: 07/01/2011
Unfortunately I have just had an invasion of mice in my garage in the winter and one of them set up home in my left Karrimor KSB goretex boot, and chewed all the lining out of it to make it more to his taste..
..These were the best boots I have ever had..comfy, warm, waterproof.. I have been to Everest in these, walked the Annapurna circuit for a month, and every hill and dale in Yorkshire and Lancs...
..So, looking to get some more I stumble on this website..thank goodness, it seems like...
(read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 56 Reviews
“Weirdly I am only looking on here in search of a...”
Written on: 03/01/2011
Weirdly I am only looking on here in search of a replacement for a pair of Karrimor event boots which I have had for 5 years and they have been fab!! The only reason I am looking to replace them is because I have worn a hole in the upper and they now let the water in! I did hear a rumour that Karrimor had changed hands...maybe this is the problem with the latest boots?
Now I have a problem as I don't know whether to replace like for like...wish I had never come across these reviews!!! :)
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“My Karromor's are comfortable and stylish but leak...”
Written on: 30/12/2010
My Karromor's are comfortable and stylish but leak like a seive. They are unfortunately useless for walking and hiking in the UK. The problem is that on both boots the rubber sole has separated from the fabric leaving a perfect water entry point for puddles over one inch deep. This problem materialised after 3 months. Useless - do not buy Karrimor. (read more)
“false advertising, soles leaked within weeks highly...”
Written on: 23/12/2010
false advertising, soles leaked within weeks highly dissapointed as i always wanted a pair. leather ruined by winter weather only plus was they ar very comfy. i only bought them 5 weeks ago. (read more)
“I bought a pair of Karrimor KSB Tour II weathertite...”
Written on: 06/12/2010 by rah30 (2 reviews written)
I bought a pair of Karrimor KSB Tour II weathertite boots that i expected to be totally waterproof as they were marketted at over £100 and stated on the boots themselves that they are waterproof. i bought a Nikwax reproofing agent for leather and fabric boots so that i could look after them. After the first day's use my feet were damp, so out came the reproofing agent and i treated them. this made no difference and by the third day my feet were really wet soon after putting them on. I work... (read more)
“I bought a pair of KSB 350 Event boots a few months...”
Written on: 19/11/2010
I bought a pair of KSB 350 Event boots a few months ago to trek in Nepal. They only cost £50 (allegedly reduced from £99)so I was a little doubtful. However, they were instantly comfortable and did a few local walks and a couple of accents of Snowdon before I set off. In Nepal they were superb keeping my feet dry from sweat in 30C heat, comfortable on rocky trails, and with plenty of cushioning, made walking on rocky ground and stepped trails comfortable. I've not tried any seriously wet... (read more)
Phil Of Cilcain's Comment
Written on: 08/02/2011
I've done about 400 miles in these boots now and not surisingly some wear is eveident on the heal & sole. They remain the most omfortable boots I have owned, and have never let water in. Excellent!
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“I bought my Karrimor KSB 300GTX boots in 2003 for...”
Written on: 08/11/2010 by Soggy Socks (1 review written)
I bought my Karrimor KSB 300GTX boots in 2003 for £99.00. They have been comfortable from the start and I have never had the problems with blisters that my old leather boots gave me. I have used them three or four times a year for rough walking in the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Wales. They always kept me dry but then two years ago I walked a gentle few miles in heavy rain and for the first time they leaked. This has been a problem ever since and now I don't reckon to get more than a... (read more)
Rah30's Response to Soggy Socks's Review
Written on: 06/12/2010
I found this review very helpful because... I had the same soggy feet problem right from day one of using my new Karrimor boots.They are really comfy and light, but that doesn't count for much when your feet are wet.
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“Very comfortable, however they are not waterproof and...”
Written on: 08/11/2010
Very comfortable, however they are not waterproof and I got soaking wet feet on a very long hike which resulted in blisters, threw them in the bin and bought a better pair. Do not use if you expect rain or wet grass. (read more)
“I am 61 and had actually given up the search for a...”
Written on: 17/10/2010
I am 61 and had actually given up the search for a good pair of boots for hillwalking. Although I have never needed to visit a chirpodist, I have what are apparently known as "high volume" feet. That means high arch, broad forefoot and OK,fat feet.
Over the decades I have tried on dozens of boots in all the usual outdoor shops, without success. Then one day I was in TK Maxx looking for a pair of trainers when I spotted a pair of Karrimor Coniston Weathertite KSBs. To my astonishment...
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“Brought pair of KSB Sky Lite from Blacks on 17/01/09...”
Written on: 12/10/2010
Brought pair of KSB Sky Lite from Blacks on 17/01/09 started leaking
on 01/8/10 these boots have had only moderate walking and have been well
maintained.Contacted all parties concerned with the sale and manufacture
of boots and met a big stone wall goodbye to £94.99
Never again will i buy Karrimor.
(read more)
“KSB Event boots ”
Written on: 08/10/2010
KSB Event boots
I bought these boots in january 2010, they had a sale price of £40 reduced from £99 this is the only reason i have given a 2* rating for value.
After ten months the internal stitching has come away and worn away completely on the heel leaving me with a blister. Upto now they have been comfortable tho not entiley waterproof. i would expect my boots to last a few years not months
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 56 Reviews
“I bought my KSB 300's about five years ago- they are...”
Written on: 16/09/2010
I bought my KSB 300's about five years ago- they are the nubuck event version. They have been the most comfortable boot I have ever owned, and didn't need to be worn in at all! The achilles cut at the back was a godsend when descending steep hills- really made it more comfortable and I don't know why boots don't have them as standard. As for waterproofness they have been perfect- the only times they've been wet inside is from sweat or when I've tried to cross a deep stream and it's gone in... (read more)
Kevinh166's Comment
Written on: 20/04/2011
I found this review not helpful because... you gave them a 1-star rating because you read some other reviews. Review YOUR boots, not other people's. If YOUR boots are the best YOU'VE ever owned, then they deserve better than 1-star.
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“I have had several pairs of USB boots. They lasted 4-6...”
Written on: 03/09/2010
I have had several pairs of USB boots. They lasted 4-6 years of being used constantly for 3-5 months of the year in the Peak District and eventually wore away at the heel. The quality was superb, but the company went bust, was take over, and the quality has taken a nose dive. They look the same, but the materials, and build quality are very low. If you can find ol stock get them, but anything else is best avoided. (read more)
“Women's KSB Coniston eVent Boots ”
Written on: 02/07/2010 by gillianbc (8 reviews written)
Women's KSB Coniston eVent Boots
Bought in Feb 2010. I have trouble finding boots that don't rub my ankles - these fit perfectly and are very comfortable. Keep my feet perfectly dry and enough cushioning for a 14 mile walk without blisters. Excellent. Walked many miles in them since - from frost through torrential rain and hot sun. They were also bargain at £55 from Millets online store - tried them on in my local store first at £109.
(read more)
“i have had my ksb's for nearly five years i work in...”
Written on: 15/06/2010
i have had my ksb's for nearly five years i work in horticuture maintainance and wear them every day they have took a lot of stick and there still going strong. they are by far in my opinion a far supierior brand than most others. (read more)
“ The best boots I have had by far. For me they tick...”
Written on: 28/02/2010
The best boots I have had by far. For me they tick every box. A pleasure to walk in. Recomended 100% (read more)
“NOW ALL KARRIMOR PRODUCTS ARE MY BY MIKE ASHLEY AND...”
Written on: 26/02/2010
NOW ALL KARRIMOR PRODUCTS ARE MY BY MIKE ASHLEY AND SPORTSDIRECT.COM THEY ARE OF VERY POOR QUALITY! ANOTHER GREAT BRITISH BRAND DEAD! (read more)
“ Bought Karrimor KSBs 10years ago after reading...”
Written on: 04/02/2010
Bought Karrimor KSBs 10years ago after reading reviews, best boots I have ever had, comfortable hardwearing and fantasticly waterproof. What happened?
Replaced my old boots with Event Karrimors, soaking feet in slightly damp grass,no confidence in them, if it is dry they dont breathe.Borrowed a pair of 10 year old Meindls for 2 weeks in the lakes, dry feet. Never again Karrimor, big disappointment
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“just to let you know i bought the karrimor ksb gtx...”
Written on: 31/01/2010
just to let you know i bought the karrimor ksb gtx quite a few years ago and they have served me well, still going strong.i still think that goretex is the one and only waterproof material for a boot. event and the other rivals are never as good.
you may also be interested to know that karrimor is now owned by lonsdale and sportsdirect who do not, as far as i know, specailise in outdoor gear so i would expect the build quality to be a little dubious! the company has also been into...
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“I purchased a pair of Karrimore Orkney II from...”
Written on: 25/01/2010 by bigfoot2 (1 review written)
I purchased a pair of Karrimore Orkney II from SportsWorld.Com 27 April 09, now Jan 2010. Heels collapsed, never been waterproof. Walked 200 miles only, now fit for the bin. SportsWorld shop not interested in returns, told management don't like complaints, make life as difficult as possible. Purchased a pair of Timberland as a replacement..twice the price as the Orkney. Will never buy a Karrimore or SportsWorld product again..... (read more)
“The KSB Goretex suede boots I bought some 5 yrs ago...”
Written on: 02/01/2010
The KSB Goretex suede boots I bought some 5 yrs ago have been excellent throughout all seasons. Treated from new with Nikwax, i have never had wet feet. Used in some downpores and crossing streams and boggy areas they have never let me down. Soles are showing some ware on the heels, but thats probably the way i walk, everyones gait is different. I'm supprised to see some of the reviews where the boots havn't performed but the KSBs i bought, seems there is more than one KSB though, have been... (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 56 Reviews
“Applaing quality, the sole of the boot wore out within...”
Written on: 24/12/2009
Applaing quality, the sole of the boot wore out within 2 years, sort of bubbled and torn, as if I had been running at 90 miles an hour. Karimore have ignored my complaints. please do not buy one of these boots it is a waste of money (read more)
“KARRIMOR KSB SKYE EVENT MENS LEATHER BOOTS. ”
Written on: 22/12/2009 by thecarrs (3 reviews written)
KARRIMOR KSB SKYE EVENT MENS LEATHER BOOTS.
I have worn these boots for two years.They are very comfortable and keep out water brilliantly. I have a done a considerable abount of fell walking in heavy snow and have found the boots excellent. The big let down for me is the boot fastenings. The loop of the laces snagged one boot to the other and easily pulled the fastener from the leather. Since this has happened I have pulled a further 3 fasteners out of the boot, while I have been tying them...
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“i bought the ksb outback taupe for deploying to kenya...”
Written on: 11/10/2009
i bought the ksb outback taupe for deploying to kenya with the armed forces thinking the boots would be ideal for a dry hot climate comfort wise they were great durability was very poor as the stitching on the boots came away after only six weeks of wear (read more)
“Very comfortable walking boot but unfortunately...”
Written on: 05/10/2009
Very comfortable walking boot but unfortunately useless in the rain. I spent a whole day in soggy, cold socks. Will have to look for something more suitable. (read more)
“was just thinking of replacing my Karrimor KSB s,...”
Written on: 21/09/2009
was just thinking of replacing my Karrimor KSB s, which are over a decade old. Really saddened to read all these negative reviews. My old pair are goretex lined and have never leaked. They were all I wore for three months trekking in Nepal and have served as wellies at every glastonbury since 2006 and the only water ever in them has been sweat. I've taken them on dartmoor, to wales and on a million trudges through long wet grass (which has always served to soak all other boots I've had. Not... (read more)
“I purchased the KSB peak event boot, having been a...”
Written on: 04/09/2009
I purchased the KSB peak event boot, having been a user of Karrimor products over a long period and having had no real issues, assumed that all would be fine. 100% waterproof, first time in the rain on Dartmoor, I had to remove both boots and empty the water. I have a pair that are 5 years old, with a hole in the sole and they keep my feet drier that the peak event version. Karrimor quality has fallen short for a while now and I will now be looking towards alternatives for any futher... (read more)
“for a walker with no experience I felt that the...”
Written on: 09/06/2009 by Dean Latter
for a walker with no experience I felt that the Karrimor KSB boots purchased would do the job I was hoping for, comfort and keep my feet dry, sadly not the case, granted the comfort thing yes they work but the dry component, not happening, I appreiciate the cost element and for someone who is only walking once for charity wanted to keep costs reasonable. Should I buy another pair before the walk (3 Peaks) in July or gamble that we have dryish weather?????????????? (read more)
“Though the Karrimor KSB is a very comfortable boot,...”
Written on: 10/05/2009 by ibacky (1 review written)
Though the Karrimor KSB is a very comfortable boot, mine have always leaked despite frequent treatment. After only about 500 miles, the tread on the vibram sole is tearing away rendering them useless. I have never had this with any other boot, and will not be buying another pair. (read more)
“I've found Karrimor KSB hiking boots excellent in all...”
Written on: 14/02/2009 by zigzagwanderer (1 review written)
I've found Karrimor KSB hiking boots excellent in all weathers , but my feet did get wet when doing the Sheffield Round walk + Stanage Edge in snow last week . I think that's pretty good for a year old pair with 500 miles on the clock , which haven't been re-proofed in six months.
In summer rain they're fine ; and I tend to wear them for all my day walking , even in the worst conditions unless venturing into true mountain terrain.
Light weight and comfortable, but strong enough for...
(read more)
Rufusbugle's Response to zigzagwanderer's Review
Written on: 11/03/2011
You don't happen to like Captain Beefheart, do you?
<br/>
<br/>
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“karrimor snow fur boots falling to bit in less than...”
Written on: 11/02/2009 by carve50 (1 review written)
karrimor snow fur boots falling to bit in less than five weeks with only weekend light use i am very disappointed as karrimor don't seem to want to know and are not offering me a replacement so beware i will be staying away from karrimor products (read more)
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Showing 41 - 50 of 56 Reviews
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 28/05/2012
Had the same issue with (KSB 350 lite ten months old) but with both soles going completed soft so you may as well be wearing slippers out on the mountain for all the good they are. Resulted in ruined feet and a 7 day hike cancelled on second day. Have had a pair of KSB 300 since 2008 and these are still going strong .. if a little tatty now.