Ecco Walking Boots Ladies I have had several pairs of nubuck and leather boots over the years and although very comfortable, they have not had a long life and none of them were waterproof for long. The soles have worn out very quickly, and in one case disintegrated completely. The last pair were the worst, plain brown leather, (costing £110) and after wearing a couple of times the soles literally fell off! The uppers are like new. Because I didn’t buy them locally it was not practical to take them back to the retailer. I contacted Ecco and they couldn’t care less!! I will not buy any more Ecco boots.

ECCOS are living off their past reputation. I wish it wasn't the case as I've owned and worn ECCOS since 1998 (this comment is written in 2009). Have 10 pairs of shoes and boots from ECCO bought at various times over that span. At some point between 2001-2005 the quality and resistance to wear of the boots and shoes started to slip. Shoes fell out of shape sooner, the soles of the boots wore out faster. Part of it was done to save on manufacturing costs, the old soles of ECCO boots were made with a 3 part/stage bonding process that felt wonderful and went easy on the knees & ankles. The new ones only use a 2 part bonding process which lowers the cost but also results in a less than perfect feel when walking.

Ecco Grand Hiker Gore-Tex Waterproof are the most awful boots i have ever worn - i bought them on the recommendations and reviews, and have just completed the coast to coast walk - 192 miles. These boots started leaking after 2 days, and the soles were very uncomfortable indeed. No amount of waterproofing gel could re waterproof these boots, and by the end of the walk, the sole on the left boot had split.