Chameau-Lite LCX boots
Finding suitable footwear for the early summer can be challenging. The mornings can still be damp and yet it can quickly turn warm. I am not a great fan of wellies and the pair I have are lined with neoprene, so when the sun does come out they can get quite uncomfortable. Also, at this time of the year you don’t need the type of heavy-duty boots you require during the shooting season.
Tough
For the past few months I have been trying out the new Lite LCX 10in stalking boot from Le Chameau, the well-respected French brand. The boots are all handmade in full grain leather and are really lightweight, weighing 1490g. There is also a version that incorporates Kevlar, which adds to the boot’s durability. They are guaranteed to be waterproof and breathable due to a five-layer LCX lining that stops water from entering the boot but also allows maximum breathability. Despite only wearing the boots in the spring and early summer, I am sure that they will be able to cope with all that the winter weather will throw at them, too.
Comfortable
I found the boots to be really comfortable right out of the box and they really didn’t need any wearing in. They are quite a tight fit and it is recommended that you buy a size larger to your usual one. The sole (which normally adds most of the weight in a boot) has been designed in partnership with Michelin, the tyre manufacturer, and is based on motocross technology. It doesn’t have what I would call an ‘aggressive’ sole pattern but this has resulted in a lightweight and extremely comfortable experience when walking over most kinds of terrain. I particularly liked the construction and flexibility of the upper part of the boot, especially around the ankle area, and no matter how far I have walked, I haven’t yet suffered from any foot or ankle fatigue.
There is a thick rubber band covering the toe and sides of the boot, which helps to protect the boot from rocks and stones. Although this particular model is aimed at
Price: £299 the stalking market, I think it would make a good all-round boot and that is certainly how I will be using mine over the coming months. And if this is not quite what you are looking for, there are three other versions available in the Lite range: the High 12in; the Kevlar 10in; and a Low 7in boot.
lechameau.com
Reviewer: Nick Ridley