Worth The Big Investment? | Fortis Trail Boots
Twice the price of its competition, but are they worth the investment?
Walking boots. The unsung heroes of carp fishing. You can have all the Basiairs, Delks and Tempest 150s, but if your feet are soaked, freezing, and developing foot rot, your session’s over (well, at least it should be!). Enter the Fortis Trail Boots: designed for those anglers whose FitBit step count matches (or even betters) that of Oz Holness or Myles Gibson. In keeping with Fortis’ ‘quality first’ mantra—first seen at the top of your head with their polaroid sunglasses—it now runs all the way down to your feet. These boots combine premium materials, bombproof durability, and a style subtle enough not to scream “wannabe Bear Grylls”. Tested by angling titans such as Oz Holness, Scott Lloyd, and Si Bater, these boots promise to keep you comfortable and grounded—literally. But do they deliver? Let’s dig in.
What makes these boots so special?
Think of the Fortis Trail Boots as the Swiss Army knife of angling footwear (wait, scrap that—we’re avoiding clichés). They’re like the lovechild of a hiking boot and a luxury sofa: rugged, reliable, and ridiculously comfortable. The Nubuck Dakar leather outer? Tougher than your nan’s Sunday roast beef. Yet it’s supple, and it’s built to take a beating from gravel, mud, and whatever else you throw at it. Inside, the waterproof and breathable membrane does its best impression of an air-conditioning unit for your feet, keeping them dry without turning them into a sauna. Add the plush Anilina leather lining, and you’ll start wondering why your other shoes feel like medieval torture devices.
But are they comfortable for long sessions?
Imagine walking on clouds—only these clouds are reinforced with a high-density foam insole and a lightweight PU midsole. The foam is breathable, moisture-wicking, and about as squishy as a fresh loaf of bread. Meanwhile, the PU midsole takes care of shock absorption, so your feet won’t hate you after a long day of walking the banks or climbing trees. In fact, after a weekend of wearing these boots, my feet felt so good I almost volunteered to bin the Power Porter and carry my kit back to the van. Almost.
How do they stack up against the competition, though: Nash ZT Trail Boots and Fox Chunk Boots?
The Nash ZTs are solid, no doubt, but they’re heavy. The Fox Chunk Boots? They’ve got a nice price tag, but they skimp on the premium features—no Vibram sole, no posh leather lining, and, let’s face it, no bragging rights. Fortis Trail Boots strike the perfect balance. They’re lighter than the Nash, classier than the Fox, and offer a level of comfort that makes you question why you didn’t splash out sooner. Plus, they’ve been battle-tested by legends of the game. If they’re good enough for Oz Holness, they’re good enough for me—and probably you too.
Are they really waterproof?
Absolutely. The waterproof membrane keeps your feet drier than a Sahara bivvy session, and the Nubuck leather outer adds an extra layer of defence against soggy conditions. Just don’t wade into the lake with them—well, unless you’re auditioning for the next Fortis promo video.
Any hidden downsides?
Let’s address the koi carp in the room: the price. At around double the cost of Nash and Fox’s offerings, these boots aren’t exactly a budget option. However, they’ll outlast the competition and offer unmatched comfort for your feet. It’s also well worth noting these aren’t heavyweight insulted boots. Whilst wearing them during ‘downtime’ (i.e. sitting around) on late winter sessions, your feet aren’t exactly warm, but then they aren’t designed to compete with a Baffin or a Vass Hybrid Thermo Boot.
Who are these boots for?
These boots are for the angler who doesn’t let bad weather or bad terrain ruin their session. Whether you’re scrambling across the muddy banks of a French reservoir, pacing the footpaths of a Belgian canal, or trying to find a swim on Linear’s gravel-pathed B2, the Fortis Trail Boots will keep you steady and comfortable. And if you’re the sort of angler who likes to name-drop, the fact they’ve been tested by some of the sport’s biggest names is just the cherry on top.
Final thoughts—should you buy them?
If you value your feet (and who doesn’t?), these are worth every penny. The Fortis Trail Boots are the angling equivalent of a Gaz Fareham rig: reliable, refined, effective, and crucial to your success. Sure, they cost a bit more upfront, but with their durability, comfort, and all-terrain grip, they’ll pay for themselves in seasons to come. Treat your feet now.
