THE budget boot market can be a bit of a shady place – a real hit and miss on quality, durability and capability.
Sometimes, you find a pleasing gem that makes you wonder why you would splash out £200 when something a quarter of the price can do the same job. Other times, you kick yourself for not investing in proper kit. Then, once-in-a-while, you just want to throw them in the wheelie bin.
The brief: I needed something I wouldn’t mind wrecking when volunteering with a charity organisation that requires me to spend lots of time in various conditions and terrains, but often staggering about in brambles.
So I bought the Grition ‘model 1030’ boots for one simple purpose – a pair I wouldn’t mind scuffing up. They didn’t need to be pretty. They didn’t need to be high‑end. They just needed to be functional.
Unfortunately, they didn’t even clear that low bar.
Over‑padded and under‑designed
The first red flag was the fit. The ankle padding is so excessive it feels like the boot is trying to swallow your foot. Instead of support, you get bulk – the kind that never quite settles, no matter how much you try to break them in.
I disliked them from the moment I first laced them up, but I gave them a fair chance. After two weeks I was hoping I’d have them ‘broken in’ while quietly thinking about how much I just wanted to bin them.
The aspect that was bugging me the most from day one onwards was the lace hole construction and configuration. It is, frankly, terrible. The metal eyelets have no give whatsoever, while the top three pairs of lace hooks are grouped so tightly that it actually makes it difficult to lace the boots up properly.
The laces began fraying after three weeks of light use. No big days volunteering in the woods, no long hikes. Just light everyday wear.
The triple‑hook cluster at the top is completely baffling, and quite what the designers thought they were doing here is anyone’s guess. It’s over‑engineered in the wrong direction, making the boot harder to lace securely and adding pressure points where there shouldn’t be any. It’s a design choice that feels like it was made by someone who’s never actually worn a hiking boot.
After a month, I stopped trying to make them work. I’d had enough. They went in the bin – not because they were worn out, but because they were fundamentally uncomfortable and poorly built. If a pair of boots can’t survive a few weeks of light use, they have no business being anywhere near feet.
Verdict
The Gritions are a classic example of “buy cheap, buy twice”. They look the part, but the fit, construction, and durability simply aren’t there. Even as a knock‑about pair for muddy jobs, they fall short.
The very fact Grition has no known headquarters or factory other than several addresses in China is a concern. As is their only known outlets are places like Amazon and eBay and the like where they retail for anything between £26 and £36.
If you’re looking for budget boots you won’t mind getting dirty, there are far better options out there. These aren’t worth the money – or the blisters – and you’d be well-advised to give Grition a swerve.
Recommended alternatives
If you’re looking for boots you can knock about, drag through mud, or wear on volunteer shifts without worrying about them falling apart, here are far better options – all still budget‑friendly.
1. Karrimor Hot Rock / Mount Mid – £40–£55
A reliable entry‑level boot from a brand that actually exists beyond Amazon listings. Decent ankle support, better‑finished lacehooks, and soles that won’t peel off after a month. Not premium, but absolutely serviceable for a bit of rough outdoor use.
2. Hi‑Tec Bandera II WP – £45–£60
A long‑standing favourite in the ‘affordable but trustworthy’ category. Sensible padding, durable eyelets, and a fit that doesn’t fight you. Waterproofing is basic but real, and they break in pretty quickly.
3. Regatta Holcombe IEP Mid – £50–£65
A solid all‑rounder with good grip and a more refined fit than most budget boots. Regatta’s quality control is miles ahead of Grition, and these boots are comfortable straight out of the box.
4. Decathlon Quechua MH100 Mid – £30–£40
If you want something cheap but not disposable, Quechua is one of the safest bets in this price bracket. Simple, honest construction, no weird design choices, and a fit that just works. Ideal for muddy jobs and general outdoor abuse.
Don’t miss our guide: Best boots for hiking
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