I am looking at buying Gelert boots for the Whale Trail in January 2027. They seem to be the only boots that come in half sizes. However, the reviews on international sites do not rate them as good quality at all and people complain about the soles splitting in half.
Anyone have experiences to share?
Whale trail is so well maintained you could complete it a pair of gym shoes. I did it in trailer runners a few months back.
Realise it’s not really answering your question, but unless you have a specific need for the boots I would have a look at some trail runners. They have really picked up in and replaced hiking boots in a lot of spaces. Breathable to avoid blisters and let water out after river crossing, good grip, light weight, available in all sorts of fits. Altra Lonepeak if you have wide toes (These got rid of all my toe blisters for me, and new ones are also properly grippy with Vibram soles), Hoka Speedgoats if you want lots of underfoot protection, Saucony peregrines are super gripy, Brooks has some solid ones as well.
I completely get that boots might be better for your needs if you are worried about your ankles, very heavy packs and/or buy for life. But haven’t worn a pair of boots in years of hiking now, and have never missed them. Plus a pair of trail runners gets used for everyday wear as well, which feels better with what shoes cost now.