Peter Clinch wrote
Rod Speed wrote

Yes, but it does make sense to get a boot that has good reviews
on its design detail and THEN make sure it fits well too.

Up to a point.

Nope, thats always true.

That point being that the particular application
has to be the same basic one as yours,

Thats what part of being a good review is about, that its relevant to your circumstances.

and if the reviewer's idea of a good day out is the Cuillin Ridge
and yours is a dander round Richmond Park (or vice versa)
then you may well be looking for different things.

See above.

Unless you're doing something fairly technical the design
detail is really down to how it affects wearing comfort,

Nope, particularly with how well it wears and whether its waterproof etc.

and that's what you'll find by trying it on.

Not even possible with either.

I've come across experienced boot fitters who've
been exasperated by magazine reviews.

Sure.

Folk ignore the preamble about fit and jump straight to the "best in
test" irrespective of whether it fits or it's right for their application.

Sure, there will always be those who cant work out what is a useful review too.

And if that's pointed out they're "fobbing off the customer with something they're trying to push".

Yes, there are plenty of conspiracy theorists.

Yes, but its is also important that the design is well done too and its well made etc as well.

But we're at the point where making a pair of
shoes or boots isn't exactly unknown territory.

It is however one area where some take shortcuts to reduce the price
etc with so many of the consumers rating the price as important.

A decent pair of walking shoes 20 years ago would
still be a decent pair of walking shoes today, because
feet and walking haven't actually changed much.

Yes, but a review can be useful to decide what is and is not decent quality wise.

And things have changed radically in those 20 years with so much being made in china now.

Its desirable to know which operations have managed to get their chinese manufacture done effectively now.