Bates tora bora
Boots and/or footwear
Lets talk boots and other footwear. You can only go as far as your feet will take you in many a true SHTF situation.
As I get older, I am having more and more foot issues from years of punishing my feet in the military when I was young and invincible. I wish I had paid the extra for the best shoes and boots when I was younger and I probably wouldn't have the issues I have now, not to mention my knees would be in better shape as well.
Around 2006 or so I began searching for the best boot to wear while in uniform and though not "authorized", I ended up wearing the full-size Converse Desert boot with the side zipper as it was the most comfortable boot I had ever worn. Now that I am older and have even more issues, I have to add my inserts from the VA to them, but they are still almost on a par with my Nike running shoes that I also have to add an insert to make them comfortable. They will wear out over time, as I have gone through several pairs (8 inch and 6 inch versions), and they can not be resoled as far as I can tell, but like a pair of high top basketball shoes, they are lightweight, comfortable and give good ankle support. They are definitely not for colder climates.
I wear the 6"version now, and the last pair I bought were made by Reebok as Converse has discontinued them. The boot is pictured here: http://www.lapolicegear.com/coc86mecotoe.html
If you are looking for a comfortable boot and can find any of the Converse ones in stock in your size, these are comfortable. If you can't find any, the Reeboks look to be basically the exact same boot.
How about the rest of you - What boot or shoes do you recommend for a combination of comfort/wearability and durability?
As I get older, I am having more and more foot issues from years of punishing my feet in the military when I was young and invincible. I wish I had paid the extra for the best shoes and boots when I was younger and I probably wouldn't have the issues I have now, not to mention my knees would be in better shape as well.
Around 2006 or so I began searching for the best boot to wear while in uniform and though not "authorized", I ended up wearing the full-size Converse Desert boot with the side zipper as it was the most comfortable boot I had ever worn. Now that I am older and have even more issues, I have to add my inserts from the VA to them, but they are still almost on a par with my Nike running shoes that I also have to add an insert to make them comfortable. They will wear out over time, as I have gone through several pairs (8 inch and 6 inch versions), and they can not be resoled as far as I can tell, but like a pair of high top basketball shoes, they are lightweight, comfortable and give good ankle support. They are definitely not for colder climates.
I wear the 6"version now, and the last pair I bought were made by Reebok as Converse has discontinued them. The boot is pictured here: http://www.lapolicegear.com/coc86mecotoe.html
If you are looking for a comfortable boot and can find any of the Converse ones in stock in your size, these are comfortable. If you can't find any, the Reeboks look to be basically the exact same boot.
How about the rest of you - What boot or shoes do you recommend for a combination of comfort/wearability and durability?
1 - 20 of 90 Posts
Not mil spec whatsoever, but I have a set of Georgia Loggers for work. Between snow, deice fluid, jet fuel and solid deice pellets to contend with, these things are great. Good tread with those special soles for vibration, thinsulate, and thick leather round it out. My only complaint is sometimes the grommets aren't smooth so you end up with laces that don't last long, but I found Kevlar laces that seem to be holding up.
I always liked my Altama Boots, but I see they have gone (going) out of business. I'm glad I bought an extra pair a few years ago. I should be good until the end of my time.
Have steel prosthetics inside left foot from injury many years ago, am 59 Y.O. now, and have found these boots to be one of the very few I can wear in comfort. Support and grip are superb in extreme mountain conditions and they are excellent in and around water.
Their only downside is that they are on the heavy side and can be warm. I always wear SmartWool hiking socks so the heat issue with them is minimal even on very hot days.
http://www.rei.com/product/774690/zamberlan-vioz-gt-hiking-boots-mens
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lab_FL60GDc[/ame]
Their only downside is that they are on the heavy side and can be warm. I always wear SmartWool hiking socks so the heat issue with them is minimal even on very hot days.
http://www.rei.com/product/774690/zamberlan-vioz-gt-hiking-boots-mens
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lab_FL60GDc[/ame]
I have a set of custom orthotics inserts I use, insert them into what I'm wearing that day.
Like sfoxwell I like Danner boots.
Like sfoxwell I like Danner boots.
Danner Pronghorn
Only drawback is that they squeak! Sounds like walking on 1" of newly fallen snow. I like them because I have a narrow heal and these fit so well that there is zero slip.
Only drawback is that they squeak! Sounds like walking on 1" of newly fallen snow. I like them because I have a narrow heal and these fit so well that there is zero slip.
well for boots i like H&H biker boot's.
i cut the leather and ring off them. then have a zipper installed.
for shoes i get custom moccasins nothing feels better.
Lruss
i cut the leather and ring off them. then have a zipper installed.
for shoes i get custom moccasins nothing feels better.
Lruss
I wore the GI army boots all through Iraq. Not bad for comfort if broken in properly, but will only last a year or so under hard use. Going into Afghanistan, i ponied up and bought some Oakley Land Sea and Air boots. 6" ankle and tennis shoe like sole. Good for running on flat ground, not so good for walking long periods with kit and ruck up the side of a mountain. The best boot by far in my opinion is the Rocky S2V. They are a bit on the expensive side but they last. I've got 2 years of hard training and a deployment on my current pair. Also they are a little heavy but you can step on anything and won't feel it. March all day and feet won't hurt. I highly recommend them.
Whites smoke jumper, some of the best out there
Lately ive been grooving in the 'Keen Utility' line of work boots I have found my size so I have a few pairs now. Im working 12+hr days are these boots are comfortable if you are going to be on your feet all day! I have a wide foot with a high arch, I take my footwear seriously.
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The former gunny of the mountain warfare training center known as Norseman recommended the bates tora bora. I looked them up and they are nice. Expensive. Bates makes great boots.
I just searched for those boots...Holy freaking Cow!! They must be some boots. They are definitely "Expensive". Have you ever worn them?The former gunny of the mountain warfare training center known as Norseman recommended the bates tora bora. I looked them up and they are nice. Expensive. Bates makes great boots.
Keen's have been a great thing for my feet. They replaced my Corcoran jump boots...which was a tall task.Lately ive been grooving in the 'Keen Utility' line of work boots I have found my size so I have a few pairs now. Im working 12+hr days are these boots are comfortable if you are going to be on your feet all day! I have a wide foot with a high arch, I take my footwear seriously.
E
My foot pivots more than normal it seems behind the ball when I walk, so I break soles straight across that area on average quality shoes quickly. The only hiking type boots that will last with me in them is Hi-Tec and Magnums. The last Magnums I had lasted 8 years of nearly everyday wear at work. Those two are m14brian approved. They are pretty comfortable too.
m14brian
m14brian
I destroyed my Oakley boots, went through 2 pair in one deployment. Ended up going back to the issue Altamas for the remainder. All of them ended up tearing the inside heels out.
After graduating to civilianhood, I picked up a pair of Ariat Workhogs. I decided to forgo laces, as I am coming in and out all the time and hate dealing with them. Best money I ever spent. I've had knee, hip, and back issues ever since joining the Army, and they've been near non-existent since buying these.
I've worn them hunting in the cold with pouring rain with no problems, including dragging a deer out about a mile. Gotten them covered in mud, a quick rinse in the sink, a brush, and out to dinner with them. Honestly, I don't think I've worn another pair of shoes in months.
After graduating to civilianhood, I picked up a pair of Ariat Workhogs. I decided to forgo laces, as I am coming in and out all the time and hate dealing with them. Best money I ever spent. I've had knee, hip, and back issues ever since joining the Army, and they've been near non-existent since buying these.
I've worn them hunting in the cold with pouring rain with no problems, including dragging a deer out about a mile. Gotten them covered in mud, a quick rinse in the sink, a brush, and out to dinner with them. Honestly, I don't think I've worn another pair of shoes in months.
I shattered both heels about 6 or 7 years ago. Since then, my feet have become pretty picky when it comes to shoes. Ariat WorkHogs are the most comfortable and durable, within a reasonable price, that I have found. I love em.
I have never had issues with my Rocky SV2 boots. I have 3 pair and love them all and wear them almost everyday. The Vibram soles are solid and dont wear much at all.
No I haven't. I wouldn't mind but I can't justify spending that much on boots I'll wear once a year.I just searched for those boots...Holy freaking Cow!! They must be some boots. They are definitely "Expensive". Have you ever worn them?
1 - 20 of 90 Posts
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