Yup as long as they aren't made in china.
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?
41 - 60 of 90 Posts
I have a pair of Merrell Phaser Peak Waterproof boots with Vibram soles and I would never give them up or go to a different boot. They are by far better than any pair of mil-spec boots I had in the Army. I can walk all day in these and never even think about getting blisters. The tread has head up very well too. I've had them for 3 or 4 years and I still have over half the tread left. I do wear them daily a lot of the time as well out on the trail as to why I'm impressed that they've held up so well. I'm going to buy a couple pairs next month just in case Merrell ever decide to change them or discontinue them.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Pro...xh24QdaD|dc-PLA--52300075325--S-Brand-Merrell
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Pro...xh24QdaD|dc-PLA--52300075325--S-Brand-Merrell
For comfort I like the Blackhawk Warrior Wear Desert Ops boot. The downside for them is the glued on sole as opposed to sewn on. Danner makes good sewn on soled boots. I am really hard on boots and nothing ever lasts more than 6 months of constant wear before coming apart. I had a pair of older Redwings years ago and THEY did hold up extremely well but they are not the same boot they used to be. I recently bought a surplus pair of black military waterproof leather boots and they are so far doing really well. They were sold as Danners but I cant find a maker's mark on them so who knows.
Whites Smokejumpers are the best I've found yet but come at a price. Whites will rebuild, not just resole, for about $125 when you do wear them out. They have some less expensive models that aren't rated for wildland firefighting. I'm sure they're just as comfortable.
I've been wearing a pair of Danner Rainforest 2 boots for the last few years when in the woods, they've done well. For work just Redwing Pecos, easy off and on so I don't track up the houseGI2
I've been wearing a pair of Danner Rainforest 2 boots for the last few years when in the woods, they've done well. For work just Redwing Pecos, easy off and on so I don't track up the houseGI2
just remember that if you plan to carry any weight like a backpack and water and rifle and belt knife......you get the picture.....stiff soled boots are a must if not you will feel every rock you walk over right thru the ball of your foot
i had a pair of Whites Hunters with Honey Vibram soles built years back....still my fav.
dave
i had a pair of Whites Hunters with Honey Vibram soles built years back....still my fav.
dave
Do your pronghorns creak?
There is no way I could stalk anything but a telephone pole in mine. Do your Pronghorns creek when you walk?Danner Pronghorns for hunting.
Irish Setters for work'
Justin boots for sparkin the ladies
Nope...quiet as a mouse.There is no way I could stalk anything but a telephone pole in mine. Do your Pronghorns creek when you walk?
The best boots I've had were a pair of Herman Survivors I got in the 80's. Was young at the time but wore them until my feet got too big.
Currently wearing Rocky SV2 in summer. They are quite comfortable and durable but seem to me to be a little warm for hot weather.
For heavy work its custom Whites. With a high arch thought the "arch ease" would be the ticket. These are a serious logger style boot. Frankly I haven't broke them in fully yet but can see they will long outlive me.
Currently wearing Rocky SV2 in summer. They are quite comfortable and durable but seem to me to be a little warm for hot weather.
For heavy work its custom Whites. With a high arch thought the "arch ease" would be the ticket. These are a serious logger style boot. Frankly I haven't broke them in fully yet but can see they will long outlive me.
Which sv2 boots do you have? There is a cold weather version. I never had a problem with heat with them.
I've owned Herman Survivors while they were still made here. When they outsourced them, the quality went down the tubes.
I've tried Cabela's brand and Browning, but neither fit very well.
Last week I bought a pair of Corcoran jump boots, in brown. I had forgotten just how comfortable the Munson last was. They're breaking in nicely, and they'll be ready for all-day wear by the end of the week. I wore them for 4 hours on concrete floors yesterday, and they were very comfortable. The only thing I don't like are the laces which now come with them. They also included a set of leather laces, but they're not any better than the newer types. Neither will stay snug without double knotting. I'll probably get some dark brown paracord, and make my own.
I've tried Cabela's brand and Browning, but neither fit very well.
Last week I bought a pair of Corcoran jump boots, in brown. I had forgotten just how comfortable the Munson last was. They're breaking in nicely, and they'll be ready for all-day wear by the end of the week. I wore them for 4 hours on concrete floors yesterday, and they were very comfortable. The only thing I don't like are the laces which now come with them. They also included a set of leather laces, but they're not any better than the newer types. Neither will stay snug without double knotting. I'll probably get some dark brown paracord, and make my own.
After seeing this above and knowing how comfortable my younger son said his Ariat "Ramblers" are, I bought (ordered online) me some Ariats. I didn't get the "Workhogs" model though as I didn't want the steel toe nor the "Rambler" model as his Ramblers doesn't have a stiff upper. Instead I got the "Ariat Men's Sierra Wide Square Toe St Boot". Hopefully they will be as comfortable as you and my son say Ariats are. GI1I 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.
Mine aren't steel/composite toed. They have like 4 models though.After seeing this above and knowing how comfortable my younger son said his Ariat "Ramblers" are, I bought (ordered online) me some Ariats. I didn't get the "Workhogs" model though as I didn't want the steel toe nor the "Rambler" model as his Ramblers doesn't have a stiff upper. Instead I got the "Ariat Men's Sierra Wide Square Toe St Boot". Hopefully they will be as comfortable as you and my son say Ariats are. GI1
My suggestion for break in is to take out the insert for a week or two, then once it feels comfortable, put them back in. First pair of boots I broke in this way, and first without a blister too.
My workhogs are waterproof with no steel toe. Like I said earlier, I shattered both of my heels 6 years ago and a lot of shoes hurt like hell. Those workhogs are so comfortable, I don't even wear sneakers anymore. I'm done with laces as well.Mine aren't steel/composite toed. They have like 4 models though.
My suggestion for break in is to take out the insert for a week or two, then once it feels comfortable, put them back in. First pair of boots I broke in this way, and first without a blister too.
I couldn't find Workhogs without the steel toe, but that was probably just my crummy shopping online ability. I also had to find boots in a size 14, which makes the selection less numerous to choose from as well. I used to wear a composite toe, but with my left foot being messed up, I prefer not to do so. I just went back and checked the description and these do have a steel toe after all...I guess I missed that after searching so many different boots and sites. Oh well, it won't be a deal breaker if it doesn't rub my toes on the left foot. The steel toe (if comfortable) will actually come in handy with my doing stuff around the farm and woods.
I will probably treat the boots with silicone if they aren't as water resistant as I prefer, but really, I have found a good pair of rubber boots gets the job done when it is nasty outside. I also have to wear my inserts from the VA or I pay for it later.
Here are the ones I got: [ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074901G8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]
I will probably treat the boots with silicone if they aren't as water resistant as I prefer, but really, I have found a good pair of rubber boots gets the job done when it is nasty outside. I also have to wear my inserts from the VA or I pay for it later.
Here are the ones I got: [ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074901G8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]
I couldn't find Workhogs without the steel toe, but that was probably just my crummy shopping online ability. I also had to find boots in a size 14, which makes the selection less numerous to choose from as well. I used to wear a composite toe, but with my left foot being messed up, I prefer not to do so. I just went back and checked the description and these do have a steel toe after all...I guess I missed that after searching so many different boots and sites. Oh well, it won't be a deal breaker if it doesn't rub my toes on the left foot. The steel toe (if comfortable) will actually come in handy with my doing stuff around the farm and woods.
I will probably treat the boots with silicone if they aren't as water resistant as I prefer, but really, I have found a good pair of rubber boots gets the job done when it is nasty outside. I also have to wear my inserts from the VA or I pay for it later.
Here are the ones I got: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074901G8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are mine. Amazon has a 14 but D. I have a 10.5 EE. I had to put a 36" culvert in at the bottom of my pasture and after placing rip rap and sealing one end up with whatever wire fencing I could scrounge up, I had spent an hour and a half in the creek with no leaks in my boots.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Ariat-Workhog-Pull-On-Waterproof-Distressed/dp/B002Q8I0SI/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1419743730&sr=1-1&keywords=ariat+workhogs+h2o[/ame]
These are the ones I bought from country outfitter (they usually have sales right now). Amazon has an easy return policy if you really don't want stereotype.These are mine. Amazon has a 14 but D. I have a 10.5 EE. I had to put a 36" culvert in at the bottom of my pasture and after placing rip rap and sealing one end up with whatever wire fencing I could scrounge up, I had spent an hour and a half in the creek with no leaks in my boots.
http://www.amazon.com/Ariat-Workhog...1419743730&sr=1-1&keywords=ariat+workhogs+h2o
For quiet walking in the woods, nothing can beat moccasins (unless it's bare feet but then you end up watching out for your feet too much). For a while you could buy hightop 8" moosehide 'mukluk' versions that offered some ankle protection (against bites and scrapes etc) and were great. They were actually made for snowshoeing and not for the city or tourist trades; haven't seen them for years.There is no way I could stalk anything but a telephone pole in mine. Do your Pronghorns creek when you walk?
I too, had the converse over in the desert. I now wear the reebok version with the safety toe at work. I work in maintenance at a VA hospital now, so cold isn't a problem. They are light and comfortable. I was told that reebok got the right to make the boots from converse when they discontinued them. I did notice that the new reeboks need to be broken in where the old converse were comfortable from the start. I've also had good luck with the Wolverine boots that have the dura shock soles.
I had horrible luck with the inserts provided by the VA, they ended up hurting my feet worse than they did with out them. I ended up throwing them away. Probably should have had them make me up another set, but never did.
I had horrible luck with the inserts provided by the VA, they ended up hurting my feet worse than they did with out them. I ended up throwing them away. Probably should have had them make me up another set, but never did.
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?
Foot care is paramount, mission accomplishment, secondary....
41 - 60 of 90 Posts
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