Hello all. I work hospital security (hopefully I'll be in the academy end of the summer), and I'm looking for some boot recommendations. I've worn 5.11 ATAC Storm boots for the last two years. They're extremely comfortable, but began deteriorating after a few months. Right now there are multiple holes in the leather, and the sole is separating all around.

It might be a bold statement, but I spend about as much time on my feet as the PD do in this area, so I am looking for something that will hold up better than the 5.11s. Some of the local PD guys recommended Salomons, Blauer, and Danners. My father was issued Bates, and swears by those. The winters here are nasty, and the summers can be warm so I'm looking for a boot that's a little more versatile. Just curious what ya'll use.

Bates are great. Dancers are just as good. That's about all the advice I can give someone in Maine.

2 boots, one for summer and one for winter

That's what I've been doing. I usually wear the Under Armour Valsetz boots in the summer, and the 5.11's in the winter. Unfortunately, both have fallen apart. Maybe I am just expecting too much from them?

Saloman makes all black boots and shoes.  They are great.

I bought a pair of Lows GTX's.  Wish I'd bought them sooner.

Just read somewhere Danner is bringing back their 6" Acadia (style) but in all leather.  USA made and resole-able.

5.11 waterproof boots. They only lasted 11 months. Non-waterproof sucks. 

Just got a pair of the 4D GTX. So far I'm less then impressed. I have an extremely wide foot, so that may be the culprit.

Gutting out the break in process so we'll see how that goes and I'll report back.

ETA: One painful week later, they feel better. Still not perfect but hopefully after this week they will be fine. My problem isn't that they hurt my feet per se. They cut into the side of the ball of my foot, and across the top of the same. But they seem to be loosening up a bit.

Danner Acadia. Expensive but they do last. Great boot. I have had 4 pairs.

Keen makes several as well if you don't want to spend the $ on salomon.  Google Keen Pro and apply for a Pro account and see if you qualify for a discount.

It really depends if you have to shine them or not. I wore Adidas GSG 9s when I was working LAPD. In places like SFPD where they dont even know how to shine anything on their uniforms...you can get Under Armour boots which are super comfortable but nylon on the toe caps so wont take a shine. The 5.11s are ok if you have good arches in your feet, but if you dont...it will hurt like hell due to lack of support. Danners are great, super heavy. If you can go try it out as ultimately your feet will tell you what is best for them as what works for us may not work for you. Some boots come in Wide and Extra Wide as well.

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Park ranger LEO here.  We were doodoo brown boots which limits the options considerably.  I log a 60/40 split between road and backcountry patrol so currently have 3 boots:  polished Danner Acadia for summer road patrol, polished Danner Rainforest II's for general winter work and lightweight Salomon speed assaults for SAR and BC patrol.  

Lightweight is great if you're putting serious miles on your feet but for general standing around LE work, the Danners are King.




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Original SWAT 6" for summer, Belleville 795 for winter.