Posted: 9/13/2009 3:45:20 PM EDT
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So on my last camping trip [yesterday-today] my old faithful no-name boots gave up the ghost. My right boots sole has pretty much completely separated from the boot. So I've decided to get new boots. I want these boots to fulfill a few rolls.
1. Be a daily wear for the winter months. 2. Be a camping boot 3. Be a hiking boot [The first two moreso as I don't do too much hiking] My requirements are: 1. At least 8 inches 2. Quality 3. No more than $140 or so 4. Look cool. 
So I've been looking at some Bates, thoughts on this one, this one, this one, this one, and last but not least this one. I'm open to any and all suggestions, thanks guys! |
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I absolutely love these boots. Mine have worn like iron - still have lots of tread left after 3 years, and the leather isn't even close to wearing out. Waterproof, not too heavy, light enough to wear in the summer but they work with a good set of wool socks in the winter, too. They're not 8", but still give plenty of ankle support. I'm not really a fan of boots over 6" in the summer - get too hot and really don't offer anything but extra weight. A good set of gaiters with 6" boots and you're set, even in deep snow and slush. "Assault" and tactical boots in general make shitty hiking boots, and zippered boots....well, zippers don't belong on boots. Period. http://www.altrec.com/timberland/mens-waterproof-white-ledge-mid-hiking-boot |
| I use the Bates 8" side zips as LE duty boots. They are not the best boots in the world but hold up well for cheap boots, are comfortable in hot weather, are light, and overall I like them very much. Those are your first option link. Some people get too small a size or overtighten the top and get zipper issues. I have never had any zipper issues. I did have a weird issue with a plastic plate rubbing my ankle bone but a small tounge placement to put them anywhere but centerline makes them very comfy. You do NOT want waterproof boots for warm weather IMO. Your feet will get hot and sweat. You want a breathable light boot that dries quickly. Choose a winter boot seperately. I use Thorlo over the calf uniform socks with mine. Very comfortable combo in weather from 35-90s in temperature if they dont get wet in cold weather. I was required to use these boots for my police academy and thought they would suck. I was pleasantly supprised and continued to use them. I thought the side zip would fail buts it has also been great. Dont expect them to last more than a year of 5 time a week use though. Anything longer than that should be considered bonus. Be sure to zip the side zip ALL the way up and use the flap everytime. The soles are not the best for mud (they clog with sticky mud) or wet grass (not that aggressive) but they dont hold range brass or squeak bad on slick floors. |
| Man, there are a ton of options. They can somewhat foot specific. If you liked the last ones get those. Otherwise LApolicegear is a good place to get cheap boots. I have several pairs including the danner acadia, wolverine work boot, ll bean leather hikers, northface low hikers. They all have different uses for me. I wear the northface low hikers the most. |
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Point of curiosity- why the 8 inch height requirement? You are cutting a large number of civilian boots out of the equation that will be more comfortable and supportive of your ankles.
If you are dead set on military type boots, Belleville 390s are the best issue type boot, period. They also fit your price range. |
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Quoted:
Point of curiosity- why the 8 inch height requirement? You are cutting a large number of civilian boots out of the equation that will be more comfortable and supportive of your ankles. If you are dead set on military type boots, Belleville 390s are the best issue type boot, period. They also fit your price range. Well in my AO I'm constantly getting stuff on my boots and I figured the 8" would be good. And I figured that .mil boots would be best. However I guess not. Suggestions for non .mil boots? |
| I have worn the Bates Ultralites on duty for a few years now and while being comfortable they don't last as long as others. Mine usually last me a year and then the soles start to come off the toe. I own the Converse side zip boots and they are comfortable, but are bulky with padding around the ankle. As for wering them in the NC winter, I would go with the Converse, the Bates aren't very warm. |
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Quoted:
Well in my AO I'm constantly getting stuff on my boots and I figured the 8" would be good. And I figured that .mil boots would be best. However I guess not. Suggestions for non .mil boots? I read in your OP that it must also be a winter boot- that counts the 390s out as they are a poor boot for keeping your feet dry. My point with the non .mil type boots is that, unless you are tied to the military look or lower costs, there is little to recommend a military boot over civilian types. The non-padded types offer poor ankle support unless very tightly laced. It is difficult to recommend a particular boot as they are a very personal thing. It is also an unwise choice to buy online without trying them on. If I am willing to spend $X on my most important piece of clothing, something I will have for years, will carry me more than a thousand miles, I am going to do it right. The best advice I can offer is forget about looks (unless it is a uniform item), height, and go to a dealer of quality hiking footwear. REI is about as good as it gets. Brands to look for: Asolo, Lowa, Vasque, Danner, and Merrill. Try on everything they have. |
| I know guys who have used the first one you linked and didn't like it... They stated that the zipper was just annoying (not that it failed, just annoying) and didn't like the velcro. I've used the last one you listed and have had them for 2 years... no problems other then needing to replace the insoles, but that's common with any work boot you use for over 6 months. I have had a problem with somewhat larger rocks getting stuck in almost any bates i've tried, but then again it's hard to not get rocks in your boots out here in AZ. |
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I have some 5.11 boots with a zipper that I wear at work. I work corrections and wanted a boot that was easy to put on and take off quickly.
I somewhat agree with the person who said a zipper does not belong on a boot, for the most part I agree but depending on what I have on my boots I might not want to sit around unlacing them. I do a lot of walking on concrete at work and lots of stairs at work. The boots are fine for this. I would not go camping or hiking with my zipper boots, the zipper seals up ok but it is just something else to have a problem and I would not want to get it muddy and have to deal with dirt in the zipper. The inmates I deal with can do some disgusting stuff so having the zipper does not bother me at work because depending on what happens the boots are coming off and going in a garbage bag until they can get hosed off. Or thrown out if they are that bad. I have not really tested how waterproof my zipper is though, I have had them out in the rain and what not but never had to deal with puddles or mud with them. For something out in the woods I would go with a regular boot without a zipper because zippers can and do fail and if it fails on your boot you lose the support of the boot. |
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Quoted:
Point of curiosity- why the 8 inch height requirement? You are cutting a large number of civilian boots out of the equation that will be more comfortable and supportive of your ankles. If you are dead set on military type boots, Belleville 390s are the best issue type boot, period. They also fit your price range. I agree with this. I used to think this way untill I got a pair of Danner Radical's. They are 4.5 inch and give excellent ankle support. Far better boot than any .mil boot I ever had. And do not buy an insulated boot for summer use. http://www.cabelas.com/p-0023099812101a.shtml Read the reviews. |
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Going on your criteria for a boot looking "cool" under $140, over 8 inches, camping, hiking, winter, etc..., you might like a pair of Altama Ortho-TacX. I don't have a pair myself, but do have multiple pairs of boots made by Altama and they make a good boot that I don't doubt these to be. The 6 inch version in black is going to be my next boot purchase, but I have so many pairs of boots now. As for winter first and foremost is your socks. Buy thermo's and you'll be fine unless it drops really far down. Ortho-TacX 8's Altama 
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| I wore a pair of aviator approved Belleville boots to survival school in Spokane in the winter, worked great. Warm and dry the whole time with a pair of good socks. They are heavy but very durable. Just bought a pair of Blackwater Warrior Wear Desert Ops boots. These are light and have great traction. Feel like a sneaker with an aggressive sole and waterproof up to the high ankle\low calf. You can also wear them with a pair of slacks and not look like an off duty cop or brand new basic grduate (no offense intended). |
I'm a fan of Redwing boots. I switched from their logger boots to this. They're steel toed, which you may not want. They've got great traction in the winter (which the loggers didn't have) and are comfortable. I wear boots whenever I'm shod. I don't own a pair of shoes. They have a zipper kit for them, but I've not tried it.
GL |
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I've been using a pair of the Bates USMC Gore-tex boots model 85501 for a couple years now and they are hands down the best boot I've owned. I wear them nightly at work as well as hiking and you just can't beat them. Completely waterproof, not as heavy as a true "winter" boot, and plenty warm with the right sock combination. The top of the shank is padded and there's no zipper to mess with. Put some Dr. Scholl's gel inserts and you're good to go. Best thing is you can find them on ebay all day long for $60. Worth twice that IMO.
Mike |
| I have a pair of Altam Light speeds they are a lace or size zipper boot they are as comfortable as a tennis shoe and just about as light as them. mine are an 8" boot and i love them. i even have to run in mine they are my recomendation. they run about 75.00-90.00 depending on where you find them. go to www.altama.com i dont think you will be disapointed at all |
Timberland Warhawk These are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. I have used them in hot and cold weather. Almost feels like you're wearing a pair of high-tops.
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