Posted: 5/21/2015 10:26:02 PM EDT
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My son has completed his first year as a military cadet and needs new boots for summer and next year. Must be good for running, PT, and all that fun stuff they get to do, and available in tan or coyote. What brands/styles would you recommend for a quality combat boot and why? |
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Lowa Zephyr Best boot I have ever bought. Very comfortable and did not need a break in period. They are still in good shape a year later, which may not sound like long but I've had some other good brands self destruct in that time frame. I expect to get a lot of use out of these. |
Does he have the option of NOT using any kind of issue boot? 
But seriously, boots are like any other footwear; a lot depends upon the feet of the wearer. While a lot of folks will ruck in boots, it's not great on the body to run in them. Your basic boot types are glued and stitch-down. Most boots these days are glued in some way or other, unless they specifically point out stitch-down construction. Guy who like their boots re-soled, for choice of sole or for repair, like to go that route, but those boots typically cost more (Danners, for example). There are also "lightweight" boots, which supposedly wear more like sneakers. In my limited observations of them, they offered less ankle support, more flexible soles (BAD if you are putting a lot of weight on the arches of your feet without adequate support), and wore out much quicker. I would avoid them. If you are willing to drop some coin on his boots, take him to some place that can analyze his feet properly, and tell him about them. A lot of problems can be solved by selecting the right kind of inserts, for any footwear. That way you don't waste money on a whiz-bang boot, when in fact it is the wrong type for his feet. 
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I've been wearing the Oakley boots since I was an ROTC cadet. There are probably others that would work as well or better but once I found something that was comfortable and fit well I stuck with it. They have lasted a long time as well.
I don't necessarily agree with the concerns that the unit's SOP will be a barrier. Granted there's a lot of units out there and I certainly haven't been in many of them, but of the ones I have, AR 670-1 is the deciding factor. There hasn't been any additional restrictions from any unit commanders I have served under and I certainly didn't have any in my company. If the Army says they are GTG then they are GTG. What I do agree with is the idea that the boots have to fit the person and that means they aren't something you can pick out for him. He needs to try and visit some tactical shops if you live close to a post or if he can get to one and try some stuff on. Different manufacturers will use different last shapes and such so they fit different. Low volume heel, wider toe box, arch height, etc. may make a great boot for me terrible for him. With that said, a gift card or some cash to buy himself might be better. If he does go with Oakleys, get him to sign up on www.usstandardissue.com rather than you buying. Much, much cheaper. |
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Quoted:
I've been wearing the Oakley boots since I was an ROTC cadet. There are probably others that would work as well or better but once I found something that was comfortable and fit well I stuck with it. They have lasted a long time as well. I don't necessarily agree with the concerns that the unit's SOP will be a barrier. Granted there's a lot of units out there and I certainly haven't been in many of them, but of the ones I have, AR 670-1 is the deciding factor. There hasn't been any additional restrictions from any unit commanders I have served under and I certainly didn't have any in my company. If the Army says they are GTG then they are GTG. What I do agree with is the idea that the boots have to fit the person and that means they aren't something you can pick out for him. He needs to try and visit some tactical shops if you live close to a post or if he can get to one and try some stuff on. Different manufacturers will use different last shapes and such so they fit different. Low volume heel, wider toe box, arch height, etc. may make a great boot for me terrible for him. With that said, a gift card or some cash to buy himself might be better. If he does go with Oakleys, get him to sign up on www.usstandardissue.com rather than you buying. Much, much cheaper. The only thing I would add to the above is that if he is an army cadet were about to go through a uniform change. So it may be worth it to hold for a bit. But I've never been in a unit that had an sop about boots. As long as they confirmed to the reg you were good. Standardiissue has been good for me. I've walked out of several pairs of oakleys in the last few years. But that's also because I Oakleys fit my feet the best. I tried danner and Altima as well. |
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*snip* The only thing I would add to the above is that if he is an army cadet were about to go through a uniform change. So it may be worth it to hold for a bit. *snip* That's a good point. I know I won't be investing in any boots myself for the next few months. Makes more sense to wait for the new color. That being said, the tan ones should certainly be an allowable option for enough time to wear them out or at least get your money's worth. And if he needs them now then he needs them now. |
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Danners This is a great example of why fitting is important. I have a pair of Danners that I bought just because they were GTX and waterproof desert boots were few and far between back when I got them. And because the RIs accepted the "black liner" as winter boots for school when really the orange liner is the winter one. 
I digress...they fit me like crap though. They're heavy as shit. I only wear them when I am expecting rain and want the GTX. Obviously Danner makes other pairs but their last shape just isn't great for me. Others love 'em. |
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I had Danner TFX in summer and mid-weight, Danner Melee, Nike SFB, some stitched down Rocky's, and probably some more I'm forgetting.
I couldn't pick one boot. I was partial to the Nike boots because they dried fast and packed small/light. They were my go-to for packing list boots. The TFX won't last long, but its a good boot while it lasts. The Rocky's I got at Sand Hill were the longest lasting boot of them all. I'm pretty sure the boot color will change when the uniform changes, so now would not be the time to put money in boots. |
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Thanks for the quick replies, guys, and sage advice GTLandser. To answer a few of the questions, he is an Army ROTC Cadet at Virginia Tech, not yet under contract. He was issued boots upon enrollment and had to wear them freshman year, but won't be issued more until Junior year and can provide his own if he chooses, as long as they're similar. He is not satisfied with the issue boots and wants something different, and we all know how important good footwear/support is, so I want to get the best we can. I do intend to take him to be fitted to be sure we get the right size and fit for him, but also wanted to gain some insight from my brothers here who have personal experience with various brands and styles and in various environments. I appreciate all the suggestions, and hope this will allow us to make a selection with confidence. |
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Quoted:
Lowa Zephyr Best boot I have ever bought. Very comfortable and did not need a break in period. They are still in good shape a year later, which may not sound like long but I've had some other good brands self destruct in that time frame. I expect to get a lot of use out of these. This. Own three differnt styles of LOWA's. Great boots !!! |