Altbergs?

[Matt_Fisher]

Anybody ever used their military boots?

www.altberg.co.uk

 

[pappy]

what are your opinions of current issue USMC boots Matt?


I wear Danners a lot and like them.  Can't help with the Altbergs sorry\

Semper Fi Matt

 

[Matt_Fisher]

I hate the new issue Belleville and Bates USMC boots. 

The sizing is hit and miss and the fit isn't that great compared to my old Matterhorn ICBs.  There's way too much 'slop' in the toebox that causes my feet to slip around.  I much prefer a 'lace-to-toe' type design such as a Danner or Matterhorn.  I'm also not that nuts about the rough-out leather as it tends to dry rot and deteriorate because there really isn't any way to replenish the oils as you would do with a polishable boot. 

I think that the Marines would have been better off using the ICB last for both the jungle/desert and temperate gore-tex versions, but change the color from black to Mojave Olive in a polishable smooth leather/cordura version.

 

[pappy]

http://lathropandsons.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/22/products_id/41

might wanna take a look at this site Matt.  Not inexpensive, but we only have one set of feet...  Why is the nice stuff always so damn expensive.....

 

[Matt_Fisher]

I saw that from the Kifaru website.   Not outrageous on the boots, but when they put the package together, it becomes pretty unreasonable.   Especially the footbeds...$148.00 is way too much to ask.  Also, I'm not big Thor-Lo socks, the acrylic tends to mat down after a few hours of wear and they stink to high heaven after a day.   Wigwam Ingenius or Smartwool are far better in terms of comfort, longevity and odor control.

 

[Blackhorse7]

I've been meaning to get a pair of Hanwag's but I agree with Matt.  That package price is nuts!!

 

[Kal]

While on the topic of aftermarket boots, has anyone have any feedback on the Task Force series boots from Lowa?  Sorry, Matt, for the bit of a hijack.

 

[Matt_Fisher]

Ok, since this topic is getting hijacked off the original topic, I suggest to the mods that the thread be renamed:  "European Aftermarket Boots" to address specific manufacturers such as Alt-Berg, Lowa, Meindl, Hanwag, etc.

 

[pappy]

Matt, doesn't Danner make some lace-to-the-toe USMC approved boots?  both temperate and hot weather versions.....  I believe they run around 150-200USD.  Yeah I have to agree those Lath... are some spendy puppys. 

Danners would be my choice as most every bootshop will resole them with little problem, some might be concerned about a Euro-made boot.

 

[PhilB]

The Hanwag boots are not that expensive. They sell them at the ppcli kit shop for $300 Canadian, basically exactly the same as Danners. I have a pair of Hanwag Yukon's, definitly the most comfortable boots I have ever owned

 

[noneck]

Trackn'trail in Edmonton has a Police/Military discount on Hanwag SF GTX for $270.00. Not bad for cadillac boots.

 

[Matt_Fisher]

That's a good price on the Hanwags if that's Cdn. dollars.

I was down in Harrisonburg, VA last weekend at TSSI, www.tacsurv.com, who were having a warehouse blowout sale.  The pricing on the Lowas was awesome!  $90 for all their Task Force models, but unfortunately, all they had were 9s and I need a 10 1/2 / 11.  :crybaby:

 

[geo]

blowout prices on product they have trouble unloading.
they probably figure that, once you're in the store, you'll buy something, anything

90$ neat.... but I as you need 10 1/2 to 11s

 

[Matt_Fisher]

Yeah...$85 and a few hours later I left with an Ulfrotte Norgie sweater for $45 (regular retail is $120.99) and a pair of ESS Striker Turbofan goggles for $25 (regular retail is $116.10) plus some other odds and ends.

 

[geo]

hehe.... always love to see satisfied customers.

 

[cfn856]

Hello,

I am from Britain, I have had a couple of pairs of Altberg Boots, the Defender, and the Field and Fell Boots, I found them good But I have found that their Sizing is Crap, in one pair a UK10.5 was Too Small, and in another, a UK10 was Too Big.

I now wear a Pair of Lowa Combat Boots, they are Brilliant, really well made, and great for Tabbing, they are Very Popular with British Soldiers, But I am about to Buy a Pair of Hanwag Military Boots, because I prefer their Lacing System, I do not like the Speedlace Pegs on the Lowa boots, as they are Not good for Parachuting, but if this is not an Issue, then Either Boot is Great.

Hanwag boots are £120 with military Discount from    WWW.campshop.co.uk

they will post them to you, they may not be shown on the Site But Email the Owner, he does sell them.

I recommend either Lowa or Hanwag over any other Military Boot.

Regards

Rich

 

[geo]

cfn856... what's wrong with your issue boots?

 

[cfn856]

Hello,

Our British Issue, Boots Combat Assault are Crap, the Soles Wear really Quickly, and just when you get them Nicely Broken In the Leather Starts To Crack.
They  have a Lace Locking Cleat, that always seems to Dig into my ankle bone.
the only upside is they are very light, and Free.

The Magnum Hot Weather Patrol Boot is Very Good, and there is a New Cold Wet Weather Boot, which is esentially a Copy of the Lowa Combat Boot, but with Slightly Different lacing, These look good, but are not as well made as Lowa or Hanwag Boots.

I would rather Pay the Extra, and Have Comfortable Boots, that mean on CFT,s and Tabs, I can forget about my feet and not have to worry about Blisters.

Regards

Rich

 

[geo]

Ah... nice to know