Boots, Boots, Boots

[Blackhorse7]

I am in the need of some advise for boots.   I am currently using the new wet weather boot that I got surplus.   They are a great fit with ONE pair of socks, but I think they are a touch too heavy.   I am toying with the idea of getting a pair of Hanwag Special Force GTX boots, but they run over $300.   And let me just clarify, I am no longer in, so issue kit is not an option, unless I'm buying it somewhere.

 

[gun plumber]

Danner Acadia's.Best pair of boots I've ever owned.A bit heavy,not as clunky as the WWB though,but super comfortable.

 

[Blackhorse7]

Actually, I had a pair of Acadian's that served me very well.   I didn't take care of them quite as good as I should have however, and they developed a split in the leather, right along a seam.   I am told this cannot be repaired.   I also have a pair of Danner Ft, Lewis boots, but they just don't seem to fit the same way my Acadian's did.    

 

[Yeoman]

I love Danner's as well, but they wouldn't give me a chit for them
I however had the capabilities to get a pair of matterhorn's I had as a chit. they are the same kind that the marine corp use to get issued a few years back for awhile before they got replaced by the marpat boot.
now my feet, knees, and back are pretty much to be garunteed to be screwed for life, I have no arches in my feet (litterally I don't), I get stress fratcures in my feet, and shin splints that are so horrible that just walking they can hurt. so I had to pick a pair of boots that would do the job. there's 8 inch matternhorns are pretty damn good. they cost $300, and are worth every penny. I don't have any of the listed problems as bad as I use to. I've had these boots on my feet for almost every day for six months now, and they still haven't even shown any sign of falling apart. They are very sturdily built. I've barely had any wear on them as well.
The boots are gore-tex, but breathable, and are a vibram soled like the danner's.
Just showing you that there is another choice out there other then danner's, because I know they'll be praised on this board and then some (I mean even I love the boots, but still)
Greg

 

[gun plumber]

If you still have your danners,maybe the recrafting service offered by the company might be a viable option.Check out thier website-www.Danner.com-and ask them how much,and if it can be done.I would think a split on a seam would be easier to repair than one on the fabric or on the toe cap.

 

[Blackhorse7]

What about Magnum Storm's?  I used to wear Magnum Stealths, but I need something a little sturdier.  And they won't be seeing quite the same use as combat issue boots will, but their main use will be outside.  I like the price....

Oh, and Danner says that the seam problem I have cannot be repaired (heartbreaking news, because I really do love them, but the price is big).

 

[zerhash]

ill sell you my gumbi's for $5 lol

 

[Recce41]

NOTE
Starting soon, you will only be able to wear issed foot wear!

 

[gun plumber]

I guess I'm lucky then, as they are my issued footwear!

 

[Blackhorse7]

As in the previous posts, I'm not in anymore.   And while I appreciate the candor, I'm looking for serious advice from real operators, so unless you have something constructive to offer, don't bother posting.  

I'm not trying to be confrontational, I'm just a man that like's to stay on topic.    

 

[gun plumber]

That's crappy to hear about your danners...such a good boot.
Magnums are good boots as well but lack the waterproofness of the more "rugged"style boots out there.Don't chalk them up as a loss though,my buddy swears by them.Another good brand that does'nt get a lot of air time are Rocky brand boots.From what I've read,they're just as high quality as danners,but slightly cheaper.A trip to your local Marks work Wherhouse might be in order to see what they carry.
As well,SIR outfitters out of Winnipeg carry a good selection.You can request a catalog from them,and if your in Edmonton,Wholesale sports is another place to go(My personal Man-mart).

 

[Blackhorse7]

I've never seen a pair of Rocky's before.... I'll be sure to look into them.  As for the advice on Marks Work Warehouse, I didn't know that they sold these kinds of boots.  I've always been under the impression that they sold only construction style boots. 

 

[zerhash]

last i checked you are only allowed to wear issued footwear... or have i been lied to?

 

[gun plumber]

Unless they are perscribed by the MO for an orthodic condition(as mine is the case).Blackhorse7 is not in the CF anymore so he can wear whatever he wants.
Marks Work Wherehouse in Edmonton at the Kingsway mall is where I got mine at.As well ,the Mark's here in Wx also carries a small selection of the most popular brands,so going down and taking a look is the best way to go.
Mail order is'nt bad either,but you have to wait and use a credit card for reasonable fast service.

 

[zerhash]

it would be nice to wear a different boot though like the magnums
dont the americans get issued that?

 

[gun plumber]

I'm not sure about what they get issued,but both danners and Materhorns are USMC approved.Wether or not they get them issued is another story.

 

[CrimsonSeil]

so far from this thread i found the three best brands of boots: Danner Arcadia, Magnum Storm and Magnum Stealth and the Cove Matterhorn series. Anymore?

 

[Kat Stevens]

The way I understand the US system, their initial issue is a generic "black cadillac".  After that, there is a list of approved boot types the troops can buy on their ticket.  They do get a clothing allowance to supplement this, I think...

Chimo, Kat

 

[noreaga808]

I've been doing some research on getting myself a pair of new boots for work and found a company called ALTAMA Footwear. Late last year they secured a contract with the US Military to be one of the main suppliers of the GI boots. You can get more details from their website at www.altama.com about their product and history. Has anybody used them and what's your impression of the overall quality?

 

[Blackhorse7]

I just checked out Altama's website, and I am not impressed.   I saw nothing on there that said any of the boots were waterproof (Goretex, Sympatex, etc), and the best boots I saw all had the phrase "Mil-spec" attached to them.   You want to replace you're "Mil-spec" boots because they aren't as good as after market boots, and it the exact same reason the Marines have a list of after market boots that they are authorized to wear.

Having said that, I am leaning towards the Magnum Storms.   While my Danner Acadia's have served me faithfully for almost 7 years, they are simply too costly for me to buy a new pair.   But keep in mind that I do not get exposed to the same field condition's that an infanteer to crewman would (not anymore, anyway).   For those still in, the magnums may not be the right choice.