I have heard mixed results with people using military boots. Personally I would not wear them...Your boots are the most important part of gear you can own (which often overlooked). Personally I would try on several boots from different makes, find the one that best suites your foot.

 

When I was in the Pathfinders alot of SF solders I knew wore boots by Chippewa. I hope this can be of some help to you or atleast give you a good starting point.

 

Take it from me standard issue boots are not the way to go, there usually made by the lowest bidder and tend to be on the heavy side! Go to an outdoor store and spend the money on some good quality hiking boots that will last. Or look on line.

 

I figured it went along something like that. But seeing some at $25 is tempting. I probably will just save the money for a good sturdy hiking pair.

 

I have a pair of these Vietnam style boots.

They are super light and personally I find them very comfortable. They have vents in the side that keep your feet cool when its warm out but that makes them a little chilly in cold weather. Usually I just end up taking my shoes off and hiking barefoot anyway. I have real wide and flat feet though so I don't know if my opinion would really help you out or not.

 

Those look like Ultra Force boots. I saw a lot of them on surplus sites with some pretty positive reviews, at least as far as getting a bargain goes. Most people said they aren't the greatest, but their great for the price. Anything you could say about them would be appreciated.

 

The not sure what the material is but it is very thin. They are flimsy but I think that's why they're so comfortable. The sole is thick solid rubber with deep ridges so they're a little slick on a wet log or rock but on the ground they have great traction. They are not waterproof at all (obviously with the vent on the side) so keep that in mind, but for long hikes on dry ground they are great. But overall I think they're really nice in the right setting.

What kind of price are you seeing for them? Someone gave me mine for free so I think that was a good deal lol.

 

the reg issue boots arnt too bad as long as you get a good fitting pair also rub mink oil into the inside or baseball glove softener inside to softenin the leather does wonders for the feet if you get a bad fitting pair they will make your feet look like ground sausage.
also after marching for a while your feet swell a bit so a second pair thats a little looser is good also extra sox and foot powder is good keeping your feet dry is fery important for long road marches and such.

 

I have been using surplus combat boots for the last several years and I love them. They are just like any boot, you need to break them in, but once you do they are great. I used to have problems with hiking books rubbing and giving me blisters on backpacking trips, but after I switched to combat boots I have only had 2 blisters, and that was because I took them on a big hike before I broke them in. For me, they are great, but I am sure they will not work as good for everyone. And for the price they cant be beat, my last pair I got brand new for free on a marine base while on a boy scout trip. Try a pair on and if they feel good and are at a good price, I would say go for it.

 

I'd like to save money but I could probably go around $125 tops. Might just get some of those in a non-jungle version to try them out, seeing as they won't kill me if they don't work. Also they look cool haha.

 

dont need to go to the surpluss stores near a mil base I got some at the surpluss store outside gate 4 at ft campbell for 30 used and perfect fit

you can get good deals if you look for them but the reg issue boots are good too

 

Don't know what kind of prices you're seeing on them but here's the best I've found

http://jandadiscountmilitarysurplus...arysurplus.com/cart/jungle-boots-vietnam-od-green-new-size-13-12w-us-p-532.html

I'm pretty sure they are the same ones that I have. Some of them that I saw were up around $80 and honestly I don't know if they're really worth that much.

 

I live in Western New York. Sucks ass because it's Western New York. But also no military bases that are reasonably close by.

 

drum shouldnt be too far away and home of the 10th mtn div so lots of infantry might be able to get some good deals there

 

I'm about 35 minutes south-west of Buffalo. Cheaper and faster to hit the surplus, but thanks for acknowledging my post.

 

its a 4 hr drive there could make a day trip or spend the weekend there pick the brains of some of the guys there at a bar or something they do alot of cold weather ops might learn some practical stuff pertinent to your area

 

Well I don't know how the bar would work as I'm still in high school... and always busy... but if I managed to get time there's an idea for what to do.

 

just throwin ideas out there maby call a recruiter/retention guy on base and tell em your interested in the army and go up there get a tour of the base they can introduce you to some guys and you might get free lunch from the defac lol

 

Until a year ago I used the M77 army boots that the norwegian army use! A thick pair of wool socks and they are good to go! Only downside it took a lot of work to keep them semi water proof!

However they did the job and was pretty damn cheap! Nice when you are a student and money was low!

 

I ware boots 365 days of the year...I have boots for every ocasion...hunting, hiking, work, etc. my wife gets on me for all the boots I own hahaha. But anyway, I bought a pair of these a couple years ago and have to say they are the MOST comfortable boots I own. I have 2 pair and the oldest is 2 years old. http://http://www.lapolicegear.com/co9melaupdet.html

 

I have the 6" version of these. Truly outstanding boots.

 

IMO a set of boots like Magnum or some other brand which retail about 120$ CAD are worth the cash, I have a set for summer and the insulated waterproof set for winter. Spent 300$ for two pairs.


Not the best quality, but they're perfect for the what they do. If you treat the leather properly they will last a long time.

I wore a pair of leather Magnum boots that cost me 100$ for 2 years everyday, rain, snow, hot and cold weather, dirt mud and so on and so forth. And they broke because water got in them and froze and pushed the sole off the bottom of the boot. (froze around the steel toe)

 

I use mine off duty get some gel insoles and break the boot in they will keep going. The boot I have now has a **** load of miles on the and resoled once. got a back up pair just in case.

 

I would think you would want a boot to provide support for your arch, ankle and prevent slippage on any given terrain. Then there is protection from the elements and socks that allow your stinky feet to breath. I have a pair of Rocky boots that lasted well over 12 years now. They have a wide selection to suit all of your needs I think.

 

I used to be an avid hiker. My boots (I've had em for 11 years now) are an all leather boot from LL Bean, gore tex, vibram sole. Still use em to this day, in great condition, albeit the leather is worn in spots, esp the toe. The other hot boot for sale back in '99 was the Vasque Sundowner. Both great boots, went for about $120ish. Comfortable. No problem hiking 8-10 miles a day with a 40lb pack.

 

Go get these insulated boots made by Wolverine. I normally pick them up for ~$110 at the local stores. They are far better than any military boot I've ever had.

If you add some padded inserts its like walking on padded carpet. Very comfortable, waterproof, and keep your feet warm. They also have very minimal break in time. So within 20 minutes or so they feel like a glove.

I've been wearing these boots for 10 yrs and get a new pair about every 3 yrs b/c I wear the sole down far enough that I decide to get a new pair for work b/c of aesthetics.

The first ones I ever bought are still in use for hunting / yard work, they don't leak water, still keep my feet warm. Far better than any military boots I've worn. I have steel toe (for work) so they are a little heavy but I'm used to it.

Best boots I've ever had. My wife wanted me to change "style" so I bought some Doc Martins, but those ended up on the shelf b/c they were not as comfortable. I always strap the Wolverines back on and never look back or waste my time anymore at the shoe store.

http://www.wolverine.com/US/en-US/P...e/Boots/Mens/Big-Horn-Insulated-GORE-TEX-Waterproof-Steel-Toe-8-inch-Sport-Boot

 

As with every miltary item its manufactured by the one that gave the lowest bid that matched the quality/standard the military have set ......... Then you figure out what they have done to meet this standard/price equation

 

the issue boots are the one piece they actually get rite

Never known one soldier that raved about his boots.

Bite the bullet and get quality hiking boot to hike in, one that fits and works with your walking stride.

personaly issued boots are really great boots get ones that fit anf break em in good and all is sunshine and roses

 

Never known one soldier that raved about his boots.

Bite the bullet and get quality hiking boot to hike in, one that fits and works with your walking stride.

 

Danner...awesome boot. Matterhorn's are a good substitute. Google USMC Infantry Combat Boot...I think they're made by Matterhorn or Iron Age or a sub-contractor...I'm on my second pair in 6 years, had the first pair resoled and they are still going strong. Get a solid outersole (go Vibram,) comfortable insole (and you can get inserts for that,) and something with solid ankle support (think all-leather) and you're doing it right. Just remember: a day of moving over rough terrain with a 60+ pound pack and assorted gear on your back will make your feet sore regardless of what brand of boot is on your foot. Good socks, good foot care, good conditioning, and technique are just as important as boot selection.

 

Boots

I ware boots 365 days of the year...I have boots for every ocasion...hunting, hiking, work, etc. my wife gets on me for all the boots I own hahaha. But anyway, I bought a pair of these a couple years ago and have to say they are the MOST comfortable boots I own. I have 2 pair and the oldest is 2 years old. http://http://www.lapolicegear.com/co9melaupdet.html

Thanks just bought a pair at closeout w/ shipping $76.12

 

They're alright for shorter hikes but for any sizable distance I'd get real hiking boots. Military ones tend to be on the heavy side for that.

 

I've been in the army and navy, and never had any problems with any of the issued footwear. In fact the standard GI boot is quite soft and comfortable right off the shelf.

Some people's feet seem to be problematic though with a propensity for blisters and fallen arches. They should get a highend civilian boot for heavy use.

I currently wear some of the knockoff jungle boots during the summer for hiking and wear the leather GI boots the rest of the year.