BOOTS

[afgeo4]

Many of those boots aren't serviceable and require new soles which can cost quite a bit and many wont take a shine anymore.

Maybe at a NYC surplus store, but most (not all) Army/Navy's I've been to, especially around a good sized military base, have a decent selection of boots to choose from that are serviceable.

I haven't seen any in NYC. I was talking about stores around Ft. Dix/McGuire AFB/Lakehurst NAES (g-d that's tiring to write!)

The thrift store at McGuire had a large selection of boots about a year ago.  I have not been in for, well, almost a year.  I would reccomend making a quick stop if you are in teh area.  I got 2 gortex jackets, a pair of gortex pants, brand new blue pants and a buckle for about $75.00  PLUS the money goes to support the family organizations (FRG) at DIX/McGuire. 

Yeah... I am a little overdue there and I need to find a new set of BDU's (MCSS is out of them) in Lg/Rg and a new BDU cover. I also stop by the Airman's attic and check if they have uniforms to donate to cadets. They usually do!

[CAP006]

Nope but I live in the swampy area of Wilmington N.C. and they come in handy when it involves snakes (coppers and rattlers), gators, and weird bugs. They keep those vermin's off the feet. Oh I for got to mention that I was bit on the boot by a snake and it didn't affect my flesh what so ever so eat it man.

[addo1]

Nope but I live in the swampy area of Wilmington N.C. and they come in handy when it involves snakes (coppers and rattlers), gators, and weird bugs. They keep those vermin's off the feet. Oh I for got to mention that I was bit on the boot by a snake and it didn't affect my flesh what so ever so eat it man.

Good thing you were wearing those!!

[MIKE]

so eat it man.

Do you really think telling another user to eat it is appropriate conduct?

[RogueLeader]

I like jungle boots better cause they are easy to break in to, easy to polish, and have air pockets to air out the feet unlike the combat boots. Can I get an Amen in the house?!?

Sure . . . . . .Amen 











But I find Combat boots are more comfy . . . 

[mikeylikey]

so eat it man.

Do you really think telling another user to eat it is appropriate conduct?

I assumed he meant eat the snake.  Gotcha MIKE   

[addo1]

so eat it man.

Do you really think telling another user to eat it is appropriate conduct?

I assumed he meant eat the snake.  Gotcha MIKE   

That snake better watch out!!  

[smgilbert101]

For addo1, the original poster.  I did a quick search of your area and found

Texas Army Navy Store
2600 W Mockingbird Ln
Dallas, TX 75235
Phone: (214) 902-9102

Call and see what they have to say about their boot selection.

Their store address is 111 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX.  It is just north of the intersection of Belt Line road and US 75 (west side).  They are not as much an Army Navy store as they are a tactical "Pro Shop".  Their website is www.afmo.com.  Almost no surplus, but quality tactical gear.  Most of the gear and BDU's are pricey, the boots and shoes are priced reasonably and they have a good selection.

Suggestion:  Find boots that are comfortable for YOU.  You will have to wear them.  If you are going to try mail order, go to a store and try on the boots you plan on ordering.  Make sure that you know the correct size before you make your order.  Personally, I wear my issued Jungle boots in the warm months and a pair of Bates 8" boots in the "winter".

As for wear, I was issued my Jungle boots in 1983 for Jungle school.  If you take care of them (mine are spit shined), your boots will last a long time.  If you don't, they'll rot off your feet.  And yes, for those of you in TX Group II, I'll be wearing them at the GSAR school in October.  See for yourself!  If you want to see what the other Group II cadets are wearing, take a look at the Wylie newsletter on www.wyliecap.org.  It contains pictures of the instructors and cadets from the GSAR school last August.

[addo1]

  Thank you so much!!

[CAP006]

I like jungle boots better cause they are easy to break in to, easy to polish, and have air pockets to air out the feet unlike the combat boots. Can I get an Amen in the house?!?

Sure . . . . . .Amen 











But I find Combat boots are more comfy . . . 

Really cause I dont really think so. I wont call you wrong cause of your oppinion.

[CAP006]

so eat it man.

Do you really think telling another user to eat it is appropriate conduct?

I assumed he meant eat the snake.  Gotcha MIKE  

Yes thats what I meant. I`m not really that rude. Especially on CAPTalk. That would be Bad.

[addo1]

I want to thank everybody for their help.  I received my comfy Infantry Combat boots the other day and I am enjoying them very much!    

[SDF_Specialist]

Might I also suggest jump boots. I've had mine for two years. Oh so comfy and they look pretty sharp too!

[Falshrmjgr]

My $.02..

Issue OD Jungle Boots got me through SFAS, and Winters in Fort Carson.

After they are sufficiently broken in, rip out the reinforcement in the toe cap (Don't expect to wear 'em in formation anymore), remove the foot liner, remove the steel shank in the sole (unless you expect to step on pungi sticks then leave it in), and replace the foot liner.

Take boots to a cobbler NEAR AN ARMY BASE, and have them resoled with ripple sole.

Add Sorbothane insole, and wear with Thorlo socks, and you are gtg.  If you expect to do long range movements, differentially lace your boots.  That is, lace the boot to where your ankle breaks, and tie it snugly with a square knot.  Skip an eyelet, and lace the remainder of the boot a little looser, and tie again.

Now you have a soft, durable boot than can do 30 miles a day with an 80+ lbs ruck on your back.

For winter use, I used a gore-tex liner in the boot.   Remember, keeping your feet warm is a function of keeping them dry and insulated.  What I liked about the Jungles' with the liner is that once your boots are wet (and they will be) you can essentially disassemble the boot and dry each component separately (and faster).  Once you get the Goretex leather boots soaked, it takes forever for them to dry.  Meanwhile, the water helps conduct heat away from your body.

Example:
I owned a pair of Matterhorns, and I was underwhelmed.  (Your mileage may vary).  After an hour or so in the boot, your feet are swimming in your own sweat and the goretex prevents the LIQUID from escaping.  (Sure the vapor can escape, but to where?  Yep, the unsealed leather of the boot).  Next thing you know, you have cold wet feet in sealed bucket.  Not only that, but the sole tended to "cup" under your foot, and tended to cause my feet to cramp.

Bottomline:  If you need high-speed, low-drag boots for a real reason, you will have the experience to know why one thing or another would/would not work.  For most things, find a pair of boots that are comfortable, and that you break in.  (The comment earlier about surplus store issue boots was great)

I would never wear zip-on boots.  I know that you can't lace them sufficiently snug to prevent blisters.  Conversely, they are perfectly suited to someone on an aircrew.

As far as the Nike/Hi-Tech/yada-yada sneaker boots, I suppose they have a place.  My nightmares involve being in the field (I was Infantry) and having a boot failure.  I've had enough sneaker soles fall off that I wouldn't chance it.  Of course this is CAP, and that is prolly not an issue.

http://www.bragg.army.mil/specialforces/prepare.htm

One last thought:  Good Boots with good socks is better than great boots with white cotton socks.  Wool is where its at.

[addo1]

  Thanks Recuiter and Falshrmjgr, I will check into those!

[afgeo4]

I'd like to suggest some boots, if I may...

ICB's.... Infantry Combat Boots... they're great if you get the right ones.

Hot Weather:

VCL-ICB (Very Cool Light - Infantry Combat Boot)
Wellco makes them. Please get the Tuffkushion sole. Your choice of pattern... I like the ripple, but the sierra is fine too. (About $94)

Cold Weather:

ICB (Infantry Combat Boot)
Wellco all leather boot with Tuffkushion sole and Gore-Tex bootie. Again, if you use it for mostly garrison wear, the ripple sole rocks. If you're off-road, try the sierra.

The ICB is made for the Gov by three companies: Wellco, Belleville, and Bates. Belleville are the most popular and the original contractor. However, their soles are standard, hard boot soles. Bates have been touted as uncomfortable. The word from the sand box is that Wellco is the most dependable one with Tuffkushion sole being the most comfy. There are some British boots that are even better (even more stable), but they're very pricey. Tuffkushion is basically a sneaker type cushioned sole made for combat boots. It's tough, but comfy. All Wellco boots can be resoled and they do sell standard combat boots and jungle boots with Tuffkushion soles for just over $30. Those are a steal and great boots for cadets.

[Slim]

Bates have been touted as uncomfortable.

Respectfully disagree.  I've got a pair of Bates ICBs that I bought over a year ago.  I wear them daily (well, nightly actually) at work, as well as for CAP.  Most comfortable boots I've ever owned.  The only time I ever had an issue was just yesterday, while working EMS stand-by at the home of the Detroit Lioness's Lions, where I was on my feet, on hard concrete floors, walking around the stadium 2-3 times, for about 6 hours.  With all that in mind, it don't matter what you're wearing, your feet are going to bug you at the end of the day.

For the record, at Ford Field in Detroit, there are 86 steps from the rail to the top of the lower level. 

[SARMedTech]

I got a pair of Bates EMT boots when I finished EMS school and Ive never worn anything else.  A few months ago we had a power outage and since we have some elderly and not very healthy folks on our street, I was out wading through the puddles to check on them. I remember thinking "ya, waterproof, right!" and when I got home after two hours tromping through what felt like small rivers, my feet were as dry as when I started. And the greatest thing about them is that they are as light as a feather. Its been said before about others but they really are just like wearing tennis shoes. Another great thing that makes all the difference in the world on your feet is the right socks. I have problems with my legs anyway after an accident and so I always wear over the calf socks (the tightness of the sock keeps circulation going and my legs hurt less after walking all day). About 3 months ago, I was given a pair of 5.11 Tactical's over the calf/boot socks and they feel like putting an innersole in your boot. They actually have six percent rubber fibers in them which when I read it made me go "yeah, right" again, but it makes all the difference in the world. And of course it should for about $10.00/pair (5.11 makes the best stuff and they arent shy about charging for it). Also, any pair of boots, no matter how good, are going to make your feet hurt if they arent laced right. My Bates are side zip, but the laces still loosen so I re-tighten them every few times I put the boots on and have no troubles. Believe me, with my screwed up ankles, legs and back, if I can wear these boots, anyone can.

*SARMedTech is not a paid endorser and has received no compensation for this advertisement. (But if you work for Bates or 5.11 my address is.... )

[AlphaSigOU]

OK, now is speed lace, full lace, or regular lace better???  I'm confused.

Depends on personal preference.

[afgeo4]

I only wear speed lace cause I'm used to it, but does it really make a difference? Just tuck your lace ends back into the boots and you won't have issues with them coming untied.

Btw... I don't mean to say that Bates make bad boots. They don't. They're my number 2 choice in ICBs... Belleville being number 3. I just really, really LOVE the Tuffkushion sole.

In my mind, the very, very best boot for being outdoors 24/7 is the Ft. Lewis "Go Devils" by Danner, but they are NOT cheap.