The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: fightingquaker13 on May 03, 2010, 03:43:04 AM
-
My much loved, but long in the tooth, Vasque Gore-tex leathers are getting close to needing replacement. Here's what I need. An all purpose boot with enough ankle support for a sixty pound pack. I need it to be either water proof (plan A) or quick drying, like jungle boots (plan B). I don't need or want cold weather insulation. These will be used mainly in the South. The main criteria are ankle support, comfort and waterproofness as well as durability. Price (within reason) is no object. I plan on getting ten years out of a good pair of leather boots. What do you reccomend? 4", 6" or 8" uppers? Civilian or surplus? Any brands you prefer? I want boots that will keep my feet dry and comfortable after wearing them for two weeks straight. The floor is yours and thanks.
FQ13
-
Vasque or Merril, both are excellent. I also have had very good luck with Wolverine and even New Balance, my current pair. Of course, they are my (ND) winter boots, so the ones I have are both waterproof and insulated. I have worn them every day since October and they are still in good shape. I still wear them when I have to stand on concrete for a long time, such as RSO-ing at the range.
Instead of leathers, why not go for the heavy synthetic materials, like nylon or some combo? I have had leathers in the past and they held up well to everything wexcept pig crap which effectively destroyed them. My New Balance pair is the mix of synthetics with a Virbam sole. Go for a Vibram sole and they will last forever - the uppers will wear out before the soles do.
-
FQ
I thought you would be getting a set of Elite Assault Boot's
(http://www.oakley.com/a/9e/c4/BAh7CWkKIgo0NzV4MGkLbCsHxAnmSmkHaQtpCGkCFPI.jpg)
http://oakley.com.au/catalog/products/elite-assault-boot
http://oakley.com.au/catalog/products/s-i-assault-boot-8-inch
(http://www.oakley.com/a/42/ff/BAh7CWkKIgo0NzV4MGkLbCsHNl2LSWkHaQtpCGkCv2M.jpg)
Note the AU price's :o
then you can be that mall ninja you wanted to be :P
-
FQ, check out www.sportsmansguide.com for a good selection and fairly favorable pricing. Once you decide what you want to get, you will probably find it there. And, just to add my 2-cents, I have been satisfied with my mil surplus jungle boots. I got used to them some 40 years ago in a place not too dissimilar from our home here in Florida. They are inexpensive, and hold up reasonably well. Though, I may replace them with the desert boot version now that I am spending more time in Arizona.
-
I have a couple pair of these (below) I liked the first pair I brought a second in case they didnt make any more.
Light, waterproof and really comfy. (and they dont get smelly) a rrp of around US110.00
Men's Chocorua Trail Hiker
(http://tbl.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTBL-6667733dt.jpg)
Features:
Premium, full-grain, waterproof leather for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance
Seam-sealed waterproof construction keep feet dry in any weather
Gore-Tex® membrane provides breathable waterproof protection
Padded collar and tongue for additional comfort in motion
Removable, dual-density, EVA footbed for comfort and perforated for additional air circulation
Moisture wicking textile lining to keep feet dry and comfortable
External heel covering provides rear foot protection
Durable rubber outsole with the B.S.F.P.™ motion efficiency system, lugs that are strategically placed to follow the curved center of pressure path and the four natural motions of your foot - braking, supporting, flexing and propelling to provide improved traction and longer wearing performance
Weight: 2 pounds, 5 ounces per pair
Waterproof
-
I have a couple pair of these (below) I liked the first pair I brought a second in case they didnt make any more.
Light, waterproof and really comfy. (and they dont get smelly) a rrp of around US110.00
Men's Chocorua Trail Hiker
(http://tbl.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTBL-6667733dt.jpg)
Features:
Premium, full-grain, waterproof leather for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance
Seam-sealed waterproof construction keep feet dry in any weather
Gore-Tex® membrane provides breathable waterproof protection
Padded collar and tongue for additional comfort in motion
Removable, dual-density, EVA footbed for comfort and perforated for additional air circulation
Moisture wicking textile lining to keep feet dry and comfortable
External heel covering provides rear foot protection
Durable rubber outsole with the B.S.F.P.™ motion efficiency system, lugs that are strategically placed to follow the curved center of pressure path and the four natural motions of your foot - braking, supporting, flexing and propelling to provide improved traction and longer wearing performance
Weight: 2 pounds, 5 ounces per pair
Waterproof
Timberland, was (is ? ) made in here in NH.
I will tell you now, The trail up Mt. Chocorua is pretty mild ;D
-
Timberland, was (is ? ) made in here in NH.
I will tell you now, The trail up Mt. Chocorua is pretty mild ;D
Looks like WAS made :-X
Chairman Mao's red book warriors lead the way.
-
I have a pair of boots I got in Gr. waterproof and good cold weather boots, also have some waterproof boots like our troops wear now. extra boots ,socks and underwear are SOP in the bag.
-
+1 on the Sportsmans Guide. Use them all the time. The Timberland are good boots. I was at Dick's yesterday and they had them for about 80 bucks. I like a combo of leather and cordura with Gore Tex and a 5.5 to 6 inch height. Taller boots make my knees hurt . I think they bind my ankles . 6 inch boots seem to be a good compromise of ankle support and lighter weight. YMMV. I go through about two pairs of boots a year. I do landscaping and lawn maintenance here in North Carolina. I walk a lot while mowing. Saturday 14.5 miles. Friday 20.0 miles. Thursday 11.4 miles. Wednesday 9.1 miles. I have a recently discovered pedometer function on my phone, don't know how accurate it is. You set your height and weight and it sets the stride length for you. Anyway, how is that for thread drift?
-
FQ
I thought you would be getting a set of Elite Assault Boot's
Note the AU price's :o
then you can be that mall ninja you wanted to be :P
C'mon Phil, $850 is a bargain! Provided of course that they are worn by an otherwise naked Angelina Jolie, who will also carry my pack, set up my tent, cook dinner and serve as a sleeping bag. ;D
FQ13
-
I've had two pair of Timberland work boots. One I paid for and one that was provided by my employer. I don't know about the hikers mentioned but these two pair of boots I own are the most uncomfortable bricks I've ever strapped on my feet. I hang on to them because there waterproof, insulated and have a good lug for shoveling and blowing snow. If I worked on my feet all day like I did years ago, I'd stick with Red Wings, most of which are still made in the USA.
Other than that, hiking ain't my thing so good luck. I do hear that the Vasque and Bates combat style are good wearing and hold up well.
-
I'd like to hear from anyone who's been in the Army or Marines recently. How do the latest boots perform (leaving aside the $850 SF specials ::))? Its been a long time since I've worn GI, first Vietnam surplus jungle boots (not bad for Fl.), and then standard issue combat boots, which were mediocre. How about the new stuff?
FQ13
-
Take a look at Rocky boots. I hear they're good but I haven't tried them. http://www.rockyboots.com/ They have one type of waterproof hiker for $99.99 and some other hiking boots around $120.
-
Basspro, has a decent assortment.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_50043_500006001_500000000_500006000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_DEPT
The RedHead stuff is light enough, and tough enough, to "bug out".. mine are great, had them for 2 years.
Plus comfort and weight, for those long hikes if an EMP renders "modern" transpo useless..
-
The ankle support is an issue. I don't trust synthetics as the ankle support padding wears down, and I see boots as a long term investment. They are also hot. Redwings and Docs are good for work, sturdy and comfy. They are less good for hiking carrying 60 pounds plus. The up side is that they have steel shanks and steel toes (just sayin', appros of nothing ;)). Right now I'm torn between buying my third pair of Vasques and looking at mil surp. As far as Vasque, it would be the third pair in 22 years of hard service. Not bad value for the dollar. The down side is that the six inch upper is a bit short for swamps and their speed lace system can become a gaggle. I'd like to see a non $850 dollar combat boot evaluated from personal experience. Help me out here folks.
FQ13
-
C'mon Phil, $850 is a bargain! Provided of course that they are worn by an otherwise naked Angelina Jolie, who will also carry my pack, set up my tent, cook dinner and serve as a sleeping bag. ;D
FQ13
hmmmmmmmmm Angelina nekkid!!!
Just mentioning her name deserves at least 1 picture.....
(http://dvd.es/data/docs/20070427011046/angelina_jolie-0.jpg)
What was your question again?
-
hmmmmmmmmm Angelina nekkid!!!
Just mentioning her name deserves at least 1 picture.....
(http://dvd.es/data/docs/20070427011046/angelina_jolie-0.jpg)
What was your question again?
And the thread done drifted. Sledge, you asked how fr Tazmania was from the US? Not so far that I can't show up to give you a good thump'n if you keep me from geting good advice about boots! Although, it is a nice picture.... wait, no, boots, damnit, boots! Bastard! >:(
FQ13
-
And the thread done drifted. Sledge, you asked how fr Tazmania was from the US? Not so far that I can't show up to give you a good thump'n if you keep me from geting good advice about boots! Although, it is a nice picture.... wait, no, boots, damnit, boots! Bastard! >:(
FQ13
You could come over but you never get through our border control they only let in refo's, illegals and terrorists in training...... ;D
Grow a beard, wrap a towel around your head and call yourself "Mustapha Hussein Camel #$^%er" and you might be in with a chance.
ps
Sorry bout the drift and good luck with your boots
Side note: if you change your name you wont need boots you can just wear sandals...... ;D
-
http://www.rangerjoes.com/-c-300.html
Most of the time I hate the bellevilles, they are usually heavy as hell. The Bates are good, rockys are poor quality anymore. I got a pair of Mcray combat boots and they are pretty comfortable, but wore blisters when road marching.