Best/Cheapest Boots?

[GearGod]

Hey guys I may awnswer my own question here but any additional input from you guys that will help me would be cool and not mention cost me less money ;) . I'm looking to just buy 1 boot for airsoft. Since airsoft terrains may vary I want 1 or 2 boots suitable for them all (soft/rocky/wet). So far I know about the following:

1. Army Combat Leather - Obsolete compared to Vibram or Panama soled boots http://www.geocities.com/equipmentshop/boots.htm

2. Jungle/Desert Panama Soled for soft jungle/sandy terrain, cant be used on hard terrain because it may wear out fast. Check out what happened in Afghanistan:

The body armor problem was one of several. Operation Anaconda was conducted at high altitudes, and Soldiers complained their desert boots were not suited to the task. [Editor they are HOT WEATHER not mountain boots!] Soldiers serving in Afghanistan have experienced excessive wear problems with the current desert boot. Some had desert boots that fell apart in a week or two. The sides of the boots ripped out. The sole was too soft for the rocky terrain.

http://www.geocities.com/usarmyafghangearproblems/
3. TacBoots such as Magnums/Adidas/Oakley for CQB and not outdoors

4. Vibram Soled GoreTex Boots for rocky/hard terrain. These are the same kind of boots that replaced the softer Panama Soled boots:

Air Force Flyer boots and a pair of marine corps desert boots. Both feature a more rugged sole than the current-issue desert boot. Soldiers serving in Afghanistan have experienced excessive wear problems with the current desert boot.

http://www.geocities.com/usarmyafghangearproblems/
So I've come to the conclusion that the Vibram Soled GoreTex boot is suitable for all terrain because 1)Goretex 2)Sole won't wear out as fast as panama - Since there are so many Vibram Soled Goretex boots which is the most cheapest one? So far I have discovered the $140 Belleville 700 Boots approved by US Army/Air Force/Marines:

http://www.bellevilleshoe.com/boot_images/700trpst_zoom.jpg
Beatutiful Ain't She? http://www.bellevilleshoe.com/public/pubgtboot.htm
Of course I could instead get Panama Soled Jungles for all around wear, after all, it does work in rocky terrain (according to the below quote) just not for a long period of time. What about the fact that it's not waterproof?

Our battalion directed for every one to wear gore-tex boots [Intermediate Cold Weather Boots] during the mission, you can imagine how painful that was. I gave up my boots to a new Soldier who didn't have any so I wore jungle boots, gore-tex socks and a pair of smart wool socks and mv feet never got wet or cold even in the snow.

http://www.geocities.com/usarmyafghangearproblems/
Of course there's also the coldsock-bootsize issue:

White wool socks were worn with the Rocky or Matterhorn boots. Some were sized too small due to the thicker sock, which caused a lack of circulation. Socks were dried by placing in sleeping bag at night or inside Gore-Tex jacket against the body. Issue cold wx boots at least one size larger than normal boot size at try on with the sock that will be worn

http://www.geocities.com/usarmyafghangearproblems/
Think I'll do this. Since I'll play airsoft 2 to 4 times a month and I'm not using my boots 24/7 like the Army, I'll get 2 Wellco Panama Soled Jungles since they're cheap $50 each:

http://www.wellco.com/assets/images/GHWCDP.jpg

1 is regular size for hot weather. 2nd is 1 size larger for cold weather to allow for a thicker sock + goretex sock.

So should I get 2 vibrams or 2 panamas or would you like to suggest something else? I considered TuffKushion but I think I'd like to start out with what's the standard then "experiment" with TuffKushion later

Thanks
Adam

[BMF]

ive been using cheap PX bought jungle boots for damn near everything, and i think theyre great. they drain water out quickly which helps deal with blisters, and theyre much more comfortable then the issue ones. Since youre not going to be really using them all too much anyway, theres' no reason a cheap pair shouldnt last you for years, as long as you take care of them after use. If those don't do you well, matterhorn and danner both make good boots. matterhorns get expensinve though. If you do go with jungles, you may want to think about 1: putting some sort of gel insert in, and 2: cutting out the inside of the rear heel support. thats what usually causes the most discomfort, so a lot of ppl simply cut the dumb thing out

[JiJoMacLE45]

Bates!

[GearGod]

cutting out the inside of the rear heel support
Could you tell me more about that? I had the impression(after reading http://www.geocities.com/equipmentshop/boots.htm ) that the "center spines"(is that what it's called?) was only in the GI Combat Leathers and not in the Panama Jungles or Vibram soled boots.

Does either the Belleville 700, Wellco Jungles, or Wellco TUFFKushions have that center spine I should cut out? That article also suggested "sorbothane-type cushion insoles" what are those? Which "insole" should I put in? Cushion or gel? Combination? Wellco pre-inserts a "Contour cushion insert" whats up with that? I'm confused. Thanks for the previous and future enlightments haha

Adam

[Beowulf]

man your posts are confusing as hell.....
I'll just mention a couple of things.

-Gore-tex/insultated boots get hot in the summer (I have a pair of matterhorns I love them but when it gets hot outside they make my feet sweat a lot more....that is bad.)
-Gore-tex/insulated boots are expensive
-nothing is truly waterproof

-the jungles are designed to allow drainage, they are a great lightweight and fairly quick drying boot.
-jungles aren't very expensive
-you can wear thicker socks/or a gore-tex sock in cold/wet weather
-you can treat jungles with neetsfoot oil, which softens them up and makes them more water resistant.

For airsoft I would suggest you save your money and just go with a pair of jungle's. I have a pair of the Wellco Tuffkushions, I like them. I think they run a little big though...
all for now,
-b

[GearGod]

Think I should go straight to TUFFKushions or start out with Jungle Panamas then try TUFFKushions as an experimental boot later? What are the pros/cons of both boots?

[Beowulf]

It's just a difference in the sole design.

Not much difference really, just comes down to personal preference.

The only sole that I don't really like is the ripple sole...IMO the traction isn't very good, and they are softer and wear down more quickly. They are great for qualification rucks on a road though
my .02
-b

[Haiw]

-Gore-tex/insultated boots get hot in the summer (I have a pair of matterhorns I love them but when it gets hot outside they make my feet sweat a lot more....that is bad.)

i know i'm the total newby on gear here, but... do u happen to use cotton socks? cus cotton + goretex = sweat... i got some special meindl socks (made with some other special threads called coolmax, and no cotton) and with those socks and goretex boots i was about the only person that didn't have sweaty feet at 40 degrees (celcius that is) woot

[GearGod]

Haiw: All I know is that the Ultimax Cool Light Crew Socks ( http://wellco.com/html/f6063.html ) is the best hot weather socks that I've read about in the history of hot weather socks. Hear this doesnt it sound good, look at the cool picture too! :lol: :

Lately the buzz word in our business is “WICKING.” Fibers that “wick” moisture from parts of the body to... where?

There are many fibers that are hydrophobic (water repelling), and many people feel that when these fibers are touted as “MOISTURE MOVING” that they are “wicking” moisture away from the foot. Just because a fiber repels water or is able to move moisture does not mean it, and it alone, can wick moisture from the foot bottom.

http://wellco.com/assets/images/Ultimaxmoisturecontrol.jpg

A foot bottom knit with a hydrophobic fiber like Olefin or Coolmax will repel and move moisture. But ONLY when combined with an instep and leg made of a hydrophilic (moisture absorbing) fiber such as Lumiza can the moisture actually be channeled upward and away from the foot bottom. The Lumiza PULLS THE MOISTURE through itself and away from the foot bottom to keep feet dry, guarding against blisters caused by moisture and friction. Combine this technology with thinner, high-density soles, smooth and flat toe closures and an anatomically correct fit, and you’ve got one advanced sock for the human machine. Nothing Earth-shattering, just THE ABSOLUTE BEST from the sock engineers at Wigwam.

So I mean since it sounds good I guess I'll get that but is that what you were referring to by the way? I think it is ;)

[Gordon]

man your posts are confusing as hell.....
I'll just mention a couple of things.

yeh, and you forgot to mention the fact that he's only looking for 1 boot. What ya gonna do Adam, hop around the airsoft field .... p-)

[USMA_SCUBA]

I've got a pair of pair of US SOG black jungles, which were awsome until I destroyed the sole at CFT. But the uppers still rock, so I had some vibram soles put on them and they're even better than before.

[JiJoMacLE45]

Adam your playing airsoft for Chops sake, not climbing Everest or going through SFAS. Lace up your Nikes and cowboy up.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

I use black jungle boots for airsoft. They're great once they get worn in + they are cheap and make sure you get some soles in there for comfort.

[Micke]

jungle...boots...own. Cheap as **** too, atleast the ones I got.

[Skaman]

i second jungle boots.

[Ratamacue]

Adam, I think you should go all the way and get a pair of Corcoran Field Boots. After all, you're gonna need them for all the intense combat in airsoft. :cantbeli:

[Royal]

i know i'm the total newby on gear here, but... do u happen to use cotton socks? cus cotton + goretex = sweat... i got some special meindl socks (made with some other special threads called coolmax, and no cotton) and with those socks and goretex boots i was about the only person that didn't have sweaty feet at 40 degrees (celcius that is)

I agree with Beowulf. Hot weather + GoreTex = sweat.

There is no such thing as a waterproof boot, 'cos feet sweat and water runs down from the top anyway. GoreTex linings always wear out in the heels first anyway.

The closest to waterproof I've found is a Scarpa walking boot with Berghaus Yeti Attak GoreTex gaiters.

IMHO

The best cold weather boot is the Danner Accadia

The best hot weather/camp boot is the Altama jungle boot (but it's useless for road/hill work).

The best desert boot (apart from the original Clarks civvy boot) is the US issue (Altama) boot. It has the same drawbacks as the jungle boot.

Lundhaags are the best ski-march boots.

[GearGod]

Hey guys I think I found the perfect boot. We all know the jungle boot is not as hot as the goretex. We also know the goretex's vibram sole is better on rocky terrain. So what do you wear when ur in hot weather and rocky terrain? You select a HOT WEATHER JUNGLE BOOT WITH THE SIERRA/VIBRAM SOLE!

http://altama.com/detail/8878.jpg

What do you guys think? Perhaps I'd get one of these and a goretex vibram for cold weather! PERFECT!

Do you uh, yahoo? YAHOOOOO!!!!!!

Adam

[DP.UK]

Some of the best boots I encountered whilst serving were Lowa Mountain boots or Meindl's, both Gore-tex lined they did infact out-last Matterhorns or Pro-boots. I do alot of deer stalking since leaving and some ex-forces kit comes in handy, especially a pair of Lundhaggs I acquired in 1999 that are still going strong....

The best lightweight breathable boots I have owned were Lowa Renagades but they seem to have become scarce in UK, if anyone knows a retailer that has some? I would appreciate a heads up!!....

[Jack Mehoff]

All my boots have custom made soles

[ibstolidude]

My Montrails are some mean Muther****ers.....

I wore one of the 2 pairs I owned almost everyday for 10 months when deployed. I loved everyhting about them. except the smell and the fact I had to paint, scratch the metal eyelets.

[b00n]

I got a pair of german paratrooper boots, dont know which brand they are. Gonna get me some Altama Jungle Boots too.

[GearGod]

All my boots have custom made soles
And what soles are they? Vibram? Panama? TUFFKushion?

[Phantom]

Best boots in the world are Danner Acadia's, the Recon's are supposed to be awesome too. If you've got a spare AUS$500 to spend!

[CX20]

Best boots : anything by Altberg, especially the Patrol or Defender range. These have god-like status amongst UK police firearms teams and dog handlers. Tough, extremely comfortable and they will last you for many years. They are not over-expensive either, they are priced similarly to the Hi-Tec Magnums but of substantially higher quality. Anyone on specialist units knows the benefits of Altberg boots as they are "unofficially required" footwear.

http://www.altberg.co.uk/

Hi-Tec Magnums are extremely overrated. They are very comfortable but the soles and stitching will wear out in no time at all with persistent use. Magnums were (and still are) all the rage amongst UK police forces. The new recruits splash out on the most expensive pairs going when they start, thinking they are being flash and clever. Then in most cases they have to buy another pair before the end of their two year probation! I went through several pairs of Magnums in 6 years, but they did get A LOT of use.

Doc Martens - don't even bother. Extremely uncomfortable!

But for Airsoft - why bother spending all that cash? I can't understand buying the latest and most expensive boots that even the majority of real life frontline lads don't use, just to run around shooting pellets for a few hours a week.

[Spartan_04]

I noticed that the USMC is adopting suede combat boots. What are the virtues of suede leather vs. standard leather used on most other combat boots? Please excuse my ignorance, but I must know.

[Royal]

I noticed that the USMC is adopting suede combat boots. What are the virtues of suede leather vs. standard leather used on most other combat boots? Please excuse my ignorance, but I must know.

You don't have to polish them.

Also, they provide better cammouflage - as any sniper knows, there is no black in nature.

[Caribou Kid]

erm...ahem.Speaking of nature...

Crows and ravens are black,

Burnt tree stumps and charred underbrush are black, and

your face, my friend, is now,red!

(there are many things in nature that are RED..)

[GearGod]

as any sniper knows, there is no black in nature.
Think US Military should use camo boots instead? Why cant they made those Black GoreTex/Jungles in OD or Woodland like the hunting goretex boots:

http://www.danner.com/images/productimg/42202.jpg

[Ratamacue]

Wouldn't suede boots get all messed up in rain/water though?

[James]

They aren't really suede, just rough leather.

[Royal]

erm...ahem.Speaking of nature...

Crows and ravens are black,

Burnt tree stumps and charred underbrush are black, and

your face, my friend, is now,red!

(there are many things in nature that are RED..)

Look a bit more closely - crows and ravens are either grey or iridescent green. Ash and charring is either brown or grey.

[fng]

Ho Chi Min Sandals, baby! Best combat foot gear that a chicken, a large fish or one pound of rice can buy.

[NcDeuce]

I have a pair of "jump boots", you know the kind you never actually jump in, lol. I bought them dirt cheap at a boot shop off Fort Campbell, they were used but still in okay shape. I hardly wear them though...too damn small.

The ones I wear with my uniform are just the typical jungle boots.
http://www.uscav.com/prodInfo/enlarged/19120L.jpg
Except mine are about 100x shinier ;)

[Apogeumus]

Kupczak's boots rulez!!

Combat 2 for example:
http://acn.waw.pl/grom1/combat-2.jpg

[LongWay]

I was thinking of grabbing a pair of Russian Spetsnaz Winter boots with the Real fur sticking out the collar very ****ing nice boots might be abit warm for the weather over here but well worth it i'd say every piece of russian clothing i've bought is great.

[Mark Sman]

There are cheap boots, and there are good boots. Decide which you want.

I would buy so I could use them for other activities. For airsfot I would probably get a good pair of running shoes in a dark color and call it even.

Cheap and comfortable.

For boots, Red Wing or Vasque. Not cheap though. Top shelf.

[Apogeumus]

Kupczak's boots rulez!!

Combat 2 for example:
http://acn.waw.pl/grom1/combat-2.jpg

combat2 is modyfications of BW gore-tex combat boots. It cost about 160$

[martinexsquaddie]

hi tec magnums are great if your just mooching about with no weight on
even better if you don't have to pay for them rofl
its great having a twin who's a gear freak
now if I can just get his camelback maximum gear daysac :backhand:
but failing that buy a pair of jungle boots not like your going to be walking miles is it

[fantassin]

My company and I got about 40 pairs of Altbergs "EOD/PARA" from John Bull in Catterick for a Balkans winter tour.

Within weeks, stitchings came undone, tongues got ripped, plastic eyelets went through their nylon loops....was not impressed at all.

My bets are on Danner and Lowa.