Oakley Elite Special Forces Assault Boot

[sjsoon]

Anybody wearing Oakley Elite Special Forces Assault Boot ? any comments? i am thinking of getting one ..... do your feet get hot fast? is its ventilation good.. keep the feet cool? thanks.. like to hear some comments about its pro and cons..

[moughoun]

this is not aimed at you Sjoon, but why the hell does everything have stupid names like that, super secret squirral ultra quiet killing knife, companies just tag the word's elite, special forces, Delta, SEAL ect on to a product, and the gear lemming's jump all over them selves to get it :roll:

[sjsoon]

true about that comment...... so does it actually made up to the standard as its given name?

[sickofpretenders]

Well its called marketing and half the wannabes in the world (many on this site) run out and buy anything with ranger, delta, seal, sas ,elite, spec ops etc in the title as a pathetic way to make up for the fact that recruiting told them they would need to lose 100 pounds before the could realise their goal of becomming a reservist pogue.

Edit:The oakley boot was brought out in respose to the adidas 'GSG9' which was reputed to be designed by members of the german unit (but the sole really sucked in the wet and fast roping wore them out easily) so the oakley boots name probably came in response to adidas's name.

[Beppo]

Just so you know there are two versions: one made in USA and the other one made in China. Supposedly the ones made in China are the commercially available ones, and the ones made in USA are the actual boot issued to the military. I read somewhere that there is "virtually" no difference between the two aside from where they were made, but there are actually a couple of big differences outwardly that you can spot a mile away (the main thing being that the US-made version doesn't have the raised plastic "O" for Oakley on the boot; the "O" is actually engraved/pressed into the suede/leather itself). To be honest though the ones made in the USA are a lot uglier and plainer looking than the ones made in China; when I first saw the USA-made ones I thought *they* were the "phonies" and that the Chinese-made ones were the "genuine issue". They're called "SF assault boots" because I guess they were designed for and issued to the Special Forces; and like most enthusiasts I'm of the opinion that "if it's good enough for SF, it's good enough for me!"
By the way I was in Iraq and although I have seen SF guys wearing these boots, I actually saw a more of them wearing civilian "Merrell" brand hiking boots with their DCUs than anything else.

[Creeper]

Not being an "enthusiast" - I would be suspecious(sp) of a sport eyeglass maker suddenly showing up in the footware markett with a pair of Ninja boots - with a steep price tag as well.
Certain conditions do not allow for "testing" of new equipment - boots are examples.
Merrells, Danners etc , time tested footware - IMHO - is the best way to go.

[Deuterium]

I had a pair that I wore in Iraq for about 3 months everyday. They didn't last. The boot started falling apart at the end. It was a comfortable boot. This was from December to Mar so it was still cold. I wouldn't wear it in the summer though. It is a fall/spring boot.

[Digital Marine]

I had a pair that I wore in Iraq for about 3 months everyday. They didn't last. The boot started falling apart at the end. It was a comfortable boot. This was from December to Mar so it was still cold. I wouldn't wear it in the summer though. It is a fall/spring boot.

Did you ever wear Belleville boots, if yes.. how did they perform?

[Beppo]

Belleville boots kick ass. The first day we marched around in them in full gear to acclimatize ourselves to the weather (after about a month of wearing only the Altama jungle-style desert boot) a buddy behind me remarked, "These are the best things the Army ever came out with!" to which I turned around and replied with that wide-eyed "holy sh!t!" look on my face, "God damn!" and we both started laughing and nodding our heads in agreement.
The Belleville's ridiculously thick and durable sole makes it feel like you're wearing a fully armored tank on your feet -- nothing can hurt 'em! My only qualm with the Bellevilles was that the supposed 1000 denier Cordura nylon on the inner ankle parts of both of my boots was so stiff they got a hole worn into them after only a few months. I'm not sure if it was from the constant bend & flex of my ankle while walking or if my heels rub onto the opposite ankle in passing while I take a step, or both, but neat little slices which eventually turned into holes I could slip my pinky finger into, formed in the canvas right where the suede "reinforcement" part of the inner ankle is. Except for the holes in the ankles, I loved those things.

[RGRBOX]

I had a pair that I wore in Iraq for about 3 months everyday. They didn't last. The boot started falling apart at the end. It was a comfortable boot. This was from December to Mar so it was still cold. I wouldn't wear it in the summer though. It is a fall/spring boot.

Did you ever wear Belleville boots, if yes.. how did they perform?

I got two pairs, and they kick ass... more comfortable then many of the other boots out there, they are cut wider at the ball of the foot, this is a dream for me.. and they for the moment, one year have lasted... I wear them a lot...

As for the Oakley Si Boots, the black ones are ****.. they will get you killed wearing them in the wet in the woods, and they are fvcking hot in the summer, I will get the desert models next week for the first time, and will test them out, but I prefer REAL boots, and not these running shoes types made by sun glasses companies...

[Digital Marine]

Except for the holes in the ankles, I loved those things.

Hmmm holes in the ankles eh? thats weird..

I have 2 pairs of Belleviles and i love 'em to death!
Really comfortable and quite light.. it almost feels like you're wearing sneakers :D

The altamas are a bit weird.. the hard backing of the ankles opened my entire heel.. making a nice all-round blister around my ankle.. really weird.. never wore them after that :lol:

[Beppo]

This guy here appears to be using Spider-Man boots...

http://images.military.com/pics/FL_offensive_100105.jpg

[James]

Well its called marketing and half the wannabes in the world (many on this site) run out and buy anything with ranger, delta, seal, sas ,elite, spec ops etc in the title as a pathetic way to make up for the fact that recruiting told them they would need to lose 100 pounds before the could realise their goal of becomming a reservist pogue.

Edit:The oakley boot was brought out in respose to the adidas 'GSG9' which was reputed to be designed by members of the german unit (but the sole really sucked in the wet and fast roping wore them out easily) so the oakley boots name probably came in response to adidas's name.

I can remember when 5.11 was just a pair of mountain climbing trousers from Royal Robbins.
Now, just add "5.11" to whatever and it becomes a ninja product... 5.11 Dental Floss... 5.11 Underpants... whatever.

But hey, it sells.

[Catch22]

5.11 toilet paper - for silent proffesional wipe ;)

[diytactical]

I've been wearing tan oakley boots every day in the sandbox going on 6 months now. They are the most comfortable boots I own at this point and are holding up very well. The soles are showing minimal signs of wear. No problems with traction on dry sandy/rocky ground or pavement. Haven't really worn them on wet surfaces.

Only complaints would be that come snug, I ordered a half size larger than normal and they fit perfectly. The other would be the price, i would not pay retail, fortunately i was abe to get them at dealers cost though a friend that used to be here. This is of course just my opinion.

[Uncle Sam]

I have a pair and they are great boots! Like tennis shoes. Wear them practically every day. Luckily I didn't have to pay the $225.00 or whatever for them because a guy in my team is an Oakley authorized seller for those and the Oakley SI line of glasses (All black for Military, Police, etc...).

I aslo have a pair of Merrels Sawtooth, great boots, but make my feet too hot here in Afghanistan.

[diytactical]

I also have sawtooth but they started falling apart on me. I would never have bought them at full price even though it is a tax deduction.

[wiking]

I wear a pair of old model norwegian army boots, i've been wearing them for a good 3 years, they're more a worn-out greyish colour in some places than the original black, but they're fairly comfortable and i like them.

It's like a mate of mine said after his mother bought him new shoes and threw out the old ones "when you have shoes that fit and are comfortable, you learn to love them, and won't accept anything else." (he went and got his old worn out pair out of the trash afterwards.)

[Roaming East]

Was issued a pair of the Steel toe Bates Desert boots...hate em with a passion. They are fine for little office work but they retain heat like the pits of hell itself, offer no support ankle or otherwise and the sole wears down as if its made from pencil eraser. 1 year on and they are a health hazard if it rains and im on concrete. Best boots ive worn so far out side of the Belleviles i just got issued and am breaking in the standard issue wellco jungle boot has been terrible comfortable, especially if you remove the insert and add your own. Doesnt look all that 'highspeed' though.

[lt_poncho]

I dont know what it is with the BATES model boots, but the MARPAT ones did nothing but hurt for weeks after use. Couldn't figure it out, but i've heard a lot of negative hearsey about BATES as well (the MARPAT ones anyway).

Bellevilles on the other hand...like clouds for your feet.

Another lovely boot that doesn't get recognition is the MAGNUM AMAZON Desert boots. I'd like to see how long they can last tho. They certainly feel great.

[TacoDelRio]

I dont know what it is with the BATES model boots, but the MARPAT ones did nothing but hurt for weeks after use. Couldn't figure it out, but i've heard a lot of negative hearsey about BATES as well (the MARPAT ones anyway).

Bellevilles on the other hand...like clouds for your feet.

Another lovely boot that doesn't get recognition is the MAGNUM AMAZON Desert boots. I'd like to see how long they can last tho. They certainly feel great.

Ah HAH!

PM for you, Poncho.

[RGRBOX]

Well its called marketing and half the wannabes in the world (many on this site) run out and buy anything with ranger, delta, seal, sas ,elite, spec ops etc in the title as a pathetic way to make up for the fact that recruiting told them they would need to lose 100 pounds before the could realise their goal of becomming a reservist pogue.

Edit:The oakley boot was brought out in respose to the adidas 'GSG9' which was reputed to be designed by members of the german unit (but the sole really sucked in the wet and fast roping wore them out easily) so the oakley boots name probably came in response to adidas's name.

I can remember when 5.11 was just a pair of mountain climbing trousers from Royal Robbins.
Now, just add "5.11" to whatever and it becomes a ninja product... 5.11 Dental Floss... 5.11 Underpants... whatever.

But hey, it sells.

I've been selling Royal Robins clothes for 8 years... and your right, they add 5.11 to them and SHAZAM!!! Super ****... the pants are great, and so are the shirts and polos, but the rest is ****...

[Catch22]

No **** Mikey, their baseball cap is ok ;)

[RGRBOX]

No **** Mikey, their baseball cap is ok ;)

I haven't tried their baseball cap, but if your talking about the 5.11 tactical baseball cap, it's ok.. I like my CamoTech caps better... lower profile..

[Beppo]

Geez, even baseball hats and t-shirts are "tactical" nowadays...
Well since we're on the subject, I really like my tactical cell phone cover. It's dark in color for perfect camouflage; it has a Chiquita banana sticker on it, which I peeled from a banana, to break up the profile and blend it in with urban environments (ala ACUs, it's got all-in-one camo); it's also highly versatile, functioning in either the "open" or "closed" position; and tactical belt clip, easily removeable for when I have to drop all my gear in a hurry and throw my pants in the washer.

[Catch22]

For a tactical quick wash or a standard one? :D

Oh and is that mobile cover rhodesian enough?

[percell_086]

So Mike, you sell 5.11 stuff? how are their Jackets? I was planning on buying one.


Percell

[RGRBOX]

So Mike, you sell 5.11 stuff? how are their Jackets? I was planning on buying one.


Percell
The 5.11 3-in-1 jacket is nice, but poorly made... the quality lacks a bit... is a nice jacket thought... I wish they made one in Khaki or another tan color... Black is crap.. the do make them in Navy, and red... but those colors also suck for me..

[Beppo]

To bring this thread back on topic, I have a pair of the Oakley commercially available Chinese made assault shoes. I've been wearing them on and off for about 9-10 months now. They're comfortable as hell (just as an everyday walking shoe, sometimes I run in them) but the sole in the hell is visibly worn. I don't expect shoes to last forever but I've had shoes that would last me a year or so before wearing down as much as the Oakleys have. I have to agree with mikebox on how hot the black leather ones get; I was out running earlier this summer in them on an unsually hot day, and although it was admittedly hot, my feet felt like they were on FIRE! Not even my combat boots ever got that hot.

[quellish]

My $0.02, since I've had the commercial SI boots for about a year (black ones)

They don't strike me as what you'd want for running, road marches, or a lot of other things (keep in mind that the Desert boots are supposedly very different from the black ones, almost all different materials). The black SI boots would be good for someone doing dedicated CQB. I've had some real issues on wet surfaces though. Sometimes they're as slippery as a bananna peel, sometimes solid like you're wearing suction cups. For me, the fit is awesome though - they're very supportive through a wider range of motion than any boot or shoe I've ever worn. That said, I kept around the boots they were to replace (Vasque gore-tex hikers I've had for years). I wouldn't wear the Oakleys in snow, but I'm not seeing a lot of snow these days. I wouldn't wear them a lot of places in fact, but they're great for urban environments. They stick to metal very well, though wet pavement seems to be a weakness. They haven't gotten hot on me at all, so I guess YMMV on that.

[quellish]

Ah, and for those that think the Super Duper Elite Ninja monikers are ALL marketing, there was a story a few years back on how commercial gear companies were meeting the needs of SF. The Oakley boots were specifically mentioned:

"In designing athletic gear, you never get feedback from the field like we got for these boots," says Baden. "One report we got was from a soldier who said, 'I was sneaking up on a bad guy while wearing the first leather (model), and it squeaked.' We fixed that by changing to a different type of leather on the boot's tongue. It is now silent."

<http://www.camelbak.com/mil/news.cfm?news_id=54>

[JDBL14]

I've never had the oakley boost but i have had 2 pairs of oakley shoes, and yes they have been making shoes for about 10 years now, but anywats the pairs i had lasted forever and had great traction, the soles were alittle soft feeling and quickly showed wear but lasted for well over a year of daily use. grip was so good i even used them for rock climbing...

[Corinthian]

Cant go past Danner Acadia,call me old fashioned [yes heavy i know] so

and Adidas GSG9 for Light Weight,


not heard great things about Oakley,first ones were very hot and wear out on a fast rope quickly

[sickofpretenders]

have adidas got a new sole yet? the GSG9s i got issued where useless in the wet.

[Beppo]

Wow, you got issued GSG-9s? Are you in the German Army?

[Team Uncool]

[quote="Beppo"] (the main thing being that the US-made version doesn't have the raised plastic "O" for Oakley on the boot; the "O" is actually engraved/pressed into the suede/leather itself).


Beppo would you or anyone else have a photo of the US-made Oakleys. Mine were made in the US but the "O" is raised. Thanks

[sickofpretenders]

Wow, you got issued GSG-9s? Are you in the German Army?

No, I was in the Australian Army

[Argyll]

I've got both Oakleys and the GSG9's(desert ones),like a foreskin both have their drawbacks,the Oakleys I've worn longer,but they gave me a severe case of athletes foot,this was around April-May-June time,they were comfy but hot.......but suited to what I do.

The GSG9's......light as a feather,comfy,no problems with athletes feet,but the sole is really dangerous in wet conditions,like a spill in the chow hall can make you look like bambi on ice........not reccomended!!

I mix both,I use the Oakleys for more rugged work,such as the ranges,and training........and the GSG9's perfect for driving,and light day to day work

[Beppo]

Beppo would you or anyone else have a photo of the US-made Oakleys. Mine were made in the US but the "O" is raised. Thanks

I'm not sure if posting a pic on here will limit my bandwidth on Photobucket, so if it gets too high I'm editing and deleting this post...but in the meantime:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/glvee/OakleyFake.jpg
Oakleys made in China

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/glvee/Oakleyreal.jpg
Oakleys made in USA

[RGRBOX]

Ah, and for those that think the Super Duper Elite Ninja monikers are ALL marketing, there was a story a few years back on how commercial gear companies were meeting the needs of SF. The Oakley boots were specifically mentioned:

"In designing athletic gear, you never get feedback from the field like we got for these boots," says Baden. "One report we got was from a soldier who said, 'I was sneaking up on a bad guy while wearing the first leather (model), and it squeaked.' We fixed that by changing to a different type of leather on the boot's tongue. It is now silent."

<http://www.camelbak.com/mil/news.cfm?news_id=54>

This is true that they were designed for the military, and the SF... if you look into the future soldier for the US Army, you will see that there has been a pair made in Green for the Jungle...

[tenda]

i've got a pair of made in china one's... :D
they're a present from a big friend...i'm using them here actually for daily use ( i'm not in the army...), basically they' re confortable as a pair of classic magnum boots... ;)

[RGRBOX]

About the US made and the Chinese made ones... I've never seen or heard of there being a difference except the colored logo, and the price.. about 100.-- Chf difference... Still not a good pair of combat boots, but like I said before, I've got a pair of the Desert ones coming tomorrow to my shop..

[Uncle Sam]

edit

[FozzieBear]

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/images/877/BOOTS-NEW-ASSAULT.jpg the only boot for me ;)

[Royal]

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/images/877/BOOTS-NEW-ASSAULT.jpg the only boot for me ;)

Fooooooooool!!!

[Digital Marine]

BTW, are those desert boots that come with the new ACU uniform made by Belleville?

[RGRBOX]

Be careful with the tan Oakleys... I ordered the nylon/leather hot weather versons for my shop, and received 60 pairs in all leather, that go along with the ones that are black and hotter then ****... I'm going to nuke Oakley... bunch of fvcking assholes..

[sjsoon]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

[Team Uncool]

Beppo- Thanks for the photo of the US made Oakley's

[LoTek]

Hi,

Here is a pic of my Oakley Boots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/Lotek65/Stargate%20and%20Airsoft%20Images/OakleySIAssaultBoot.jpg

Thank you,

Robert

[RGRBOX]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...

[Team Uncool]

If you wanna have a laugh check these out

http://cgi.ebay.com/A-C-E-Army-Special-Forces-Black-Oakley-Assault-Boots_W0QQitemZ6003369169QQcategoryZ27294QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[tenda]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

[RGRBOX]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??

[tenda]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

[RGRBOX]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...

[tenda]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...
...yep quite hot...20 degrees...i told i'm using them for "civil" if i want a pair of desert boot serious i will bring my belleville one ... :D

[RGRBOX]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...
...yep quite hot...20 degrees...i told i'm using them for "civil" if i want a pair of desert boot serious i will bring my belleville one ... :D

X2

I'm testing a pair of Italian Made boots that are used by the Aus. SF.. called Zamberland... nice boots, and after I had them stretched, and I Sno Sealed them they're great... I'll wear them when I'm in the UK for a week on a Ray Mears Bushcraft course... I leave next weekend..

[tenda]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...

...yep quite hot...20 degrees...i told i'm using them for "civil" if i want a pair of desert boot serious i will bring my belleville one ... :D

X2

I'm testing a pair of Italian Made boots that are used by the Aus. SF.. called Zamberland... nice boots, and after I had them stretched, and I Sno Sealed them they're great... I'll wear them when I'm in the UK for a week on a Ray Mears Bushcraft course... I leave next weekend..
...zamberlan...they're great...!!!
i've got a pair...!!!! woot

[RGRBOX]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...

...yep quite hot...20 degrees...i told i'm using them for "civil" if i want a pair of desert boot serious i will bring my belleville one ... :D

X2

I'm testing a pair of Italian Made boots that are used by the Aus. SF.. called Zamberland... nice boots, and after I had them stretched, and I Sno Sealed them they're great... I'll wear them when I'm in the UK for a week on a Ray Mears Bushcraft course... I leave next weekend..
...zamberlan...they're great...!!!
i've got a pair...!!!! woot

I got two different pair to test... but if they're not broken in, you can forget abouit it..

[tenda]

funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...

...yep quite hot...20 degrees...i told i'm using them for "civil" if i want a pair of desert boot serious i will bring my belleville one ... :D

X2

I'm testing a pair of Italian Made boots that are used by the Aus. SF.. called Zamberland... nice boots, and after I had them stretched, and I Sno Sealed them they're great... I'll wear them when I'm in the UK for a week on a Ray Mears Bushcraft course... I leave next weekend..
...zamberlan...they're great...!!!
i've got a pair...!!!! woot

I got two different pair to test... but if they're not broken in, you can forget abouit it..
..i've got the alaska one...they've product a "light" one too..!!!!!!! ;)
mine are those :
http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1945/zamberlan9wn.jpg

[RGRBOX]

[quote:ae151a4fbb="sjsoon"]funny.. i thought desertboots suppose to keep the feet cool in hot condition... not to make it hotter...... :backhand:

That makes two of us...
..three... ;)
but i've used them today ....very confortable...for civil daily use... ;)

Yea, but wasn't it a wet day in Italy??
...a lot of humidity after a week of hard rain...!!!! :D

Was it kool outside? Those Oakleys are dangerous on wet ground...

...yep quite hot...20 degrees...i told i'm using them for "civil" if i want a pair of desert boot serious i will bring my belleville one ... :D

X2

I'm testing a pair of Italian Made boots that are used by the Aus. SF.. called Zamberland... nice boots, and after I had them stretched, and I Sno Sealed them they're great... I'll wear them when I'm in the UK for a week on a Ray Mears Bushcraft course... I leave next weekend..
...zamberlan...they're great...!!!
i've got a pair...!!!! woot

I got two different pair to test... but if they're not broken in, you can forget abouit it..
..i've got the alaska one...they've product a "light" one too..!!!!!!! ;)[/quote:ae151a4fbb]

Next week I can tell you which ones I have...

[tenda]

ok...sorry ..for the semiOT...guys... ;)

[66bravo]

****ty boot, black ones are good the deserts melted in the afghan. sun in one week, sole from boot, best boots owned Danner Strykers, hands down.