Boots Boots Boots... 62 boot threads in one

[Christophe]

I'm quite interested in those Bates boots, i also know a local store who sells them. Do you wear insoles with them? How do you clean them/keep them in shape?

I don´t wear insoles in any boots.No need ´till now
To clean them;basic black shoe polish.For mudstains,blood and such,a simple brush (when dried) or a sponge with a bit of water.They dry easily.
Only thing I don´t wear them for is riots with a risk of firebombs (molotovcocktails,as in my avatar).The soles will melt,but,90% of the boots will have their soles melt (in our dept,Magnums are notorious for that).If you need boots for that kind of abuse the best you can get are Danner Acadias,but these are a bit more expensive,and weigh a lot more (though they should last a lifetime).

[Christophe]

I think Argyll may be wearing some tan versions of those in his album pics.

Seeing the first pic page on Argyll I believe he wears Adidas GSG9´s and Blackhawk Warrior Wear Light Assault Boot (http://www.blackhawk.com/product_det...uct_id=4901&d=)

Would be interesting to hear a review of those Blackhawks by Argyll.
All BTDT´s I spoke with (through the internet,like on (www.professionalsoldiers.com) aren´t too happy about BH.

What Blackhawk has to say about these boots:
BlackHawk! Warrior Wear™ Light Assault Boots are the fastest, lightest, most agile footwear designed specifically for the Special Operation Warrior. The highly ventilated upper and other water-friendly materials give the L.A.B. excellent ventilation and allow quick drying, making it ideal for waterborne operations. Features: Vibram® "Trail Run" oil-resistant rubber outsole in "TC4 Plus" sticky rubber compound for superior grip on all surfaces. Long-wearing, water-friendly Polyurethane midsole. Waterproof recycled molded insole board with built in shank for unsurpassed support. Ortholite® Custom Molded Footbed. Washable, Anti-Microbial. Unique open cell structure enables air to travel through and around the insole creating a cooler environment inside the shoe. OrthoLite® foams offer up to 95-100% breathability for maximum ventilation in and around the foot. Dri-Lex® inner lining wicks away moisture and dries quickly for maximum comfort. Double-layer, lightweight, breathable, nylon mesh and high-abrasion, quick-dry, synthetic microfiber upper found in the highest quality trail running shoes. Reticulated foam used throughout the boot ensures no water absorption unlike more commonly used polyurethane. Durable, rubberized toe and heel reinforcements provide unsurpassed abrasion and scuff resistance, especially when in a ****e position or kicking objects. Quick-close lace feature with durable, molded lace lock and hidden lace perforated pocket allows for immediate closure of boot with one hand. No need to stop and tie laces. Perforated pocket allows for the drainage of water and sand.

[Christophe]

The soles are made to supress te noise under your boots


They look much the same as a fieldhockey shoe. But for grip stick to vibram.

Vibram soles are great,but the soles on the Bates´s are at least as good.I have done everything with them one can do during patrol,and they never let me down.On the contrary,with Oakleys I was on a foot pursuit and slipped on the wet ground;result:I hit the ground face first,which is embarassing to say the least.I never had that prob with my Bates´.And,indeed,they are very ****ing silent.
When they´re worn out I will without a doubt immediately get me a new pair.
In my opinion they are among the best light-weight patrol boots around.
Just my 2c.

[Kilo Golf]

How were those Merrels holding up with heavy rucks?

[TacoDelRio]

How were those Merrels holding up with heavy rucks?

If you mean me, they haven't seen alot. They'll get more use with heavy rucks and crampons / ice gear this winter/spring. Up to now, I've put less than 100 miles on them. They're doing alot better than my Salomons did.

[TacoDelRio]

Awsome! I see you finally got a pair of Merrels! My babies are going on season 3 and they are still going strong. So don't expect to part with them anytime soon. Nice choice by the way..

They feel good.... I've never owned anything but issue boots, so "comfortable" boots are new and somewhat confusing to me. It's scary to drive while wearing them, as I can't feel the pedals.

But they're nice. No blisters... waterproof unless you go for a swim... sorta-rigid sole... I guess I'll see if I really like them as soon as it snows.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Very true about Salomon, they feel & look nice and are light, but if you use it daily, it lasts less than a year. Got my hands on a pair of Nevados 1 month ago, height just above the ankle, great stuff, so far like it a lot.

[TacoDelRio]

I have Salomon trail runners that I've used in the mountains and desert before on numrous occasions. I still wear them. I run alot (no car), and they are slowly falling apart. When I first got them, some seams busted, namely on the tongue. The sole is coming off on one side. Kinda bugged me that some seams busted within a week before I even ran in them.

The construction of similar shoes by Merrell seems a bit better. Alot of it seems to be stitching.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Hate to repeat myself, but Planika & Alpina, both made in Slovenia, are one of the best boots, I ever wore.

[tifosi]

how bout oakley S.I. boots? any gud reviews about it?

im planning to get 1 thnx

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Lot of people on this forum claim Oakley makes good sunglasses, but their boots are below average.

[Kilo Golf]

I have a pair of desert Oakleys and the only time I used them was at halo and some of the gluing is starting to come apart. However, some of my buddies have been using them and they have been holding up.

[Catch22]

Oh c'mon, above certain (high) pricetag most shoes from respectable brands are worth having, plus are quite similiar. That is the case with European brands at least. Can't say for US or Canadian ones - I've seen some debatable but overpriced designs coming form there. I wear Meindl's Island Pro for the cold wet season and I doubt if there are many Hanwags, Haix, Asolos, Raichles, Lowas, Scarpas, Whatevas that would made a significant diffrence to them... Just make sure you have the cash - then stick to the good brand, have a reasonable warranty and properly care for them (waterproofing, insoles) and you're good to go.

[BrianT]

So we can't wear Merrells anymore very soon. Anyone want to recommend me a desert tan 8" tall boot?

[J-Bags]

US Airborne Matterhorn jump boots, tread grip isn't wonderful and a bit heavy but dead comfy, beautiful stitching, and pretty tough wearing. A nice piece of kit.