Best Boots

djtechnics1210

Hey guys.

Need yer advice
.
Its time for me to get back out running in the hills etc.
Basically i need a new pair of boots, i was using matterhorn boots but they are now getting old.

Can anyone recommend a pair to me please.

Thanks in advance

Hard Larry

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

Hey guys.

Need yer advice
.
Its time for me to get back out running in the hills etc.
Basically i need a new pair of boots, i was using matterhorn boots but they are now getting old.

Can anyone recommend a pair to me please.

Thanks in advance

If you're just running then go for Magnum Spiders

If you need good all round boots go for Bates around 80 quid in Army Bargains

Meindl Eagles are good but not great for running in.

djtechnics1210

What are the lads in df currently using/have on issue.
Im looking for something that will let me run/march for a few miles, sometimes with backpack and still give me comfort and good support.

pmg58

Army is currently issuing Haix combat boots and Magnum barrack boots. The haix is a big heavy waterproof boots, probably too heavy for your purposes, whereas the Magnum wouldn't really give enough support, I think. You could definitely do better than the two of those. Generally most people who buy boots for tactics go for either Meindl army pros or Lowas (Combat GTX?). Again these are both along the same lines as the Haix, but would be a bit lighter, better quality, better support etc. Still, I'm not sure that they'd be suitable for your purposes, I have Meindls myself, great boot but not perfect, can be pretty hard soled, and the grip leaves something to be desired. Also both those types of boots are very high, which can be very strange if you're not used to it...and I'd imagine that they may not be perfect for running because of it. Some people seem to prefer the Lowas, I think it depends on the shape of your foot, Lowas I think are slightly wider fitting.

Hope this helps a bit

These links to older threads about boots might help a bit as well:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055406241
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055256808
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055292668s
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055164706

Poccington

I don't use any of my issued boots if I can help it.

I use Lowa Combat GTX's for the walking side of things, then I've a pair of Meindl Eagles for my Battle PT's, loaded runs etc.

Zambia

I use a pair of Bates standard side zip etc. They are really comfy after two-three days and a good boot however after 6 months they are needing replacing the heel is worn out on each. Most of my walking is on Concrete.

I would recommend them if your looking for a good pair of boots but you may as well buy 2 pairs.

starbelgrade

Ugg boots are very fashionable these days.

djtechnics1210

starbelgrade wrote: »

Ugg boots are very fashionable these days.

And ssssoooooooooo comfortable for those long days on FIBUA training.

Zambia

starbelgrade wrote: »

Ugg boots are very fashionable these days.

So my wife says ...

djtechnics1210

If only they had Irish DPM

Zambia

Ha ha ....

Mate this is a good link to see the stuff out there however you would have to source the pair you found that delivers to Ireland

http://www.legear.com.au/Police-Boots-and-Military-footwear-Australia-New-Zealand-s/31.htm

concussion

I swear by Meindl Army Gores - they're a little shorter than the full length Army Pro's but still way over the ankle. They're heavy and clunky and I nearly fell down the stairs the first few times I wore them but they are very very comfortable and completely waterproof. Very stiff aswell which mightn't be to your liking but suits me just fine.
In terms of agility, once used to them I have no problems and (besides a good few tactical exercises) I've taken them through swamps, up mountains and ran the 10km fitness march in them.

Downsides are they're heavy, expensive (well, maybe not in comparison to other top-quality boots) and if water does go in over the top of the boot it tends to stay there.

Everyone will find boots different, I love these, you mightn't, but they really are a good boot.

djtechnics1210

Oh decisions decisions............
All look like really good boots.

neilled

Zambia232 wrote: »

I use a pair of Bates standard side zip etc. They are really comfy after two-three days and a good boot however after 6 months they are needing replacing the heel is worn out on each. Most of my walking is on Concrete.

I would recommend them if your looking for a good pair of boots but you may as well buy 2 pairs.

They are interesting looking creatures aright. What they've done is taken an old sole and midsole developed jointly by Merrell and Vibram and latched a military/police style upper onto them.

Edit - bates are part of Wolverine Group, which Merrell are also part of which would explain the whole technology transfer thingy.

Regarding other boots, I've just been given (yep freebie!) a set of Lowa Combat GTX's, still breaking them in so no firm opinions yet and I'm starting to worry they're a half a size to big, time will tell i guess. My previous boots were Hanwag Special Forces GTX - could recommend them with no problems.

concussion

You might be glad of that half size if you're wearing another pair of socks on winter days or when your feet swell while marching in the summer

Damn you and your freebies...

Zambia

Those all look like really good hard wearing boots, none however (that I saw ) have the side zip... something I rate really highly now for pure ease of getting of and on.

djtechnics1210

Iv added a poll to see which wins....
I couldn't make a single decision from all the brilliant suggestions received.....
I was like a child in a sweet shop

So its upto the poll to decide what boots i get....... im gonna look like some gimp running round in Uggs if the poll fails

pmg58

Maybe you should go to a shop and try a few different types to see if they suit you?

djtechnics1210

i was gonna get them online..... much bigger saving

pmg58

Hey I didn't say to buy them...just try them on

Seriously though, you need to make sure the size is right and all, it can vary between manufacturers.

concussion

Zambia232 wrote: »

Those all look like really good hard wearing boots, none however (that I saw ) have the side zip... something I rate really highly now for pure ease of getting of and on.

I'd be seriously worried about the zip getting jammed with all the filth thats going to be thrown at them. Laces also give very important tensioning along the top of the boot, across the ankle and up the leg, do these have any sort of adjustment? That reminds me of another advantage of the Meindl boots - lace lock just below the ankle and hooks set far back on the ankle which can be used or ignored depending on preference.

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

i was gonna get them online..... much bigger saving

Please please please go to a few shops and speak to the staff. Take their opinions and recommendations on board before you spend €150+ on boots

neilled

pmg58 wrote: »

Hey I didn't say to buy them...just try them on

Seriously though, you need to make sure the size is right and all, it can vary between manufacturers.

It is very important as PMG and Concussion say to do this. Everyone's feet are different and what fits your friend might not fit you as each manufacturer uses their own lasts. Whilst in college in Dublin I worked in various gear shops (OAS and Millets) and fitted backpacks and boots. Try every pair on that your interested in and pester the fitter for half sizes if needs be. Something thats nagging you slightly in store will develop into a major pain on the hills!

Hence having fitted boots for years I'm having doubts over my brand new Lowa's that were given to me by a customer of the shop I work in, even with bridgedale summits on there's a bit of heel lift in both.

Burnt

If you buying online check out Lundhags, they are a Swedish company, but they are hard to find here. They have an excellent reputation, for warm dryness and comfort.

OS119

Meindl Borneo for me - and Cotswold Outdoor will send them (somehow, possibly including a big green helicopter) to Lashkar Gah.

which is nice...

pmg58

Looks like you're going to need this: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=54476414 :cool::pac:

murf313

what size are you? I have a pair of size 9 hanwags which were only used a few times! only time I really wore them was on the terrain walk in the army IT's. Il let them go cheap!

djtechnics1210

pmg58 wrote: »

Maybe you should go to a shop and try a few different types to see if they suit you?

Anybody know good shops in dublin i could go too

djtechnics1210

murf313 wrote: »

what size are you? I have a pair of size 9 hanwags which were only used a few times! only time I really wore them was on the terrain walk in the army IT's. Il let them go cheap!

What make of hanwags are they

neilled

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

What make of hanwags are they

Hanwag are the brand. The only model they ever really sold in Ireland was the Special Forces GTX.

Poccington

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

Anybody know good shops in dublin i could go too

Great Outdoors would be my recommendation, although Millets is decent too.

bitemybanger

Got a pair of the Adidas GSGs a couple of weeks ago, thier as light as a feather and like a pair of runners, great for the oul battle PTs:(
Link

BigDuffman

I use Lowa Combat GTX's for general out and aboutness as the ankle support and sole are top notch. And the waterproofing would keep out a tsunami (just dont tuck your combats into your boots).

I also got a pair of Addidas GSG9 2's they would be useless for mountains (very little support) or hard terrain but handy for urban use where speed is required or for the IT's.