Your best general all rounder Boots, all terrain, all climates

[DJ*]

Very popular in ME with the Yanks those, but not all waterproof from memory. Are those the high leg version Benny and have they lasted well? Are yours waterproof with a Gortex liner or similar or more for warm climates?

 

[Benny]

Not waterproof at all. They have the drainage hole throughout so you can stomp on while pumping water out.....apparently. I don't push myself that hard anymore with wet socks. If it's a one off sock wetting I'll change them out. I use these on the Overland Track & EVERYONE'S socks were wet the whole time, Goretex boots or not.

I haven't flogged these compared to some users but they still look near new. Very happy with them.

 

[MongooseDownUnder]

I have had similiar experiences with Scarpa and other well made boots. They just don't last like they used to, I did however buy a pair of Zamberlan boots two years ago and they are still looking great but starting to run out of tread. I will probably move back to wearing combat boots though and hopefully they will last longer.

 

[DJ*]

Vast range of combat boots now, some (issue types) very uncomfortable, not very durable, etc, etc cost cutting once again. Some units are now getting much better civilian style combat boots like Lowa (some UK Regiments anyway) and some more specialist regiments in many countries try various boots and get a personal choice. Lowa, Danner, Altberg, Rocky, Bates, Aku, the list is long. But combat boots now can mean anything as combat is broad. Some are made for varying roles, patrol, assault, long range recce, maritime, air assaults, urban warfare, desert, jungle, etc, etc some high leg, some not so a lot to think about for an all rounder boot. Some of the very good civilian specialist boot designers and manufacturers work with military units and private military contractors to develop and test boots and these from experience are the most durable. That said it can still be hard to find a good all rounder and never rule out a good civi none combat boot. My search continues but getting close I reckon.... Zamberlan, Lowa, Aku keep coming up and had good expeirences with all so those in my top list at present as well as Bates again if I can track any down like my current all rounders. Thanks all DJ.

 

[DKDAM]

I have a pair of Asolo Flame GTX boots at the moment. Great boots. Got sized at the store. I was looking at the Fugitive GTX as I had seen others wearing them at work. Turns out my foot is better suited to the Flame, a narrower style. They fit great straight out of the box and I have never had a hot spot or blister in them. Walked for many kms in saturated socks after being caught with out my rain pants. No issues at all.

I wear Danners at work. A few of my friends wear Danners also. I love them for work as do my friends. Very high quality construction and on some models the sole can be replaced. Heavy though. I understand Danner make a boot similar to your Bates. Called Danner Combat Hiker. Worth a look.

I heard the company that owns Bates also owns Merrell. Company is called Wolverine. Have a look at their line. Similar to the Bates line up but less tactical in appearance.

Hope this helps

 

[MongooseDownUnder]

Recently bought a pair of TerraCombat. I love them they are really solid and comfortable.

 

[DJ*]

Never tried those Mongoose, but for an issue boot they actually don't get to bad a feedback. Supposed to be comfortable, but not that great at waterproof long term I don't think. Would be keen to hear how you go with them long term.

The Danner range are super durable normally DKDAM, always had them when I was young and the choice was far less then. Quite heavy though, good airborne boots the high legs.

I just picked up a pair of Aku Pilgrim as an extra spare pair for now. DJ

 

[DKDAM]

Let me know how you go with the Pilgrim. I have been eyeing those off for a while. They look like a great boot. Keep us posted on how they go.

Just ordered a pair of Salomon Conquest GTX. More a of a day hiker or light load boot.

 

[DJ*]

I have had AKU before and they were great, but that was the Light Weight boot. I witnessed an AKU boot fail on a job once on someone which put me off. However, having only heard good stuff recently I picked up a Pilgrim GTX pair as a potential all rounder. I have only worn them whilst training outdoors and in classroom so far, but very comfy. I'll report back once they are tested proper...DJ

 

[DJ*]

Well I have been living in the new pair of Pilgrims the last two weeks and in some pretty cold and wet weather. I had not spent much time hiking in them to break them in, just a few brief walks and some training, but with the exception of a minor rub point on one toe they have fitted very nice, and covered a lot of distance with weight. The grip is very good, the ankle support good, but comfy, and up until a river crossing they had kept my feet dry and warm. Dried out fairly well once an overnight fire was possible so all in all really pleased. Since getting wet and dried there is no more rub point and they are very comfortable already. They are not too heavy and I'm thinking they will make a nice alternative to my Bates as all rounder boots. I will see how they go for durability and report back on them in a few months....DJ

 

[Benny]

I've noticed a lot of SF guys have been running trail runners like Salomons in Afghan. Has anyone made a similar move? If so why? What were your results?

I personally like a comfy pair of boots but can seen the benefits of lighter footwear over distance but the benefit of boots outweighs......literally, the benefit of shoes out bush I reckon.

 

[SimonM]

I've noticed a lit of SF guys have been running trail runners like Salomons in Afghan. Has anyone made a similar move? If so why? What were your results?

I personally like a comfy pair of boots but can seen the benefits of lighter footwear over distance but the benefit of boots outweighs......literally, the benefit of shoes out bush I reckon.

Hey Benny,

Metz wore a pair of trail runners when we did the Overland Track - water, mud, rain, cold he was fine. I am a boot guy but I think I am going to try some dedicated trail shoes on the next walk.

 

[DJ*]

Hi Benny, it is popular to go the runner route on some jobs. The main advantages are often nothing to do with the wearer. Man with boots in some parts stands out much more than man with runners. They are also favoured for light tactical jobs, without a heavy Bergan and kit rig, urban work, CP work and even vehicle based jobs. I'm like you though always prefer a boot of some sort as most jobs seem to always morph into something far more of a chore than expected. SNAFU....DJ

 

[MARC]

Scarpa GTX. Bit heavy some say but give lots of support. This is my second pair and I have used them for just about everything. Even snow shoeing. Well made boots. Take a little to wear in, but comfy once done. Pricey.

 

[ozslon]

Lowa Renegade. There is nothing better imho. It is not cheap, but will last where others wont go

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