Duty boots

[fullrearview]

I use the RG "Deputy" from Big 5 and get them when they are on sale for about $30. They take a nice shine, are comfortable, and I get about 18 months on a pair. Even the Bates, Rocky's, HiTec, etc only last about 2 years. Side zips are nice, but every brand I've tried over the years has lasted about 6-8 months max.

Seriously, the zipper is a bunch of hype in my opinion. You put them on at the start of your shift and take them off at the end. I can see where they might be nice for firefighters or EMS that have to dress quickly in the middle of the night. Not applicable for LE/Security duty really.

Glad to know I'm not the only one!

[IrishJoe3]

I can see where they might be nice for firefighters or EMS that have to dress quickly in the middle of the night. Not applicable for LE/Security duty really.

I dunno....they are nice to have when I'm late for briefing....

[tylerderdan]

I have a pair of Danner side zip that I love, but are very heavy. For a lot of moving, running etc I love the oakley boots

[RobT2K]

Danners.
After 3 other pair of magnums got tore up in less than a year each, I decided to listen to the old guys finally, should have done that in the first place. They aren't the lightest, but when I'm running in them I don't notice it, too pumped up.

[noob_tube]

Danners, with the 5.11 insoles. If you're standing or walking a lot, I suggest wearing an ankle stabilizer ($12 at wallimart). You'll get less tired and your ankles and knees will thank you.

[Area 52]

Another vote for the Response Gear Tacticals from Big 5. I do like the side zips though, they make it easier to get my wide feet into. I zip them up then tie them to put them on, and untie them then unzip them to take them off.

[Subotai]

Magnums when I was a Reserve. If your zippers fail, maybe they're too tight. I still use Magnums now for knocking around.

[Axewound]

From Danners to OTB.

[bobfried]

Danner Acadia

I have been wearing the Oakley SI 6" for about 6 months now but I'm going back to the Danner's. The Oakley is terrible in any kind of rough or wet terrain, great for hardball but in my job I sometimes end up in the mud and they choke up faster than David Carradine....too soon?

[tyrist]

I have worn the same pair of Danner Acadia for almost 6 years without any problems.

I use the Oakley SI boots for training though.

[IntoForever]

I wear Doc Martins (with original sole). Comfortable boots, great fit to my feet and if I don't grind the sides off on due to riding my motorcycle through the canyons, they last about 8 years.

[jgorman]

I like the 5.11 side zips, they take a nice shine and are very comfortable. I have a pair of Big 5 specials I use for the range. They do there job.

[jubrown57]

5.11's (HRT Urban and A.T.A.C. Side zip)

with Super feet insoles. I use the tensioner that comes with the lanyard of Surefire flashlights to tighten the laces.

[veeklog]

Oakley and Danner Acadia's are the only boots I ever liked to wear. I don't wear boots that much anymore, but for raids, nothing beats Danners when you have to go through a dope house.

[SiRay6]

My family is in the work boots industry and we're based in Azusa, CA. Some Azusa officers and Azusa FD buy are boots

Our brand is Road Mate and we are made in the same factories as Timberland, CAT, Bates, Wolverine, Dr. Martens, etc...

These are a little heavy but they are very durable (waterproof version coming soon). I'm currently in development to make a lighter 8" tactical boot



-Ray