Duty boots

[jshoebot]

To the OP, if your job is to walk eight miles a day, why do you need to wear a heavy boot? Is it part of the look? Wouldn't a much lighter weight shoe help you do your job better?

Yeah it's a part of the uniform. Have to wear at least 8" boots because we have to blouse our pants.

That's part of the reason I bought the 10" Rockys. With 8" boots, you can't really blouse them too high. I think the lower the blouse, the sloppier it looks. I like to look sharp

[Ranger Rick]

I liked the comfort of my 5.11 ATAC Storm boots, but they did not last and were by no means waterproof. These things fell apart.

I like the Magnum Phantom V-lites, lace-up, light-weight, comfortable and durable. I have a pair I have had for many years now and still use them for K9 training days or rides on my motorcycle. These things have lasted well and the sole wear was very even.

I like the Belville boots I bought 9 - 10 years ago at 29 palms. They were truly waterproof, lasted forever and great boots. The drawback is that they were heavy.

Don't like the Bates Ultralites, the sole wore quick and they were not the most stable.

All the Rocky waterproof boots I have worn were good and they were waterproof.

I'm currently wearing a Rockport duty boot. They are nice and comfortable, seem to be wearing well, but they are side-zip. Side-zip boots are not as comfortable as straight lace up. They have a composite toe which is good for protection and not heavy like steel tow. I would get these boots again if they made a non-zippered version.

[Bryan16]

I liked the comfort of my 5.11 ATAC Storm boots, but they did not last and were by no means waterproof. These things fell apart.

How long did you get on the 5.11's? I'm at 3 years and the sides are split at the toe. Going to replace them this month.

[2nab]

I've tried Many types. Rocky, Danner, Sketcher (worst boot ever), 5.11.
Across all the brands tried I've been consistently happy with the light weight non-insulated versions with the breathable non-leather sides. For the price I've been happiest with my side-zip Magnums (Stealth II #8154). The boots with the boot knife pockets such as 5.11 are also convenient if that feature interests you. I picked up a pair of 5.11 XPRT boots from LAPOLICEGEAR.com for around $80 when they were in stock. Also if you are trying a boot that feels snug a wider width often works better than a larger size.

[Bizcuits]

Lots of fancy and expensive boots....

My feet are NASTY and I sweat like a field hand, I stick with the cheap BATES enforcer tactical sport 5''. I rotate in a new pair every 6 months. Soles take a lot more wear then normal, but my feet thank me.

[Kanoodler]

Love the Danners! I rotate 2 pairs. One pair is all leather Olympics and the other is a nylon/ leather Acadia. Rotating them allows them to dry properly in-between use, extending the service life.

I know it's a ton of money to invest, but these have been running 5 years now with just one sole replacement each. The fit is fantastic, comfort level is great. Having worn these standing in water for long periods of time is a reminder to me that I will never buy "non-Goretex" boots ever again!!

[Yodax109]

So since we're on this topic "and I need a new pair of boots", what are the pro's cons of having 6" vs 8" boots? What do you guys recommend?

[inbox485]

I've had two pairs of RG's that fell to crap within a couple months. The magnums lasted about a year each. I picked up a pair of Arroyo brand boots when I was down in Brazil back in '05 and have been wearing them since. They were R$45 (~US$15) BTW.

A pair of boots isn't effing brain surgery, the Chinese just can't do it right to save their lives and the American companies seem to copy them.