Recommendations for Boots

[eclipse]

I need to purchase boots for the police academy I will be attending. There's lots of boots available and wanted to see what people here would recommend. Here are the requirements for the boots from the department:

- Black in color
- Round toes constructed of smooth leather with no stitching, embossing, welts or buckles.
- Must have walking heals
- Must be capable of being "spit-shined"

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

[socalphoto]

From what I have heard (I'm NOT LEO) some keep two pairs of boots for the academy. The boots they run around in and then another pair for inspections.

I highly recommend Rocky Portland boots. A little heavy but comfortable. Or check our Danner APB or Acadia. Both fit the requirements you need.

[BoJackUSMC]

Ask former or current academy recruits where they got theirs and try to buy it as a group so you could get a group discount. I have been told Daniels make good boots.

[Unit74]

It's a trade off to me.... I sport 5.11 atac while working. They are like 8" tennis shoe boots. They shine ok, but not like you sound like you want.

Danner will shine up nice like the Rockys but they are both heavy boots.

What academy are you going to?

[non sequitur]

Boots

Rocky 5066

[wtactraining]

I wear Converse 8" Rapid Response CT for patrol and SRT. There light and have great support. Get two pairs of whatever you decide on.
Good luck at the academy.
Aaron

[S2V]

Love my DANNERS!!

[Poohgyrr]

I used Rockys in the academy. A real spit shine takes a lot of work to get the first good shine. You might be able to find a good shoe shine guy who can get it started for you.

FWIW, afterward the academy, I bought $100 to $125 boots, almost every year for a long time. A pair of good Danners should cost under $300, and last 10/15 + years.

[eclipse]

Thanks for the input so far! It seems I need to decide on a couple things. Is it worth going with a higher quality boot ($200-$300), or something in the $100 range (5.11, SWAT...etc). I would rather not buy two boots if I don't need to. Also if I want an 8" or 6" boot. Department said that there is no minimum or maximum height requirement.

[S2V]

eclipse... remember your boots are part of your basic tools. You'll be on your feet for many hours. Don't skimp on quality.

My Danners have served me well and will keep on serving me well for many more years... their VERY comfortable, IMHO... but be sure to buy a pair of boots you absolutely feel comfortable in...

Besides, its better to "break" them in during the Academy then your 1st day in the field.


**I remember wearing Bates during the Academy, guess nowadays you start off in boots...

[Ptack1]

I used Rocky's in the academy and they shined up great. Now I wear bates, which hold a decent shine. The rocky's just wern't as comfortable as the bates, I had a pair of rocky's before that I really liked, but my academy pair just wasnt doing it for me. I still wear them for Class A events though because I really like how they shined.

[eclipse]

Do people tend to use 8" boots vs. 6"?

[Ptack1]

My duty boots are 8in, my academy were 6in. I like the 8in better but i think its personal preference.

[cowboykenny]

Danner FT Lewis super comfy I have had like 5 sets and will wear nothing else at this time they look great shine great and are comfortable.

[zfields]

When I worked as a office b*tch, I loved my Bates Ultra Lites, zip up sides. Polished really well also, but leather was a bit soft and I beat them up pretty good.
Also the inner liner went all the way up to the cuff, so NEVER had wet socks.