511=garbage

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I like the idea of 'Buy American'. However, I hate Danner Boots (too heavy, too hot, too expensive). My Rocky's Boots are 10x better at 1/2 the price.

[Rango]

Like others here - I've gone Oakley and am very happy.

Rocky before the 5.11 and if I'd found a pair in my size IN STOCK - I'd still be using Rocky. Oakley via "usstandardissue.com" Is just too easy.

[Q619]

I wear Bates and Oakley. I've been pretty happy.

[kauaibuilt]

I camt stand 511 boots or bags. The chest strap on the bags cant handle much load and ive broken or lost them at leadt twice. Ive also ripped the molle on the shoulder straps.

I started wearing oakley boots in iraq. Under armor is noticably more comfortable BUT ive personally experienced, and seen in friends boots, tearing of the fabric or sole separation on the outside of the foot right where your foot curves into your pinky toe. Maybe 75% of those ive seen tear withing 3-5 months.

Because of that i went back to oakley.

For bags i use specops brand, maxpedition, and tactical tailor.

Btw, for mil/le/ first responder check out usstandardissue.com if you havent yet. Prices used to be 50% of retail but word is that people were abusing the program. But prices are still better then retail or retail sales that ive seen.

[inbox485]

I've had high end and low end side zip boots. They all suck.

I have the 5.11 rush 72 bag. It has held up well over the years, but they used non compliant webbing so it looks like prison stripes under night vision. I don't hate them, but I'm not a huge fan either.

[Content Kitty]

FWIW- If you're looking for really good and long lasting duty bags, check out LA Rescue at- www.larescue.com

[MEDIC!]

I had a similar experience with 5.11 boots. Only lasted about 4 months. I use Pro Warrington as my go-to duty boot now. I've had my current pair for nearly 3 years now and they're still going very strong. I work nearly 100 hours a week in them too.

[Gnome]

I bought the same pair of 5.11 boots right out the academy. The worst pair of boots I ever owned. Horri my uncomfortable. Feet would be killing me at the end of my shift...and this was Custody!

Never again.

I also agree that zippers have no place on a work boot. An older more experienced cop told me to make sure I get a pair of lace up boots, and lace them tight and all the way up. He said laced boots saved his ankles several times throughout his career.

I experienced what he was talking about for the first time several months ago. Rolled my ankle while stepping off a curb. Ankle popped and turned black and blue all the way to my toes. No doubt I would have broken it had I been in zippered boots.

Rocky, Bates, Danners....just make sure there are no zippers on them..!

[inbox485]

Rocky, Bates, Danners....just make sure there are no zippers on them..!

This. I think my last pair of side zip boots that I will ever waste money on was either bates or danners. Zippers went to crap while the rest of the boots were still pristine.

[IlDuche]

Firemen wear zippered boots. Should be reason enough right there!

[retired]

They have laces and the zipper

I don't recall the make because it was in the mid 1980s, but I had a pair configured like that. The zipper had been giving me some trouble and I should have taken care of it sooner, because I actually ran out of one boot in a foot pursuit. That was embarrassing. I caught the kid only because the priest at the church told him to stop and I had time to put it back on.

Bought some Rockys after that incident.

[Gnome]

Firemen wear zippered boots. Should be reason enough right there!

[Garand1911]

Three rules in buying boots
1) vibram soles
2) stitched soles
-you gotta see the stitching, no damn glue, it fails (even on danners)
3) no zippers
-a shoe repair place can replace the zippers for like $30

ive had USA made danner acadias, and they fit horribly, awesome material and contruction, the fit SUCKS. i dont get the narrow toe and extra wide heel cup.
China made danner APB boots, fit me great and have held up a few years.

511 pants and shirts have been great too

[RangemasterP226]

Three rules in buying boots
1) vibram soles
2) stitched soles
-you gotta see the stitching, no damn glue, it fails (even on danners)
3) no zippers

Great list Garand! My favorite boots are some Bates RAT boots I got on a deal at LAPG. I only wish they made them in black too. My black duty boots are also Bates, but I can't tell what model # they are.

[Falconis]

Gotta pick and choose what you like. I love their shorts, I hate their prices on them.

Their bags are ok and I would buy them when on sale, same goes for other stuff. I bought a pair of their boots once as a stand in while my danners got resoled. They were on sale. I can't attest to their long term usage, but they are the lightest and most comfortable boots I own.