I have always had good cold weather boots, Gore-Tex, waterproof,yada yada,…the works. I generally don’t like to spend more than $150 for a pair of boots but have gone up to $200 if its necessary. I am not going to drop any brand names because i want your opinions on what you have found works well.
I am looking for a good hot weather Light weight boot. preferably in the FDE/Yote color scheme. I’m a shorts and boots kinda guy and I just don’t like black boots with shorts. my main requirements are that they breath VERY well in you opinion (as much as a boot can even though its a boot) and that they are a 6" or 8" boot…and they need to make me look like a tactical ninja operator while mowing my lawn on my tactical zero turn mower…LOL just kidding …
ok I will say one brand name…here is one that i am considering. I have had good luck with their A.T.A.C. Shield.
Great boot, Great CS by OTB. They have replaced my first pair for free after 2 years and the sole separating. It was even due to me having my foot too close to a fire.
No experience with 5.11 boots or the Oakley, but I have heard tons of good thing about the latter aside from them wearing out fast. That usually comes from guys who do a lot of rucking though so maybe not a huge issue for you. I just bought a pair of Garmont T8s. I haven’t used them yet, but I think they may be the best reviewed boot I’ve ever seen and I do know several guys who love them.
Well I found a good deal on the 5.11 Skyweight Rapid Dry boots with a great return policy so i figured id give them a shot. they are a new boot so there isn’t much out there on them yet. I love my other 5.11 boots so why not try them. i don’t expect them to be a very “heavy duty” boot because of all the 1200d nylon on them but they look like they will suit my purpose well…we’ll see. not sure if the dark brown will clash with my red zero turn mower though:sarcastic:
thanks for the reply’s and ill post my first impressions after they ship form the 1-2 week back order.
FYI: I just cant bring my self to get a 6" boot(thought i could). I don’t know why I feel like i need an 8" it just feels more secure i guess.
I’m wearing Danner Rivot TFXs right now. Not the absolute best for hot weather, but they’re well made, and offer ankle support second to none. That’s a must for me and my “cankles”.
My vote is for the OTB, having had several pairs of Danner, Oakley and Raichle boots. The danner and oakley boots died. The OTB’s are 3+ years old at this point, some fuzzies cured with a lighter. The Raichle (Branded as REI on the outside, not on the insole ) boots are still kicking 10 years later. Pretty sure the goretex is shot now, but I keep the leather well waxed.
Al
ETA In the midwest I wore the Raichle’s all winter, every day. OTB’s were a summer weekend/hiking/yardwork boot.
The non goretex zephyrs are very comfortable boots. if you are going to be using them on asphalt the soles will wear out quick. I wore out the treads on mine within 4 months of daily use.
The Danner RAT hot weather boots are excellent and hold up extremely well. Unfortunately they do not offer them without the Eagle Globe and Anchor any more. Personally I wouldn’t feel right wearing that as I have not earned the EGA.
Whats everyone using for the jungle school in regards to boots? We used to get black jungle boots issued through CIF on Schofield, but since Army footwear went tan I havent seen anything really good for wading through creeks or swimming.
It’s kind of all over the place. The Rocky S2Vs are very popular but after wearing them for years I got tired of the weight. Plus they really didn’t dry out as fast as I remembered when I was at JRTC in May. I’ve moved on to Garmonts and while I’ve only been in them for about a week, they are probably the best reviewed boot I’ve ever heard of. If they dry relatively quickly, which always seems to be the hard part, then they’d be almost perfect. I’m just not a fan of the roller bearing. It pinches my foot so now I’m skipping it when lacing, but then it kind of sticks out. I’ve probably seen just as many people use it as not, and wish they’d make a pair without to save what tiny cost and weight they could. The issue boot is also very common but that’s usually just because people don’t care enough to spend any more money. I don’t know how people wear that POS. After those three it’s all over the place. Rocky did come out with a Jungle version of the S2V that is supposedly being tested here and with SOF, but when I tried it I just couldn’t get it to fit right. I think I tried three different sizes and couldn’t get any to work.
I hope this doesn’t create too much thread drift, but boots are a freaking nightmare for me. I’ve got a really screwed up foot due to having all but one toe and the fifth metatarsal head removed on one foot (don’t ask - it’s ugly as sin), and I have to wear custom orthotics. To fit the orthotics (one side for the messed up foot, the other side to balance my gait), I normally buy 11.5 EEEE shoes and can get by with New Balance, Dunham, or any number of over-priced custom shoes for people with really ****ed up feet.
Normal, day-to-day stuff is pretty well handled, but I need a good, solid, hot weather boot. I checked out several of the options in this thread, but I didn’t see anything that might work. I have talked to my docs, the guy who does my orthotics, and nothing that they’ve been able to come up with meets my needs for a solid boot for being outdoors. I hate showing up to the range in New Balance…
Anyone out there have any suggestions for a good hot weather boot that is as light as possible, has a wide and deep toe-box, and is orthotic friendly?
just kidding …
) boots are still kicking 10 years later. Pretty sure the goretex is shot now, but I keep the leather well waxed.