Currently, when im in civilian attire, im generally wearing my Danner Telson GTX boots. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight, I don’t even need to tie them. But they are getting very old and beaten up and im looking for a replacement.
A little while back I got a set of brown Blackhawk Desert Ops boots and they are fantastic. So for wear in civvies, I figure the Black Ops boots would be perfect. But before I get them, does anyone else have any recommendations? The requirements would be:
lightweight
durable
comfortable
easy to put on and take off
waterproof
versatile and useful in multiple different climates (hot, cold, wet, dry)
I recently bought a pair of 5.11 boots and I have been wearing them for about 2 months now and once you have them broke in they are really comfortable. LA Police Gear is a great place to get them. they are always running specials on 5.11 gear. The socks are great especially when you get them free for getting boots.
In my mind, there’s something mutually exclusive about “tactical” and “casual”, but I get where you’re going.
Rather than a “tactical” boot, subject to definition, have you considered a high quality sport hiker like a Merrell, Lowa, Keen, etc? OTB has a few casual look boots that may still be “tactical”, while still maintaining functionality and durability.
Do you want to look like you’re wearing combat boots all the time?
That is a good point, so I removed “tactical” from the thread title. But I do want these boots to have at least a semi-tactical application. While I don’t want to scream “tactical” I also want to have a boot that will serve me will in a variety of situations. In addition, the boot is generally covered my my pant legs anyway, so outside appearance in a tactical sense isn’t such a concern.
I just want something I can wear every day in jeans and cargos, and that meets my requirements.
masakari, I was in the same as you are a few months ago.
I got the Merrell Moab Gore-Tex XCR. Got it at a very decent price as well off of Amazon (sold through Shoemania). They have various models which will surely fit what you’re looking for. If I recall correctly, they recommend getting a half-size larger than normal.
check out redwing. many of their boots are still made in america. I wear mine everyday for up to 24 hours. They are the definition of a greyman boot and will serve you forever. If you need to throw out a boot party, they work for that. Perfect footwear and more comfortable then anything I have put on my feet.
I’ve got the Vasque Sundowner in brown…very nice boot-LOVE IT. More if a hiking boot though. I usually wear my Danner Striker II GTX boots for work and get almost 2 years out of a pair before the sole is flat and worn down then I buy another pair and use the old one for everday wear. I find them very comfortable. Waterproof, ankle support, good for everything from riding motorcycles to working in the yard.
ETA: I wear the Danners year-round all weather. Only had wet feet once (I let the sole go about 2 1/2 years and one split). From 100 degrees to last week when it was -16 they work great for me and not too expensive at about $140.
For everyday wear and on the job I wear Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid boots. They feel great, have relieved a lot of my back pain, and have been ruggged enough to take camping and climbing all over construction sites.
Thanks for the tips guys, so far I really like those Danner GTX Striker boots, they’re definately an option.
im going to a store today to check some boots out, ill look into those!
I’m in the field part of the day doing inspections in all sorts of weather and in the office the rest of the time. For the past three months I’ve been wearing Bates side zip 6" black leather bottom boots with composit toe.
Pro: 1. The soles have worn well, almost no wear showing.
2. Good surface grip on most surfaces indoors and out.
3. Once the laces are adjusted they stay put.
4. Leather has held up, keeps a polish for about a week.
5 Composit toe is lightweight yet rigid enough for my use.
6. Feet have been dry in most winter conditions.
Cons: 1. Side zip is not as convenient as I thought it would be, not
much faster than lacing up.
2. Factory insole is junk like most of them, replaced them with
SOLE brand insoles - much better.
3. They do look more “cop” than recreational.
Overall - not bad but will try another brand - just cause I can.
If you haven’t already sprung for something, I’d recommend that you look at the Danner Light II’s (not the Mountain Light II’s). They’re a little bit pricey, but you’ll be able to wear and use them for 10-20 years. They meet all of the specs that you’ve laid out, and - if you’re looking for one that can meet the “covert” tactical - they can do that too. I know guys who wear them for the same reasons you do, guys who’ve worn them for tours in Afghanistan, and guys who’ve worn them climbing mountains. They really are a good all-around boot.
