Ok i have to buy a pair of black boots for an upcoming academy. They MUST be black and hold a shine.
As of now i’m really only looking at Danner. I cant really decide which pair to get, but i’ve heard to stick with the “made in usa” pairs. Right now the “Patrol” models look the best.
http://www.danner.com/boots/patroltm-mens-womens-6-uniform-boots.html
Does anyone wear Danner’s uniform boots? What model, any feedback?
Wore the Acadia boots in garrison and when mounted or on short patrols. They were fuckin tanks. A bit of a treat to break in, but once you do they are like socks with a great sole. I still have the same pair that went through two really rough deployments, and they are still good for more.
If you aren’t stone set on the 6" height, I would recommend the black Acadia type boot. One of the few pairs of boots I could roll my ankle in, without it going to the point of damage. Just the right amount of flex.
The hiking style shoe-boots wee awesome as well, not so much for uniform wear as they don’t look traditional, but certainly can compare to the feel of Lowas or Merrels. The best thing about Danners is the quality and customer service. You can send them in and have them resoled and touched up in pretty shitty shape and get something like new back. I would say buy with confidence on this one.
I’ve worn the Acadias for several years. I had Danner resole them once. They fit me very well right out of the box and I don’t recall much if any break-in.
They were issued to me but if they won’t spend that much next time (I couldn’t believe they spent that much then) around I’d buy them out of pocket.
The Danner Acadias are based off a military issued boot design from before 2005. I was issued basically the same boots but made by a different contractor but some of the guys in my platoon got the Danners based on what size they had and what was available. They are good quality boots and a lot of people like them. The design is pretty hot so unless you’re going to be doing a lot of cold weather stuff they may not be for you. They also tended to not flex and therefor caused blisters and shin splints. I much preferred a basic set of jungle boots with cushy, lightweight soles.
If you can trya set of Lowa Elite Jungles or Elite Patrols you might be doing yourself a big favor. Lowa makes the best, most comfortable and blister-free boots I’ve tried and I’ve tried many. They also hold up very well. I wear their desert versions but you can shine any black leather pretty easily once you get a few layers of wax built up.
Also, if you can get away with it, consider getting a cheap pair of jungle boots just to spit shine and have for inspection. Then wear your “real” boots when you go out and do whatever you’re going to be doing.
Good luck at the academy.
While I don’t have experience with the pair you (OP) are asking about, I have several pairs of Danner boots that I wear for work and casually. I have never once regretted spending the money for them. I have had one pair rebuilt/resoled by danner and will probably be getting another pair resoled in the next few months. I have never had an issue with blisters or discomfort when wearing them for long periods of time. Eventually, if the ones I have ever get to the point where I can’t fix them, I will defenatly buy another pair.
+4 for the Acadia. I’ve been wearing them for 10 years now and keep two pairs for re-sole rotation. I’ve tried other boots, here and there, but keep coming back to the Danners. As for heat, mine are uninsulated and do just fine at around 100’.
Can anyone give me a size comparison to say nike’s?
I wear a 12 in Nike shoes, should i order a size smaller? same? bigger?
I wear an 11.5 in almost everything, including Nike. My Danners are consistent with that. I’d think you’d be good with 12’s.
Google on Corcoran Field Boots.
al
I wear 11.5 Nike running shoes and 10.5 in every boot including Danner Acadias.
Nikes have always needed to be bigger, since my first pair in 1st grade or whatever.
I have the nike sfb boots in black, they can be shined and are super comfy and light weight.
I’ve been wearing the Acadia since 1991 and there sizing seems to be true for me. I wear and 11 in most other shoes and my Danners are 11.
Since you are in Texas I would stay away from danner. They are way too hot and heavy for down here. Even the “hot weather” models are…hot on your foot and heavy.
Ive been issued Danners and bought my own but that was in Germany to go on FTX’s for over a month with 2 feet of snow.
Remember, even in the winter, more insulation doesn’t mean warmer feet. If your feet sweat because the boot is too hot the sweat will cool and make your feet cold. I can’t imagine too many places in TX (assuming you will be active) a temperate boot with good wool socks will be all you need in the winter…and you want a light breathable boot in the summer. Nothing wrong with Altama jungle boots and they will shine as well as any.
http://www.altama.com/products/4168-3lc-black-jungle-mil-spec-boot
If you’re stuck on a big boot check out Matterhorn/Corcoran. Ive found them to be better boots quality, fit, and comfort than Danner. They are made in the USA and reasonably priced. Sold at a lot of uniform stores on base.
Thanks for the advice Belmont! Those Altama’s look nice.
And yes i am very concerned about the temps. I’ll be down in Austin for the academy (DPS) and i know its going to be hot as hell…
I’ve been wearing duty boots for 20 years. Go for a pair of Lowa’s, or Haix well worth it.
I have been wearing Danners for 20 years. Over this course of time I have had worn the following:
GTX (OK Boots)
Telson (If you work on concert I loved them)
Acadias (Good for outdoors but not the concern)
RAT (Great Boot for the rough terrian and outdoor wear)
Right now I am wearing the Kintetic and have for 3 months or so. So far I like these boots if your on your feet all day. It wars like a tennis shoe but with the ankle and arce support of a boot. If you have to run any running or physical exercise in your boots I would go with the Telsons or Kinetics. GOOD LUCK!!
While I dont wear black Danners, I have worn the same USMC issue pair for the last 3 years and they are still ver comfy. The traction wore off of the soles (lots of humps) and a small hole is wearing in the side of my right boot. They are much higher quality than the Bates offerings, but heavier. I have a pair or 2 of the RATS laying around that I wear on pumps but not in garrison as they are very heavy.
First off have fun at the DPS academy, you doing a lateral/modified entry or a full class?
I’d highly recommend staying away from a high end boot initially. I’d actually recommend getting the cheapest boot that is comfortable, shine-able, and breathable. Comfortable because you’re going to have to wear it all day, breathable because it’s Texas ('nuff said). Shine-able is self explanatory. You will go through your boots about 3 times as fast in the academy as you will on the streets when you graduate. I went through 2 pairs of boots during my academy, wearing high end boots gets expensive.
A lot of the features high end boots have aren’t particularly useful in the academy. When in boots you will be in a class room a lot, or in formation for an inspection the rest of the time. Between those two periods of time you will running between the parade ground and the classroom or doing push ups. You’re not going to be doing ruck marches, climbing mountains, etc (well real one’s, you probably will do mountain climbers). Fancy lugged soles for traction, waterproofing, etc. aren’t of much use in these conditions.
I personally found that Original SWAT boots work quite well for academy wear. They are relatively light, relatively breathable, and after a good sanding on the toe and heel they polish quiet well. Side zips are also recommended as you that way you don’t have to worry about dressing your laces flat for inspections every time you tie them.
As you get further into the academy and you start to do practicals, ride outs, etc. I’d second having a second pair of boots so you can leave on parade ready. The other pair however also better have a mirror coat on it each morning, as you never know when an inspection might occur. It does make it easier however as you always have a pair ready to go for the announced inspections.
If you have any questions about Austin or being an LEO in Texas drop me a PM.
-Jenrick
Full class
I dont know if i’ll have fun…i just want to get through it. I’ve heard some horror stories.
Danner Acadia will hold a shine, but they are heavy.
I like the Blackhawk Warrior Wear boots. They are more durable than Oakley/Converse/Addidas, but not as clunky as Danner.