For summer firearms courses and hiking, I’ve found the Blackhawk Desert Ops boot to be fantastic - lightweight, comfortable, excellent traction, etc; but now I need something that can handle the snow, mud, and wind chills that dip -10 or lower. The Desert Op boot has no insulation, and I don’t trust its water-resistance to be able to put up with stepping into 6" deep potholes filled with slush/water/salt… FYI, this is for general outside work, hunting, wearing around town, etc.
I like the Danner ICB and also the black Wellco one have worked really well for me
I use the non insulated cause my feet are usually warm enough if I need insulated I go with my cabelas snow runners they are insulated waterproof and very light.
I’ve had these and have worn them for serveral 2 gun events at my club so far without any problems. They are very nice and toasty with wool socks. Price for me was the biggest factor. I was hoping to spend less than $100. There is great support in the ankles and with green Superfeet they are GTG for me personally. YMMV.
I’ve used Danner for a long time and there are very few boots that match that quality. My “newest” pair is a set of Pronghorn (I think) GTX. I’ve beaten the crap out of them for four seasons and wear them regularly during winter. Outside of the stains on the leather they’re brutally rugged and extremely comfortable.
Rather than military-style combat boots I’d really recommend hunting boots as more comfortable, warm and waterproof.
I agree with Jack that uninsulated boots are more versatile. I usually get them in a half-size larger in a wide size so that I can layer some wool socks if I need extra warmth. I’ve taken them out for hours in single digit temps without the slightest bit of numb toes.
I wear la sportiva makalus (sp)? They are all leather winter mountaineering boots have worn them in just about every weather condition you can think of. They are a little on the pricy side approx 300+ usd but in fifteen years I am on only my 2nd pair and I have had my current pair for about 4 yrs.
Salomon Quest, can’t beat them. Best boot I’ve worn, light, great support, very comfortable, and almost no break in time. I’ve had mine since last spring but it just started wearing them in October. Holding up very well. Hopefully they will come out with a non gtx version.
Danners are good boots and I wore them for years, had at least 6 pairs. But that was in the 90’s. There are much better boots out there, Asolo, Salomon, Merrel, Lowa, to name a few.
Love my Danner Fort Lewis. I have the uninsulated and have yet to get my feet wet or cold. There is about a foot of snow here in Ohio right now and I wear them every day.
I have been wearing the Merrell Chameleon3 here in Afghanistan the last 2 months they are amazing! Waterproof and super warm! they dont look half bad either… they would make a great hiking boot aswell!
