A Good Boot

F

FleetFeet

Joined
Mar 2, 2015
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29
Okay so I've been poring over combat boots, everything from Danner and Matterhorns to Corcorans, Bellevilles and Altamas. I know each has their own ups and downs what with weight, price, durability, re-craftability etc.

Here's my question

Which boots should I get?
Here are the contenders:

-Corcoran Marauders 10"
-Danner Tachyon 8"
-Reebok Rapid Response 8"

I'm going to be getting a new pair of combats somewhere in the course of the next few months so no big rush really.
I am also open to the idea of other boots that haven't been listed!

I'm most concerned about durability of these boots as I have killed timberland's and a pair of well maintained Corcoran Field boots in about 6 months each. I do a lot of running and hiking and will be working in landscaping when the snow melts. I would prefer to keep the price tag around or below 150$
(and yes I know sneakers would probably be better suited to running but I'd rather not have to buy two sets of footwear)

Any help is greatly appreciated here!
 
It took me about four pairs of boots to understand how much capability I needed. I work in a limestone processing plant, so my boots take much more punishment than yours do in landscaping, but I would still say that the boots you're looking at are too "light" for your needs.

From Mattherhorn (sister company to Corcoran), take a look at the

MT803
MT901
MT12700

For Danner, anything from the "Quarry", "Workman", "Bull Run", or "Rain Forest"/"Super Rain Forest" line.

Skip the Reeboks. They are nice and light, but when you're working, you want a big, thick, slab of leather between your feet and the dirt. The heavier the leather, the better. You'll get used to the weight, and you won't have to buy a new pair twice a year.

Whatever you go with, consider waxing your boots with something from "Obenauf's". The guy is a wildland firefighter, so he knows what kind of nastiness a pair of boots can go squelching through!

And, good luck with your search!

Edit: It's tough to find a "good" pair of boots for less than $150. Here is one product that continues to give you more as you pay more, all the way up to the $400 custom-fittted jobs from places like Wesco. If you find a pair that lasts for less than $150, let me know, because I'll buy some, too.....
 
I'm a fan of Danner Mountain Light II hikers. They run about $330, but I got a new pair for $169 this year. I have never, ever, in 15 years seen them anywhere near that price.

I found them on a discount site, and ordered them so fast. Love them. Gortex.

Cabelas used to make a copy of that boot that was in the 150 range (I paid less than that for mine, due to a mix up on the price, but they honored the price when I asked if it really was the price). They are build the same as the Danners. Gortex. I have worn them for about 10 years, and they are still going strong. They could use a new sole some time, but otherwise are in pretty good shape.

They are on sale right now for 233 right now on a certain shoe sight. At that price, they are are still a deal (normally 330, and have hovered at that price for 15 years?).

But they might hit a sale. I got mine literally for $160. I am happy as a clam!

I have another pair of Danner Hawk boots in 200 gram Gortex, picked them up for 115 about 18 years ago, and they are still going strong. Original soles, still plenty of traction (but they do more off road walking than pavement).


My point, is you can nab deals if you know what you are looking for. Especially with all the online sources now.
 
Shorttime said:
From Mattherhorn (sister company to Corcoran), take a look at the

MT803
MT901
MT12700

For Danner, anything from the "Quarry", "Workman", "Bull Run", or "Rain Forest"/"Super Rain Forest" line.

And, good luck with your search!

Edit: It's tough to find a "good" pair of boots for less than $150. Here is one product that continues to give you more as you pay more, all the way up to the $400 custom-fittted jobs from places like Wesco. If you find a pair that lasts for less than $150, let me know, because I'll buy some, too.....
Click to expand...

I'll take your word for it, maybe i'll just have to save up a bit, I actually had an eye on a set of Quarry's and the Super Rainforest Uninsulated both of them are within reason of the set out price. And I've heard nothing but good about Obenauf's so I'll have to try it out for sure. Thank you for your reply!

Bigfattyt said:
I'm a fan of Danner Mountain Light II hikers. They run about $330, but I got a new pair for $169 this year. I have never, ever, in 15 years seen them anywhere near that price.

I found them on a discount site, and ordered them so fast. Love them. Gortex.

They are on sale right now for 233 right now on a certain shoe sight. At that price, they are are still a deal (normally 330, and have hovered at that price for 15 years?).

But they might hit a sale. I got mine literally for $160. I am happy as a clam!

I have another pair of Danner Hawk boots in 200 gram Gortex, picked them up for 115 about 18 years ago, and they are still going strong. Original soles, still plenty of traction (but they do more off road walking than pavement).


My point, is you can nab deals if you know what you are looking for. Especially with all the online sources now.
Click to expand...

I'll be sure to keep an eye out, and will report back when I have enough dough to invest in a new set of footwear.

CPL_KABAR said:
Danner is having a killer sale that, unfortunately, ends today.

http://www.danner.com/product/sale/

These may be the boot for you!

http://www.danner.com/product/sale/melee-8-black-gtx.html
Click to expand...

^I happened to see that deal but my money was already accounted for, (vehicle repairs :barf: ) Nothing too bad I'm sure there will be another sale before long!

Thank you all for so swiftly replying! You all have talked my pricerange up a bit

I'm probably going to end up picking up a pair of Super Rainforest Uninsulated or a pair of Quarry's
 
Skip the Danner Tachyon, buy any other Danner boot that has Vibram soles.

After using Vibram soled boots from several different brands over the last 10 years I won't buy anything without them. I used to wear a hole in the soles of a pair of Danners every year, once I stepped up to the Vibram soles I haven't worn through a pair since. Something magic about whatever material they use, but it's comfortable and impact resistant and resists wear for a ridiculously long time.

You can find the 8" tacticool Danners with Vibram soles on sale for $120-150 on various online shoe dealers that send out crazy coupon codes.
 
MatthewSB said:
Skip the Danner Tachyon, buy any other Danner boot that has Vibram soles.

After using Vibram soled boots from several different brands over the last 10 years I won't buy anything without them. I used to wear a hole in the soles of a pair of Danners every year, once I stepped up to the Vibram soles I haven't worn through a pair since. Something magic about whatever material they use, but it's comfortable and impact resistant and resists wear for a ridiculously long time.

You can find the 8" tacticool Danners with Vibram soles on sale for $120-150 on various online shoe dealers that send out crazy coupon codes.
Click to expand...

Yeah I was looking at reviews and it seems tachyons fall apart in the soles, I'll have to look around thank you for your reply
 
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Trust me on this: do not go cheap when it comes to footwear when you are on your feet all day. I used to wear 100-150$ boots that would last 6 months at best and wear never water proof despite claims. I would highly recommend Red Wing(usa made only), hoffman, or wesco. Red Wings would be closer to your price range but they are still great with an excellent warranty that is hard to beat.
 
Garmonts t8's mine were the jungle ones. I had and still do have them they are just great ! Right now I'm trying the bellville mini mils, but the Garmonts are winners and no break in period at least for me.
 
I absolutely love these boots. I wear them on and off duty:

http://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en-.../10436/Mens/11-inch-Paratrooper-Side-Zip-Boot

BTS-W02184-01-y.psd
 
Look outside the box and find some Lowa Zephyrs. The goretex version is out of your price range but I like non-goretex better. Light. So light I know a guy who runs in em cause he's got weak ankles. Comfort right out of the box. I went from the store straight to an 18 mi training ruck w/ a 40lb pack and only had two tiny blisters. I've never seen a combat boot that unbroken in be that gentle. I did the Bataan memorial March in them and absolutely rave to anybody I can about them. You won't regret em. Coming from an ex-grunt.
 
I'm a long time user of Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP and echo the recommendation for this product. You can also count me in the camp that strongly prefers boots with Vibram soles. Not sure there is a one boot solution to your needs anymore than there might be a one knife solution.

I can also recommend the Danner Quarry, Bull Run, Workman and Mountain Light boots already mentioned as I currently have them all in my rotation as I am almost as much of a boot junky as I am a knife junky. That being said I can't envision myself running in any of them unless I was being chased and think some of the combat boot options would work better for running. There are two different models of the Quarry, the Quarry USA and the Quarry which is made in China. There are many well made boots that are coming out of China these days and have had many including the Cabelas clone of the Danner Mountain Light boots mentioned but I personally prefer the USA Quarry model for various reasons. I have not owned a pair of Rain Forest but am very familiar with them and am certain they would serve you well. I will send you an invite for Danner's breakroom where you get emailed invites to special clearance events open only to members. Good hunting.
 
My pick would be the Corcorans. I have a pair of Danner quarry boots and they're real comfy though.
 
Personally, I would strongly suggest buying multiple types of footwear. I know you want to go with only one pair of footwear, but I am a big proponent of the right tool for the right job
 
JC972 said:
My pick would be the Corcorans. I have a pair of Danner quarry boots and they're real comfy though.
Click to expand...

Danner makes awesome boots, plus they can be brought to life over and over again. takes a while to break them in properly though.
 
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