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Combat Boots?

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,111
Location
UK
I do like a nice pair of German Para boots...warm & very water resistant...cheapish new too. Just beware of used ones, I've come unstuck before with creases in used ones that won't come out & hurt when on...new from now on :)
 

Smithy

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,139
Location
Norway
Lots of good suggestions here. In truth if you're going the modern route, you probably can't go very far wrong with any modern pair of combat boots from the majority of first world countries. They've come a long way from the days of chewed up feet and wearing them in the bath to try and break them in as painlessly as possible. Many countries forces' modern combat boots seem to be built with comfort in mind as much as ruggedness and ability to survive in testing terrains and conditions.
 

EmergencyIan

Practically Family
Messages
918
Location
New York, NY
Lots of good suggestions here. In truth if you're going the modern route, you probably can't go very far wrong with any modern pair of combat boots from the majority of first world countries. They've come a long way from the days of chewed up feet and wearing them in the bath to try and break them in as painlessly as possible. Many countries forces' modern combat boots seem to be built with comfort in mind as much as ruggedness and ability to survive in testing terrains and conditions.

Speaking of breaking boots in...I have a pair of Corcoran jump boots (the WWII version) and the breaking-in period was significant. When I purchased the NOS 1967 Endicott Johnson U.S. Combat boots, I expected the leather to be as tough and, therefore, the breaking-in period to be extensive. To my surprise, this was not the case. They were quite easy to break in. I think it took a couple of wears.

I have no experience with 1940's era Corcoran jump boots, etc, but I do have their reproduction jump boots and their repro service shoes (boots). They're well made, in my experience, and the leather is thick, tough (and strong) and take a while to break-in. I wonder if this was the case with their 1940's counterparts.

- Ian
 

Blackadder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,826
Location
China
I also have a pair of the brown Corcoran jump boots but I rarely wear them. It is not because of the break-in, it is because of the narrow shaft that is closed up by sewing the tongue all the way up to the top. I don't understand why they make EE width boots that cater to wide feet but kept that tiny hole so every time I put the boots on, I have to twist and turn and stomp for a few minutes.
 

rocketeer

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,605
Location
England
I have had what are known as Northern Ireland boots and also the standard British Army Assault boots. Both fit perfect from first wear and no blisters, last for years and are fairly water resistant as the gussets are sewn right up to the tops, so you can stand in 8 ins of water easy without anything getting in. You can still get them new from some surplus stores over here.
If you are after something older though, I cant advise.
 

Deacon211

One Too Many
Messages
1,012
Location
Kentucky
You know, with all the talk of Corcoran boots I went to go look them up and I was mistaken earlier. The paper thin leather boots that they used to sell at the exchange were Bates boots, not Corcorans. Corcorans were indeed solidly made and tough as nails, though I still loved my Danners for comfort.

Sorry for the confusion!

Deacon
 
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16,851
Thanks, Big J! I'm happy to hear this 'cause I really love those Williams boots, just needed to make sure.
 

Big J

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,961
Location
Japan
Thanks, Big J! I'm happy to hear this 'cause I really love those Williams boots, just needed to make sure.

Danner make boots with stitched soles in the USA, and quality is second to none- I've been wearing Danner boots for 25 years. Molded sole versions are made in China (IIRC) and whilst cheaper, cannot be re-soled/refurbed by the factory.
 

2wheelgrplr

A-List Customer
Messages
425
Location
NYC & South Asia
Another big fan of Red Wing Iron Rangers here. My fist pair was a half size too big, now being worn hard by my brother, currently two pairs in my possession (black and muleskinner), along with a bunch of other RW boots. Oh, and also a new fan of Danner Boots, bought my first pair last winter - Super Rain Forest - what a pair of kickass boots! Love 'em!
 

Big J

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,961
Location
Japan
Japan only Danner. Made in Japan using Horween CXL available in both black (tea core) and brown.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/bootsman/item/danner-oconto-black/

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/bootsman/danner-oconto-d-1803-dark-brown/

Catch is these are EE width.

Photos of mine in the Feet up thread
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...he-Work-Boot-Thread/page105&highlight=feet+up

Those are really sweet! But EE is a really wide fitting, isn't it?

In fact, looking at Danners website, they only make 'casual' boots in children's sizes with fat feet widths. What's that all about? Who is a size 8EE and not in junior high?
 
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Blackadder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,826
Location
China
Those are really sweet! But EE is a really wide fitting, isn't it?

In fact, looking at Danners website, they only make 'casual' boots in children's sizes with fat feet widths. What's that all about? Who is a size 8EE and not in junior high?

Found this pair of Red Wing 2878 supposedly made for Japan in EE fittings.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Deadst...d=100011&rk=1&rkt=10&mehot=lo&sd=291564526353
I do not live in Japan so don't know if they have wider feet.
I myself wear EE-EEE, so the Danner fit perfectly. All my Church's are in G-width which means wide in UK and almost all Church's Custom Grade models comes in both F (medium) and G (wide) width, so I guess there are many people who wear EE and are not in high school.:rolleyes:
 
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