Combat Boots?

[tropicalbob]

My son (23 y.o.) has been asking me for recommendations for combat boots. Any suggestions in the $100-300 range? I suggested the William Lennon WW1 style. Any others that are sturdy and comfortable?

 

[Smithy]

I have some current Norwegian army issue combat boots which are magnificent boots. They are probably some of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. They have a fleece/sheepskin tongue and are warm and waterproof. I've worn them hunting/tramping when we last lived over there and I consider them the best outdoor boots I own.

Not sure of the availability outside Norway but if you can find a pair they are worth their weight in gold.

 

[tropicalbob]

Thanks, Smithy, but down here the fleece wouldn't be a good idea. Waterproof, absolutely, as I believe we get as much rain in the Sunshine State as the Pacific Northwest. I was a bit confounded when my kid asked me, as I wore combats or engineers almost exclusively when I was his age, but I always got them at the Army-Navy stores, which pretty much no longer exist.

 

[GregO]

Vintage Shoe Company Nathaniel Jump Boots. Super comfy right out of the box. Not as durable as a regular combat boot, but way more comfortable and better looking. Depends what you're looking for.

 

[EmergencyIan]

Why not just buy some actual NOS surplus combat boots ? They'll be authentic, well made and a lot less expensive than any of the above mention boots. They're all over ebay and in all sizes all the way back to the Vietnam War era, in numbers. You can find some even earlier, but from Vietnam on up, you have a good selection.

In recent years, I have purchased NOS 1967 "Jungle" boots, 1967 dated NOS "regular" combat boots and 1963 boots, just above the ankle (look just like the brown WWII era service shoes/boots, but they're black). The leather and soles where still great on all three pair. I just wipes the dust off, shined and conditioned them and they were ready to wear. I live in NYC and have worn two of the three pair around the city. The jungle boots I keep in Indiana and wear them on my parents farm when working outside or hiking through the woods.

- Ian

 

[tropicalbob]

Thank you, guys. Junior is, right now, checking out your suggestions. This has got me thinking, though, about the Lennon boots, as my Grandpop was with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in WWI, and it might be nice to have them. Maybe Santa will be nice to me this year.

 

[Dr.Seuss]

Corcoran Jump Boots; worked for us in the Air Force. I believe they make a special brown leather model.

 

[Pinesiw]

I would go with the corcoran boots aswell, another boot im enjoying is the service boot from at the front

 

[Deacon211]

If you are willing to pay extra, there are really only two choices for combat boots, Danner and Belleville.

You could certainly get standard issue boots or Corcorans. But standard issue (providing they even really make GI issue anymore) will take more than a little breaking in if you buy them new and they are bare bones...read no frills.

Corcorans are very common but are inexpensive and simply made. They are light as they are basically sneakers, but they won't last indefinitely under rough wear. In many cases this is now who makes the "issue" boot.

Bellevilles and especially Danners are absolutely head and shoulders above the issue boot in quality, durability, and comfort. I think that the Rangers or the 10th Mountain Division commissioned Danner to make their first "combat-like" boot. Later, they branched out to include the new style USMC boot (temperate and tropical), as well as the USAF boot.

I bought a set of Danners when I went on my FAC tour and went on tromping around Camp Pendleton for miles the next day. With an issue boot, my feet would have been chopped meat. With the Danners...not a blister. I wound up giving the boots to my dad to work out in the yard, probably ten years later. They outlived him.

Now Oakley makes some cool boots that the SF guys seem to like. But again, these are high top running shoes. Light, easy to go sneaking around in, but not necessarily a combat "boot" in the traditional sense.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

WWii Impressions sells a WWII Service Boot also made by Corcoran that might be more suitable for everyday use.

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/newusarmyrusset.html

For a little over $300, you can look at the Sanders Kelso Boot. While not a military boot per se, it certainly has the look and practicality of one: commando sole, bellows tongue, and storm welt. Yet it's suitable for casual civilian wear with a full leather lining and cork filling. Available in black or brown.

http://www.pediwear.co.uk/sanders/products/4220.php

 

[Justhandguns]

If you are willing to pay extra, there are really only two choices for combat boots, Danner and Belleville.

Hi Deacon, I think they are talking about classic old style leather combat boots. Although, I must say, Danner and Belleville are the best from the States, made in the USA, Goretex, comfy lined.

MASH Japan used to produce this

http://www.mash-japan.co.jp/moc/collection/m-42_service_shoes/index.cgi

But unfortunately, they are always out of stock.

Buzz Rickson also sells the premium repro of M42 boots.

http://www.mil-mil.net/docs/Accessory/buzz/br01423/br01423.html

But I must say the RedWing Ironman Ranger looks pretty much like the M42 boots except that it's got a leather sole.

http://www.redwingheritage.com/USD/product/footwear/6-inch-boots/6-amber-8111-08111

 

[DougC]

The iron ranger has a cork and rubber sole...and it wears like iron. I bought a pair three years ago and, aside from some slight wear on the leather and soles, the boots still look pretty nice. Of course, we don't to much wet weather down here.

 

[Davy Crockett]

William Lennon boots are very well priced for a handmade boot, they are also exceedingly tough! made like boots were 70 years ago in a workshop that is like going back in time!

D

 

[Deacon211]

Yeah, I couldn't tell if the OP was looking for current or vintage. If he's looking for something a bit more vintage in styling, he may still wish to check out the Danner or Belleville sites as they have more civilian styles that might suit his tastes.


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[Worf]

When I was in "the black boot Army".... Cocorans was it. First, last and always. Some guys went the "toe cap" route... I didn't. Vibram soles and spit shined to an inch of their lives. Then you're ready to stand Guard Mount.

Worf

 

[GregO]

Someone mentioned Red Wing Iron Rangers. Great boot - I own three pairs. Amber, Hawthorn Muleskinner and the new Charcoal Rough and Tough. Once broken in, they are incredibly comfortable, and I'm fairly certain they will outlive me. Fantastic boots. The last they are built on is a touch on the narrow side (which is great for me), so if you have wide feet, you might have to size up or keep looking. The cork soles are also comfy and very durable.

One downside - they SUCK when walking on snow covered walks or if you hit an icy patch. Its like wearing ice skates.

 

[Otter]

German Army mountain boots, either Meidel or Lowa, if he is going to be on very rough terrain.

 

[IXL]

Although not specifically a combat boot, White's Smoke Jumpers are a great option for "combat" of all types.

 

[Renault]

The iron ranger has a cork and rubber sole...and it wears like iron. I bought a pair three years ago and, aside from some slight wear on the leather and soles, the boots still look pretty nice. Of course, we don't to much wet weather down here.

+1. Same here. Own two pair of Iron Rangers. Best boot I've ever owned. I keep mine polished with regular kiwi brown boot polish. Going on my third year on my original pair. Still in great condition!

 

[Blackadder]

I have a pair of Grenson Frank but I don't think they make them anymore. WW2 Impressions' boots look great but they are always on backorder. Iron Ranger are nice too. Incidentally, Red Wing makes some special Iron Ranger for the Japanese market with perforated cap. I bought this pair of vintage German army boots off ebay. They are excellent, absolutely solid if you can find them in your size.