Armed Polite Society
Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: K Frame on August 07, 2020, 11:47:13 AM
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Looking for a good set of boots for general use -- walking primarily, not work.
Moderately priced, 6" side zip.
Friend of mine likes the 5 11s.
What's the hive mind like?
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Redwing, mostly because they're one of the few shoe makers who carry my width. Takes a bit of breaking in but with a little care and an occasional dressing of mink or neatsfoot oil, they last darn near forever.
Brad
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I wear Oakley's, Bates or Danner's in uniform, and really like them for everyday walking comfort. They aren't hiking boots, but good everyday wear, and they have side zip models.
For hiking/walking in nature, I use Solomon or Merrill.
Bates:
https://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/gx-8-side-zip-boot-with-gore-tex%C2%AE/20134M.html?dwvar_20134M_color=E02268#cgid=men-style-boots&prefn1=itemStyle&prefv1=Side+Zip%7C4%22-+6%22+Boots&start=1
Danner:
https://www.danner.com/kinetic-side-zip-6-black-gtx.html
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Bates have been good for me. I tried Propper last year and it was awful.
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I was about to purchase a set of Danner Scorch 6" side zips when I noticed that... they don't have a zipper keeper.
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I'm similar to Dogmush. I wore Oakelys at work because I could get the US made ones through the Oakley gov site. They were very comfortable. Also Bellevilles as my flight boots. I still wear "tactical" boots as my every day shoe, but don't like the Chinese Oakleys, so am wearing Bellevilles (LA Police has a wide selection, and Tactical Research is part of Belleville I believe). They are a good boot and have side zip models.
For hiking, I also generally wear Merrills - the Moab boots. Super comfortable, light, and great traction on most surfaces. No side zip though. One of the Merrill military boots might have side zip.
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Merrell Moab2 (https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-ventilator/27935M.html?dwvar_27935M_color=J06045&ref=Moab%202#q=Moab+2&start=1)Take a look at what the long distance hikers use.
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Keen is what I use daily.
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Merrell Moab2 (https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-ventilator/27935M.html?dwvar_27935M_color=J06045&ref=Moab%202#q=Moab+2&start=1)Take a look at what the long distance hikers use.
I don't think they'll work for me. Looks like they only come in medium width, and I need wides.
Ah, wait, I see how to pick wide selections...
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Keen is what I use daily.
Same, they fit my wide feel and high arches. Not sure you can get them in side zip.
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Mike - have you had side zips before? To each their own, but I'm not crazy about them. My first pair of issue flight boots were Danner side zips. Super expensive from what I was told and they were uncomfortable all the way around and all too often it felt like the zipper was digging into my ankle. Plus whenever I put them on and just used the zipper, it felt like they would get loose after a while and I'd end up retying them anyway.
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Yes, I have had side zip boots. I rather like them. I know some people don't.
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A neighbor of mine LIVES in Propet boots that he gets from DSW. He and his family walk miles each day, so I may look into those.
Ok, looks like Propet doesn't make side zips.
You know, I may go back to freaking Walmart and get another pair of side zips. I got a pair there a couple of years ago but screwed up and got them a half size too small. They work short term, but not long term.
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Keen is what I use daily.
I had Keens once. With my wide feet, I really thought those big toe boxes would be the cat's meow, but they ended up hurting my feet after walking in them for any period of time.
My old guy foot problems are of the variety that sometimes a $40 pair of shoes will work better than a $200 pair, and sometimes only the $200 pair of a particular shoe type will work for me. I've just decided that if I'm lucky enough to find a cheap pair that works, great, but if not, it's kinda "money is no object" when it comes to my foot comfort.
I long for my 20's, when I could wear any old pair of shoes and they'd be fine.
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I've been looking for a new pair of sidezips for a few years. I got a pair here. Boomhauer I think. They were great for a few years. But once the sole started to go they tore my feet up.
You can find thousands of muck boots around here but sidezips are hard to find and I hate not trying them on. I will wind up having to order them from somewhere so I'll pay attention to this thread.
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www.gasolinaboots.com
Buy the boots, buy a motorcycle, stop walking!!! 🤔
bob
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Here ya go!
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/282260560984-0-1/s-l1000.jpg)
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/11/04/article-2487057-19305C1600000578-39_306x445.jpg)
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Another vote for Danner.
I've not tried their side zips but the tactical and Pronghorn models have served me well.
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My unit issues Bellevilles and I've never had a problem with them. For hiking, I have a pair of tan Altamas that my Army Guard unit gave me back in 2009. They're lighter than the Bellevilles and have worn in to feel like sneakers. I even ran a PT test in them once when dumb ol' SPC Devonai forgot his running shoes.
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Redwing, mostly because they're one of the few shoe makers who carry my width. Takes a bit of breaking in but with a little care and an occasional dressing of mink or neatsfoot oil, they last darn near forever.
Brad
Scratch Red Wing. Looked at their product list over the weekend and apparently widths are now limited to EEE (or 'H' in their parlance). Oh well... it was nice while it lasted.
Brad
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Well, I've run through dozens of potential boots, and I've only found two that really meet what I'm looking for -- the 5.11s and the Altamas. But, the Altamas I'm looking at have mediocre customer reviews.
So, it's looking like it's going to be 5.11s...
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Oh, and apparently I make fisful horny...
Ick.
:rofl:
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Oh, and apparently I make fisful horny...
Ick.
:rofl:
That kind of thing's not my bag, baby.
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I have feet that demand comfort. I have found Merrell's in a variety of styles are very comfortable for me for a variety of uses.
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Oh, and apparently I make fisful horny...
Ick.
:rofl:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/395/32465264195_7fd9e02a93_m.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RsQXYp)
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Oh, behave!
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Here ya go!
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/11/04/article-2487057-19305C1600000578-39_306x445.jpg)
I was thinking Nancy Sinatra, but if that works for ya...
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I was thinking Nancy Sinatra, but if that works for ya...
If Mike wants to wear go-go boots, that's up to him. I won't judge.
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Just ordered a pair of 5.11 ATAC 2.0 6" side zips.
Got free shipping and 10% off. Should be here some time next week.
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Just ordered a pair of 5.11 ATAC 2.0 6" side zips.
Got free shipping and 10% off. Should be here some time next week.
If you decide you like them, you'd better get a second pair to keep in reserve. I was interested in the model and looked them up, and at least at LA Police, they are listed as "some options discontinued", which usually means all options will be discontinued in the near future.
At least in my experience, as soon as I find a "perfect boot", it is discontinued before your first pair wears out.
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Oh hell, I'm used to that since I started wearing New Balance sports shoes.
They discontinue stuff about as quickly as Sig does.
But, given that a pair of boots normally lasts me a decade or more, I'm not really all that interested in spending another $100 just to have them sit and gather dust.
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But, given that a pair of boots normally lasts me a decade or more, I'm not really all that interested in spending another $100 just to have them sit and gather dust.
Well, yeah, then it doesn't make sense. My boots usually don't last two years these days, so I'm constantly having to search for replacements when my current models are discontinued.
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I'm a casual boot wearer, I don't put a lot of stress on them like someone who wears them for work in a lot of different conditions.
Castle Key wears 5.11s because that's what he was issued on his old job. He largely lives in his boots and they've worn like iron for him. Not sure the model that they're issued, though.
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Well, it's either "Dammit, Irwin!" or "Thanks, Irwin!" With the talk of the ATACs in this thread, I kept looking at them because they looked very similar to the Blackhawk boots I like that aren't made anymore. Coincidentally a few weeks ago, LAPG had 20% off on 5.11s, so I said what the hell and got the 8" ATACs.
Turns out these are in fact just as comfortable as my old Blackhawks, and guess what? I like the zipper. I guess that bad pair of Danners just prematurely soured me on zippers. I've been wearing these around the farm and for town runs for the last couple of weeks, and they're comfortable and grippy on the loose gravel and stuff around here. The zipper has been super convenient, and I'm getting zero biting from it. These probably wouldn't be good boots for the kind of hiking I do, but as chore and knockaround boots, they seem to be a winner, especially for the price.
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My pleasure...
I'm still getting mine broken in. Need to wear them more.