Magnum Brand Boots vs Old GI Black Jungle Boot vs ?????

[roo_ster]

Looking for a hot-weather(0) boot that can take a pounding, as my last pair of GI jungle boots went tango uniform.  My default setting would be to buy the same thing, again, from Altama.  But, I am also looking over some other candidates, one of which is the Magnum brand.  Redwing does not produce a lightweight hot weather boot, sadly.

Anybody have experience with Magnum branded boots?  Or any other sort of similar boots?




Altama Brand US-Manuf GI Black Jungle Boot:
Black Jungle US Vulcanized Boot Style Code: 6853
http://www.amazon.com/Altama-Footwear-6853-Leather-Cordura/dp/B004718456/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1374255555&sr=8-15&keywords=jungle+boot


The upside to these is that my foot is already "pre-callaused" to fit them, I know they wear like iron, are pretty light, and can be resoled.  Downside is that I will have to buy some high-dollar ($25+) insoles, so there is no dollar savings relative to the pricey Magnum boots.



Tacti-Oper-Commando-Wannabe boot by MAGNUM!!!!!!1111!1!
http://www.magnumboots.com/us/product-stealth-force-8-0-sz-ct-black.html

This is just one of several candidates.  I see none with speed laces like the USGI jungle boots.  Some come with a side zip, which I am iffy on, as that sounds like a good place to fail.  A steel toe and composite toe can be had.  Some are pretty lightweight. 

I just about despise each and every tacky-cool name slapped on these boots.  "Hi, Bob, I am wearing the Tacti-Oper-Commando-Wannabe boot by MAGNUM.  As soon as I slipped them on, I was more dangerous(1)."




(0) Something with gortex/cordura/ballistic nylon or some such in a large part of the construction to help with weight and heat.  Not too much other material inside to act as insulation.

(1) To whom has yet to be determined.

[Boomhauer]

Highly suggest OTB Junglelites over anything else. Modernized jungleboot.

[Fitz]

Highly suggest OTB Junglelites over anything else. Modernized jungleboot.

This, or the USGI ones. You can still find USGI jungle boots in surplus stores for cheap occasionally.

[SADShooter]

The vanilla Magnum boot is more comfortable, IMO, due to more collar cushioning. However, this also means it is not a warm weather boot. In addition, the sole is not as versatile in terms of managing terrain.

[dogmush]

I have rocked the New Balance OTB in the desert before with good results.  Like an updated, lighter jungle boot. Cool on the feet and hold up well.
I bought a new pair for my most recent Arabian excursion based on how well they did last time.

http://www.uspatriottactical.com/otb-8-desertlite-boot-newbalance.html

[Stand_watie]

That second pair you posted the picture of is my wife's uniform boot.

She has a pair with a broken side zipper you can have if you can fit into a ladies size 8.

[Boomhauer]

Oh and I tend to find that Magnums, 5.11s, Thorogoods etc ie most of the lightweight assault boots are 6 month to 1 year lifespan boots at best.

[roo_ster]

I will look at those NB OTB boots.  I go NB for running shoes, already, and get good use of them.

[Perd Hapley]

I have heard good things about Danners, though I haven't tried them, myself.

[Phantom Warrior]

I know people that walk a lot that recommend Belvilles, specifically the 390 DES (?).  I got issued Belvilles of some kind that have taken me through my first deployment and a pair (maybe the same?) that took me through the Bataan Death March Memorial.  I'm pretty sold on Belvilles.

[zxcvbob]

About 2 years ago, I bought a new pair of black jungle boots from Sportsman's Guide to replace my wornout 30-something y.o. green-and-black ones -- about $15.  But I didn't have the heart to throw out the old ones, so I shined 'em up and kept wearing them for several disaster relief missions in mud and muck.  The soles are cracked all the way thru now and completely rotten. and my attempt to glue them back with roofing tar was a huge failure.  So I might actually try the SG boots soon.    They look good, and they smell like your typical Chinese leather (wtf do they tan it with?   )  It remains to be seen how durable they are.  OTOH, I'm not as rough on boots as I used to be.

[Ben]

I know people that walk a lot that recommend Belvilles, specifically the 390 DES (?).  I got issued Belvilles of some kind that have taken me through my first deployment and a pair (maybe the same?) that took me through the Bataan Death March Memorial.  I'm pretty sold on Belvilles.

My flight boots are Belvilles, and they are the most comfortable pair I've worn. My three previous pairs from other manufacturers all hurt my feet in one way or another after having them on for longer periods. I also recently purchased their MiniMil PT boot, which is super lightweight and really comfortable. The Minimil is the minimalist "five finger" design, so it's definitely not for everyone. After getting accustomed to the different way I walk in them though, I really like them for a hot weather, non load bearing boot.

[roo_ster]

About 2 years ago, I bought a new pair of black jungle boots from Sportsman's Guide to replace my wornout 30-something y.o. green-and-black ones -- about $15.  But I didn't have the heart to throw out the old ones, so I shined 'em up and kept wearing them for several disaster relief missions in mud and muck.  The soles are cracked all the way thru now and completely rotten. and my attempt to glue them back with roofing tar was a huge failure.  So I might actually try the SG boots soon.    They look good, and they smell like your typical Chinese leather (wtf do they tan it with?   )  It remains to be seen how durable they are.  OTOH, I'm not as rough on boots as I used to be.

I hear real bad things about the made in China GI-ish jungle boots.

[zxcvbob]

I hear real bad things about the made in China GI-ish jungle boots.

So I should wear them to the office a few times and while doing yardwork before I take them on a 20 mile hike in bad weather (yeah, right) -- or otherwise have to depend on them?

[roo_ster]

So I should wear them to the office a few times and while doing yardwork before I take them on a 20 mile hike in bad weather (yeah, right) -- or otherwise have to depend on them?

Also, get them good & sloppy wet.  I heard the magic combo was hard use + wet conditions = spontaneous dis-assembly.

[Devonai]

I guess I'm a little late to this party, but I'll throw in my experience.

Boomhauer and I have had the same experience with Magnums.  They are great right out of the box but do not last very long.  On the contrary, every pair of Wellco or Altamas that the military gave me have been fantastic, and I have almost every kind imaginable (black, tan, sage, hot, temperate, cold weather).

In fact, I wore one particular pair of Wellcos through basic and Infantry school, and then three years of drill weekends (until we switched to ACUs), then I continued to wear them on my own hikes and as a security guard.  They saw a lot of hard use, and finally died from a sole separation at the age of six.

Unfortunately, I gave away the rest of my black boots after the ACU switch so I had nothing with which to replace them.  Luckily security forces at my base had decided to crack open some old foot lockers and found a bunch of brand new Bates, and a pair in my size.  I haven't used them much on the job so far but they seem like they'll last a long time.

As far as Bellevilles, I have a spare pair of hot weather tan boots, but they don't fit quite as well as my Altamas so I never use them.  I have no reason to believe they aren't as well made, however.

[Jocassee]

I just came by some bates USMC boots from my brother. They are more comfy than I expected. Full report to come after some hard use.

[BobR]

You may be able to find something here to your liking.   http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/category-s/364.htm

Keep looking back, stock changes. Danner also has a sporadic sale program. I recently got a pair of their Canteen Gortex boots for 85 dollars. You can sign up for their sales here;   http://www.hitthebreakroom.com/ .


bob

[T.O.M.]

In the summer of 87, I was issued 2 pairs of all leather Altama boots.  I just got rid of the second pair this year.  I had worn through the leather in a couplenof places.

[Hawkmoon]

This is just one of several candidates.  I see none with speed laces like the USGI jungle boots.

When did USGI jungle boots ever come with speed lacers? I wore USGI jungle boots in the jungle during my all expenses paid vacation in South Vietnam, and we sure didn't have speed lacers.

Are you thinking of genuine U.S. government issue boots, or are you using "USGI" to describe somebody's GI wannabe look-alike boots?

Since genuine USGI jungle boots already come with removable insoles, and you say your feet are accustomed to them, why would you have to by expensive, after-market insoles if you bought these (alleged) USGI boots?

I just came by some bates USMC boots from my brother. They are more comfy than I expected. Full report to come after some hard use.

Bates was the USGI supplier when I was in the Army in the late 1960s. They were the originators of the "jungle boot" as issued to the troops during the Vietnam dust-up. The pair I brought home with me lasted at least 30+ years ... and they may still be buried in the back of a closet somewhere. I've moved enough times since then that I don't know where they are, but I don't remember throwing them away.

[roo_ster]

When did USGI jungle boots ever come with speed lacers? I wore USGI jungle boots in the jungle during my all expenses paid vacation in South Vietnam, and we sure didn't have speed lacers.

Are you thinking of genuine U.S. government issue boots, or are you using "USGI" to describe somebody's GI wannabe look-alike boots?

Since genuine USGI jungle boots already come with removable insoles, and you say your feet are accustomed to them, why would you have to by expensive, after-market insoles if you bought these (alleged) USGI boots?

Bates was the USGI supplier when I was in the Army in the late 1960s. They were the originators of the "jungle boot" as issued to the troops during the Vietnam dust-up. The pair I brought home with me lasted at least 30+ years ... and they may still be buried in the back of a closet somewhere. I've moved enough times since then that I don't know where they are, but I don't remember throwing them away.

The green fabric jungles never had speed laces, but the later black fabric critters did. 

I have all the right calluses in the right places, but a better insole reduces foot fatigue.  And the most important calluses are not on the bottom of the feet, but on the sides.  FTR, I have worn them stock (with issue insole), with a quality aftermarket insole, and with no insole. 

[Hawkmoon]

The green fabric jungles never had speed laces, but the later black fabric critters did. 

Sheesh.

Next they'll be letting women into combat zones.

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