Boots in a survival situation?

Hello!
My name is Olivier, well,if I can give you some tips about boots for survival,there is not perfect types as military,outdors or things like that.
Every body's feet are different.But there is some good tips that can avoid some bads experiences!
I've been trying MANY MANY types of boots because of my workand used them extensively!
First: never choose boots with combination of cordura and leather,even if there is goretex in it.
The goretex membrane allways wear out after few month,and then the cordura alone can't be waterproof!
When you try a pair of boots intented for extend use,try them with 2 pair of socks,your feet is gonna to get a bit bigger after some miles!
Speaking of socks,THIS IS THE KEY! More than boots themself!
ALLWAYS wear a thin (coolmax is great)sock that transport moisture out and a pair of good trecking socks.Try it!
I had very good experience with MEINDL shoes...there is 2 greats models ISLAND and ARMY.This boots are great and u can even change the sol when it wear out like a new VIBRAM...
Hope it help! bye!
 
I am not aware of too many high level wilderness travelers adopting military boots for use. Conversely, there are indications that the military has on occasion adopted mountaineering and purpose built wilderness travel footwear. (Lonsdale). That tells me something.

Irregardless, any choice will be a compromise. If I am going to be stationary, or low mileage for a long period of time I would want a different boot than if I needed to put down miles. YMMV, literally.

bill
 
Originally posted by W.S. DeWeese
I am not aware of too many high level wilderness travelers adopting military boots for use. Conversely, there are indications that the military has on occasion adopted mountaineering and purpose built wilderness travel footwear. (Lonsdale). That tells me something.

Irregardless, any choice will be a compromise. If I am going to be stationary, or low mileage for a long period of time I would want a different boot than if I needed to put down miles. YMMV, literally.

bill
Click to expand...

That's the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks!

Although, on another note, It has slipped my mind what YMMV means.
 
Hi-Speed Civilian(read that, "expensive, right kind and well fitted") boots will definately be the best, no question.

Desert boots are OK for hunting, but not backpacking or mountainclimbing!

Cheers
 
How about a good set of supportive street shoes? For the preparedness guys in our group... who might wanna use em everyday! :D
 
I don't do any mountaineering or climbing, just on and off trail hiking in the swamps or woods and occasionally in the lower Appalachins. It seems my EDBoots cover this as well as any I've tried. 6" durashock Wolverines with gel inserts replaced regularly. I've been walking miles and miles per day for many years on the jobsite on concrete and over hill and dale, and never found a boot that suits my purposes better, moderate price not withstanding. I always treat 'em with a blowdryer and neetsfoot oil before I ever put them to work. Not pretty, but damn durable and comfortable. I will admit to not knowing what changes have come about in the last 10 or 12 years since I found these boots. I have 4 pair in the closet, 2 in service and 2 waiting their turn. The socks ARE very important. And if you keep your boots clean, you replace soles a couple of times before you replace the boots.
 
Depending on the type of terrain you are in,I use a pair of Wellco Tuffcushion jungle boots, with a pair of Seal Skinz waterproof socks for summer and early fall in the bush. The Wellcos are very comfortable, and because they are a jungle boot the keep you feet cool, if it is hot out. they also dry fairly fast, since they have no insulation, and drain holes in the instep. Besides that they cost around $60-70 US a pair.
Bill
 
I will second the Wellco Tuffcushion jungle boots! Super comfortable! Great summer Hike boot! During the fall and early winter I tend to go with my L.L.Bean Insulated Hikers. Great boot!
 
Originally posted by YoYoMa
If you were going into a long-term or indefinate wilderness situation, what kind of boots would you take
Click to expand...

No boot will outlive you (unless you die very young). A pair of boots, especially in a long term survival situtation, will last you a few months. Not a lot more.

Hey, think about it. You will be in the woods, through any weather, walking, climbing, running, crossing rivers... Tough life for a boot, regardless of it's quality.

You know, it's the good old "Give the guy some fish, you've fed him for a day. Teach him fishing, you've fed him for life" kinda thing. Learn to make your own mocassins from scratch (kill the deer, skin it, etc.)

Best regards,

David
 
In the Airborne Regiment, we put on miles without number in regular combat boots (our jump boots are strictly parade-wear), I hike in an old pair of Asolo Yukons. They are fairly heavy Norwiegen welted boots, but I've never had a foot or ankle problem while wearing them, unlike combat boots. When carrying heavy loads, there is absolutely no comparison.
As for long term use, I went through at least 3 - 4 pairs of combat boots per annum, and my Yukons are now 12 years old. they are almost broken in;). If you choose to go heavy-weight hiker, be sure to get the right size. If they are even a tiny bit small, your boots won't be comfortable until you feet break-in:( .
 
Am I the only one that still likes Timberlands here? I love the insultated 6" without that leather cusion at the top. They do need a coat of mink oil, however, for true waterproofing. That silicone stuff just wears off too quickly. But, every time I try something else, I always come back b/c the comfort and price is right. Great for urban wear, backwoods hunting or hiking. Horrible for rock climbing - trust me.
 
csp20108,
I actually had a pair of Timberlands, (Sounds just like the pair you had described)that I had wore out one night a few years ago, Mind you they were brand spankin New, The darn heel of the right boot broke off after a couple hours of wear. I am sure it just happened to be a bum pair. When I returned them I was asked if I wanted another pair, Which I had declined. Just left a bad tastes in my mouth.
 
I have Nike ACG hiking boots. The look like suede ankle high boots with sneaker laces and a rubber sole with an airbubble in the heel. The sole pattern has plenty of teeth.

They are very light and comfortable and warm. Not a full hiking boot mind you, but a great urban boot.

The water proofing has worn out, I think I need some mink oil.
 
best boots i've ever owned were probably air force spec flight line combat boots-with the speed laces and velcro flaps. steel-toed, and fit like a glove with very soft leather. that said, i mostly beat the street with them, and the lack of insulation on the toes made for walking in the snow, and they rusted out fairly easily. all potentially solvable problems, but in any case, they were only 20 bucks, looked and felt great, etc.

i have a pair of altama 'nam-style all-black jungle boots that have really withstood a lot of abuse. they feel kind of like walking on planks, but a decent pair of insoles took care of that. theey breathe well, and grip well in nasty surfaces. bear in mind that cheap contract commercial nam boots will fall apart in no time seeing hard use. those altamas have held up well, though.

i also rather like my timberlands-tennis shoe style-they have excellent grip and feel good on the feet. i would expect them to outlast most thinner rubber soled shoes, but not a serious pair of boots, as far as the tread goes.

i would think that if you're really serious about having boots that last, red wings would be a good (albiet pricy) choice with tons of options.

didn't like my doc martens hiking. the springiness in the sole seemed to transmit too much shock back into my ankles. these were old standards, though, not any of the newer designs, and boy do they feel nice on the feet.
 
i also had a pair of Timberlines fail withina couple of hours of wear (the sole came apart)
i used to destroy a pair of GP's in less than a year..... i took the advise of a mate of mine who is an Brit ex-para.... he advised that alot of hardcore troops went for the Italian "SCARPA" mountaineering boot......
..... well, four years later they are still going strong.
the leather moulding on these boots is incredible.... the main body of the boot is one moulding , with a double seam at the heal.
fewer seams mean it is very easy to water proof a less likely to have a stitching failure.
these boots have endured everything from snow to arid bushland.

i believe the "make your own mocasin" idea has great merit for the "permanent survival" senario , but while you learn to make them, get some SCARPAs.
 
hahahahahahaha have u ever seen some military personel happy with his military boots?I don't...serious personel buy their own...and if you take a look at what specials forces use,their military boots are often a civilian trecking shoes made "military type" ( sort leather).
Danner are fine but a litle to soft in the sole...You can buy a pair and ask a good shoesmaker to put a Vibram montana sole on it and they will be just fine!
Or you can buy a pair of MEINDL ARMY PRO
can't get better!
 
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