Duty boots to replace 6" Bates?

B

Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
1,864
Well, figure I've seen a couple of threads but I just was hoping for a fresh opinion.

I've been wearing a pair of Bates 6" ultralite boots for work for about a year and a half and the soles are beginning to come unglued. I figure for the price I could probably get another pair every year but that just seems wasteful. Any thoughts on other options in a 6" boot? Specifically not looking for anything larger because my 6 foot 3 inch frame has enough issues fitting in the trucks without worrying about a stiff ankle. Would stepping up the Bates line to a nice boot make sense or maybe trying a different, recommended brand?

Open to suggestions, thanks!
 
Check out the Danner military boots. With 50% off today (only), they are a great buy for what you want. For construction site and other outdoor uses in general, I prefer a heavy boot that protects my soles and ankles. The stiffness prevents a lot of twisted ankles and the high tops also give me more support.

What sort of truck do you drive? The ones I'm in (semi's and pickups with assorted 2 1/2 ton models) have a lot of room and aren't cramped at all.
 
Oakley makes a good tactical 6" boot. I used to wear them and they were the most comfortable boots I wore when I was a sheriffs deputy. I have tried almost every major brand.
 
I wear a pair of Magnum 8'' side zips, in their Stealth Force line up. Been wearing them everyday for a year and a half and they are holding up fine.Very lightweight and very comfortable. I believe they also come in 6".
 
Sid Post said:
Check out the Danner military boots. With 50% off today (only), they are a great buy for what you want. For construction site and other outdoor uses in general, I prefer a heavy boot that protects my soles and ankles. The stiffness prevents a lot of twisted ankles and the high tops also give me more support.

What sort of truck do you drive? The ones I'm in (semi's and pickups with assorted 2 1/2 ton models) have a lot of room and aren't cramped at all.
Click to expand...











Where did you find them for 50% off??.
 
Sid, I work private EMS. Some rigs have more room than others but most arent too liberal on leg room.

Looks like the Danner deal is "over capacity" at the moment, but will be watching it for the next few hours!
 
skwurll said:
Garmont T-6's are pretty comfy and affordable.:thumbup:
Click to expand...


I really appreciate everyone's input but I'm confused here. The boots I listed as my current set up are the entry level bates at under $100. THe boots you listed are almost double that according to their website?
 
Buck268 said:
Sid, I work private EMS. Some rigs have more room than others but most arent too liberal on leg room.
Click to expand...

;) Gotcha'! Some of those rigs are way too small. The one ton's and converted vans never seemed adequate to me.
 
I'm gonna bring this one back up with a quick question.

Since I know, very well, how the bates fit compared to the size, can anyone comment on how the 511, Magnums, and Rocky's fit comparitively? Not a fan of buying online but you definately can find some good deals and I don't want to loose that option.
 
Bates are issue for us. I give them away.

I've had 5.11's. They don't fit right and worse, seem to break down easily. No more.

Magnums have such a poor rep that they are specifically forbidden for uniform wear by the Army. Enough said.

The last pair of Rocky's I had were black steel toes which were the best issue boot I ever saw. I'd take a pair in tan if I could get them.

I wear Danner. Every day, 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Acadia's now days, the Ft Lewis back when black was mandated. They wear forever, they can be rebuilt by the factory to almost new spec, they don't require a "break in" period, and they're comfortable. Yes, they cost more than some cheap boots, but you do get what you pay for.

Just for the record, I'm 6'2", 240, and just sent off for another new pair of boots, which will go into rotation while another pair is rebuilt.
 
I used to be a hard core Danner user. I mean seriously hardcore. I have more Danner boots than most women have shoes. I frequented their factory store in Portland at least twice per year and left with two or three pair each time. I've had two factory tours and did some training for them once and they gave me a pair of Acadias as part of a gesture of goodwill for the service I provided them.

However since they sold out their quality hasn't stayed the same. The last four pair all have leaked after a short period of time. Very disappointing. I've spoken to retailers who carry Danner and they validated my concern and said they're getting some returns because of leaking. One of the retailers is a super big name store well know for their credibility.

The only Danners I wear now are their Radical series for just general non-work related casual use.

Those who I stay in very close contact with who are currently serving in the Sandbox and in South America have been ranting and raving about Belleville Boots made in the USA. They are made to Mil Specifications for GIs. The folks I know say they don't have time to break in a new pair of boots and said these boots are broke in the minute you step into them. Well, being the skeptic I am, I bought a pair and have wore them daily in my job and can say they are amazing!

I'm ordering more pairs of Belleville from now on.
 
Well, I just picked up a pair of Danner Striker II GTX boots to replace my Bates ultralites. I gotta say that they definately FEEL like higher quality. Definately more "bootish" than the Bates, though.

Anyways, would anyone disagree with using Danners own conditioning gel for maintenance? Any other tips on breaking them in?
 
My magnum boots have gone true 3 years of ass kicking and they are still going strong.

bl_magnum_lg.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top