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Regular Combat Boot
- Thread starter Will Kwan
- Start date
They are no longer issuing these boots, at least in the Corps. Many Marines still wear them. Mine were issued to me back in 1996 when I first got in and they are decent boots...once you break them in.
I much prefer the new issue Jungle boots for garrison and the field. For a hump (not on blacktop), I love the Bates Lights although they have no ankle support and no drainage holes for when it rains. Don't pay anymore than $70-80 for these b/c they are not worth the $100 they charge in magazines.
The new ICB's I can't stand. Too heavy! Some Marines love them but I think they slow me down. Doing a hump on black top with the Jungles can really tear your feet up, even if they have been resoled with Vibram.
My advice: But a boot for different occasions. Ie: Cold weather, jungle, humps, etc. Or maybe I just haven't found a boot I really like.
I much prefer the new issue Jungle boots for garrison and the field. For a hump (not on blacktop), I love the Bates Lights although they have no ankle support and no drainage holes for when it rains. Don't pay anymore than $70-80 for these b/c they are not worth the $100 they charge in magazines.
The new ICB's I can't stand. Too heavy! Some Marines love them but I think they slow me down. Doing a hump on black top with the Jungles can really tear your feet up, even if they have been resoled with Vibram.
My advice: But a boot for different occasions. Ie: Cold weather, jungle, humps, etc. Or maybe I just haven't found a boot I really like.
Cesar makes an important point that the boot needs to be tailored to the application.
Honestly though they only reason to buy a military boot is if you're in the Military and restricted to what footwear you can wear.
As far as that goes, green canvas milspec jungle boots, not ALTAMAS, resoled with waffle soles are the only way to go. The soles wear out fast, but your feet will thank you.
Civilian hiking boots are vastly superior in every way, but usually a little more expensive.
My biggest gripe with the leg boot (what we called the leather basic issue combat boot) was that they are too hot, at least for my feet, and when wet, hold water.
Milspec green canvas jungle boots are being produced again and tough to beat them for 50 bucks. The milspec black jungle boots don't breathe as well, and perhaps most importantly aren't as comfotable. Also, don't try drying them over a fire, the codura melts. Discovered this the hard way. Canvas just steams.
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"Women bring life into the world
and much death, for they sway the
destinies of men." -Anneas
Honestly though they only reason to buy a military boot is if you're in the Military and restricted to what footwear you can wear.
As far as that goes, green canvas milspec jungle boots, not ALTAMAS, resoled with waffle soles are the only way to go. The soles wear out fast, but your feet will thank you.
Civilian hiking boots are vastly superior in every way, but usually a little more expensive.
My biggest gripe with the leg boot (what we called the leather basic issue combat boot) was that they are too hot, at least for my feet, and when wet, hold water.
Milspec green canvas jungle boots are being produced again and tough to beat them for 50 bucks. The milspec black jungle boots don't breathe as well, and perhaps most importantly aren't as comfotable. Also, don't try drying them over a fire, the codura melts. Discovered this the hard way. Canvas just steams.
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"Women bring life into the world
and much death, for they sway the
destinies of men." -Anneas
I went years looking for good boots. Warmth and dryness was my primary concern. I own now the BEST pair of Timerlines EVER! They just hurt my feet like hell.
I wore them everyday for two months. Broke them in nice. Held up great for a 22 mile "liesure stroll" in upstate NY. Still hurt my feet. Wasn't until I bougth Red Wings with their insoles did I find the right combonation for my feet.
The Red Wings feel like slippers on my feet by the way!
Steve in NYC
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What we do today in life...echoes in eternity...
Every man dies...not every man lives...
I wore them everyday for two months. Broke them in nice. Held up great for a 22 mile "liesure stroll" in upstate NY. Still hurt my feet. Wasn't until I bougth Red Wings with their insoles did I find the right combonation for my feet.
The Red Wings feel like slippers on my feet by the way!
Steve in NYC
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What we do today in life...echoes in eternity...
Every man dies...not every man lives...
- Joined
- Nov 19, 1999
- Messages
- 251
I don't think the leg boot (pre Improve Combat Boot) does compare. Too hot for the summer--if they get wet, they'll will stay that way for a day or so...insides do not dry out easily. Winter, they are terrible. Many young soldiers (I'm Army if you can't tell) can't afford a waterproof and/or lined boot and their feet absolutely freeze...the Army issues their version of a cold-weather boot or Matterhorns in some areas (Drum, Alaska, 2ID in Korea {used to at least}, Carson?, and Lewis?), but the rest of the Posts can sit and spin. The leg boot is a boot with okay support-not great, but not much else going for it. Not for sure there is a good all-year boot...Gore-tex doesn't help when your wading in hip deep water in the summer and vice-versa for jungles or non-lined in the winter. Seems at least a good portion of the Marines do not like their new boot, but compared to the leg boot the Army has, at least kids will not get quite as cold in the winter ("unlined", but the non-thinsulate liner and Gore-Tex will help). Our combat arms soldiers will still have to go out looking for summer boots or a special organizational clothing issue. BTW, I did go out and buy the new Marine Combat Boot (all leather version, so it is legal for me to fly in) and I like it for an "intermediate" (32 to 55 degrees) boot. Jungles, not the all black Hot Weather Boot, for hotter. Matterhorns or the Ft. Lewis for colder, otherwise my feet will sweat and make me cold in "intermediate" weather. Not for sure if the Marines that do not like their new issue got the Cove or Bellville (two companies that got the contract) boot, or if there is a difference quality wise. Mine are Bellville and have used them for about nine months now, including a wet and chilly February JRTC rotation. Held up wonderfully for me. Opinions, don't you love'm
h-man
h-man
I think I have worn every kind of boot I can think of including the issue leathers i got from boot camp. So far the most comfortable boots I have had the pleasure of wearing are the Bates Enforcers 2000. This boot just does not quit! Not to mention I only paid $60.00 for them. If interested into looking at them they can be seen and bought at www.galls.com It's a great boot. I have hiked many miles with them and they are outstanding. I think i have found the perfect boot for the money!
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"ALWAYS WATCH YOUR SIX"
[This message has been edited by jacko (edited 10-12-2000).]
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"ALWAYS WATCH YOUR SIX"
[This message has been edited by jacko (edited 10-12-2000).]
nick681
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 1999
- Messages
- 1,931
Will, To answer your question the Leg Boot lags far behind the Danner Fort Lewis Boots and the Acadias. I own all three.
The Fort Lewis Boots are the best winter boots I have ever used. They are ten times better than the Army Issue winter boots; although some people get lucky and get issued Danners. They are comfortable and warm. After being stationed in Germany for the last five years, and spending two winters in the Balkans I am glad I invested the money in my Danners. I own three pairs of Ft. Lewis boots. One pair is 9 years old and the only repair it has required is resoling, which Danner will do for you.
My Acadias are a great warm/intermediate weather boot. They are also a little on the heavy side. I recently did a 12 mile force march in them and they were great except for the weight. Definitely a great all around field boot. Now I just wish the Army would finish testing them and start issuing them, one like them, like the Marines do.
I agree with the above posts about having different boots for different tasks or situations. I have several pairs of boots for different needs. This is expensive, but as a Grunt my feet are important. I have never regretted spending a large sum of money on quality boots.
Just beware of look alike boots such as Matterhorns I had a pair 3 weeks once and they blew out on me. I took them back and exchanged them for my first pair of Danners which I have had for 9 years now. There is reason why the Danners are imitated.
Sorry for he long post but I thought I would throw in my .02 from a military point of view.
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Arguing with a GRUNT is like wrestling with a pig. Everyone gets dirty and the little pig loves it.
The reason the U.S. Army is so successful in combat is that war is chaos; and the Army practices chaos on a daily basis
The Fort Lewis Boots are the best winter boots I have ever used. They are ten times better than the Army Issue winter boots; although some people get lucky and get issued Danners. They are comfortable and warm. After being stationed in Germany for the last five years, and spending two winters in the Balkans I am glad I invested the money in my Danners. I own three pairs of Ft. Lewis boots. One pair is 9 years old and the only repair it has required is resoling, which Danner will do for you.
My Acadias are a great warm/intermediate weather boot. They are also a little on the heavy side. I recently did a 12 mile force march in them and they were great except for the weight. Definitely a great all around field boot. Now I just wish the Army would finish testing them and start issuing them, one like them, like the Marines do.
I agree with the above posts about having different boots for different tasks or situations. I have several pairs of boots for different needs. This is expensive, but as a Grunt my feet are important. I have never regretted spending a large sum of money on quality boots.
Just beware of look alike boots such as Matterhorns I had a pair 3 weeks once and they blew out on me. I took them back and exchanged them for my first pair of Danners which I have had for 9 years now. There is reason why the Danners are imitated.
Sorry for he long post but I thought I would throw in my .02 from a military point of view.
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Arguing with a GRUNT is like wrestling with a pig. Everyone gets dirty and the little pig loves it.
The reason the U.S. Army is so successful in combat is that war is chaos; and the Army practices chaos on a daily basis
Some great points have been brought up.
Danners by far are the best cold weather boot. And yes, the average soldier can get several years use out of them, which translates to 10+ years for the average bear, easily.
But something I have to bring up, is that footwear is terribly personal, seriously. Something that fits or works for someone else, may not work as well or in actuality cause you all kinds of problems.
Fortunately, really cold temps, less than 10 deg F there usually isn't a lot of standing water, thus getting gore-tex boots wet is moot. Keep in mind though, if you get them wet, they will STAY wet for a LONG time, basically until exposed to some sort of heat.
Personally I have extremely diaphoretic feet. Translation, my feet sweat A LOT. Matterhorns, Danner Ft.Lewis, and Danner Acadia were too hot for me, unless completely stationary in subzero temps. None of the three are road march worthy in my opinion, unless you intend of replicating the retreat from the Chosin Resorvior. I used polypro sock liners inside of gore-tex socks and green canvas jungle boots. Worked like a charm for me. Could always carry two more pair of gore-tex socks if my feet got wet, boots dried out fast.
If it's extreme cold you're expecting, get set of Danners. Even if you don't like them, they, other than green jungles, were the only boots I regularly saw soldiers purchase used.
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"Women bring life into the world
and much death, for they sway the
destinies of men." -Anneas
Danners by far are the best cold weather boot. And yes, the average soldier can get several years use out of them, which translates to 10+ years for the average bear, easily.
But something I have to bring up, is that footwear is terribly personal, seriously. Something that fits or works for someone else, may not work as well or in actuality cause you all kinds of problems.
Fortunately, really cold temps, less than 10 deg F there usually isn't a lot of standing water, thus getting gore-tex boots wet is moot. Keep in mind though, if you get them wet, they will STAY wet for a LONG time, basically until exposed to some sort of heat.
Personally I have extremely diaphoretic feet. Translation, my feet sweat A LOT. Matterhorns, Danner Ft.Lewis, and Danner Acadia were too hot for me, unless completely stationary in subzero temps. None of the three are road march worthy in my opinion, unless you intend of replicating the retreat from the Chosin Resorvior. I used polypro sock liners inside of gore-tex socks and green canvas jungle boots. Worked like a charm for me. Could always carry two more pair of gore-tex socks if my feet got wet, boots dried out fast.
If it's extreme cold you're expecting, get set of Danners. Even if you don't like them, they, other than green jungles, were the only boots I regularly saw soldiers purchase used.
------------------
"Women bring life into the world
and much death, for they sway the
destinies of men." -Anneas