Boots,

[malik]

Hi, I have been contemplating some more gear for a mix of CodMW2, US ARMY Rangers(I know there's a sticky, not asking on this either), and a bit of Delta possibly. I currently need boots, a helmet, and kneepads... Cheapo stuff? Maybe...

What are a nice pair of boots that are in in my size (I wear 8s in Men's shoes). Do shoes=boots in sizes? Are boots(Military kind at least) things one wants to buy a size bigger/smaller due to whatever reason? Will post more later-

[Steve]

Oakley boots are awesome. They run about half a size small. They also only last a year or so of wear (every other day). Also, their gloves are the best I've ever used. Their goggles are so-so.

Danners are almost as comfy but a bit more expensive. They last forever(ish) and you can take them / send them in to Danner for repairs if they start to go.

Military boots use military sizes. And there are only two of those: Too big, and too small. With boots, you really need to try them on. Really, really need to try them on. The exact pair you are buying. They vary by both brand and style, and sometimes by the boot within the style in cheaper brands. I have worn everything from an 8 1/2 to a 10 1/2 depending on who makes it and whether it is a summer desert or waterproof winter boot. And buying used boots is a recipe for discomfort. Boots "break in" to the user, and it's pretty much a guarantee that your foot size / shape / pressure spots won't match the last guy.

If you are looking for a Delta skate helmet, http://www.pthelmets.com/ has them with or without rails and drilled for an NVG mount for a pretty fair price.

Kneepad inserts (ACUs / 5.11 pants) are pretty nice, and pretty cheap. They stay where they need to and don't get in the way. If you are looking for functional, they just rock.

If you need "pretty" instead, take a look at the Blackhawk kneepads. They are padded enough to be comfy. I'm not a kneepads kind of guy, but those hold up. Only problem I ever had with them was that the plastic is a bit wobbly to shoot from. Of course, with airsoft that's no big deal, but still. It's yet another bit of kit that is improved remarkably by adding a chunk of skateboard grip tape.

And on that note, I absolutely recommend skateboard grip tape for anything that you need to hang on to whilst wearing gloves. I wrap the magazine well of AR / M-16 / M-4 platforms with it for better control, add it to the handles of pocket knives with untextured sides, put x's of it across plastic kneepads, and put it basically anywhere I want to have more traction, friction, or grip. It's almost as useful as 550 cord.

[OPFOR 503]

I own and use Danner Acadias, for work and out door use, I find them comfortable, rugged and clean up well. I have black ones so I must polish them every few weeks, but they also make some models in tan. I highly reccomend them, only downside is the price but think of it as a long term investment for your feet.

I'm considering buying the Nike SFB, check out the link http://www.airsoftoutletnw.com/index.ph ... -Boot.html

[dos_Santos]

I would recommend the Nike SFB (I have a few pairs) and for most of the year around here they are awesome. 15.9 oz a shoe (super light, you can be on your feet all day), breathable for quick drying if your feet get immersed in water. They aren't water proof on purpose because they were designed for dessert use, but they work here in the NW just fine most of the year. I wouldn't wear them in the snow. Water-proof Danners might be the trick for that.

[DJ]

I too have a pair of the Nike SFB's. They are incredible boots. light , fast and comfortable. The down side is that they are not waterproof. A liability in Oregon. I also have a pair of Danner Ft lewis boots. Gore tex lined, and very comfortable. Much heavier but offer more protection from elements. I would suggest that you consider what your intended use is then go from there. The Danner's are far more versatile in this climate but at a cost (weight). I really like the SFB's but for about 8 months of the Oregon year they are pretty impractical .
A great place to check is the Danner outlet up near the airport. They have "seconds" at pretty reduced prices ( do not meet the stringent mil spec). Mine are seconds, and I could find nothing wrong with them. I bought mine there in 91, they have been resoled 3x . The SFB's are not rebuild able. I wore my Danners as a duty boot from 91-2004, they were awesome. The Danner's come in lined, unlined (goretex) and with several weights of insulation. My recommendation is the Gore tex lined w/o insulation ( too hot in summer)

Your call

[malik]

Thanks for your guys' input. My only thing is price. =\ I don't know what it is exactly yet. Also, are all these boots tall boots or short? Does the military REQUIRE a certain height in boots?

[DJ]

Thanks for your guys' input. My only thing is price. =\ I don't know what it is exactly yet. Also, are all these boots tall boots or short? Does the military REQUIRE a certain height in boots?

The Ft lewis are 8" uppers, they come in various heights under different names. Don't sweat what the military requires, they will be covered up by your pants. Get what you can live with. comfort vs weight. The SFBs were $130, the Danner's I paid $100 for seconds, keep in mind that was 91. The firsts are just shy of $300

[Steve]

Current standard is 8" boots. Airborne used to wear 10", not sure of they still do.

+1 on the outlet store for Danner boots. Seconds are still on sale for $100 every so often. I like the Acadia deserts with 400 gram insulation. You pay in weight, but I am too skinny to live with cold feet. Wore them for 2 years overseas in the desert. Still wear them.

[REDNECK]

Blackhawk boots are really nice I have a pair that I use everyday as I'm in the Army. great 1 year warranty replace them for most issues. i paid 150 for mine here at Ft Bliss.

[Strayz]

Having worn to many pairs of boot out there an having retired a pair of Danner Ft. Lewis Boots (16 years of hard use and abuse)I can say if you are going to be on your feet all day and want your feet to be warm and dry then they are the only game in town. If you need light and it is 55 degrees or warmer then the Nikes might be a choice, but I have to say if your feet are cold and wet, then how likely are you going to be happy? Just remember happy feet means you are more likely to be happy as well. You will not feel like you got robed if you put on the Daners with some insulated/padded socks and spend the day out in 4-7 inches of water and 30 degree weather. Just remember that you will need to break in the Daners over a week or so.

I go counter to what a lot of people around here, I wear my hiking boots. Might not be mil-sim enough for people around here but I can wear them all day my feet are warm, and dry, they are gor-tex and insulated, dry out fast and don't give blisters. Light? Compaired to the FT Lewis boots yes, (the Nikes are lighter), but then again I can wear them for a week or two and not have a complaint.

Finding good boots that do everything you want them to do will be a life long quest. As you get older your needs will change and so will your boot choices.

[dos_Santos]

Having worn to many pairs of boot out there an having retired a pair of Danner Ft. Lewis Boots (16 years of hard use and abuse)I can say if you are going to be on your feet all day and want your feet to be warm and dry then they are the only game in town. If you need light and it is 55 degrees or warmer then the Nikes might be a choice, but I have to say if your feet are cold and wet, then how likely are you going to be happy? Just remember happy feet means you are more likely to be happy as well. You will not feel like you got robed if you put on the Daners with some insulated/padded socks and spend the day out in 4-7 inches of water and 30 degree weather. Just remember that you will need to break in the Daners over a week or so.

I go counter to what a lot of people around here, I wear my hiking boots. Might not be mil-sim enough for people around here but I can wear them all day my feet are warm, and dry, they are gor-tex and insulated, dry out fast and don't give blisters. Light? Compaired to the FT Lewis boots yes, (the Nikes are lighter), but then again I can wear them for a week or two and not have a complaint.

Finding good boots that do everything you want them to do will be a life long quest. As you get older your needs will change and so will your boot choices.

Good words, and I am biased to Nike a bit since I work for them...

[KA-BAR]

i was introduced to danner about 4 or 5 years ago.

went out to airport way and got a pair of black acadias, two days later EATF issued us all desert acadias for free.

i and my feet will always be happy.


merrils are also a great lightweight summer or dry climate footwear, there is a reason almost every operator in the high speed mega thread is wearing them.

so i got some too, had them about 9 months. they were awsome this summer.

[Juicemachine]

I got a pair of 200-gram (I think) insulated Danner Acadias (black leather) for like $70 from the outlet on Airport way (seconds were on sale for like 25% off, and this particular pair has something that looked like detergent in the soles, so they gave me an additional 50% off). I treat them like shit, and they still do everything I could ever ask. I love those boots more than I love my hot dog.

[Jester316]

Cheap boots= Big 5 RG Tactical boots on sale this week

Good boots= any of the above mentioned