[hawkfire999]

It's getting a little chilly for woodsball up in my neck of the woods, which means that I'm starting to look over my gear to see what needs to be repaired and what needs to be replaced. I've noticed my boots are pretty worn out, and I'm thinking of getting some new ones. I've heard great things about Oakley's boots, and I heard that Nike has a well liked boot on the market as well. I'm looking for mid to high end.

Suggestions?

[modelstarter]

theres just so many boot companies..i think its maybe better you go try them on at an outdoors store or something like that, im pretty sure everyone's foot is different..lol


ive heard good things for brands like Merrell, wellco, 5.11, blackhawk, tru-spec

[UV Halo]

The best boots I've had/have for the winter are a pair of the previous model Oakley black leather style (with the exposed EVA mid-sole).They're very soft walking, very quiet (on pavement) boot, and very comfortable (feel like a nice pair of running shoes, just a little heavier). I have a current model in the desert suede (sole looks like it's one-piece)and while they're great boots they're nowhere near as comfy as my older pair (feel more like a traditional combat boot).

I'm curious about these Nike boots you mention. Over 20yrs ago, Nike had a set of Hiking boots in the "All Conditions Gear" line that I started playing with. They were lightweight, durable and comfortable. I wore them til they wore out. If you're referring to the NIKE S.F.B. boots, they might not be a good fit for winter given their extensive use of nylon in the uppers.

[The_Economist]

I also had some Nike ACG boots a long time ago. Those things lasted a long time and were very comfortable. I wish they still made them.

I like my Rocky boots, but they aren't light. They are waterproof, though, which is nice.

[ger]

The Nike SFB boot is a just their Free/boot hybrid... no different than a running shoe w/ high sides. They seem really great but not ideal for winter play, as UV mentioned, since that's what you are concerned about.

Obviously Oakley is a trusted boot, but I've read a lot of good things about Converse as well, plus they are a bit cheaper.

[UV Halo]

I didn't mention it but, another brand/model that gets good reviews is the Adidas GSG9.2

I may pick some of those up for my winter play this year (the older pair of Oakleys are on their last leg after 3+yrs of use).

[-ORaNGe-]

Check out Magnums, they're very popular in the CF and it's obviously a little chilly around here sometimes =)

[ger]

UV Halo, on 04 November 2011 - 11:50 AM, said:

I didn't mention it but, another brand/model that gets good reviews is the Adidas GSG9.2

QFT - I've read a lot of good things about those as well.

[hawkfire999]

Thanks guys. Lots of great suggestions, looks like I have a bit of shopping to do. Good thing my weekend is clear.
Also, are the Oakleys and Magnums good in hot, humid weather too?

Edit: UV, would you be talking about the SI or the Sabot? And have you guys heard anything about the Under Armour boots? They have a few.

This post has been edited by hawkfire999: 04 November 2011 - 07:48 PM

[LocoShooter]

modelstarter, on 04 November 2011 - 09:27 AM, said:

theres just so many boot companies..i think its maybe better you go try them on at an outdoors store or something like that, im pretty sure everyone's foot is different..lol


ive heard good things for brands like Merrell, wellco, 5.11, blackhawk, tru-spec

I have merrel, and I LOVE THEM!!!
Get the gortex ones and your feet will stay dry no matter what.

[ger]

hawkfire999, on 04 November 2011 - 07:33 PM, said:

Also, are the Oakleys and Magnums good in hot, humid weather too?

In general, if a boot works really well in Winter, it won't work all that well in Summer... it's kind of an either-or situation. Not saying it wouldn't work, but you can;t have the best of both worlds.

As far as the UA, I have seen absolutely zero feedback on them. They look fine, their tactical boot seems to mimic the whole boot/shoe hybrid like the Nike & Addidas models, so they should be comfortable but not ideally suited for Winter.

[XxLOPERSxX]

hawkfire999, on 04 November 2011 - 07:24 AM, said:

It's getting a little chilly for woodsball up in my neck of the woods, which means that I'm starting to look over my gear to see what needs to be repaired and what needs to be replaced. I've noticed my boots are pretty worn out, and I'm thinking of getting some new ones. I've heard great things about Oakley's boots, and I heard that Nike has a well liked boot on the market as well. I'm looking for mid to high end.

Suggestions?

yeah i need new boots too for winter and woodsball i was considering military surplus
but im not sure

[Sasquatch]

UV Halo, on 04 November 2011 - 09:45 AM, said:

I'm curious about these Nike boots you mention. Over 20yrs ago, Nike had a set of Hiking boots in the "All Conditions Gear" line that I started playing with. They were lightweight, durable and comfortable. I wore them til they wore out. If you're referring to the NIKE S.F.B. boots, they might not be a good fit for winter given their extensive use of nylon in the uppers.

ger, on 04 November 2011 - 10:21 AM, said:

The Nike SFB boot is a just their Free/boot hybrid... no different than a running shoe w/ high sides. They seem really great but not ideal for winter play, as UV mentioned, since that's what you are concerned about.

I wholeheartedly disagree with both of the above sentiments that the SFB isn't capable of winter wear. I bought a pair last September, wore them through a South Korea winter including 8+ inches of snow and sub zero temps up in the mountains for most of late December and early January. Your feet WILL be a little more cold than with a thermal insulated boot, no doubt about that. But even standing around at night in frigid weather wasn't terrible with them. And if you are up and constantly moving as in paintball, you will have more than enough blood flowing to keep your feet warm.

I've since replaced them with Rocky Mountains for my daily uniform wear, but I still use the SFB's for hiking and such out in the woods with friends.

[OEFVeteran]

after 2 deployments and about 10 pairs of boots, buth issued and personal purchases, here are the 3 best boots i have used....

Oakley Desert Combat... pricey, but very comfortable... be careful of what kind of socks you wear, as my socks seemed to wear out the inner heal up pretty damn fast with these boots... they lasted about 5 months of heavy use in Kuwait and Iraq...

Converse Desert Combat boot, non sip up the side.... most comfortable boot i have owned... lasted about 7 months of heavy use in afghanistan, the inner heal cup came apart and i had to cut out the leather... they were just not as comfy after that....

Rockport Works UL boot.... lightest, most durable all around boot i have owned and worn... these boots have a stiff sole which i prefer for more active ware... as they offer more support on rough terrain... the insole has a large air cushion that actually does massage your foot as you walk... just as advertised... i replaced these boots initially witht he Oakley boots while in Kuwait... because i wanted something a little tougher... i ended up going back to my beat up pair of UL boots because the oakley inner heal cup started to come apart....

for paintball, including speedball, i wear Bates Stealth side zip boots.... once they broke in they were comfy, they are water resistant... they will wet though over time, but they dry really quick... they also have a really quiet sole for when i am trying to be stealthy in the woods....

i suggest either the rockport works boot if you want something light and durable, yet still warm... or the converse boots... they a like wearing a pair of shoes....

[XxLOPERSxX]

OEFVeteran, on 08 November 2011 - 07:02 PM, said:

after 2 deployments and about 10 pairs of boots, buth issued and personal purchases, here are the 3 best boots i have used....

Oakley Desert Combat... pricey, but very comfortable... be careful of what kind of socks you wear, as my socks seemed to wear out the inner heal up pretty damn fast with these boots... they lasted about 5 months of heavy use in Kuwait and Iraq...

Converse Desert Combat boot, non sip up the side.... most comfortable boot i have owned... lasted about 7 months of heavy use in afghanistan, the inner heal cup came apart and i had to cut out the leather... they were just not as comfy after that....

Rockport Works UL boot.... lightest, most durable all around boot i have owned and worn... these boots have a stiff sole which i prefer for more active ware... as they offer more support on rough terrain... the insole has a large air cushion that actually does massage your foot as you walk... just as advertised... i replaced these boots initially witht he Oakley boots while in Kuwait... because i wanted something a little tougher... i ended up going back to my beat up pair of UL boots because the oakley inner heal cup started to come apart....

for paintball, including speedball, i wear Bates Stealth side zip boots.... once they broke in they were comfy, they are water resistant... they will wet though over time, but they dry really quick... they also have a really quiet sole for when i am trying to be stealthy in the woods....

i suggest either the rockport works boot if you want something light and durable, yet still warm... or the converse boots... they a like wearing a pair of shoes....

thank you for your service! and how would the combat boots with rain/snow?

[UV Halo]

hawkfire999, on 04 November 2011 - 07:33 PM, said:

Thanks guys. Lots of great suggestions, looks like I have a bit of shopping to do. Good thing my weekend is clear.
Also, are the Oakleys and Magnums good in hot, humid weather too?

Edit: UV, would you be talking about the SI or the Sabot? And have you guys heard anything about the Under Armour boots? They have a few.

Sorry, didn't see your edit. I was referring to the SI boots. I have an older model of the 8" Assault boots in black and they came in full leather uppers. The current 8" looks like it might no longer be 100% leather. The 6" would be my pick if I wanted something with some water resistance.

Sasquatch, on 08 November 2011 - 06:38 PM, said:

I wholeheartedly disagree with both of the above sentiments that the SFB isn't capable of winter wear...

Really, some folks can go without footwear altogether. I was getting at how if someone is mentioning having a chilly winter, they may not want a boot designed for the desert (i.e. no-water resistant). My biggest complaint about the SFBs is not based on the lack of insulation,but rather the Nylon upper which will allow lots of rain and mud-water through, making for wet feet and for a crap day when it's cold (i.e. 38f and rainy, like I've played in out here). Now, this won't lead to frostbitten toes, etc but, unless you know the OP isn't an 'average' person, it might be best to recommend footgear based on intended use.

[Viper Scenarios]

ger, on 04 November 2011 - 10:21 AM, said:

I've read a lot of good things about Converse as well, plus they are a bit cheaper.

Stay away from the Converse tac boot. Had two pair. They feel apart badly way too quickly.

I wear almost nothing but tac boots. I always have three pair in the closet. I get a new pair for casual and the old casuals get demoted to paintball. The current paintball boots get relegated to bad weather paintball boots, and the current bad weather ones get retired to the trash can. LOL

Hitek Magnums have been falling off in quality (sadly)

I've been having good luck with Bates enforcers.

This post has been edited by Viper Scenarios: 08 November 2011 - 09:44 PM

[OEFVeteran]

here is the thing with desert boots... they are designed to keep your foot dry and cool, and yet still protect you form the elements... UV Halo... i have worn more then 10 pair of desert combat boots between 2 different war time deployments, and yes, it rains and gets nasty in the desert... every desert combat boot i have worn has dried much faster then a jungle boot or cold weather boot... so a desert tactical boot, while not fully waterproof, will be a more comfortable boot overall...

as for converse... i wore mine for a full year in afghanistan, they were my partol/mission boot, they logged hundreds of miles of harsh terrain walking... and when you are doing a foot patrol you are loaded down on gear... my total body weight was 370LBS my first deployment... that was with full vest, and bug out bad, with 2 weapon systems... the converse boots held up better then any of the bates or nike or oakley or blackhawk boots my buddies were buying....


as for nike and addidas... they make a shit tactical boot... they fall apart too quickly and they use way too much plastic in the boot, which to me is a bad thing....

if i were to deploy again the only pair of boots i would be wearing are Rockport Works UL boots. they are comfortable, water resistant, fast crying, durable as all hell, have a very tough sole and they provide more ankle support then any boot i have used to date

Rockport Works Desert Combat Boot


by far the best boot on the market for all around use... i plan on getting another pair for the winter as well as the next paintball season, as i wnat to ditch my bates stealth boots... i hate side zip boots with a passion....

[Viper Scenarios]

Sir I will defer to you on your opinion of Converse. I tried them years ago. I believe they had just come out. Perhaps they have improved. That would be great because I remember they were REALLY comfortable...I just wasn't happy with their durability. If that has improved perhaps they are worth another try.

And THANK YOU for your service!!!!!!

[OEFVeteran]

if they are side zips... then yes, they will fall apart faster then a regular lace up boot... but the converse boots i had were back in 08 and they worked great... everyone i know that has had them since has loved them... the only real issue i have is the padding... they were a little warm for summer use...