Boot recomendation.
 

Hey, I was just looking at multiple types of combat boots available and I was wondering if somebody could give me some insight. I'd like to wear these for airsoft AND hiking if possible and having a high-top boot is important too me. I've been wearing Canadian combat boots for a while and I just know there's got to be better.

When I refer to Hiking I mean like 4-5 day journeys with alot of weight and with any weather a possiblity, So that makes me worry about some of the "breathable" boots not being suitable if it were to rain and get sloppy out.

So a recap of what I'm looking for :

Lighter then CF boots
Equal (or more) ankle protection
Atleast waterproof enough to not worry about having wet feet for 4 days.

I use my Merrel Sawtooth's for both. However, they are a breathable boot, so I did lots of puddle avoiding on the West Coast Trail.

The rest of the group used GoreTex boots, and had no issues with water at all.
Most decent hiking boots should be good enough for both activities. You'll have to balance breathability and water resistance to your location.

I like the 6" height myself.

I've been wearing the Merrell Avalanche's for the last few months. They are are a mid height boot but I find they still have plenty of ankle support for airsoft and hiking.

http://www.merrellcanada.com/medias/.../sku/81115.jpg

I think you might found this model from 5.11 pretty interesting. I'm looking to buy them for myself.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-tact...prt-boots.html

Cheers

Sorry.. wrong model :P

http://www.lapolicegear.com/58atshbofrsh.html

I am fond of my Scarpa Kailash GTXs. A little narrow fitting and looking but an outstanding boot and fit in with the Sawtooth-esque SOF kindof look.

I wear the 5.11 ATAC boots for work and for airsoft.. for work I am on my feet for at least 8 hour shifts constantly patroling a very large resort and go home every night without sore feet/ankles/knees etc, they also provide very good ankle support.. I've had these boots for almost 6 months and they are holding up strong with no signs of wear externally or internally. I have found that over a period of time the insoles that come with them some what conform to your foot and they become even more comfortable. I highly recommend these for airsoft and hiking alike.. the only suggetion I make is that you find some gortex liners, as they are not entirly waterproof.

Thanks that nice to know ;) Do you think the leather version might be more waterproof?

"Bloodborne pathogen resistant", what do you guys get up to out East?

Regardless, for 5.11 in country you can try here. http://www.thetacshop.ca/department/footwear-10090.cfm

it would help, the ones i have and forgot to mention are the side zip ones... so unless they have a connected leather flap behind the zipper they will not be fully waterproof... if you go for the ones that are waterproof rated ... the you will be golden.. but I have not personally tried them.

hey man we prepare for the zombie slaughter... imagine if you had a gash on your foot... you kill a zombie up close and personal and before he was infect he had aids .. tada! that gash on your foot is no worry :D

Lol you know... some need doctor scholls... maybe this can help :P lol

haha not only am i protected against blood pathogens i'm gellin!:cool:

I've been wearing Danner Pronghorns (airsoft, work, worn through snow, mud, water, sand, etc) past two years and love them! Very comfortable, like running shoes, Goretex lining to keep all water out (unless it goes over the top), good ankle support. Even the stock insoles are decent, I tend to use the wool felt types though and thick socks. ~$170 but worth considering, work great for airsoft (they are brown so they add to the camo aspect better than black) and can wear them around town too. I'm definitely getting another pair when these finally crap out.

http://www.shoebuy.com/danner-prongh...-_-none-_-none

I've been wearing Original SWAT boots for awhile now for work, awesome boots.

Non-Goretex
http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/boots/1082.htm

Goretex
http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/boots/1093.htm

Desert
http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/boots/1083.htm

If you want to wear the same boots year round, get non goretex boots and wear goretex socks in the wet seasons.
http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/cloth...ories/6072.htm

I also highly recommend getting Sole Custom Footbeds - insoles
http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/accessories/1026.htm

I'll second Mike on the insoles. At my unit we've been restricted to only issued boots for garrison, so I've been wearing my MkIII's with the Sole Footbeds and haven't had any problems yet.