Some thoughts on boots...

[Hawkeye]

[hwi]

Definitely agree with you on the point about waterproof boots, once water gets in(and it will) it stays in and then your feet will be miserable all day.

Though, I don't even wear boots anymore(except when in uniform of course). I roll with trail runners when I am hunting, hiking, and/or camping. Get the job done just as well, but with more comfort and less weight.
My current favorites are Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2(over the top name, I know). They actually make a boot version of this shoe if that's your thing.

[Diz]

I know this is heresy to some but gortex is not the end-all/do-all fabric we've been conned into believing. Good example of a great marketing push by DuPont to get this crap into everything.

First of all, you do not get anywhere near the "breathability" as advertised. I've used the wet weather suits, boots, gloves, hats, etc. for over 30 years and can tell you from personal experience that there isn't that much difference from "vapor barrier" type clothing. There just isn't. The main selling point is more wishful thinking than fact.

Secondly, in the boot liner application, they just plain suck, especially in certain environments, such as ours. In hot wet weather, these kinds of boots are much hotter causing your feet to sweat. Not good. When they do get wet, whether from over-the-top as Hawkeye mentioned, or just wading through shallow water, they stay wet for days because the liner inhibits the boot from drying out.

Think about it. Would you wear a rain suit all the time in case you might get wet? Then why would you wear a W/P liner in your boot all the time just in case?

And, actual use has shown that this membrane breaks down after debris enters the boot. Any kind of dirt, sand, etc. acts like sandpaper to degrade the lining. Eventually it will leak. So now you have an extremely hot boot that doesn't even keep your feet dry.

All in all, we think it makes much more sense to get a boot that gets wet, drains well, and dries out fast, especially on the march. By changing socks and driving on, you will have much more comfortable feet than with a gortex lined boot. Just accept the fact that your boots (and feet) will get wet and dry out in a natural cycle.

Ossasionally when it does make sense to keep the feet dry, we use Sealskins liner socks. When no longer needed, they can be removed and the boot will dry out much faster. When they wear out, you just buy another pair. Thirty five bucks -vs- one hundred plus.

[currahee]

I live in the wet deep south and agree that boots that dry faster will be better.

I've never had problems with boots before, but within the last couple of years my feet started hering in a new way (not fatigue but actual pain in my meta-tarsals, like they are cramped)

I've had this problem with a new set of Danners and a new piar of MOAB high tops, which are my stand bys. I'm gonna have to try some cheap boots.

[Diz]

Your feet can change over the years. I've gone up a full size as my arches have fallen over the years. Also be aware that shoe sizes vary significantly these days, especially from boots made overseas.

[Hawkeye]

[sam]

This is a great video idea. I have enjoyed this forum so far and also your YouTube channel. Just want to say thanks for being very knowledgable and having a common sense no bull approach to the topics you cover. Anyway I would love these boots for hiking around when I cross creeks, etc. I really want one of your 5.45 chest rigs..... Maybe in a few months when I budget it in.

[panzer0170]

Sept 3, 2013 20:36:29 GMT -5 hwi said:

Definitely agree with you on the point about waterproof boots, once water gets in(and it will) it stays in and then your feet will be miserable all day.

Though, I don't even wear boots anymore(except when in uniform of course). I roll with trail runners when I am hunting, hiking, and/or camping. Get the job done just as well, but with more comfort and less weight.
My current favorites are Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2(over the top name, I know). They actually make a boot version of this shoe if that's your thing.

Goretex socks.

If you go through some wet stuff, your boots/socks get wet, and you have to stay on the move? Goretex socks will keep your feet/socks dry (ish, you'll still sweat, but it'll not be mud-water on your feet, which is a plus)
You can leave the socks on with the boots and let them dry overnight (assuming you're not going to screw over your dossbag with boots on). Will work with any footwear, and are an all round good bit of kit.
They are NOT a magical solution, and the usual goretex issues still exist.



But if you're capable of going static/vehicle borne, and if you don't have the money for 2 sets of boots to let 1 dry? They're a brilliant bit of kit.

- Panzer