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I don't have any need for a pair of tactical boots, but I like how they look and I have handled some different brands sold by my local gun shop and they feel very light and likely very comfortable.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to which brand to consider? From my initial review, there are dozens of brands and the price range is very wide. I just want something comfortable for casual wear, that lasts and does not cost more than $120.00.
Not sure if you want high boots, or more of the mid style, but I spend a lot of time hiking, and my favorite boots are the Salomon Quest 4d GTX boots. They are normally $230, but REI has some on sale right now for $169, which, if you can spend the extra $50, you won't be disappointed. I have abused these boots hard and they have held up great.
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/produ...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
If you want something cheaper, Merrell makes quite a few good options in your price range
I’ll second this. I don’t know if they’re what you consider “tactical boots”, but I’ve had quite a few pair of these. After my current pair wears out I’ll replace them with another of the same. They do make a “Forces” version if you’re looking for a more military look.Quote:
Originally Posted by B Cart
Y'all gonna recommend GORE-TEX to a guy that lives in LA for casual wear? Seems... uncomfortable, at least for summer. Honestly, I would never consider a boot for daily wear, that shit's way too heavy.
Also not sure if y'all are aware, but Salomon is owned by a Chinese conglomerate at this point. The Finns still get their cut, as do the French, but ultimately, it's ANTA Sports that sits at the very top. Just something to be aware of, I personally would still consider Salomons for my personal needs, though I'm moving away from the XA Forces due to a design issue that makes it delaminate the tread in a very specific spot consistently for how I use it (with a ruck in rougher terrain).
For just looking cool in your 5.11s and shit, I would suggest the Salomon Speed Assaults, Speedcross 6 Forces, or the XA Forces Mid (non-GORE-TEX version).
I wear Belleville AMRAP boots daily for work. I work in khaki pants and a polo shirt. They are extremely comfortable and I use Super Feet green inserts. I live/work in South TX Hill Country near San Antonio.
I generally have a desk job but I have to walk a lot between buildings a couple blocks apart. I don’t want a heavy lug sole.
https://www.galls.com/tactical-resea...gaAlzcEALw_wcB
I think I bought them at LA Police Gear online but they are available other places.
Mine are over two years old and going strong. When they get a bit grungy, I buy a new pair and they continue to be used for weekend stuff.
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Merrell Moab for that price point.Quote:
Originally Posted by wyn
Get two pairs of Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Tactical Black and Camo.
I really like the Merrell Moab 2 tactical boots...sturdy, comfortable, waterproof. I have been wearing these tactical boots near me for 2 weeks. VERY comfortable boot and the tread is just slightly worn. but the zipper was constantly getting stuck on the material on the inside which made it very difficult to either zip up or down but functioned.
My job gives me a boot voucher for the local boot store.
I was pretty happy with Bates that have a side zipper for easy on and off.
They lasted for the year and I have them at home now after picking up another set.
https://www.galls.com/bates-8-durash...002081&PMSRCH=
I also really like the Merrell Moab. I've been wearing them for a few years. They're very comfortable and hold up to daily wear very well.
The salomon boots are hard to beat. Very hard to beat. I have Danner and Kenetreck but the Salomons for the dollar...
PB
I second Salomons, I found a cheap pair of non-military style Salomons in 2018 at a local Shoe store for $80 bucks and they have been my go to moderate to warm weather hiking boots for the last 4 years and they are just now showing signs of wear around the toebox, great boots for the moneyQuote:
Originally Posted by Pappabear
Sign up for S/Plus membership with Salomon
I am a big fan of Merrell Moab’s as well. Wore a pair of the ventilated lows in Africa for a year and they were great! Have a pair of waterproof mids now and have no complaints.
If you don’t need waterproof or goretex you can find them for a pretty decent price.
Keep your eye on Sportsman's Warehouse for good deals on Moabs. I love mine and wear them until the bitter end of their useful life lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by R0331
I really like my Lowa Zephry Mid boots. Lightweight and very durable. I've had 3 pair over the last 15 years or so. They are a bit expensive but you can find them on sale.
Bates are good for me. Nice and light, very comfy, no break in needed. I wear them when boarding ships from a moving pilot vessel via a rope ladder. I wear them hunting in Texas winters as well as in the Texas heat sometimes. I just got back from Winter Park, CO where I wore them daily in 3 degree snowy days while snowmobiling, tubing and trecking around town and whatnot. No complaints.
Maybe you've had a different experience but Merrells quality fell off a cliff post mid 2010's. My Moabs purchased before 2010 saw some pretty hard use and lasted a long time and when I went to purchase a replacement they lasted half as long under the same use, never bought another pair of Merrells ever again.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckaroo
Well, yeahQuote:
Originally Posted by vicious_cb
I don't consider them to be top of the line boots but I have been satisfied based on price to durability & comfort
I'd tend to agree with this. I have a few pairs of Merrells and it doesn't seem like the quality is on par with what it used to be, but they're still decent for the price.Quote:
Originally Posted by vicious_cb
Salomons on the other hand have been rock solid for me, i have both waterproof GTX pairs, and breathable pairs, and they've held up great to hundreds of SAR callouts, hunting, hiking etc., in extreme environments. I have a hard time buying anything else these days
I'll second Lowa - if the last fits your foot well, they're great. I get 3-5 years out of them, really prefer the leather lined to the goretex. I'm in a dry/hot 9 months of the year climate however. Leather lined will turn to shit in LA fast, but they do a desert version with no goretex or leather.Quote:
Originally Posted by Watrdawg
Lowa boots are very good, but somewhat consumer oriented. The only brand that makes even better boots is Haix, https://www.haixusa.com/. They make boots mainly for professional users so the brand is not as well known as many others, but Haix boots are the best you can buy, IMHO. Their boots may not be as fashionable, but if you need the best possible performance and durability, you can trust on Haix. I have more pairs than I care to count - the oldest pair is more than 10 years old and still ok.
Heroes Wear Haix.Quote:
Originally Posted by Titan74
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWDbuqkaqUs
I've worn Haix for station boots, and while they were fine in that role, I haven't heard anything about how good (or bad) their tactical line is. That being said, nothing they have on that side appeals to me at all, all look far heavier and overbuilt than something I'd want to wear for everyday use or even most outdoors activities.
If you are looking for more of a military issue type boot, I would also recommend the Garmont t8 boot. I rocked those for a while as well and had no complaints. Multiple years of use. They met their end on a static line jump. One of the seems busted open on landing. Made for a nice walk back. In their defense, I probably should have replaced them long before that.
Decker X Lab G8's are the most comfortable out of the box boots I've ever had.
Decker X Lab is sister company to Hoka, famous for their running shoes.
Not sure if it's been mentionned before but I personally enjoy Underarmour Valsetz. They're more comfortable than my 5.11s for sure.
They’ve always been kind of hit or miss. Most people have good experiences with them, but a percentage of people experience soles coming loose and stuff like that. The Sawtooth was on the “non-standard boot approved list” in 75rr (Blue Book) back in the day, and I’d guess about 1k dudes were wearing Merrell on any given day across USSOCOM in the early 2000s, so its not a small sampling.Quote:
Originally Posted by vicious_cb
I do still keep two pairs of their trail-running shoes, and two pairs of their business casual leather shoes, and my ex-wife has been using Sawtooths since like ‘06. My own Sawtooths shit the bed in less than a year.
For the OP, foot type and intended use are a necessary part of this discussion.
These are my daily drivers right now and I love them. I think I paid 230.00 for mine and don't regret it. They are comfy and have one of the best lace up systems, 511 has a similar one. They allow you to lock in different zones of how tight you like your laces. I'm thinking about grabbing a black pair.Quote:
Originally Posted by B Cart
I used to wear Merrels way back when they were decent boots/shoes, but they're not the same company they used to be 10+ years ago.
https://i.imgur.com/IKsPtglh.jpg
Just got a pair of the Haix Scout 2 hiking boots, after blowing up some Merrill Moabs- really disappointed with the Merrell build quality. The Haix definitely need break in period, and I hope they get more comfortable- the Merrells, while cheaply made, were good to go out of their box.Quote:
Originally Posted by Titan74
That video is cringy AF. Don’t highlight poor shooting on a range that could be navigated with flip flops. Show me how the boots holdup over hardcore terrain.Quote:
Originally Posted by Defaultmp3
I've honestly just gone back to USMC Belleville's that I can get from the Surplus store for around $80, they just work, are decently comfortable and have held up for well over the last 2 years.
It’s a damn shame what happened to Merrel, I use to love them, super comfortable, now they’re complete garbage.
I would say complete garbage, I still have a 400g pair that I hike with the dog on back trails that have lasted me for at least 7 years, and I have another pair with steel toes I wear to certain construction sites, but the Merrel Moabs I used to love last me less then a pair of walmart slippers, and I might be the only one but my more civilian pair of Salomon's didn't do much for me either.Quote:
Originally Posted by titsonritz
Danner desert RATs
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Good boot, just an FYI if anyone ever gets the insolated version, they suck on ice, I've had Bauer skates with more tractionQuote:
Originally Posted by CrowCommand