Academy - Boots?

[rlf1810]

Hey everyone,

I'm very excited to announce that I officially begin the academy this January. Now, I know this may shock you, but as part of the uniform requirement I need some good boots. What are some of your suggestions for 8" boots that are both extremely comfortable and affordable? I know it will come down to me trying them out but I'd like to have something in mind before I go off on the hunt.

Thanks!

-Robert

[Citicop]

We were mandated to wear Magnum Hi-Tec's when I went through, but the 5.11's I am wearing today are also pretty comfortable. There are plenty of good brands out there...

[Rlong1985]

From a military prospective; Danner, Belleville, Bates, and Rocky are my favorites. Remember to break them in before you need them.

[G35 Mass]

Find out what your academy requires.

We were MANDATED to have Corcoran field boots, 10", NO ZIP, with toe / heel cap.

I broke mine in and, other than being heavy, are pretty damn comfortable. But this is after wearing them daily in the academy and a year out of it. Rain, shine, dry and snow. They're resoleable.

EDIT: Just saw that you have to have 8". That leaves our most toe-capped boots, I think.

Let me know if you want a deal on 5.11 boots. I can prob hook you up.

[Joeyd6]

If there is no brand requirment...DO NOT SKIMP ON BOOTS! You will be on your feet more than anything as a cop and your feet need to be taken of now, or you will have problems later. An old timer once told me...."If you have to piss away your whole uniform allowance on one thing, let it be boots that are waterproof, insulated and comfortable. If your feet aren't happy after 12 hours of walking a post, you won't be happy." He was not kidding. My boots cost $200 or so a pair and guess what...still have them ten years later and they look damn good!

I have many friends who bought the $100 boots. In a year or two they look like crap and have worn out....and you have to spend another $100.

But the first time and you will be fine. Danner, Rockey and Corcoran are top notch and all American Made. Next step down would be Magnum, SWAT and Bates.

5.11 boots are just garbage IMO. I "tested" a pair for the NTOA and they were destroyed in a short period of time. When 5.11 saw the review they gave three differnet models to "have" to change my opinion. All fell apart or were not uniform in cut/fit, looked like crap, quality control issues, etc..... They make great pants, but the boots is something they suck at in my opinion.

[MPI1]

I have a pair of 5.11 ATEC boots 8" and I really love them most comfortable boot I have ever wore. I work armed patrol of a security company so I am in and out of my squad all night, walking through water, dirt, mud, rocks (the usual). These boots have really held up well. I have also had a pair of Danners and they are AMAZING! You will not find a more comfortable boot out there, but you will also pay a pretty penny for them. Magnum/Swat are going to be your best bet for a mid-range boot that are also comfortable.

Like I said, I like my 5.11, they have zippered sides for easy removal (GREAT for the end of your shift lol). But many of these have zippered sides, I would NEVER go back to regular boots unless required to by policy.

[rlf1810]

Thanks for all the replies guys. It would seem I really need to check out Danner!

[Rlong1985]

. An old timer once told me...."If you have to piss away your whole uniform allowance on one thing, let it be boots that are waterproof, insulated and comfortable. If your feet aren't happy after 12 hours of walking a post, you won't be happy." .

Great advice. Spend the extra money and replace boots on a regular basis. Some guys attempt to make their boots last way to long; torn to pieces. Anyone who has spent considerable time on board a ship will tell you non-skid is like sand-paper on boots. I am sure walking considerable amounts of time on the pavement does something similar.

[greg72982]

And just remember that anything you wear that says "tactical" practically makes you a SWAT team member.

[Joeyd6]

And just remember that anything you wear that says "tactical" practically makes you a SWAT team member.

And twice the price of the "regular" model!

[patchcop]

If you have the chance to try them, test MEINDL Police Walker, we use them here and they are pretty good. The style JoeyD6 wrote about, you feel good after 12 hours but sometimes they need "fresh air" inside