You live in Texas, and can’t find some good boots? I’m calling BS, because you ain’t looking hard enough!

The sad truth is boots just aren’t what they used to be. Nearly all of the manufacturers outsource. I have some unique requirements, in that my boots need to be dressy, lace up, composite shank, and waterproof if possible. Red Wings used to be that way, but now the only thing they make in house are leather work boots. I went to the factory last year, hoping to pick up a few things, only to find out that the exact same models were now made offshore.

I ended up settling for two pairs of Ariats Heritage lancers, which are good boots but still made on foreign soil. I believe that Justin’s still makes their lacer here, but I’ve not been able to source a pair locally.

I wore Red Wings my entire working life.

Bought two pairs at the same time, wore one pair one day, the other the next day. Healthy feet, and the boots lasted three times longer.

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Theres a Rockport store in the mall and a Redwing store about 15 mins drive from me.

The boots I have lasted me a good long time so I don't mind paying some coin for quality.

JB

Once you've determined what medium quality US made Red Wings cost, compare that with these or other boots in the Russell line.

http://www.russellmoccasin.com/country-chukka/

Timely thread, all I have is a cheap pair of steel toed boots for work, for the rare times I have to be in the field.

Been wanting to pick up a decent pair of everyday laced 'hiking' boots.

Didn't realize the pricing spread on them
Will have to see what's available locally, since I had to size down 1.5 sizes for my steel-toe boots.

I love my Danners. I think I've had them about 12 years now. I'm on my 5th set of soles, but the boots themselves are still solid. I'll probably invest in a new pair the next time I need some so I have a "nice" pair of boots again, but I'll get the old ones resoled as they will be serviceable for years to come.

quote:

Originally posted by muzzleloader:
You may find what you like in Chippewa's lineup. I have a pair of light weight 6 inch with speed lace hooks. Have held up really well and made here. I like the little American flag too.

Same here, I have 3 pairs in my closet currently.

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en...SSELL_PRODUCT_SB_HZ2

These have to be the most comfortable boots I own. They come in 2 colors and can also be purchased in a lower boat shoe.

You might check out Lowa boots. I've had good luck with a few of their models over the years.

If the Rockports are comfortable when you try them on, I'd go with them. They're known for making an extremely comfortable shoe right out of the box, and the look is good on that boot too.

If they don't seem comfortable to me pretty much immediately, I go find something else to wear.

That said, I've still got an old pair of Danner Sharptails, and they're great boots. Just maybe not a business casual boot.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
Check out Danner Boots. I've got 3 pairs and they are all very well made and reasonably priced. They have a factory in Oregon plus some that are made overseas. I probably will never have to buy another pair of boots because the Danner's wear like iron.

Jim

I was going to recommend the Danner Bull Run Moc Toe boots. US made, currently available on Shoes.com for $150~ after the website's 25% off sale.

https://www.shoes.com/danner-b..._-none-_-none-_-none

I've actually been looking for combat boots that meet AR-670-1 with the following specs if possible:
1. Zero Drop
2. Sneaker-like (a fit like Nike, Blackhawk)
3. Coyote Tan (to go with multicams)

Who has knowledge of this?

quote:

Originally posted by AdkMtnGuy:
I've actually been looking for combat boots that meet AR-670-1 with the following specs if possible:
1. Zero Drop
2. Sneaker-like (a fit like Nike, Blackhawk)
3. Coyote Tan (to go with multicams)

Who has knowledge of this?

Only zero drop combat boots I'm aware of are the belleville minimil's. I have a pair and like them. Checks box 1 and 3. Probably have a bigger toe box than those listed in number 2. No idea if meets AR-670-1. They are a true minimalist boot.. if you are not used to "barefoot" shoes, ease into using them.

ETA: the internet says they are AR-670-1 compliant

quote:

Originally posted by tha1000:

quote:

Originally posted by AdkMtnGuy:
I've actually been looking for combat boots that meet AR-670-1 with the following specs if possible:
1. Zero Drop
2. Sneaker-like (a fit like Nike, Blackhawk)
3. Coyote Tan (to go with multicams)

Who has knowledge of this?

Only zero drop combat boots I'm aware of are the belleville minimil's. I have a pair and like them. Checks box 1 and 3. Probably have a bigger toe box than those listed in number 2. No idea if meets AR-670-1. They are a true minimalist boot.. if you are not used to "barefoot" shoes, ease into using them.

ETA: the internet says they are AR-670-1 compliant

Ooooooh!! Thank you sir! I did a search a while back and found myself squirreled, and wasn't real long on time for that attempted search, but now I have something to go on.

I have picky feet, and these picky feet really don't like a lot of shoes, and especially boots. I have been wearing almost exclusively Altra shoes now for the last several months, and my feet LOVE them.

I came across these once before on the internet, but I really want to get them in-hand to check them out. I need a retailer...

The last several pairs I have bought are Saloman GTX4 or something like that They are a fairly serious hiking boot. Room for orthotics inside and plenty of ankle support. I can highly recommend this boot. The size is dead on for me. I wear 12 in redwings and these too. I get mine from REI,~$225

I was watching videos of them making NICKS boots yesterday.... must look away....

quote:

Originally posted by AdkMtnGuy:

quote:

Originally posted by tha1000:

quote:

Originally posted by AdkMtnGuy:
I've actually been looking for combat boots that meet AR-670-1 with the following specs if possible:
1. Zero Drop
2. Sneaker-like (a fit like Nike, Blackhawk)
3. Coyote Tan (to go with multicams)

Who has knowledge of this?

Only zero drop combat boots I'm aware of are the belleville minimil's. I have a pair and like them. Checks box 1 and 3. Probably have a bigger toe box than those listed in number 2. No idea if meets AR-670-1. They are a true minimalist boot.. if you are not used to "barefoot" shoes, ease into using them.

ETA: the internet says they are AR-670-1 compliant

Ooooooh!! Thank you sir! I did a search a while back and found myself squirreled, and wasn't real long on time for that attempted search, but now I have something to go on.

I have picky feet, and these picky feet really don't like a lot of shoes, and especially boots. I have been wearing almost exclusively Altra shoes now for the last several months, and my feet LOVE them.

I came across these once before on the internet, but I really want to get them in-hand to check them out. I need a retailer...

Similar toe box to altras but a lot less cushioning. I like the altras a lot too.

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:
I used to have a pair of Rockports like that. Great for everyday around town.

Yep, using some similar for everyday this winter, no issue. But, it’s light duty, walk around town, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
However, apparently it looks like Timberland doesn't make real boots for actual men anymore.

JB

I have the Timberland Pro boots, 6 or 8 years of daily use, built like a tank. They still make them, but they are heavy. For lighter duty I have Merrell hikers.

AdkMtnGuy: https://www.bellevilleboot.com...product_detail&p=151