What To Replace British Army Assualt Boots With?

[FlashPan]

Well I've been able to source a pair of BCH boots. Used but still in very good condition and I guess more importantly already broken in. Hopefully my knees are up to the job?

Am still thinking about the German Para or Austrian boots, so if I see a pair at a decent price/spec I may try and get some.

[Sparkyy]

I've sworn by Lowa boots for years, they're not cheap by any stretch but bargains can be found on eBay etc occasionally, my current pair have lasted around 10 years of 6-8miles per day 365 (dog walking boots) in all weathers, they'll need re-soleing before this winter as they're looking rather slick but they're like slippers.

[ForgeCorvus]

BCH, I think most of them are already twenty years old already.
Even selected unissued are only about 25 quid a pair.

Never liked the Assault Boot anyway

BCH have been responsible for more knee problems than any other piece of footwear. The heel is slightly too high for proper leg alignment. I can't even wear them at the allotment.

Strange.... I've worn nearly nothing else for the past decade and a half and my knees are no more buggered then they were when I was twenty.
Perhaps I'm the freak they designed them for

Flashpan: Whos your source ?
I buy mine from http://www.endicotts.co.uk (Loads of other goodies on there too)

[raz]

I switched to Haix boots last year and i love em.. well made and showing barely any wear even tho they have been heavily used for over 12 months.. only downside is they aren't the cheapest but quality tends to cost that bit extra :/

[FlashPan]

Flashpan: Whos your source ?
I buy mine from http://www.endicotts.co.uk (Loads of other goodies on there too)

I managed to find a pair on ebay. I did also find a pair of brand new unused as well but was beaten to the punch on that. The pair I did get cost £20 (inc p&p). The heals were stated as and looked in great condition. The toes look a bit scuffed up but I'll give some tlc to that. These boots will not be an everyday or weekend wear. I'll have them packed away for the SHTF moment. So far though for the rare camping I mainly wear some Welco jungle boots.

I did trawl the webstores for the BCH but I do mainly live off ebay

If I can I'll post a pic of the boots once I get them and cleaned them up...I always find it strange that so many boots are sold with half a field still attached to the sole?

[Ivarr Bergmann]

I have a pair of Austrian Army mountain boots that I fully expect to last me the rest of my life. They come up small though so buy a larger size than normal, if you do decide to buy.

I second this. I have a set i have had since 2003 and worn all over Europe and Alaska. They were made in 1978 but still are going strong.. There are two version out there. A heavy and light weigh. I can only vouch for the heavy weight version. absolute best boot i ever wore.

My boots from a old blog post..



Heading to Dartmoom.. Im in the center wearing the boots...



Carpathians in Hungary..



Alaska..

[Smudge]

Hey all,

"Spolier Alert" Now that Funkyprepper dropped the bomb shell about the British Army Assault boots shelf life of approx 5 years before the soles crumble to dust, any recommendations on an alternative?

I have a few pairs of the assualt boots stashed and they are nearly 10 years old and have had little or no wear on them, so now I guess I cannot count on them when I need them.

Sadly as with most of us I cannot fork out pots sof cash but now am worried what to buy as a long term storage replacemnet.

I know people have always spoken highly of the German para boot and they seem easily available...but still the "shelf life" question is hanging over my head.

Cheers

If funkyprepper came in wringing wet and said it was raining I'd go outside and check

You say you have some stashed away, how have you had them stored?

Sealed with silica packets and stored out of direct sunlight?
Liberal application of polish and stored out of direct sunlight?
Chucked under the stairs?

I had a pair as part of my reservist kit, I wore them daily for about a year then they fell apart. They're a great boot out of the starting block as they required little or no breaking when compared to the Boots Combat High but longevity is not their strong point.

Honestly I'd break a pair out of storage and see how they fair if I was in your situation.

German Paraboots have a well deserved reputation but by god they're heavy
I've had Danner Pronghorns and they lasted really well, I've got Haix bought grade 1 used (shoulda maybe been grade 2) they're a good comfy boot, This year I've been trialing Karrimor Dales (budget water proof hiking boot) and I've been mightily impressed.

[Sparkyy]

I switched to Haix boots last year and i love em.. well made and showing barely any wear even tho they have been heavily used for over 12 months.. only downside is they aren't the cheapest but quality tends to cost that bit extra :/

I've been using Haix as my work boots the past 2 ish years and i can't praise them enough all day comfort and pretty much bomb proof

[featherstick]

Strange.... I've worn nearly nothing else for the past decade and a half and my knees are no more buggered then they were when I was twenty.
Perhaps I'm the freak they designed them for

I have 2 pairs of size ten if you want them.

[ForgeCorvus]

Strange.... I've worn nearly nothing else for the past decade and a half and my knees are no more buggered then they were when I was twenty.
Perhaps I'm the freak they designed them for

I have 2 pairs of size ten if you want them.

Thanks for the offer.... But I'm only an 8 (or if you want it in 'Stores', 264L )