What To Replace British Army Assualt Boots With?

[QUAID]

Yeah ive tried most of these boots and there's a reason we dont use these any more..... theyre SHITE.

DMS - Shock absorbancy was next to zero and promoted injuries such as bruised heel - Toe cap wasn't subtle enough - Insole insulation and ventilation we zero - Made a great parade boot though.

BCH - As per DMS for shock absorbancy but with added shin splint injury.

PRO - A huge advancement but the soles deteriorated and wore down fairly quickly, ergonomics were basic. They were initially nicknamed the 'go faster boot'.

Matterhorn boots - Heavy and warm, but were only good for static operations, they made your feet sweat intensely.

Danner boots - half leather - These were the 'ones to have' after the word spread that the sas were issued them. Very good boot and would get another pair.

Since then most of the boots the army were issued are great and very functional (a lot of procurement time and effort is spent on R&D (shame most of the Operational Requirements go to the cheapest bidder)).

HIAX / Lowe / Altbergs you cant go wrong with. Most of our lads used to buy their own civvie walking boots.

[Briggs 2.0]

Great thread and good information as usual. I'm considering getting a pair of the Haix MOD issue boots to replace my ageing Lowa GTX. The Lowas have been great as an all round outdoor boot, the only issue I have is the leather tongue squeaks no matter what dressing/polish/dubbing I put on it. Any suggestions?

What are the Haix like? I wouldn't be using them to hike long distances, they would be used for my woodland work where they would be constantly wet and getting scuffed by thorns and the like.

[QUAID]

Haix are a good functional boot that are comfortable in urban and rural terrain, as well as coping well with long distances, but as with all boots - your feet and the boot have to be broken in well.

I have a pair and got them Grade 1 used from an army surplus store for £30 - If your getting a used pair just hope that the Elephant man didnt have them before you. But for £30 - £60 its deffo worth a gamble.

[DustyDog]

The old style BCH, were also know as "Boots cardboard horrible" used them when i was in the TA, painful, anyway have just bought a pair of Altzberg defender boots from eBay, not cheap but as Raz said "quality tends to cost that bit extra" and doing a fair bit of internet research they have a really good review, will let you all know when I've had them for a while.

[surreyprepper]

Can't recommend a pair of lowas highly enough. Excellent pair of boots

[Maver1ck]

Although I agree with the members on here about funky prepper he has done you a favour as they are terrible!

Wore them for basic and never since you would be better off with a pair of flip flops!

I've wore Altberg boots for the past 6 years and they've lived up to whatever the job has thrown at me! True not cheap but when it comes to boots I am a big believer it's a true case of you get what you pay for!

As for the new issued Haix boot not a fan, had a pair issued couldn't get away with them but like I said long time Altberg wearer!

[DustyDog]

Have had my Altzberg defenders now for a few weeks, my impressions??? Fantastic, very comfortable, seem very well made, come with spacers so you can adjust the fit, even instructions on how to correctly lace them, now that is attention to detail.

Overall i know you pay a bit more but as another prepper has said you get what you pay or and it is true, pay a bit more to get the excellent quaility of these Altzbergs.

[preparedsurrey]

I have a pair of Altberg motorcycle boots, they are great, comfy from the beginning too.

[Captain Darling]

Salomon 4D GTX, those or AKU Pilgrim Desert or GTX.

Short/light ankle boots, goretex lined (not the desert). All the pros of fabric boots, none of the cons of leather (no polishing!) Jobs a done one.

[Stasher]

OK, I may be way off track here. BUT, for fifteen years I wore a pair of boots made by these people virtually every weekend and they were incredibly comfy and waterproof (I gave them a good going over regularly). This may not be the look you're going for and I know it's a big initial investment but they were the best value for money I've ever had in the boot department (once they'd been broken in)
http://www.church-footwear.com/uk/en/co ... ry/country