Combat Boots, cont.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by kert

here's the basic combat boot. preferred due to the nylon upper so it can breathe.
are those boots worth a ****? im looking for something cheap to trample around in until i get some quality chelseas that will hopefully last a lifetime.

 

[Analog]

Arethusa, can you tell us what the shape of the toe is like on the Socialist/Anarchist? Does it taper, or is it a fairly broad/rounded toe?

Thanks

 

[Tokyo Slim]

Originally Posted by ironman

are those boots worth a ****? im looking for something cheap to trample around in until i get some quality chelseas that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Just a standard vietnam (I.E. designed in the 60's) Jungle boot. The "waffle" at the bottom will get loose dirt and twigs/rocks stuck in it, so you gotta scrape it with a stick occasionally, but they will last a long time. They might not be the most comfortable thing you've ever worn, so you might want to get an insole, or you might want to consider getting one of the updated model with the "ripple" sole instead of the waffle. They are quite a bit more comfortable, and you don't have to carry around a waffle scraper. They are a little funny looking, but no more so than the waffle. I've had pairs that with daily use, lasted 4 or 5 years. Not bad for a $30 boot from surplus. Also you can peruse Brigade Quartermaster online for more boots.

 

[Arethusa]

Originally Posted by Analog

Arethusa, can you tell us what the shape of the toe is like on the Socialist/Anarchist? Does it taper, or is it a fairly broad/rounded toe?

Thanks
Slight taper, but only just. Zappos only has the distressed leather Anarchists, which I don't like, but they do show the toe shape clearly.

 

[Analog]

Aha! Thanks Arethusa - didn't realize Zappos carried them. I too prefer the non-distressed upper, and the lower Socialist model.

 

[Arethusa]

The Socialists only seem to be available on the Medium site, as far as I can tell. They only come in the original, non-distressed leathers.

I generally hate when people do this, but what the hell. If you happen to be a size 9 (or maybe a narrow width 9.5) and want the black Socialists, I have a pair that I need to post to sell (along with a bunch of other stuff). If you're interested, send me a pm. If not, that's fine too.

 

[Analog]

Thanks but that would be too large for me - I actually need a 7/7.5 but looks like the smallest they (Medium) come is 8 anyway

 

[Arethusa]

Hey, no problem. If they wouldn't fit, they wouldn't fit. You can at least probably manage an 8 with insoles. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like you're likely to find a pair of the Anarchists or Socialists in an 8. They're all sold out in the size on the Medium site, and I don't know of any online retailers that carry them. You can try watching eBay, but that's not reliable, obviously. Zappos and the Medium site do have them in 8 in the distressed leathers, though I can definitely understand if you have no interest in those. I don't think I would.

 

[braidkid]

What do you think of these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Rare-MARSELL...QQcmdZViewItem

I rather like them. Anyone heard of this brand before?

 

[Analog]

Hey, those aren't bad. I've heard of Marsèll but can't say I know anything about their quality etc.

 

[Arethusa]

Personally, I think they look pretty silly, but I'll openly admit a preference for functional combat boots. Don't know anything about the brand, though.

 

[Analog]

These are the kind of footwear I like to look at and see worn by others, but I wouldn't wear myself :]

 

[ironman]

thanks for that info, Tokyo Slim, its greatly appreciated. could you tell me if these are the type of boots your talking about getting 4-5 years comfortable use from? they look a good deal better than the jungle model, similar to some doc martens i had as a kid.
then i also foundthese at the site you posted, looks like its a newer version with enhanced specs? big price increase though, and i doubt the quality justifies it? should i stick with the ebay knock offs?

 

[Brian SD]

Originally Posted by braidkid

What do you think of these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Rare-MARSELL...QQcmdZViewItem

I rather like them. Anyone heard of this brand before?

I'm a fan myself. I wouldn't pay that price, maybe $100 or so. The toe is a bit rounded and points up... not always a fan of that.