Military grade OK?

[Shiv]

Would you think military grade combat boots would be good for cycling?

I know they make specially made boots for it but it's $100 vs $20.


Problem is that I'm not sure the $100 is advanced technology (that's what they claim at least), or just profit cushion.

Has anyone ever been in a wreck with military grade combat boots on?

[ronboskz650sr]

They are plenty tough, if you mean the leather, not the summer lightweight nylon types..although those are pretty tough, too. Just not sure about those in the abrasion resistance department. The leather ones are fine. I wear winter weight aviation boots year round..they are even thicker leather. Haven't crashed, so i don't know the answer to that one...But i feel safe in mine.

[Sev]

I crashed in a pair of $30 Wal-Mart steel toes and they held up fine. No damage to my feets, and they're in pretty much perfect condition, just one little tear on the toe of my left boot.

[Shiv]

Excellent.

I just didn't see the point in paying $100+ for a pair of boots that make me look like a power ranger when I could grab a pair around town one day and have them look like normal boots.

[Mintbread]

Why not go out and buy a dress leather jacket, gardening gloves and an NFL helmet to complete the look?
Proper riding boots serve a purpose as do all the other motorcycle specific safety gear, so don't underestimate their value in a crash.

[Mustang]

Why not go out and buy a dress leather jacket, gardening gloves and an NFL helmet to complete the look?
Proper riding boots serve a purpose as do all the other motorcycle specific safety gear, so don't underestimate their value in a crash.

I know they went over every piece of riding gear on the MSF course and explained how specifically designed stuff was better than there everyday counterparts.

In the case of the boots, the manufacturing was more heavy duty and the soles designed to keep traction on oily streets.

However, I have seen various people write that they only ever use leather military boots from Army surplus stores and are quite happy with them.

But what do I know about protective gear, I ride a Harley

[ronboskz650sr]

The military boots are fine. They are heavy leather, not dress shoe leather. They have great ankle support, too, as they are (at least mine are) designed to protect your ankles in a parachute landing fall (PLF). I had a chute fold up well before landing due to a surface microburst, during training. I did my PLF, and was completely uninjured. They also are oil resistant on the soles if you get aviator or jump boots. I suspect combat boots are too. Value is value, and "the Look" is okay, too. I have never seen anyone stare at my feet when I'm riding or walking around in my jacket, Icon jeans and military boots. Black is basic...goes with everything. If you get camo boots, you're on your own.

[scan]

I just bought my second pair of Danner boots this week. Just shy of $200. The previous pair lasted me 3 years. I've never had a more comfortable pair of shoes. I've worn them for hiking, working, and riding and they show only moderate wear and tear. The bottoms are noticably missing tread now, so I decided to get a new pair, but the old pair will remain around for the real dirty work. If anyone is interested, the boot is called Acadia. It is waterproof, breathable, and will keep your feet warm with some good socks - plus I never felt like my feet have been too hot in the summer. I know that $200 is no bargain for footwear, but I've never made boots (or shoes) last this long. I'm pretty hard on footwear, so I am truly impressed with my boots, and they don't just have to be for motorcycling.

[ronboskz650sr]

The boots I currently wear were issued to me in 1984. They have several hundred flight hours, and several days of survival training on them. I wore them daily around the squadron during the winter months for several years. I put them on the shelf in 1996, and dug them back out last september. Military boots will work fine...otherwise, you get what you pay for, like scan said. If I had a source for $20 military boots, I'd get a new pair for whenever these finally wear out (probably never, since I only ride in them now)

[9000white]

does the military make a nice pair of sandals???