Looking for recommendations: Tactical Boots

[Justin]

Going to report to Q on 4/26 and learned today that I need to acquire and break in a set of tactical boots (leather or leather and mesh) prior to reporting.

Can anyone offer any recommendations on brands/models that I should consider?

On a side note, does anyone know of any good LE suppliers in Phoenix where I might actually be able to try a few pairs on?

As usual, any input is appreciated!

-Justin

[jammer294]

In my opinion, I would purchase the Oakley Special Forces Assault boot, very comfortable and has held up well thus far. List price is $225-$250, however if you call Oakley direct you can get a LE price of $125.
As for stores around Phoenix, check out Arizona Tactical, West or East Valley Uniform, Sportsmans Warehouse, or any military surplus store. I would call ahead to see if they have the brand you are looking for. If you want to try on the Oakley boot, you will have to locate a dealer...its on their website.

Good Luck at the Q

[Rooster5150]

I believe that the Danner Acadia boot is the best around. Here is why. My first day in the field at the US Border Patrol, I spent about 10 hours chasing a group of aliens with an old timer who was trying to see what I was made of.

I was about a year out of the Army so my feet were still hard. I was wearing jungle boots but the terrain was very rocky and we were climbing up steep mountains and etc. My feet were so torn up I could barely walk the next day. I noticed what the other agent was wearing and bought a pair the next day. I wore them on my sore feet because I knew the next day could be more of the same. That day wasn't half as bad but to my suprise I didn't feel any pain at all! I didn't have to break them in either. I have never had to break in a pair. They took one hell of a beatin' and they last 2 years. I tried various other boots over the next 5 years like Rocky's, and Hi-tec but nothing was as comfortable or as durable or had the same traction when wet as those Danners. I could wear them when it was hot or cold it didn't matter I didn't feel a thing.

Now as an 1811, I still wear them when we do warrants and such. I can always tell who the ex BP dudes are by who is wearing what. Ex PA's know how to take care of their feet.

my 2 cents

[universible]

I've been living in my Oakley SI's...if you need less "sneaker" and more boot...Danner is what I'd get.

Ted

[sigy]

Pretty much any Danner will work for me. Quite the comfy boots. :)

[k9cop21811]

In ATF we're issued the Danner Acadia's. They are a very sturdy and comfortable boot. Very easy on your feet from the first time you put them on too, as Rooster mentioned.

You have to buy your own boots for Quantico (FBI, DEA?)? That seems kind of chincy.

[BuMan]

Many agencies are prohibited for purchasing clothing for employees unless they are part of a specific, approved uniform (for example, the uniformed FBI Police officers). In the Department of Justice, for example, specific uniforms have to be approved at the AG level, or the clothing purchases are prohibited. Since FBI agents don't have a specific uniform, that means purchasing their own set of training clothing when they enter the Academy and most of their clothing throughout their career.

To give an example of how ridiculous it can get, at the Olympic Games in SLC in 2002, FBI personnel who were issued (by SLOC) the Marker jackets were required to turn them in at the end of the games. Some of the local agencies involved on the police side of things accepted the jackets and pants back, issued a receipt, and then turned around and handed the items back to the person turning it in, since they had no further use for them.

Boots are another one of those topics. Generally, within the FBI, at least, the only boots the government buys are steel-toed safety boots off the GSA contract. Purchasing anything else with government funds is cause for an OPR investigation.

[k9cop21811]

I guess the blue BDU's we're issued for enforcement ops. are our "uniform." I don't see what an approved uniform policy has to do with outfitting your employees with the gear they need, but if what you say is true, BuMan, I can't say it would surprise me.

[universible]

Isn't the ATF in the DOJ now? So how does that work?

Yeah, I noticed the cool uniforms the ATF folks get...they mock us every day in the dining hall...they're also making us look bad in PT...2 or 3 of them puked on a run today...none of us did, so I guess we weren't working hard enough :wink:

[k9cop21811]

Isn't the ATF in the DOJ now? So how does that work?

Yes, shhhhh.

[will2335]

I am a Hitech fan myself I have been wearing them for years. I just recently purchased a new pair when I started the academy and I have been polishing them everyday for 2 months so they look like glass. Hitechs will take a while to get a nice shine so keep that in mind.

[MTB_Patrol]

Last week I picked up a pair of Bates Enforcer-2 at the Navy Exchange for $59.00, figured they might be alright... They seem popular on the department and the local uniform shops (Shapiro's and Command) wanted $120 for them.

I spent a night in them working the madness we call "Memphis In May" they got soaked through in the pouring rain, the next morning I went out to the base and bought a second pair because I could not bear the though of puttin my old pair back on while I waited for the Enforcers to dry out.

I am absolutely delighted with them, and my next drill weekend I'm picking up a third pair. At that price I can afford to... Some days, when it's raining sideways and I'm working wrecks, I can easily soak though two pairs of boots in a shift.

Bates Enforcer-2, try them!

[Reservoir Dog]

I spent a night in them working the madness we call "Memphis In May".....
Don't you mean "Memphis In Mud." :rolleyes: :D

[MTB_Patrol]

Don't you mean "Memphis In Mud." :rolleyes: :D

Indeed (see attachment )

and I _just_ polished them too!!!! ;)

[Celtic Warrior]

I love my Danner Strykers (I believe thats the model anyway?) They're Gore Tex lined (and have been very waterproof to date even when fully submerged) Super comfortable from day one...no real break in required.
They're quick on/off since they have a zipper on the side. They were well worth the $160.00 paid!!! :D