I've been wearing a pair of Bates 5" Tactical sport boots for about 9 months now. They took 4 months to stop wearing blisters on my ankles, and now the soles are about worn through. If Bates could perfect these boots with either a shorter break in period, or a longer life after the break in, then I'd go buy another pair because they are extremely comfortable. I did try the taller size of these, with the zipside. They hurt my ankles just as much but I'm sure they'll break in eventually. That's my current back up pair for work.
I have been wearing these in my off time for over 5 years, same pair! I will probably go out and buy another pair just like them once they wear out, they are fantastic shoes.
-Asolo Cotopaxi (for mountain treks) -Lowa Renegade (for general treks) -Lowa Zephyr Tan/Black (everyday wear)
The go-to footwear for me Merrell Moab GTX Asolo Fugitivo GTX Lowa Combat GTX Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Excellent shoes, wether it's for urban or outdoor use. Very comfortable and solid, I have both pairs since 3 years and there is even not a scratch over it. The laces are in very good shape, it never ripped and I never had to replace them. Basically you can wear the shoes whatever the season, of course in summer you'll have a bit of sweat after a long day and in winter you could need specific socks (I personnally never felt cold in them), but even in hard rain your feet will stay mostly dry (I use a special Goretex spray for re-waterproofing every year). Another good point is that they are absolutely light despite their solidity. It's good for your health at first, but it also allows you activities that other trekking shoes make difficult, such as driving. I have to say that I wore them neary everyday, in civilian and military activities, urban and outdoor, forest and beach: I'm fond of it PS: if you want to protect your ankles in paragliding or freefalling, those footwear are also the best: the laces pass in buckles all the way, not brackets, which means no risk to trap a rigging line and giving you a jump-compatible boot !
I am a minimalist shoe guy. I own 3 pairs of Vivobarefoot, including a pair of dress shoes for work, 2 pairs of Vibram Fivefingers, 2 pairs of Korean Tesla branded shoes from amazon, and a pair of Belleville mini-mil combat boots. I really wish I could find a good pair of insulated waterproof boots. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
How do you like the Telsa brand stuff? I've looked at it a few times but haven't been convinced to pull the trigger. Check out Soft Star Shoes they are better than vivobarefoot (IMHO). For boots check out Russell Moccasin they make custom stalking boots with vibram soles. I think you can reasonably interpret that they would be as barefoot as most of the commercially available barefoot shoes. They are a bit spendy and there is a considerable wait time but I would expect they would be one of the last pair of boots you buy.
The Tesla's do not have a wide toe box like the Vivobarefoot shoes. But, sometimes you don't want the clown shoe look, you know? Quality wise, both pair I own have held up nicely. The soles are very flexible and there has been minimal sole separation from the body of the shoe. Well worth the $25 I paid for them. I don't really like the looks of the soft star shoes. They look too much like slippers for me. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
I decided a couple of weeks ago that my fall/winter Irish Setter boots were both too hot and too heavy. I want them out of my house with a suitable replacement. Last year I loved them. What was I thinking? I like the Wolverine thousand miles whatever boots, but not the several hundred dollar price. If I scuffed them I'd have a cow.
I have some Birkenstocks that I really love. They are getting very worn out, but I think they have been discontinued. I have checked all over, including ebay and Amazon and can't find them anymore. I am very sad. I'm gonna have to try and find some new type of Birkis to wear now.
I have a pair of the Merrell Moab Ventilators and the Moab FSTs. The FSTs are almost a trail runner whereas the regular Moab has a stiffer sole.
Rockport World Tours or Eurekas with Spenco rigid insoles. Nice enough for the office, but a true walking shoe for pounding pavement.
