Combat/doc marten style boot suggestions?

Submitted by a11y__cat t3_11dxe0e in BuyItForLife

I know there are a few threads asking about specific brands of these boots, but I haven’t seen a general one. I’m tired of buying expensive combat-style “fashion” boots that have no tread and fall apart in less than a year. I’m looking for suggestions on long lasting and we’ll traction combat boots (in the more slim “fashion” boot style, traditional/actual combat boots, and/or chunkier doc martens style.) I’ve looked into doc martens and solovairs so far but the traction won’t cut it in a town that’s icy for a third of the year. 😢 I’m open to army surplus if anyone has suggestions on how to actually find things there (I haven’t had luck so far.) I’m not super worried about price (especially as it’ll save me a $100-$120 yearly purchase & constant materials waste.)

Feel free to drop suggestions in this style that don’t fit exactly what I described as maybe it’ll be helpful to someone who lives in a less dramatic climate. 😊

Thanks!

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Comments

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Paper_Hedgehog t1_jabfiwg wrote

r/goodyearwelt has reviewed just about every pair of boots and shoes on the market. Also Rose Anvil on youtube does very in depth honest and detailed reviews.

I have a set of Iron Rangers that are 2 years old and look just as good as when they were new. I have a set of Nicks boots ordered because the soles on my Iron rangers are too worn down for the snow, but they will now be my "summer boot" Nicks are bulletproof.

Mine probably aren't the style you're looking for, but something on goodyearwelt will tickle your fancy.

Just get ready to drop a good $300. There are some solid options for a bit less than that, but 300-450 is a bulk of the market, 600-700 are the bulletproof boots designed to survive wildland firefighters, 800 and up are bespoke collectors handmade with flawless materials and craftsmanship.

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a11y__cat OP t1_jabhra9 wrote

Awesome! I’ll check this out. I’ve been replacing these dumb low quality boots every year for the past 12 years, I’d be happy to buy one expensive pair of boots and stick to them. (And I’m a wear it until the sole literally falls off type of person 😬)

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Lou_C_Fer t1_jabm82m wrote

Get a good pair and then you can just have them resoled.

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leadfoot70 t1_jabhae6 wrote

I have some Allen Edmonds that fit the bill. They are expensive though. Higgins Mill Hiker Boot. Their website has pretty good sales now too.

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-LazarusLong- t1_jactqb5 wrote

Allen Edmonds are not a good brand anymore. They look good but their QC is absolute trash. I sent back three pairs of their shoes.

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Efficient_Raise3504 t1_jabfc73 wrote

Thursdays! Love LOVE the boots. 10-20% pricier than Docs but we’ll worth jt

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hagcel t1_jablv36 wrote

My Danners are 12 years old. Having a good cobbler helps.

Can also second the recommendation for Allen Edmonds, longest lasting dress shoes I've ever owned.

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zombienudist t1_jacgss9 wrote

Army surplus is hard because you need to figure out your location and sizing in order to buy. I have done a post here about them so you can check that. So in my case I know my sizing in a specific kind of Canadian boots that I can get here but you wouldn't likely be able to get them easily in another country.

But if money was no object I would get something like this myself.

https://williamlennon.co.uk/shop/mark-v-canadian-combat-replica-boot/

Traditionally made, by a traditional maker. Can be fully repaired. Something like that should last years of daily wear and then you can resole it and keep wearing them. But there are many options like this depending on where you are and the specific style you want.

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a11y__cat OP t1_jadffwp wrote

Ooooo those boots tho 👀I hadn’t thought of looking directly at boot makers!

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F-21 t1_jabkg7s wrote

Check out Jim Green AR8 :)

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Picnut t1_jaduzwg wrote

I had a pair of Mephisto boots that lasted me almost 10 years of constant wear. Loved them! I wore them hiking and slipped in a stream, and punctured the side. Had I understood then, that I could have taken them in for repairs, I’m sure they still would be great now. My second favorite pair was from REI, Obōz, and they have lasted 4 years now, with almost daily wear.

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