I had a pair of magnums a few years back, just used to wear them round the vehicle park in summer and for running. They were also great when i had minor operations on both feet and was told to wear trainers in uniform. I didnt fancy standing out from the crowd as one of the sick lame and lazy so got permission of the SSM to wear them full time until id healed.
But for all other stuff they were generally crap as there was no support and they werent waterproof.
I never had any problems with the issue leather and they served me well in all sorts of environments.

Having been out a number of years now and currently 'walting it' as a cadet instructor, the magnums once again suit requirements fairly well due to me not wearing Assault Boots full time and so not breaking them in quickly.

Anyone got any views on the new lowa elite desert boot? Any good?

Originally Posted by daywalker

Anyone got any views on the new lowa elite desert boot? Any good?

Daywalker

Check out the PECOC thread - there's a pic of some of the kit they are trailing..........you might be surprised.

Chav

I've been issued the Pro-Boots and can't fault them. As far as I'm concerned they're excellent, and required no break-in time.

I don't wear issue socks because they're essentially plastic, I flashed a bit of cash and bought some of those thousand-mile socks, the thinner ones. Save my feet loads of bother, used to suffer badly with hotspots/blisters and I can't remember the last time I've had a problem now.
Also usually get some better footbed inserts.

There's no point "manning up" and suffering, you rely on your feet in this job, and anything that can make life more comfortable is well worth it.

The answer is there is no best boot only best boots. Everyone is different, has different needs,feet, expectations and aspirations and undertakes a different role. The question cannot be answered by anyone for your individual basis. This is one you will have to find out for yourself by trial and error. Anyone who does give you an answer will base it on their individual experience.

But the only advice I can give you is no-one man has the same feet as the next man.

Did a CFT today in my new Lowa Urban Mil's. Unquestionably the best boot i've ever used for tabbing - plenty of support, nice and light, comfy. As the post above says though, it's a case of finding what works for you.

personally i like the alt berg patrol all weather, they are very light so are good for tabbing etc even though they are waterproof/breathable. they also keep your feet warm on exercise! which is always a bonus!

well thats my 2 pence worth

I've had a pair of Lowas combats (GTX) for about three or four years, they need replacing. I'm not that eager to get the same ones, as I find them very bulky, heavy, and they take an age to dry out. So I'm looking into Altbergs, as everybody seems to think alot of them. However my brother in the OTC swears by his Han-Wags, and highly recomends them.
So, Altberg vs Hanwag?

And also, has anybody had any experience of these?
http://www.polimil.co.uk/acatalog/Lo...ck_Boot__.html
I like the fact they seem very breathable, light, and it say's they dry out quickly, but if they're not waterproof, they'd be as much use as tits on fish.

Edit*
To add another turd into the equation, I'm obviously not made of money, however, is it worth investing in some very lightweight boots, for use in barracks, runs, tabs (perhaps), etc. Eg, those weird Addidas jump boots etc?
Cheers.

i have to agree with most of the posts on here Altbergs are the way ahead, have had mine for 5 years now and have never owned a more comfortable boot.
readysalted- to answer your question i think those addidas boots you mentioned are a copy of the german gsg9 boot and 'BATES' the boot maker, do make a copy.i should know as i owned a pair for about 5 mins before i binned them as they were uncomfortable and made my feet sweat something awful.
with running the risk of being slated i would suggest a normal pair of magnums for in house/barracks as their cheap and relatively comfortable.

magnums are fine for mincing about in and waterproof spent Saturday mostly in a swamp running an obstacle course.
crap for anything that needs a boot though