Recommend footwear for job

[Pugs]

So, started a new career in bird control\wildlife management on airfields. Any recommendation on boots to be worn for 8 hrs in a vehicle with walks around on quite a boggy airfield, long grass etc. Have the usual walking boots but there is no give at the ankle which kills ya feet driving around, cant really change footwear either cause of op requirements and getting on the runways quickly. Wellies out for me to.

 

Cheers

Edited June 21, 2017 by Pugs

[bluesj]

Army surplus Iowa could weather boots, water proof , comfy

Pretty good support and insulated so toasty in the winter and no burnt feet when on hot tarmac in the summer

[Mice!]

I was going to say wellies or some sort of muck boot, sounds like you want something light weight but water proof??

 

I'll be watching for the replies you get.

[Pugs]

Aye lightweight with some 'give' at the ankle for driving

[ferguson_tom]

I dont wear boots everyday but have a pair of timberland walking/work boots which have lasted me over 5 years but do now need replacing. From the start they have been comfortable and i have worn them for full work days for a couple weeks on the trot before with no issues.

[dodeer]

What about some kind of rigger boot

[WinchesterDave]

Aye lightweight with some 'give' at the ankle for driving

When I joined the TA I was issued a pair of Altberg Defender boots. So when I joined the Special Constabulary I wanted the same but in black as they were incredibly comfortable. I rang Altberg to order some and they wouldn't sell me them because they weren't for MOD use? So they advised me on some specific police boots the 'Peacekeeper P1' model I think. They are truly the most comfortable 'work' boot I have ever worn! I'm using them on foot, and in vehicles a lot and they are fantastic.

 

I don't tend to be in boggy ground but from what you describe, it's a similar set up to what I do and I've never once had a problem with sore, uncomfortable feet.

 

Well worth a look.

 

Dave

 

Edit - they are incredibly light weight, also. With much softer leather around the ankle.

Edited June 21, 2017 by WinchesterDave

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Danner's, Lowa's, Meindle's or even Haix if not too much wet ground.

 

Which Airfields are you covering?

Edited June 21, 2017 by TIGHTCHOKE

[scotslad]

To be honest most boots with a goretext or sympatext lining should do u.

 

Any of ur top end shooting boots would be fine althou dear, worth it in my opinion if ur doing a lot of walking on rough ground but it doesn't sound like u would nee to spend just that much on them.

Shooting boots tend to be softer leather and more supple than 'hiking' boots

 

I was in JD sports the other night and was amazed the ammount of boots they had at cheap money lots only 30-50 quid, while i don't expect them to be up to much or last very long if ur out on the moors all day but i'm sure they would be fine for wot ur doing.

 

If ur in very wet condiotions for a lot of the time every day wellies really are the only answer, some wellies are actually quite comfortable nowadays and if u were those boot sox thingys it stops ur feet sweating and soaking ur socks, brilliant in the winter

[NorfolkAYA]

Lowa or Altberg

[arm3000gt]

I have worn a pair of Kynox mariner boots for almost 14 months and have now just about died. They were completely waterproof, toe and mid sole protection, worn everyday (8-12 hrs), driven everything from a fiesta to 10t telehandler in them. I hate having wet feet and in the winter I often spend hours standing in or walking through water. They were the only ones in the Arco catalogue that said water proof. I'm on the lookout for another pair but all I can find it the calf height ones. I would certainly recommend them if you can get a pair.

[figgy]

Only thing for your ankle movement and requirements is goretex country boots. Light waterproof and your ankles can move. Normal leather boots are to stiff, my Altbergs are just capable of letting me to drive.

[Uilleachan]

Most regular walking boots would do the job well, with or without a goretex liner. Modern walking boots don't really need breaking in provided you get a good fit. Drive or walk in them all day.

 

 

It doesn't sound like there's much walking to be done so perhaps a light fabric goretex lined boot would do it, but don't discount leather if looking at fabric boots as some are quite expensive and not as good as some of their lower cost leather counterparts.

[lewis88]

Altberg sneeker if they don't need to be massively water proof or altberg p1 aqua if they do. I wear altberg sneekers every day for approx 10-12 hours and I am constantly running across wet grass and mud, they have not let water in yet. They are also brilliant to drive it as the have so much movement at the ankle. I can literally do a bleep test and get the same result as running trainers in them. I've had mine a year and had magnums before that-no comparison in my eyes! If your wearing them a lot then spend a bit on them. look after your feet, they are handy to keep

Edited June 22, 2017 by lewis88

[lancer425]

You need a gortex boot in my opinion, many brands out there various prices, I have had a pair of vasque gortex boots about 5 years now wear them most of the time not falling apart inside or outside soles are a little stiff if i am critical but perfectly good to drive in, have enough ankle support for uneven ground and the leather ankle band stops any rubbing some thing i have had trouble with on other boots in the past.

If i were to criticizes these vasques two things , Laces stock were terrible cheap and the lace eyelets did rust quite quickly so you have to be vigilant then they are fine, and they could do to be a shade lighter perhaps.

i will look for some thing a little lighter next time.

[IEH]

Try these https://thedrybootcompany.com

 

Being rubber you might expect to sweat in them but I've not found this a problem. Sensible price too.

[Harnser]

Look at the Gordon brand of boots . They have something for everything . Very popular for the outdoor man in America . I have an eight inch pair of their hunter boots . Proberbly the best pair of boots I have owned . Water proof and very durable .

 

Harnser

[tonker]

If your not hill walking (very few hills on an airfield) and you also need ankle movement when driving then get a pair of waterproof walking shoes, with a vibram sole.

If the grass is wet and long you can still wear a pair of gaters! problem solved and the best of both worlds.

[rimfire4969]

Altberg +1

[Pugs]

Thanks guys for the input

[geordieh]

Altberg defender and you can get them new for £65 a pair

[3jackwhite3]

I've got the altberg defender but don't know if I've got a duff pair but I've had wet feet a few times and I use the recommended leder gris? The other boots I use are karrimor sf and I've never had wet feet and I have given them some abuse, these are gortex lined where as the altberg aren't, I've also got haix gtx boots but haven't used them yet but my brother does and he's never had wet feet either!

Edited June 29, 2017 by 3jackwhite3