Black boots recommendations?

[thescot]

You can always go to an Army/Navy surplice store and find a good pair of combat boots. They're not pretty, but they're black and functional, and they do come in widths (if you are willing to look really hard for narrows like I wear). Also, they'll shine up kind of dressy of rough up kind of . . .un-dressy.

They're not exacty cheap, but compared to name brand stuff, they're a steal. And they'll last forever.

[mkmound]

You can always go to an Army/Navy surplice store and find a good pair of combat boots. They're not pretty, but they're black and functional, and they do come in widths (if you are willing to look really hard for narrows like I wear). Also, they'll shine up kind of dressy of rough up kind of . . .un-dressy.

They're not exacty cheap, but compared to name brand stuff, they're a steal. And they'll last forever.

Second this . . . although you may find a good deal on sale. Couple of weeks ago, I found a pair of Viet Nam jungle-style boots (mesh uppers) for around $22!! They're a little wide, since I have narrow feet, but I plan on putting a pair of the gel insoles in them to take up the width and add cushion. (If you wear a half-size, you could also use the same approach in getting the larger size and using insoles, plus maybe thick socks, to take up the difference.)

[thescot]

[QUOTE=mkmound;426584]Second this . . . although you may find a good deal on sale. Couple of weeks ago, I found a pair of Viet Nam jungle-style boots (mesh uppers) for around $22!! They're a little wide, since I have narrow feet, but I plan on putting a pair of the gel insoles in them to take up the width and add cushion. . . .QUOTE]

I feel your pain. But you can get those really great jungle boots (like we used to wear in the "old Corps") in narrow widths if you look hard. I have a pair of 14 N, and they are great to wear for anything once they're broken in .

[haukehaien]

Corcoran jump boots.

And if you like them, you can also get them in brown ...

[Rex_Tremende]

Corcoran jump boots

Oh, gosh. Those are nice! I will have to get a pair or two, now. Thanks a lot.

Sometimes, depending on the look I'm going for, I wear these:

Otherwise, it's just ordinary black hiking/work boots (from Timberland, maybe?).

Regards,
Rex.

[James MacMillan]

Just a dumb Marine asking this question, but why is it necessary to have laces, buckle and strap AND a zipper?

[ccga3359]

Just a dumb Marine asking this question, but why is it necessary to have laces, buckle and strap AND a zipper?

I have a pair of tactical boots though they don't have the strap and buckle they have laces and side zips. So as best as I can figure, the laces are to get the proper fit, once there boots are doned and doffed using side zips. I assuming (and after major exertion playing paintball) the strap looks well positioned to take the strain off of the zip. I've had a zipper blow out on me twice during running and jumping. These are jump boots so will be stressed to even greater levels. they may seem superfluous having all this harware on boots but I see it as evolving. And damn I need some of those to match all the buckles of my leather RKilt.

[turpin]

Just a dumb Marine asking this question, but why is it necessary to have laces, buckle and strap AND a zipper?

Because he doesn't want his boots to fall off, Duh!

I picked up a pair of black leather NATO combat boots for $8 in a thrift store. Practically new, 10.5 R (I'm a US 11.5 N). Same size I wore in the Army. Fit like a glove! I would like a slightly lower pair of boots, though. Narrow feet are a curse.

[Rex_Tremende]

Just a dumb Marine asking this question, but why is it necessary to have laces, buckle and strap AND a zipper?

I thought it was to teach me how to tie, buckle, zip, and snap. I call them my Fisher-Price Do-And-Learn Action Boots.

Actually, I had a visceral reaction to trying them on, so I had to buy them.

Regards,
Rex.

[cacunn]

Just a dumb Marine asking this question, but why is it necessary to have laces, buckle and strap AND a zipper?

These are jump boots - anyone who willingly jumps out of a perfectly good airplane needs all the help they can get.