Black boots recommendations?

[CactusJack]

If you are looking for a little more cost effective option, might I suggest something from HiTec's Magnum line of boots. They are mainly service boots so the soles are not quite as aggressive looking, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your perspective, but they are very durable, comfortable, and tend to be a much better value than many of the big name companies. I've been hooked on HiTec shoes since the early '80s and have never been disappointed with any of my purchases.

I have a pair of these that I have had for almost 15 years and are still in good shape, I just give them a polish once in a while. They have served me well.

[Bill Jenkins]

Okay, mostly I'm a brown leather guy, but for some kilts, I've got to accessorize with black and need some boots. I tried Doc Martens, and while they fit me for shoes and sandals, they didn't for boots (and they only come in whole sizes, though they're starting to do half sizes, the rep on the phone told me). What do you all wear in a black boot?

Boots ???? Kilts should be worn with brogues and preferably covered with white spats (gaiters) but wear what suits you. I have worn white ceremonial spats with uniform for years without knowing their origin until I was walking across 12 miles of rough country in Greece. I found that the spats stopped the thorns from ripping my hose to bits. Of course on more formal occasions the spats prevent the dandruff from showing on your shoes .....

[12stones]

I've seen some pretty cool Harley Davidson boots...they'd be pretty neat with a kilt!

I've got a pair of these that will most likely be my casual wear most of the time.

[Chef]

Boots ???? Kilts should be worn with brogues and preferably covered with white spats (gaiters) but wear what suits you. I have worn white ceremonial spats with uniform for years without knowing their origin until I was walking across 12 miles of rough country in Greece. I found that the spats stopped the thorns from ripping my hose to bits. Of course on more formal occasions the spats prevent the dandruff from showing on your shoes .....

Bill!

You go hiking in brogues? Boots with a kilt can work quite well.

Why would you be walking 12 miles in rough terrain in a dress uniform? Just curious. Besides it was my understanding that the protection you are talking about(as well as keeping dirt out of your boots) was accomplished with puttees not spats. As far as I know, spats have always been for dress wear.

[Nervous Jock]

As far as I know, spats have always been for dress wear.

Nah, we painted half the globe red wearing spats

[Daaaaang]

I am thinking of getting some of the tall boots. How do you wear hose with them? With short boots, you could keep them up, or scrunch them down, but with tall boots it seems like both would look weird. What do you guys do?

Thanks,
Matt!

[McFarkus]

Boots tend more towards the casual so I think most folks wear the hose scrunched down, but either is OK.

[Chef]

I am thinking of getting some of the tall boots. How do you wear hose with them? With short boots, you could keep them up, or scrunch them down, but with tall boots it seems like both would look weird. What do you guys do?

Thanks,
Matt!

Matt

I personally don't like tall boots with the kilt. I tried wearing my Corcorans with my kilt but it just didn't work. I'm not sure exactly why, the proportions just looked wrong.

[GTRMAN]

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.

I prefer SWAT-style tactical boots.. VERY comfortable..