Favorite boots - Page 8

Masochist · 10-31-2010, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500 Proof

Does anyone use the ''Nike SFB''?

Jim,

I haven't personally worn them (short of trying them on in the store and walking around for a few minutes), but I recently came from the US Army Infantry School and a good number of LTs were trying them out. The general consensus was that they were very comfortable for garrison wear, good for rucking if it was under 6-8 miles and on a hard/flat surface, but tended to fall apart if you tried using them for anything strenuous in the woods such as long rucks or climbing. In addition, they offered very little support ("squishy" was a term I heard used more than once) and those with prior foot/ankle problems ended up with additional foot/ankle problems if they used them out of garrison. I was not impressed by the lack of ankle support in my brief try-out, however YMMV.

Depending on what you're using them for, a comparable boot in the same price range that is much more durable/stable is the Oakley SI Assault. I've had a few pairs (8") and they've kept my feet happy in non-mountainous terrain. Keep in mind that there are two similar styles out there: the one offered at places like Ranger Joe's or Commando (Ft. Benning, GA area) and those that come from Oakley Government Sales. The latter are usually cheaper by about $40, are much more durable and provide better Achilles and ankle support.

dualforces · 11-01-2010, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500 Proof

Does anyone use the ''Nike SFB''?

I just ordered a pair of the NIKE SFB Pendleton for shit's and grins.

I had to have them sent from a friend in JP.

I used to work for NIKE, so I'm skeptical on the SFB. Esp. the FREE-inspired mid sole. However, from a design standpoint, they make sense.

I will give you an update, as I am rucking quite a bit these days...
Best,
R.

lksteve · 11-02-2010, 07:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadMuther

Ever wear those boots? They seemed way too heavy to do any rucking in.

Rucked in them a lot...in Alaska, for two years as an Infantry company commander, in Bad Toelz and Fort Devens for five years...you don't NEED a light, fancy, high speed boot to ruck in...the Chips are nearly indestructible...that said, I've worn out two pairs...the pair I have now I use for riding my Harley in cold weather...

Koa18B · 11-25-2010, 21:34

Bates Falcon's were good back before going to tan 24/7. I saw those Nike's online and am a bit skeptical over a brand like that trying to trust my feet in there "technology"

I do second that old jungles with waffle sole or ripples have always done me well on rucks.

500 Proof · 11-26-2010, 23:29

Thanks for the reviews guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dualforces

I just ordered a pair of the NIKE SFB Pendleton for shit's and grins.

How have they been working out for you?

mils · 11-30-2010, 18:58

From my experience:

The Nikes make for nice assault boots. Cut down to a 6" and a rigger resew the top. Great for the city, but thats about it.

On terrain, Nikes with internal or external ankle braces are fine, but in combat, I wouldn't rely on something like that.

Rocky's are the best acceptable uniform product I've worn. On both deployment and schools, they've never let me down. Having the sole stitched makes a huge difference in the quality and longevity of the boot. Aside from that, I'll wear these over most hiking boots in the $160 msrp price range--namely Merrel Sawtooths.

With that being said, you can find Raichle and higher end Asolo boots for reasonable prices online, sub $300--just be careful to try them on in store, etc.

My Garmont "6 Goretex 3 season boots are fine for most terrain on a good day, they give me a good amount of support, and have lasted through some punishment.

Rocks and inclines will eat the your entire boot alive over time. Plan accordingly.

EverlACEting · 05-09-2011, 18:07

I recently completed Ranger School and I used the NIKE SFB boots during RAP week and in Florida Phase because they were light and they dried fast. They held up to 12 mile road marches and swamp movements. The boots also did well on the rolling hills of Camp Darby. Now when I moved to Mountains I used the Nikes for all of 12 seconds before I switched to my Rocky SV2's. Hope this helps

05-09-2011, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by EverlACEting

I recently completed Ranger School....

Congrats. What's next?

EverlACEting · 05-10-2011, 06:23

Currently a cinnamon roll followed by some coffee (just kidding... sort of). I may try my hand at Special Forces but my year group may have passed. We shall see. I would like to personally thank all the moderators and members of this site that motivated me in the months leading up to Ranger School and for your continued service and sacrifice

RLTW

Stylo · 05-20-2011, 01:40

I have a pair of the Nike SFB's and they are really snug and aggravate my x3 broken knobby pinky toe, but ... I used them on 20 mile round trip hiking day trips up into the mountains (foot hills) in Washington state while visiting relatives and never got a blister and barely hotfooted. This kind of amazed me as I know I have grown tenderfooted over the years. When I was in, the bottom of my feet had almost a hornplate callus. (because issue boots sucked)

I loved a good pair of broken in jungle boots when I was in.

Now, I just got a pair of Blackhawk desert ops boots. Had them for about 6 months.

It is like walking on a thousand fairies.

I hear other folk have had mixed results on them lasting long term, or long distances but I have had good luck with them so far, though they tend to get a little hot, so I wear thinner socks with them.

Like to try the Oakleys though, after reading the previous post.

pbr549xxx · 05-20-2011, 03:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stylo

Now, I just got a pair of Blackhawk desert ops boots. Had them for about 6 months.

It is like walking on a thousand fairies.

So you've been wearing those boots in Seattle and Olympia then?

To add something relevant to this thread, I've been wearing the OTB Desertlites here in Afghanistan. They are a good pair of boots. Very light, yet rugged enough that they wont get to tore up in my AO. No mountains here. I wear them with Smartwool socks. We try to go as light as possible so we haven't had to wear a rucksack or even an assault pack, so these boots are really ideal since we arent carrying anything more than the fighting load. I have a pair of Oakleys that I bought with me, but I only wear them on the COP since I think the OTBs are better suited for me here.

Dusty · 05-20-2011, 04:56

http://birthdayshoes.com/special-for...vefingers-ksos

JJ_BPK · 05-20-2011, 05:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty

http://birthdayshoes.com/special-for...vefingers-ksos

So,, UBL was whacked by OPERATORS waring Five-Toes??

This will Revolutionize War, as we know it...

Alacrity · 05-22-2011, 07:22

Got a pair of Zamberlan's when I was 16. Had those sumbitches for 12 years. Robin Sage finally did them in, RIP.

These past two trips to a-stan I've been using the Asolo Fugitive GTX, and it's a great boot. Big fan of Asolo's. They're hard to break in, but once they do they're tough and they last.

Also a fan of La Sportiva. Stay away from that Merrell stuff, they don't last.

I have pretty tough feet (I rarely get blisters - and none in selection) but I have never been issued a boot I liked.

joesnuffy · 05-23-2011, 17:24

My favorite pair of boots are my Altama Ripple sole boots. I bought them when i first got to Hawaii (almost two years ago) and have made it through a 3/4 a deployment and they are still going strong, also my favorite to ruck in as well.