Boots

[Morgan]

(21 May 2012, 11:09)Bug_out_Bag Wrote:

(21 May 2012, 10:58)Morgan Wrote: I could do with some British Army Arctic socks, where do you get them from?

Hi Morgan, I'll dig out the site address for you, I bought three pairs which were advertised as having very slight wear along with some other stuff but when they turned up they were all brand new! Purchase price was a pound a pair plus p&p, I was pleased!

(21 May 2012, 11:45)Timelord Wrote: Thankyou for that web link. I wear them all the time and the usual supplier trebelled prices last year. thanks, TL. Also agreed about Goretex not ideal for our climate & water n over the top. I have written about this previously. Most people just go with the advertising/herd mantality without understanding the material/physical applications. I use the original Lowa mountain boot with the thick cambrelle lining instead of goretex and they are a superior longer lasting, more comforatble boot to the goretex versions. Warmer in the winter too and quicker to dry out if wet inside - which I don't recall happening. Gaitors or puttees are very effective at stopping water ingress and soaking of the lower leg + good at countering rough vegetation & brambles. The Lowa boots can be comprehensively resoled professionally by the UK Lowa authorised repairer - for about £65. That is not cheap by any means but it is half the price of a new pair and they will be as new(unless you have a goretex lining that has worn out - which they may also replace??). That is good value for the quality of boot and means the boots can have a very long lifespan.
I see boots as being a critical piece of kit. They are your means of mobility when all else fails and need to be relied on in tough times. I don't understand the reasoning behind buying cheap or multiple cheap pairs of boots when you can only wear one pair at a time. If I was in a SHTF situation, I would not want to have to carry spare pairs with me or to have a pair that is not up to the task. My boots would want to be the least of my worries. Having a few cheap pairs at a base location is a good idea - unless you are not there yourself...

Another consideration would be to source a pair of leather soled boots. Thes will be hard wearing and could even have a rubber sole bonded on. The idea behind obtaining a leather sole construction boot, would be that it is repairable at a low tech level. A new sole, maybe not even leather can be sewn on if needed.
I reckon an alternative would be to make up a pair of those car tyre type sandals, but ones that could be strapped to an old worn pair of boots to expediently extend the lifespan and functionality.

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[quote='Bug_out_Bag' pid='15272' dateline='1337596674']
[quote='Morgan' pid='15263' dateline='1337594310']
I could do with some British Army Arctic socks, where do you get them from?

Great reply, totally agree. Can I have the address of you to send the Lowa's to to get re-soled? I ended up using mine on my motorbike and they need some TLC.

Also, leather soled boots, when I can afford it, I am going to get some Leather soled and hobnailed hill boots, they will last a lifetime.

Made the old fashioned way to a design that is really really old.