[kermitstu]

I know boots have been done to death. but as far as a have seen no one has actually asked the question or given the answer to whether recruits should buy boots before they start their training.

I want to spend the time to get a decent pair but I don’t want to turn up with "all the gear and no idea"


1. So is it recommended?
2. How many people do get boots before hand?
3. Is it worth just buying them and leaving them at home for a bit during training?
4. What do the trainers think of people getting their own boots and not wearing standard issue?


thank you for your help
Stu

[Mercutio]

Most people wore their boots from the day we got our uniform. Myself and a couple others kept wearing shoes except for role play days, etc.

You should buy them before you start and break them in.

[wilf]

Mercutio, on Mar 9 2010, 08:06 AM, said:

You should buy them before you start and break them in.

Definitely, they want to be comfortable right from day 1.

Don't think you'll get a ribbing from instructors as very few forces have a standard issue boot (with the exception of boots for PSU). If in doubt give your force stores a call.

[kermitstu]

thanks guys now i need to find out which is best for me there are so many to choose from.

thanks for the info though

[Narpo]

Bates are the best boots, Bates are the best boots, Bates are the best boots, Bates are the best boots...........................................................................
.BATES!

[kermitstu]

are there any rules? e.g. have to be full leather? or is it as long as they are black its okay

[FisHy]

Adidas GSG9.2 boots. Nothing more needs to be said.

[kermitstu]

so im guessing we cna have boots that look liek anything as long as they are black? i dont want to be told of for a weird looking boot :)

[Saxondale]

kermitstu, on Mar 9 2010, 03:41 PM, said:

are there any rules? e.g. have to be full leather? or is it as long as they are black its okay

For Hants you can have part leather part nylon like Magnums. As long as they are black. Check with your chosen force for their particular rules.

[kermitstu]

Thank you for your reply I will need to get hold of tvp, I don’t want to bug them with questions like that though I know other tvp officers and trainees have part nylons so I will presume they are all right. I’m a little worried the ones I have been looking at are bates gx-8 they look a bit "fancy" though I think under trousers they should be okay though.

http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/6a/3c/1...e+Tex+Side+.jpg
what do people think?

I’m sorry for all the questions I don’t want to turn up with the wrong kit


i really need ot find a store near oxford or oxfordshire i can try some out in

This post has been edited by kermitstu: 09 March 2010 - 09:12 PM

[wilf]

I tend to go for Bates or Magnums too - like you say most of the boot is covered up by your trousers anyway.

None of the larger online retailers have a place near Oxford as far as I know and most high street shops (e.g. Millets) only stock basic Magnums so if you want to try something a bit more "exotic" you could do one of two things:

1) Find the nearest online retailer that's got a trade counter and travel to them
2) Order a few boots of various sizes from an online store and send back the ones you don't like/don't fit

In option 2) you will normally have to pay to return the boots (and whatever you do, don't wear them outside or badly scuff them if you plan to send them back!!) but this might be cheaper than travelling.

Hope that helps.

Wilf.

[kermitstu]

okay i keep looking at boots and im always drawn back to the bates boots they just look comfy and i know being a newby im going to be on my feet and running around a lot

but whats more importent side zip or water proof? or are both not that importent? surely non water prrof boots are pretty water resistent?

im between
http://www.patrolstore.com/Bates-Boots---8...ip-p-11482.html £58.95 side zip
http://www.patrolstore.com/Bates-Boots-GX-...-8-p-11503.html £99.99 water proof
http://www.polimil.co.uk/acatalog/Bates_De...CS___99.95.html £99.95 Side zip
http://www.copshopuk...Storm_Boot.html £94.95 side zip and water proof
http://www.copshopuk.com/acatalog/5.11_ATA...ip_8__Boot.html £69.99 side zip
http://www.copshopuk.com/acatalog/Magnum_S...e_Zip_Boot.html £64.99 side zip
what do people think?

looking at it like that the 5.11 atac storm boots look the best buy dont they? yet i still want the most exspensive bates :) but what would be best

thanks for all your help

This post has been edited by kermitstu: 12 March 2010 - 04:28 PM

[wilf]

Polimil do have some of those boots cheaper and an alternative which I use and have always been pleased with:
http://polimil.co.uk/acatalog/Bates_-_Tact...Inch_Sport.html

And the side zip version:
http://polimil.co.uk/acatalog/Bates_-_Tact...Zip__54.99.html

Polimil do have some good stuff at reasonable prices and the staff are very friendly :thumbsup:

[Narpo]

Bates are the best boots, Bates are the best boots, Bates are the best boots, Bates are the best boots...........................................................................
.BATES!

[kermitstu]

you keep posting that everywhere and they do look very good but if you answer my questions i may end up buying a pair :)

if you have a pair what do they look like under trousers and are they suitable for training? as they do look more modern

[Follow The Sapper]

From a man who has worn them daily for more years than I care to remember.........Get yourself a pair of Army Pro Boots. Full leather, 8 inch, Gortex lined, Fast lace system. Shop around and you can pick up a pair for as little as £30.

Admittedly they take a few days to break in, after which they are like slippers. A lot cheaper than most of the other boots recommended on here (also less of a fashion statement).

[ab1982]

I've got Altbergs and i bought them approx 6 months before i started training to really wear them in.

Now they're like slippers!

So, yes i'd take some time in chosing the correct boot, and definately take the time to break them in before you start